Royale after spring cleaning...

...is now called The Fifth Estate. All new bar and stools. Taps haven't even been put in yet. All the booths are gone...those in the back room are now little stools and the wonky one up front with the pole driven through the table is now a racecar-themed pinball machine.

Back room still has a loung-y feel to it, but the DJ station moved to the front and the back now features a proper little stage for live music; had a singer-songwriter advertised last night. No sign of the ping pong table. Happy hour's 2-for-1, but I couldn't stick around long enough to find out what the drink prices are like.

Also, a strange, bright glow coming from behind the bar. Something very much like light, except it was in the old Royale space, so...that couldn't be right.

Still, I'm sad to see Royale go, though I might be in the minority around these parts, if past threads are any indication.

Very sad to see Royale go. It was the only place in the area to hear hip-hop and actually dance! You could have had a drink next to a black or latino person and just another midwestern transplant.

That said, very excited that Fifth Estate will be having bands playing there (please let it not be acoustic stuff). Hopefully more local bands and not touring bands like at the Bell House. The Obits/Night Marchers a couple of weeks ago was incredible.

Seriously- Royale was one of the only places I ever met black men, but love that more live music is coming.

Patio Lounge often features black men, as does Bar Reis.

Too bad...the booths in the back were great for drunk hook-ups.

Zebra wrote: Patio Lounge often features black men, as does Bar Reis.

Features my favorites huh? I like that. However, I have been to both a lot and the only black men I ever met at Patio were fabulousssssss and never saw any at Bar Reis. Maybe should try try again!

Wait. Was Royale a gay bar? That would explain so much.

No, Royale was faaar from a gay bar. BTW I had no idea that black men were in such high demand in the Slope! Does that include us light skinned ones as well?

MonkeeJones wrote: No, Royale was faaar from a gay bar. BTW I had no idea that black men were in such high demand in the Slope! Does that include us light skinned ones as well?

Um, plenty of white girls in the 'hood looking for that first black and/or brown experience, MJ.

I have yet to step into The 5th Estate--and only enjoyed the original incarnation of Royale--but the folks I've seen outside smoking recently, resemble something out of spring break in Florida. Or a cheesy Hoboken bar.

Btw, people in the 'hood want to hear local bands? Really? I am shartled. Cool.

MichaelKeys wrote: I have yet to step into The 5th Estate--and only enjoyed the original incarnation of Royale--but the folks I've seen outside smoking recently, resemble something out of spring break in Florida. Or a cheesy Hoboken bar.

?

Went here tonight with Christina- pretty lame so far. REALLY new and sterile looking, and no drafts as of yet. Happyhour is two-for-one bud light or well drinks, we got a Brooklyn Lager and a bottled cider ($5 each.)

I miss the old royale. This place is really...bright.

jeffrey wrote: [quote=MichaelKeys]I have yet to step into The 5th Estate--and only enjoyed the original incarnation of Royale--but the folks I've seen outside smoking recently, resemble something out of spring break in Florida. Or a cheesy Hoboken bar.

?
Nice.

and youll even have front row seats to the local gang war corner!

I guess they have worked out the kinks because we went last night and it was awesome! The pink lights behind the bar are pretty and it's not too bright in there. The dj being accessible proved its point when dude was spinning fun dance. Music. All the costumed freaks were dancing their asses off. My makers mark was in a great glass. I do miss the Royale and I will likely call this place the new Royale even after the owner explained its name to me, but I will be back.