
Here’s Swampy at Arnold’s Royal Castle, 12490 NW 7th Avenue, in North Miami. The front is as many Royal Castles were as they closed in the mid-60s. This one and one near Hialeah are the two that survived in Florida. Below is the apron that greets you at the entrance. There’s also a photo inside. The burgers are just as the old Royal Castles were, much like a Krystal burger. Real nice young folks tending the lunch counter.
Update: It was just a few years later that Royal Castle, one of only 2 existing, shuttered. Some rap music guy bought the place and shoved an odd food fusion “soul” food fast food place into the same building. Then attached in the back an even odder addition – a tiny night club.
The new venture started with the unfortunate naming, “Fingalickin”. Ugh. Since, the name became ‘The Licking”. Not much better. Both are unappetizing. As of November 2024 the business continues.
I stopped and tried an offering. Rather expensive and only fair food. Give me Real soul food anytime! What I tried was definitely not that.


