The Royal Scam

In town for a conference meeting, in a hotel right across the street from this restaurant. A friend pointed out this place that I would have walked right past, probably, just because — from the outside at least — it has little or no curb appeal. The sign is almost completely missing and you could be forgiven for thinking this was an abandoned location!
However, when you look at the Unilocal!reviews, you see that is a popular and well-​liked eating establishment in this city. Just inside the door is a small line of people waiting to get a table. Fortunately we were able to «jump in» on a table with some friends who had a little extra space, and so avoided the wait.
While a lot of things looked good — especially the special which was a Pimento Burger (A guy at our table LOVED it) — I got the Cheese, Bacon and Tomato Panini with Asian Slaw and Fries. It was a great combination. The panini was simple — just what it said — but the bread was exceptionally good and toasted just right. The Asian slaw had a kind of satay dressing that was a nice contrast to the other items on the plate. I could have eaten a whole plate of the slaw all by itself. And the fries — were especially crispy and flavorful — but not oily or greasy. A delightful meal.
The curb appeal of this place was terrible — but the food inside is great. If it weren’t for Unilocal and the reviews there I would probably have never walked in. Very glad I did.

REVIEW FROM 2013: Food was average. It was apparent that this place tried too hard to achieve a spot in the «fine dining» category. The food tasted okay, mostly either overkill or completely bland. Service was a stark contrast from the food however, it was top tier. They might have lacked in the food department, but at least they had great staff to polish over the deficiencies. Due to this being a re-​review from a visit in 2013, things most likely have evolved and changed; now that they are no longer a brand-​new establishment. Because of this possibility, I will soon re-​visit this establishment and post an update to this review, as well as a new rating (if warranted).
Food Taste: 2.5÷5
Menu Options: ²⁄₅
Service: 4.5÷5
Accommodations (parking, seating, etc.): ¹⁄₅
OVERALL RATING: 2.5÷5

Besides the small gulf shrimp, most if not all their seafood is flown in from Asia, Norway, chilie, etc. Menu is limited, I couldn’t just get a normal entrée salad, altho the salad I got was good but the dressing was very sweet and I am not generally a fan of green apples on my salads. the wraps are pre-​made. Our waitress was nice, answered all our questions, and was attentive, but another member of the staff grabbed our check off our table at the end, and he didn’t smile or make eye contact with anyone at the table, looked pissy.

Food decent, service terrible. Took an hour+ to get food then never saw waitress again. Had to go find someone to pay. Food not worth the trouble.

First time and Mobile last night and this place had a pretty good looking menu.
Walking up, should have known by the damaged name hanging on the building (only two letter were hanging on). Décor inside was plain, no personality. Looked cleanish but there my partner had to wipe down her side of the table.
Crab cake appetiser. Good no complaints.
I ordered the pork chop. Pork chop was dry and the sauce on it tasted like vomit to me and bile to my partner. Mashed potatoes and veggies that accompanied were good.
My partner ordered the salmon special. The salmon was dry, rice was under cooked, and the avocado sauce on top didn’t go with the pallet.
Waiter was initially attentive with refilling waters but eventually disappeared for a very long duration.
First and only dining experience in Alabama and it left a terribly taste in my mouth. Felt nauseous the rest of the night.

Went there for a birthday dinner and was happy to see the front room, very pretty and nicely done. They sat us in the back patio (next available) which was outside patio seating, but inside a «tent.» It smelled like the dumpster and everyone out there was just drinking, not eating dinner so it was loud. We got almost no service (sat there for 5 minutes without menus, and almost 20 without them stopping by to ask for our drink order.) they then brought my boyfriends drink first (a beer) and brought mine over 5 minutes later (wine)
Our experience turned around when we asked to sit inside — they only had bar seating available but it was better than sitting outside. It was pretty, lively, and nice inside. Our appetizer came with our meal, so the manager took it off of our bill (which was not necessary but nice to do.)
The food was AMAZING. We got steak and chicken dishes. Mashed potatoes tasted like they were from a box, but otherwise we cleaned our plates!
If you go, make sure you sit in the dining room area inside.

Loved it. Service was fantastic. Had the fish tacos and Asian noodle salad, both were delicious.

Absolutely love this place! Everything is always great and the staff is always friendly

I’ve eaten here 2 or 3 times for lunch, and it was really good. Never been for dinner, but plan to eventually. I usually order the crab cakes, which are divine. I have tried someone else’s burger, and it was to die for. The service is really good, and I like the atmosphere. Never eaten out back on the patio but would like to try that when it warms up a little.

Excellent customer service even on a busy night like tonight, post mardi gras parade.
Our plates were crafted with care and the ingredients were fresh and ripe. I ordered a cup of seafood gumbo and a side salad. The gumbo was incredible! It was extremely well balanced and full of flavor. Not too strong in seafood fast, it was just perfect. The side salad was fresh and went great with the sweet\tart vinegar dressing.
We also ordered the bacon cheeseburger royal with a side of French fries and Asian slaw. The burger was cooked exactly as we ordered, medium rare– you would be surprised at how rarely this happens. We especially enjoyed the Asian slaw. It was very light and crunch with sesame oil and a light and slightly sweet vinegar. Awesome side dish.

Good was excellent service was average. The places was full but I only saw 3 waiters working along with a hostess. Once we were seated, I ordered two appetizers: Seafood Gumbo and Southwest Shrimp. Both were excellent. The gumbo had shrimp, crab, and veggies. Add in a little kick and it was amazing. The shrimp had a kick as well and was tasty. The Roasted Duck Panini was ok. I was expecting more flavor in the duck but it just wasn’t there. The bacon was a nice touch though. I also ordered chipotle wings to go and they was great! Just the right amount of spice. All this food and my bill was only $ 42. Not bad for the amount of food. Now my issue was the service. We were sat by the door, it’s 35 degrees outside. Our waiter check on us twice. We waited for 15 minutes for him to bring my change back. At the end of the day, food was great service was poor.

While traveling through Mobile we stopped at this restaurant for dinner and enjoyed everything. We tried the Tuna Martini appetizer. We had the Asian Salad, Black & Blue burger, and Chicken Bienville. All of it was really good. The staff was nice, restaurant was clean, and it was quick to get seated. I would recommend it.

Don’t mistake the Royal Scam for a mere sandwich shop. The food is amazing. We loved the tuna appetizers, and our salmon sandwich was stellar. All the sides are also great. Friendly service and a cool soundtrack. Highly recommended.

Nice little place with great food. The salad made me think I could be vegetarian, for a little while anyway. Small menu but everything sounded great. Will have to try this place again for dinner when I’m in town.

Bookings? Here? Sure. I was a bit perplexed when I walked in at 4:30pm on a Tuesday to a nearly empty sports-​bar-​style establishment and was asked if I had a reservation. But wouldn’t you know it, around 5:30pm a buzz started generating — first the bar got stacked, then table after table began filling, and soon there wasn’t a free seat in the house. Couples began showing up en masse with «we have a 6pm reservation» as their mantra.
And… well… why not? This little spot obviously does quite well for itself and has carved a little casual date night niche with exposed brick walls, indoor garden lights and a garden patio in back. Service was absolutely top notch (my tea didn’t get below half full before it was refilled again, even as the venue filled up) and the food was higher-​than-​average quality pub fare. Knowing I wouldn’t be getting many fresh greens in the coming days, I requested asian slaw and a green salad as my sides, and was genuinely thrilled when a massive pile of deliciously dressed salads took up over half of my human-​head-​sized plate.
I’d probably keep this on my list for a quick and casual lunch spot rather than a dinner destination, but I’ll be the first to admit that I’m obviously in the minority, especially from the local perspective!

Even though it was a rainy, Monday night the place was packed with people. You really do need a rez if you want to eat at this place. I sat at the bar and «called for a nurse» and after a reasonable time one showed up. She said her name was Michelle but she dressed like a cocktail waitress. She was full figured, my side of 40, and drop dead gorgeous. She just showed up emerging from behind the and fixed me up with a drink.
Next came Cajun style baby greens wid ornions and garlic and, and, and,… Gumbo, (Good God Y’all), it don’t get no better. Alice Waters, kiss my big red neck, this be good… After the «shrimp and grits» the owner had to pull the gun out of my mouth as I had no more reason to live. There’s no better food left on god’s earth and Michelle, I’ve learned, is happily married. ‘Why go on living?
— Ranzo —

The best review that I can give is to say that, if I lived here, I would put this on my regular rotation of restaurants.
Due to food sensitivities, I ordered the Shrimp & Grits with no sauce. The shrimp tasted fresh, and the seasoning was delicious. I asked for butter for my grits, & they were just right — creamy, with corn kernels scattered throughout.
I would like to see a couple more gluten-​free options with no tomatoes, but, other than that, I like this place.

«I was in spicy mango salad heaven!»
This cozy little spot was affordable and a perfect late night dinner option. Some friends and I were staying at the Renaissance Hotel across the street and wanted to grab some grub before bed after being at the beach all day. Its on a quiet strip with a few other bars. It was the last hour of service so it was slow and quiet. We were immediately seated and looked over the menu.
Both of us got the Royal Scam steak sandwich that came with two sides all for $ 11! You can’t beat that with a baseball bat. In addition we ordered a glasses of wine that was damn near the price of our meal. Now that I think about it… that wasn’t very smart. lol. but whatever.
The beef tenderloin was really tender and seasoned very well… which was a surprise because it wasn’t very rare in temperature. The star of the evening was the spicy mango salad side. Chunks and chunks of fresh sweet mango and a spicy red pepper flake dressing.
If you’re ever in the Mobile area you gotta check it out.

The Royal Scam is the only place I know of downtown where I can get a Roasted Duck Panini and theirs is FANTASTIC! The spicy mango salad and asian slaw sides are delicious. My other favorite is their Seared Tuna Wrap.

I went with high expectations, based on the reviews. But, I was not too impressed. We were seated right away and the menu looked pretty good. I was told by a few people to try the fish tacos. I love fish tacos, so I ordered those. One of the people in our party was super excited to order shrimp and grits, but they told her it was too early to order them. The service was very slow. I did not even get a refill on my drink. The food was decent, but nothing to write home about. The pickled cabbage in the tacos overwhelmed all the other good flavors in the taco. I would opt for none or get it on the side if you order them. We shared the bread pudding at the end of the meal and I was not a fan. I did like the candied nuts on it though. Overall, it was just O.K. I think the bad service really left a bad taste in my mouth.