15 Postcards
Nestled in Wicker Park, Pub Royale offers a vibrant mix of craft beers on tap and hearty Anglo-Indian dishes like butter chicken and crispy Gobi Manchurian.
"Eating at Pub Royale in Wicker Park can be a challenge. It’s busy, and the hosts aren’t particularly helpful. Luckily, they accept reservations, and you should definitely make one if you don’t want to fight for seats. At the very least, strolling past the people waiting in line to claim your table will make you feel like you have your sh*t together. Once you’re seated, you can look forward to excellent Indian-inspired food - get the salt cod samosas and lamb dumplings, for sure." - adrian kane
"You might want this date to be over after a round of drinks, but if your date passes the normal-person Turing test, you can eat a great meal at Pub Royale in Wicker Park. The British and Indian menu means you can drink a specialty Pimm’s Cup, and get dishes like butter chicken and gobi manchurian. Or, you can have exactly one turmeric daiquiri, and “remember” you have a really early morning tomorrow." - josh barnett, sam faye
"An Anglo-Indian bar and restaurant from Heisler Hospitality, praised for its craft beers, Pimm’s cups, and bar fare like chicken tikka kati rolls and tempura-fried fish ’n chips." - Ashok Selvam
"Pub Royale, Ukrainian Village. Taking the place of Ukrainian Village/Wicker Park’s beloved SmallBar, Pub Royale is a breath of fresh air to an avenue filled with so-so sports bars with generally sub-par food. Fancy a spot of curry? We’ve found your stop. Pub Royale's hearty contemporary english-style pub food (read heavy Indian spices) and massive rotating tap list is certain to send you on your way, perfectly full. Might we suggest the Gobi Manchurian (crispy cauliflower) or the Mussels + Naan? Splendid!"
"The former Small Bar space on Division Street in Wicker Park is, well, small, and bar-like with vibes that are reminiscent of an old English bar. The casual style makes Pub Royale a good place to hang for drinks, and the food menu has some decent Indian-inspired food. You can get small plates like gobi manchurian or a veggie samosa, entrees like butter chicken or India hot chicken. And while those dishes are fine, we prefer just to come here to catch up with friends over some Pimm's Cups. Food Rundown Royale Cups Cocktails Pimm’s Cups are their thing, which is why there are four different versions on the drink menu. Our favorites are #1 - gin, Pimm’s, ginger beer, cucumber, and mint, or #3 - scotch, Pimm’s, cinnamon, lemon, and peach. We suggest you at least try one before possibly switching over to beer. Lamb Dumplings Heavy on the lamb taste with a little bit of kick from some chili oil. Dumplings are always a good choice. Samosas Two larger samosas with potato, fried onion, and peas. You should get either this one or the salt cod version. Salt Cod Samosa We prefer the salt cod samosas over the regular ones, and if you’re into salty fish then go this route. The filling is a combination of whipped potatoes and salt cod - it’s delicious. Cucumber Raita Great dish if you want to mix in something on the lighter side. A base of cucumbers and red onion is mixed with a heavy dose of yoghurt, plus some tahini, mint, and lemon. Use the naan for mop up duty. Pub Salad Refreshing salad with lentils, scallion crispy chickpeas, lime, and a light curry dressing. Worth ordering and not just a wasted mix of greens. India Hot Chicken Hot fried chicken in the spicy kind of way that is best shared. Stuff has some kick to it in addition to the excellent flavor. Wrap the chicken up in naan with the pickles, and make sure to get the tahini sauce involved to cut some of the heat. Chicken Tikka Kati Roll This is served in a whole wheat paratha with caramelized onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese. An ideal solo dish, or go halfsies with a friend. Mussels + Naan They come in a coconut curry base with citrus and green chili. It’s fine, but we like the other main dishes more. We aren’t saying don’t order it, but you get the point. Knickerbocker Glory There are two kinds of people in this world - those who order dessert and those who don’t. This giant ice cream sundae with a whole bunch of stuff in it is delicious if you’re up for the task." - Sam Faye