Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. South Carolina
  4. Charleston
  5. Downtown Charleston
Rudy Royale, Charleston, SC

Rudy Royale

4.5
4.5
533 Reviews
$30 and under
Southern
Rudy Royale combines a fun atmosphere with approachable yet elevated seasonal cuisine. This establishment has an extensive cocktail list and takes pride in serving a great selection of local beers. Chef & Owner Macready Downer consistently elevates and updates our menu to provide something new and delicious every visit. The food is always fresh and flavorful, and the service is top-notch. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a special occasion dinner, Rudy Royale is sure to please. Make a reservation today -- we'd love to serve y'all.

Event & Private Dining Spaces Available.



Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Southern, Seafood, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Mon, Thu, Fri 11:30 am–9:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Happy Hour Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (843) 297-4443
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Macready Downer
  • Private party facilities
    Rudy Royale in downtown Charleston, SC offers private dining rooms + three event spaces + custom menus to accommodate groups from 15 to 100 guest.
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Cross street
    Market Street & Cumberland Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

  • Happy Hour

    Multiple dates available
    Sun - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM,Sat - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    Who is ready for Happy Hour? Come see us Thursday - Sunday from 3-5pm for food & beverage specials!

What 533 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Charleston

    Great for brunch

  • Charleston

    Kid-friendly

  • Charleston

    Good for groups

533 Reviews
  1. RobinM

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Wonderful place for fried chicken and chicken pot pie

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Great service and Amazing chicken! We were there late so the noise level was low. When it is earlier in the evening it is much more crowded and noisy

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kasey

    Chicago

    15 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Ambiance was nice. We had our daughter with us and appreciated the booth. Food was so so. We had fried chicken and pot pie, chicken was heavy/greasy and pot pie flavor was a bit dull. We ordered drinks and received them after our food. Wait staff was friendly…we probably won’t be back.

    Is this helpful?

  4. WilliamH

    Nashville

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Perfect location for large group birthday celebration. Food was good, but a limited menu.

    Is this helpful?

  5. PaulaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So amazing! My sister's and I just flew in from California. 1st place we stopped to eat and it didn't disappoint! You MUST have the Mac & Cheese. Don't forget the cast iron cornbread. Chicken tenders are to die for. The service was just as good as the food. A place you won’t want to miss out on.

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on September 24, 2023

    Hi Paula, We are so happy you and your sister stopped in to see us! The Mac & Cheese is my absolute favorite. We hope you get back to Charleston again soon! -Marissa

    Is this helpful?

  6. TrippN

    Charleston

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    great food, sat at the bar and service was quick , whatever I needed

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on September 24, 2023

    We are happy to hear you enjoyed your visit with us. Come back and see us again! -Marissa

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service! We tried a couple starters and shared the Mac and cheese with the chicken sandwich. All were delicious! Our server Scott was wonderful and made recommendations on food and drinks. Great spot for a date night or with a group of friends.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Deanna

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience and glad we gave it a try!!! Not sure why this place did not make our friend's restaurant list, but maybe because it wasn't high-end enough, but the food was amazing, especially the honey seasalt chicken and the cracked garlic potatoes!! Prices were very reasonable and would definitely go again!! Hannah was very attentive and did a great job!!!

    Is this helpful?

  9. JanP

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Nice menu. I had the chicken pot pie and it was loaded with chicken but tasted very salty. Others in our party enjoyed the fried chicken, flounder and wedge salad

    Is this helpful?

  10. ChuckD

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience3
    Cute place in a great location in downtown Charleston but wow! Our server must have been having a bad night because she was NOT friendly. Every time she approached our table it seemed like she was miserable and left us feeling like we were putting her out. Zero small talk or pleasantries (and we were 4 friendly people - 2 couples out for a date night). We didn’t have any menu changes, ordered simple drinks right off the menu, no extra needs - nothing that would warrant her attitude. As for the food, it was good but there are plenty of other good restaurants to try that value their customers and treat them with kindness and quite literally leave a better taste in your mouth. It was restaurant week so it was busy but our meal took 2 hours because the service took so long (not her fault on that part and she did come over once to apologize our apps were taking a long time). There was a small error on our split bill and she all but rolled her eyes when we pointed it out. It took her 10 seconds to correct it on her handheld credit card machine and then she swiped our cards and watched over our shoulder as we left a tip. Super uncomfortable evening with this server and we couldn’t wait to leave.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Went for restaurant week and ordered the deviled eggs flight and GR chicken. Eggs were excellent and a great first course. The chicken was overly salty to the point of almost having to send it back. Thankfully, the broccoli and rice in the dish helped to counter the chicken. The shortcake and brownies for dessert were just meh. Service by Scott was top-notch!

    Is this helpful?

  12. MelissaW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and the food was excellent! Definitely going back to try others items on the menu.

    Is this helpful?

  13. Cankp81

    San Diego

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely night out with friends. It was restaurant week, so we all had a great variety of menu items and we enjoyed them all! Fried chicken, mac & cheese, cucumber salad, salmon, steak, etc. The desserts were ok. Nothing special about any of them. The brownies had about 1/4 teaspoon of salt in the side of the plate (it was supposed to be salted caramel, so not sure why they didn’t put that in the caramel) but my friend took a few bites without knowing and had so much salt in his mouth it was gross. A plating issue that should be fixed asap. Otherwise we had a great time. Cocktails were awesome too!

    Is this helpful?

  14. elizabethm

    Charleston

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Went for restaurant week and got 3 courses for a great price. The food was delicious, the fried chicken was super crispy and moist. The tomato bisque soup was also really good with a great roasted tomato flavor.

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on September 14, 2023

    Elizabethm, thank you for your review! We are so happy you enjoyed everything and hope you dine with us again soon so we can earn that 5th star. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Pleasantly surprised. Everyone left the table happy. Chicken, flounder, peaches, arugula salad all so good. Desserts were fantastic. New favorite place.

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on September 17, 2023

    Thank you so much for your review! As your new favorite place, we cannot wait to serve you again soon. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  16. jrman66

    Jacksonville

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Appetizers - roasted oysters and beretta. Dinner was flank steak and shrimp. We didn’t do chicken but our food was excellent. Plus it didn’t break the bank. The ambiance is fun and the staff wonderful!

    Is this helpful?

  17. ValerieC

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner was creative and delicious. Great prompt service.

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on September 11, 2023

    Thank you for your review, ValerieC! We are happy you enjoyed everything and hope you dine with us again soon. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  18. Naviloy

    Miami

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Excellent service. Great selection of unique cocktails. The cast iron cornbread is delicious. Ribs and fried chicken are excellent as well.

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on September 11, 2023

    Naviloy, thank you for your review! We are glad to hear you enjoyed everything and would love to serve you again to earn that 5th star. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  19. mkfromcranleigh

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience3
    It was rather rushed. A guide as to how spicy the food is would be useful. I was unable to eat the chicken with rice and broccoli as it just burnt my mouth.

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on September 11, 2023

    Thank you for your review, mkfromcranleigh. We are sorry to hear that you felt rushed. We strive to provide a wonderful experience to all of our guests. Whenever a guest is unhappy with their dish, we are more than happy to provide something else that is more to their liking once they notify their server or a manager. We'd love a second chance to serve you at our restaurant. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  20. IveyB

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first time there & it was restaurant week. We totally enjoyed ourselves.

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on September 9, 2023

    Thank you so much for your review, IveyB! We are so glad you got to enjoy our restaurant week menu. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best chicken ever! They serve chicken with watermelon. Doesn’t get better than that.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place for comfort food. Chicken sandwich was delicious

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We simply loved everything we ordered and the service was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  24. SSofia

    Charleston

    53 reviews

    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our server Chris was top notch in customer service. When we asked if we could move to a quieter table, he made it happen. He was very attentive and his recommendations were perfect as we enjoyed our drinks, meal and dessert immensely. First time at this restaurant and we will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Trish

    Philadelphia

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unique menu/cocktails. Very chill ambience and attentive staff. Had an great experience

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    When we arrived we were greeted with “sorry our kitchen is closed”.

    Is this helpful?

  27. SWchs

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Excellent service. The food was good. Our server was very accommodating and helpful when making selections. The drinks were just okay.

    Is this helpful?

  28. Jill

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I love Charleston and come here yearly to EAT and try different restaurants. We came for breakfast and the food was EXCELLENT and our server was wonderful. We will absolutely come back for dinner when we visit again.

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on August 28, 2023

    Jill, thank you for your amazing 5-star review! We are so happy you had a great experience this morning and we cannot wait for you to enjoy our dinner service when you come back. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Server was awesome. Fried chicken some of the best I’ve ever had

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on September 9, 2023

    Thank you so much for your review! Please dine with us again soon. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  30. ShoreGuy

    New York Area

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Really good chicken spot. Not too fancy. Everything top notch+

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on August 28, 2023

    Shoreguy, thank you for your excellent review! We are so glad you enjoyed everything and we hope to serve you again soon. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  31. VictoriaB

    Charleston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Fun waiter Chris - cinnamon buns were a disappointment - deviled eggs were amazing and the potato gnocchi was outstanding - fried chicken sandwich with the pickled coleslaw was great - unsure I would return for brunch - but would possibly sit at the bar for starters and drinks -

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on September 1, 2023

    VictoriaB, we are saddened to hear the cinnamon buns were not to your liking but are very happy you loved everything else . Please come back soon so we can provide the food and service we're known for and earn those last two stars! -EM

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food!!!!! Very loud but would go back again

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on September 1, 2023

    Thank you for your 5-star review! We cannot wait to serve you again. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  33. NancyT

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious and great vibe inside. Perfect for an elevated casual night out. Only drawback is that we were too full to try the desserts!

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on August 21, 2023

    NancyT, thank you for your 5-star review! We will see you again soon so you can try our delicious desserts. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience here. Made reservations last minute and only had an 1-1/2 hour before an event we needed to be at. Food come out fast and was so good! Service was good. Checked on us though out our meal and got us our check right away. We will return on our next visit!

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on August 21, 2023

    Thank you so much for your 5-star review! We cannot wait to serve you again. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    The food wasn’t worth the price. Getting a drink took way longer than your average restaurant. The home fries were dark, almost burnt and the bacon was over cooked. The waffle was dry. The banana pudding waffle lacked flavor. The blackberry Bellini was good but had too much syrup in it. The gin mimosa and sangrias were also good. I’d go here again and sit at the bar for a drink. That’s about it.

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on August 21, 2023

    Hello! It looks like we did not provide the dining experience we are known for during your visit. We would greatly appreciate it if you would contact us directly with more details about your visit so that we can improve! -EM

    Is this helpful?

  36. SarahW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best fried chicken I ever had. Great stuff and nice ambiance.

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on August 20, 2023

    Thank you for your 5-star review, SarahW! We are so happy you enjoyed your experience. Please come dine with us again soon. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  37. LaMy

    Charlotte

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Pleasantly surprised by how tasty the meal was. Our server was fantastic and very attentive. The food was a bit overpriced for the portion, and they don’t do substitutions, which was a bummer, but all tasted delicious. Pass on the Banana Pudding, wasn’t worth the wait or the money. It was the only thing we ate there that didn’t have any flavor.

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on August 20, 2023

    Thank you for your review LaMy! We are happy to hear that you had fantastic service. We'd love to serve you again to earn that fifth star. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  38. CharlestonGentleman

    Charlotte

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fun menu and good food. We'll definitely go back. If you see something that sounds good, order it because it probably is.

    Is this helpful?

  39. BiancaF

    Raleigh

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best fried chicken sandwich I’ve ever had! Will def come back!

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on August 20, 2023

    BiancaF, we cannot wait to serve you again! We will see you soon. -EM

    Is this helpful?

  40. AnneF

    France

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food! Very fresh! Best fried chicken ever! Fabulous server!

    Rudy RoyaleResponded on August 20, 2023

    AnneF, we are pleased you had a wonderful experience! Thank you for your amazing 5-star review. -EM

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Rudy Royale using the Order Online button. Rudy Royale also offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Rudy Royale also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (843) 297-4443.

Rudy Royale is rated 4.5 stars by 533 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Rudy Royale

209 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401-2608

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Market Street & Cumberland Street
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Hours of operation
    Mon, Thu, Fri 11:30 am–9:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Happy Hour Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Southern, Seafood, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Macready Downer
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (843) 297-4443
  • Private party facilities
    Rudy Royale in downtown Charleston, SC offers private dining rooms + three event spaces + custom menus to accommodate groups from 15 to 100 guest.
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo