Union Square was abuzz Monday night with the Grand Opening of The Royal, a chic and happening new upscale sports restaurant and lounge.

Delish hors d’oeuvres including mini-grilled cheese, shrimp quesadilla and fried chicken bites were passed around by attractive servers as sports stars, celebrities, and scenesters celebrated New York’s newest hotspot from nightlife veterans Dan Rieger, Mike Russell and Stafford Schlitt of RSR Hospitality Group and Brian Krawitz and Eric Sherman, formerly of The Forum.

The rain didn’t stop partiers from packing The Royal throughout the evening at the Adidas sponsored event.

Guests in the front stood amongst the maple topped bar as they sipped champagne and watched the evening’s sporting events on one of the 43 LCD TV’s.

Celebrating in the VIP area in the back, Brooklyn Nets star Kris Humphries who’s still married to pregnant Kim Kardashian, held court with a large group of friends in one of the chocolate leather banquettes including Talent Resources partner Dave Spencer.

Nightlife guru Scott Sartiano mingled with industry colleagues throughout the evening while Style Network’s Glam Fairy star Sharie Manon chatted with Gustto Handbags designer Agathe Planchon nearby.  

Cleveland Browns tight end Alex Smith was seen grooving to tunes spun by DJ Sal Morale as Washington Nationals pitcher Christian Garcia and Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Popeye Jones looked on.

Ducking out earlier in the evening, Andrew Jenks was overheard telling party guests about the new season of his MTV show World of Jenks as he made his exit.

The party kept going well past midnight with guests commenting on how they couldn’t wait to come back for all the upcoming sports events.

Highly recommended.

www.theroyalnyc.com