Poole's Diner
Diner and American Restaurant$$$$
Raleigh
Has a stamp of approval from Eater and The News & Observer
"The macaroni au gratin is amazing"(6 Tips)
"Mac & cheese is also out of this world and comes out sizzling."(34 Tips)
"Ashley Christensen’s flagship blends high-low dining"(2 Tips)
"And there's something sublime about the pimento cheese appetizer."(2 Tips)
118 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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The News & ObserverJuly 20, 2012Try some pie - lemon cream with boysenberry honey, roasted banana cream, or chocolate hazelnut chess. The all-pie dessert menu is a tribute to Poole's original incarnation in the 1940s as a pie shop. Read more
Emilie MoseleyJuly 21, 2013The pork cassoulet was amazing-so many flavors. Also enjoyed the pimento cheese appetizer, and my date had the steak. Pimm's cup was very delicious and refreshing, as well. Great date spot.
peter McDevittJune 2, 2017what an experience! It was a wonderful & thoroughly delightful experience From waiting in line 4 them to open doors on Sunday evening, to sitting at the old time counter, drinking some great wine!
R.E.D. PropertiesOctober 31, 2013Enough can not be said about this place! Outstanding, fresh food and truly eclectic and creative cocktails! Menu is always changing but if you get the chance their Mac N Cheese is a MUST! Read more
Vincent LancasterNovember 22, 2017The mac/cheese, olive oil greens, and short ribs were delicious! Fine dining menu in a casual atmosphere. Really good food!
meganDecember 19, 2016Amazing spot in downtown Raleigh. The menu changes daily, but get the pimiento cheese starter is available. Also the shrimp & grits and mac 'n cheese!
jiresellSeptember 16, 2018So good. They don’t take reservations, so get there early. Menu is on a chalkboard, which is very cool as the chef will make whatever is seasonal!
GinaDecember 17, 2015My first Christiansen restaurant. It's been amazing from the start. Modern diner-inspired food with creative cocktails. Always exceptional!
Atlanta Food & Wine FestivalMay 7, 2014Farmers & chefs are nourishing their communities through innovative and generous acts of philanthropy. Join Ashley Christensen for a discussion, and bites, at Atlanta Food & Wine Festival May 29-June1 Read more
Michael RitcheyOctober 3, 2013First time I have ever been in a 5 Star diner. Great atmosphere and taste with amazing wine pairings. Service was top notch. I will be back.
Dee PhunkJune 1, 2011Located in downtown Raleigh, this place serves snazzed-up comfort food w/ a pinch of Southern hospitality, grace & style. There are no menus as the options change often via a blackboard on the wall.
Christian KuehneMarch 17, 2018Obviosuly the Mac n cheese!! We had the shepherds pie and it was good as well but the Mac n cheese is out of this world
Heather BailiffFebruary 16, 2016Just go here. Go early for dinner to avoid the wait. Outstanding service and out of this world food. Good beer selection, too.
Kate DowningMay 5, 2013Mac And Cheese is the best I've ever had! Must order. Also the dark chocolate dessert with cookie crumbs and buttermilk ice cream is heavenly!
Morgan FieldsNovember 19, 2015All the posts about the mac & cheese are true. Don't leave here without trying it. Great atmosphere as well.- The mac and cheese is on point. If they have a carpaccio on the menu, that's not to be missed either. And there's something sublime about the pimento cheese appetizer.
Katie KukuckaMarch 25, 2014The whole "menu-on-the wall" concept feels straight out of Portlandia. If you don't want people standing over you trying to memorize the menu before going back to their seats, sit at the bar.
Teresa BlissJune 29, 2014Roasted chicken and the macaroni au gratin are melt in your mouth delicious. Best mojito in Raleigh.
While everything here is beyond incredible, my top choices would have to be the mac and cheese and pimento cheese. The eggs benedict are great for Sunday Brunch! Read more
SamanthaMarch 26, 2013Dark & Stormy - Goslings Black Seal Rum, Fresh Lime, Jalapeño - Ginger Syrup, and Soda Water
- Christian KuehneOctober 21, 2017We went for brunch and had the Croque Madame with Latke and it was awesome
Annie AndersenSeptember 13, 2015Follow up to other review: if you have a service animal be prepared to show documentation. I brought mine in and luckily I had her paperwork with me.
K BurkeJuly 31, 2011Outstanding brunch. Pork shoulder sausage gravy with grilled biscuits and sunny side up eggs. Side of mac n cheese. Bloody mary. Amazing
Try the Lavender Gimlet or the Cucumber Rickey if your in the mood for drinks!
The menu is on the chalkboards. If you have the megapixels, just take a picture with your phone and take it to your table.
Travis ConteAugust 31, 2014It has been confirmed: the mac and cheese is amazing. The only challenge is there are no reservations...
Abbe LewisAugust 7, 2014Ashley's produce is always on point. Always get the tomatoes if it's on the menu.
Scooby CarolanSeptember 13, 2015Been once & had a bite of everything on the menu. It was all terrific.
Mystery JacksonJune 22, 2013Take a pic of the menu (it's all written on the chalkboard) to make ordering from your seat easier.
Jenn RiemerDecember 13, 2011Get the Macaroni Au Gratin! Also the salads look delicious and that may be the best burger I ever ate.
Kate OwensAugust 22, 2012Prices are through the roof here. $20 minimum for an entree, $10 minimum for a drink. Great place to eat, just bring the bank!
ᴡᴡᴡ.Bob.pwho.ru EricksonAugust 7, 2013The $10 mac and cheese is rich and tangy with enough calories to feed an entire village in Bangladesh.
Chris VuocoloSeptember 4, 2011I was really impressed with how the olives were worked into the halibut dish. If you're here for more than the mac 'n cheese, give that one try.
Tammy GordonNovember 17, 2011Short ribs & Mac n Cheese are money. Bartenders Choice was fun, but if flummoxed, choose the Dark n Stormy!
Michael OberleApril 29, 2016Lone riders get seated very fast at the counter. I was able to pass the line
Autumn WellesSeptember 9, 2014I think I might be the only person who doesn't like the mac and cheese. I found it way too greasy. And I'm a huge lover of pastas of all sorts, especially ones with cheese in them.
Corey HorneSeptember 16, 2020Publicly outing an ex-employee who was sexually assaulted at your restaurant is a despicable move. No food is good enough to justify morally bankrupt management and ownership.
What a culinary delight especially when shared with friends sitting at the counter.
Fantastic smoked pork tenderloin. Also fantastic hostess.
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The philosophy of the kitchen and bar at Poole’s Diner is simple to digest… creative, simple offerings carefully executed. We are proud to be a part of a community that recognizes the importance and value of supporting the small family farm.
Open until Midnight (Show more)
- Mon–Sat
- 5:00 PM–Midnight
- Sun
- 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
(919) 832-4477
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Lunch, Dinner
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
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Places people like to go after Poole's Diner
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"I love the concerts I have enjoyed at the Red Hat Amphitheater this summer. The outside venue adds to the experience as well as catching local bands before and after the show at Deep South The Bar."
Robin Werling - 8.1
"Awesome drinks! Very unique cocktails. Will be back."
LJ Talker - 8.3
"Loaded fries are amazing. Patio seating is a must."
Stephanie Davis
Appears on 274 lists
The Best Restaurants in America, 2016
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The Best Macaroni and Cheese in Every U.S. State
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The Best Restaurants in America, 2017
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