Went with my neighbor and fellow foodie. Pimento cheese had a spicy kick and was delicious! My friend had the Royale and enjoyed it. I had the cider braised pork with pappardelle and kale( if I remember correctly) , fabulous...as in I had this on Wedneday night and I am still thinking about it. We shared the broccolini with breadcrumbs and parmesan...nicely charred and perfectly cooked. We went on Wednesday evening at about 8pm and got seated right away. We both agreed though the plate sizes were nice for two woman to enjoy apps, dinner and dessert, most men would need a bit more, but agreed we would like to take the hubbys back with us. read more

I have eaten at Poole's several times. This time was a major disappointment. I was thrilled to see Burrata on the menu. What a pitiful serving! Whoever plated it tore it up so bad, you'd never know that it is an amazing delicacy. I've eaten it in NY and DC, this serving was embarrassing. Soft shells was the main course. It was over battered and fried! No! My only soft shell for the year. So sad. Needless to say, I won't be hurrying back. Quality was definitely missing. read more

My boyfriend and I went here last night for the first time. The food was absolutely amazing and we will definitely go back for dessert another night because we were too full from two entrees and a side. The Mac and cheese was amazing and definitely our favorite thing there! Although the the short ribs and potato salad was just as delicious and out scallops were cooked just right. The music was a bit loud for the amount of people there and our server seemed a bit annoyed but besides that we had a great time(: read more

Poole's - Short ribs with potato salad, scallops and the Mac and cheese. All were wonderful. - New American Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Like it, don't love it. So many people rave about this restaurant and how good it is but I can't say I came away being blown away. I don't care for the cramped interior, it makes for a less than enjoyable evening. I understand they seasonally rotate out menus so maybe I just went at an off time for my palette but I know the Mac & Cheese is an old standby there and I can't say I thought it was any better than some others I've had in the area. Definitely go to try out, it is a unique style of place but I wouldn't go with the mindset that you're going to have a very memorable dining experience. read more

Best. Mac & cheese. Ever. I don't think that is an exaggeration. My only wish would be that it came in a smaller, cheaper portion or that I had at least one other person dining with me (I was visiting on a business trip), so that I wouldn't have left any behind. It was seriously amazing. I have to admit, I didn't have anything else, other than drinks. The menu appears seasonal, and, therefore, changes from time to time. They have a good beer, wine, and drink selection, but, seriously, the mac & cheese is more than worth the price of admission. read more

We had been talking about going here for 3 years ever since my husband read about it in an article. For whatever reason we always ended up going other places. About three months ago we finally went with some friends. I am a huge mac and cheese fan so I knew that was being ordered. While the mac and cheese was amazing I wasn't impressed with my entree and neither was my husband. They weren't bad, but just ok for the price. Recently I was craving the mac and cheese and went there again. This time I only ordered a salad and split the macaroni with my husband. I would definitely go back again and do this next time. They also have a yummy cucumber drink. I asked the server what was in it so I could re-create it at home. The bartender came over to the table with a postcard that had the recipe on it. Excellent service! read more

I love this place! It's right in Downtown Raleigh! Poole's is not your typical diner. If you're looking for something that's very homey tasting but still very modern and upscale but in a casual setting, Poole's is a fantastic choice! Every time I come here I'm always blown away by the specials or even just something I've already have previously. Poole's is probably my #1 favorite restaurant of Ashley Christensen's (however I have not gone to Death and Taxes yet, so until then Poole's is #1) hahah my favorite this here is probably the Hot Cake and the BLT, both so simple but so full of flavor. The hot cake is not very sweet, it's always crispy and crunch on the outside and in the inside fluffy and a little dense at the same time. It's always topped with a fresh fruit and whipped cream with a side of syrup, which you don't even really need. This is a MUST GO TO place in Raleigh! read more

The atmosphere is perfect very relaxed and chill. The food is absolutely delicious. My suggestion the sea food stew and the mac au gratin. Will definitely come back and bring family/friends to enjoy this wonderful experience with us. 5 stars hands down read more

Poole's - New American Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

This was my first visit to Poole's. Newbies gotta understand that they have seatings. We made the first seating, which starts at 5:30pm. Arrived at about 5:10 and got into the first seating. Get a drink at the bar and hang-out until formally seated. I was told that much of the menu changes regularly. Once seated, for an appetizer, I had the Heirloom Tomato pie (awesome!). For the entree, I had the Pork Carnitas -- also awesome! Our table shared the Max & Cheese (apparently fav there) -- GREAT! I passed on dessert (too full!). I tried the food of some of my table mates -- GREAT! Yes, the place is VERY loud, in part I think because of the metal ceiling. You deal with it. Look, this place does things differently. Deal with it. Great food and decent service! read more

Loved the atmosphere. The staff are all responsive and courteous. Food came out fast and was very good. Had the eggs benedict, BLT and cheese grits. Definitely would recommend if you are in the area. read more

Poole's - Angels biscuits. Awesome - New American Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Food that's deceptively complex and absolutely delicious. We started with the heirloom tomatoes with grilled cornbread and white balsamic thyme vinaigrette. Sounds so simple but boy this was outstanding. Just perfect. We then had the hanger steak frites, macaroni au gratin, and NC mushrooms with sherry cream. Everything was fantastic. The Mac and cheese lives up to the hype. Dessert was a chocolate panne cotta with a whipped cream which was a perfect finish. Quality ingredients all the way through and attention to detail made this one of our favorite dinners ever. read more

The food is excellent the the macncheese is legend The waitstaff are great , Bartender excellent The only thing keeping this from another star is the sound system... whoa turn that noise off, please no music read more

The food at Poole's was excellent. My wife had roast chicken and I had braised short ribs. We shared a side of Mac and cheese. All of it was fantastic but a bit overpriced. I got the feeling this is the type of place where you are paying a little extra for the "scene", but it's not worth it. The servers and hostesses were all super affected hipsters who acted like they were doing us a huge favor by taking our drink and orders. The whole vibe from the servers and bartenders was very put-upon. This place is very pleased with itself. There is lots of good food in Raleigh. Skip Poole's. read more

I'm not sure why they're showing two dollar signs for Pooles, but it certainly is not two $'s. With tip the four of us got out of there at around $375 - and worth every single penny. We had appetizers, we had entrée,s we had sides, and we had cocktails. This place is great, I highly recommend it, we seldom come across a place this unique. Really a weird little dinner (it's just an old diner - but it's not), but Mmmm' good! This is a very eclectic little place and I highly recommend that you have a reservation. At the table we had scallops, we had pork chops, we had field greens, we had a Groton macaroni, we had fried tomatoes, we had pimento cheese, we had beach, and we had lots of cocktails. Every single thing we can eat at this place was amazing and perfectly prepared. Do not go in here and thinking this is a $30 dinner, you can't do it. "What ya' think it is, it ain't" read more

Poole's Diner was a hidden gem in Raleigh. We had one night in the small southern town and there were a few options that we could have chosen but I am so glad we chose Poole's. We arrived right as they opened (30 minutes before seating) on a Saturday night because all reviews have confirmed that a wait builds up very quickly; this is absolutely true. When we arrived the place was already crowded with people studying the menu boards along the walls and drinks flowing steadily already. Their beer selections was great and their cocktails were fresh and very authentic. The atmosphere reminded me of a diner I used to frequent in college in rural Ohio with a u-shaped low bar. The food was amazing; maybe the best I had on my week long-southern vacation. The watermelon appetizer was fresh, tasty, and very light; a perfect way to start of our meal. Next came the entrees; we had the open-faced burger, the braised chicken, and the side of macaroni and cheese. All of it was rich and filling. The burger was cooked perfectly and the cheese that was fabulous; the chicken was also cooked perfectly but the mashed potatoes were a little salty. The highlight of this place is their mac & cheese which I agree is good but not as great as I expecting. It seems like mac & cheese is always built up at restaurants where you can tell it is not Kraft quality but it takes alot to make the dish stand out. The dish is heavy on the Parmesan so it goes down very smooth and has a unique finishing flavor. (yes you can talk about mac & cheese like wine) Overall I loved the fervor of this place and you could tell it is a local gem that you would pass right up if it weren't for Yelp. I highly recommend PDD and will be back next time I'm in Raleigh. read more

If I weren't broke, I'd eat here often. In fact, if you already go out to Outback, Olive Garden, or Carrabas, or any one of those places where a dinner for two runs about $30, just go out half as often, and go to Pooles. You can eat here moderately, but be prepared to spend some money. Blah, blah, blah, Iron Chef. There. Now that that's out of the way... I don't know ANYTHING about food, but I know that the food here is special. It's honest, it's rich, it's... euphoric. Food doesn't come quick--and it's not supposed to. Who ever said it should by the way? The best meals I've ever had have been seeded with anticipation. The bar is stocked with just about anything you'd like, and one of the bartenders knows everything--so just ask! Go there. Treat yourself. Give it a shot. You don't like it? Please tell me somewhere better. BTW--Everyone should know by now that brunches are never supposed to be good. That's when chefs clear out their walk-ins of everything leftover from the weekend. read more

I have limited things to say about Poole's since I only ducked in there to get out of the rain and have a drink while I was waiting. I love the setup of the place and the food looked delish. I did notice that there was a row of tables right in front of the bathroom doors. I definitely would not want to get seated there. read more

Cute little modern diner with all the Southern fixings one could ask for. Great wine selection too! The macaroni and cheese is literally mind-blowing. The portion is large enough to share as a side or order all for yourself as an entree. My husband loved the Seafood stew with scallops. Definitely recommend this place if you're in the area! read more

Friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike rave about Poole's Diner, so I've been wanting to try it for quite some time now. Since I knew that there would be a wait if I went any other time, my husband and I decided to go right after work on a Tuesday so we would beat the crowd. And we did - we were sat promptly upon our 6:30pm arrival. But if we had waited another 30 minutes, there would have been a long wait. Our choice of libations were the Campari Spritzer (a true delight) and Fullsteam's Working Man's Lunch (rugged). Go figure. For entrees, I got the rosemary chicken and my husband got the pork tenderloin. We did not share the side - I just got the mac n cheese because I had heard it was "the best" and indeed it was delicious even for lunch the next day. Overall, my husband was underwhelmed and although I enjoyed my chicken thoroughly, I had experienced better. I understand that Poole's uses the freshest seasonal ingredients, but we did feel that it was a tad overpriced (between the a la carte sides built for 2, entrees, and if we had opted for an appetizer or dessert). I have no complaints nor praises about the service. So yay. The atmosphere is what will bring me back. I would love to try a couple of side dishes, appetizers, or a salad instead when I do return. I debated whether to give Poole's 3 or 4 stars because I'm not sure I've given it a fair chance! So I will say 3.5 stars and revisit at a later time. read more

Sooo good, I only wish it was bigger so I could come with the family instead of the occasional date night. Take out has been great for that. Best pimento cheese I've ever had, best macaroni which you can make at home with the cookbook. The chicken is great, peas are great, everything is great. I prefer the desserts at death & taxes but otherwise delicious. read more

Heard a lot about this restaurant before my first visit last week & I wasn't disappointed! Since they don't take reservations we grabbed a cocktail at the bar while waiting for our table - I had the blueberry caipirinha which was very unique & tasty! We ordered three appetizers to start and were so full afterwards that we didn't have room for entrees. Definitely recommend the watermelon salad with avocado and goat cheese - so simple yet so delicious. Also tried the grilled peach and beet salad with burrata which was a perfect summer treat. My least favorite of the three appetizers was the heirloom tomato salad with blue cheese and cornbread, the latter of which was very dry and did not add much to the dish. Even though I said we were too full for entrees, we were able to make a little more room in our stomachs to try the mac & cheese that everyone raves about! After taking a bite into the crunchy, creamy goodness, I can definitely tell why. Very rich so would recommend sharing as a side rather than a main course. Also try to finish it at the restaurant because it is very oily if you try to reheat it the next day! Can't wait to try Ashley Christiansen's other restaurants in the area! read more

4 of 4 stars (excellent, "posh casual" dining). (see explanation of ratings below) What to wear: depends. This place is close to the performing arts center, so you'll see some folks dressed for the opera or symphony or ballet. The night I was there, I saw a man in a tux next to a guy wearing jeans and a tee-shirt. Allow 1:10 to 1:30 depending on wait times, no dessert. We arrived at 5:40 on a Friday and waited about twenty minutes before we were seated. About $30 per person, no dessert, no booze, gratuity not included. This is a tough place to categorize. The food is fine dining. The founding chef (is she ever there anymore?) is a Beard Award finalist. But, the atmosphere (menu on chalkboards, lunch counter seating) is more casual. It's loud and they don't take reservations. So, I'd say it's in the "posh casual" category, much like The Admiral in Asheville, eligible for four stars, but not five. I'd tell you what we had, but the menu changes so much it wouldn't do you any good. Safe to say: you can't go wrong with any choice (we never have). A few perennial faves which have been on the chalkboards since day one: the mac and cheese (enough for 2-3 people) and the Royale (a burger rendered in duck fat). Free parking across the street. About my ratings: Only fine dining establishments can garner five stars. Until yelp realizes that a fast food joint cannot possibly be ranked equally with a $100 per person place, I need to draw the line somewhere. If we were only talking about the quality and presentation of the food, it would be a different story. But, as we know, yelp's rankings take into account the entire dining experience. Therefore, I divide restaurants into three categories (and I wish yelp would do the same): 1) fast food and "fast-casual" (no table service ) 2) casual and "polished casual" dining (table service) 3) fine dining (linen napkins, no plastic cups, no TV's in dining room, typically more expensive than casual dining) Fine dining can earn a max of five stars. Casual dining can earn a max of four stars. Fast food can earn a max of three stars. read more

Nothing but wonderful things to say about Poole's. Whether for a special occasion or just a great meal, the experience is always excellent and unique due to the rotating, seasonal/local menu. I went for an early birthday dinner last week with a family friend- even on a Monday night it was packed! The only downside is that they don't take reservations, but if you're with a small party and try to go before or after peak time, the wait is short enough to be worth it. It can also be loud, as it's fairly small, but the vibrant atmosphere, welcoming staff and amazing food more than make up for it. My friend got the roast chicken with mashed potatoes and vegetables- one of the best entrees there, that you can likely always find. I opted for a salad and side dish, as they have plenty of small to medium portioned dishes that you can make a meal from on your own or share with others. The beet, arugula, chevre and almond salad was delicious, and the cauliflower/oyster mushroom/sherry vinaigrette side would make anyone love cauliflower if they don't already. The dessert didn't disappoint either- truly one of the best desserts I've had in a long time. We opted for the Asian pear tart topped with cinnamon ice cream and a cinnamon oat crumble.... I would eat that again any day. read more

I will certainly not be returning. All the dishes that my party ordered were entirely too salty and that's not because I don't eat a lot of salt. It was overwhelming and dominated all the other flavors (or lack there of). The scallops dish (only two scallops) was conceptually great but the taste was off and not conventional with the appearances and style of diners. They state that the menu is always changing; however, when I ordered the macaroni au gratin, I was told that the restaurant is known for it. If the menu is always changing, how can you be known for a particular dish? Anyhow, the macaroni started off great but then as the bites continued, it was entirely too salty and I had to drink A LOT of water. At least the waitress was friendly and attentive. read more

Based on the recommendation from a friend I visited Poole's and was blown away by the food! The atmosphere is hip and you can feel comfortable in a nice pair of jeans or like a couple that sat near us, feel right at home in a tux and nice evening gown. Now back to the food... The food is excellent and best put, New American. The menu changes frequently but one of their staples is macaroni and cheese, which I sampled and it was very good. The person I had the chance to dine with at Poole's said that the macaroni and cheese that night was one of their off nights and that they had tasted better. That just goes to show how the food is truly made to order and by feel! I really did love the food and I will be back again! read more

Excellent food. Come early or you will be waiting for a seat. Awesome Mac and Cheese. Salad was amazing with shaved Parmesan cheese delicious dressing. Wanted to try everything on the menu. Will return next time in Raleigh. read more

The food was delicious, but I wasn't crazy about having to get up and go look at the wall to see what to order. But when we got the food, it was amazing. Must order the Mac and cheese to share! read more

If you want the best Mac and cheese come to poole's! The outside looks nothing like the inside and the ambiance is top notch. Great place for dinner dates. read more

Pooles is amazing. The food has never disappointed. They have different menu items daily, but keep their famous dishes available daily. I have been for both brunch and dinner. Both are amazing. I suggest getting there before they open and waiting on them to open the doors if you want to get seated at a decent time. There is always a line before they open their doors. read more

Went for brunch today. The hostess was friendly as per usual but the bartender was extremely rude. I came with two of my girlfriends and we were all disgusted so all three of us only had one drink and left. There was also a fly in my drink, which happens, I know, so he unwrapped a straw and stuck it in my drink and got the but out. I felt like this was an unconventional move as well. I am also a server for a living and when that has happened to me in the past, I have taken the drink from the patron and replaced it. I love Pooles; I always have, and I will return for the mac n cheese and the chocolate pot de creme. But I will NOT be sitting at the bar and I incredibly hope that this man's service improves. read more

I just can't say enough about this place. Amazing. We went on a Thursday and it was busy like a Friday or Saturday. The staff was very quick, efficient and super friendly, plus they knew the menu well. The food was amazing. We had the mac n cheese which was just unbelievable amazing. Ribs were great as well. Drinks were excellent by the bartenders and dessert was unbelievable. Menu changes which is great. This place is worth the wait and the price. Check out pictures for ideas on what to order. read more

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We've been here three times now. So tonight we went on the later side, 7pm and had a 20 minute wait. None in our party drank so no need to stand at the bar, we sat in the corner. Surprisingly crowded for a Monday night. The menu is seasonal so we expected some changes. I ordered the herbbrined pork chop w heirloom white beans & plum and brandy reduction. My wife ordered the lobster & dumplings. The other couple ordered as we did. The presentation is always superb as Ashley's resturaunts. Tonight though, the taste and temperature were off for the dumpling dishes. My wife stated it was very bland, could've been any fish dish, had it not been for the large chunks of lobster it would've been hard to tell what "seafood" it was. This dish was a flop. The pork chop on the other hand was a HUGE success. Nice char/crust and J-U-I-C-Y!! The plum/brandy reduction with the white beans were a perfect pairing. There were no extras with our meal tonight, (NO BREAD) so I'm not sure of its no longer complimentary or our waiter (Cameron) wasn't on hit game. A couple of sides were ordered, Mac n cheese au gratin and broccoli rabe. Both pretty good. As for the main dishes, 2 standup doubles & two strike outs. Hey, some dishes aren't a hit but it has my wife wondering why her dish always goes wrong. We may give it another try in a couple months as the menu changes again read more

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It was a last minute decision on my part to go here for dinner last weekend. I didn't know too much about the place or the chef until I walked through the door. The atmosphere is great and I was really appreciate of the lotion and other helpful trinkets in the ladies room! The food was amazing. I don't like cheese but after hearing so many people order it around us, I felt it was worth a try. Shockingly, I really enjoyed the Mac and cheese! I also recommend the herbed pork with white beans. I could not get enough! read more

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The mac and cheese is by far the best in Raleigh! So delicious! It has an amazing crust on top and is definitely filling enough to share between 3-4 people. Although this restaurant is expensive, they do have some pretty amazing food choices. Whenever I go there I am pleasantly surprised by how well done and creative each dish is. A great place to take a group of friends! That being said... it can get quite loud and I've heard waiting for a table can get annoying! I always have a hard time talking/hearing people across the table from me. And although I have never had to wait for a table, they don't take reservations and it may be a bit of wait at dinner time on the weekend. read more

My short ribs were god awful. Dry, tough patties that were hard to eat. The cocktails, the service, the atmosphere and the fun vibe is why I give it 4 stars. I would go again, but steer clear of the short ribs. The chef may be over thinking things here. There may be some pristine or pure method to his process, but the result ain't good. Looking back, the waitress was bummed that I ordered it. She knew. However, she was a pro, and said they were great. Salad was great! Cocktails awesome. Awesome place. Go! read more

This review is a little dated, but someone recently mentioned Poole's to me, and it made me think back to a brunch I had here a few months ago when the weather was still warm. Overall, I thought it was a great experience. As other's have said, it doesn't seem like a diner in the proper sense (or any sense, for that matter). When we arrived, it was pretty packed, and we had maybe a thirty minute wait before we were seated. While waiting, I was able to observe the clientele, and a lot of them made me smile. From the one classically cool southern gentlemen in a proper, tailored seersucker suit with un-done bowtie, to the threesome drinking the bottle of Cristal at the packed counter, I really enjoyed people watching. After we were seated, the service was prompt and attentive, despite the crowd. I had a mimosa and the egg's benedict, and they were both good - on par with the greatest brunch spots in Durham (wow, this sounds like Durham food snobbery, but it isn't meant to be read as such). I'd be back regularly, if not for the 30 minute drive. read more

This is absolutely the best "diner" I have ever eaten at. Realistically though, it's not a diner but they have done an amazing job sticking with the layout, decor, food, etc. The food is top notch and flavorful and it certainly seems like a Raleigh must-do. I highly recommend you bring your patience with you and order up some amazingly delicious food off the wall (no menus here, just chalk boards - something to keep you busy while you wait). read more

Nice place. Slightly disappointed we could only order from a brunch menu but my huevos rancheros were great! Good atmosphere. Don't let the exterior fool you, this place is good. read more

Food was amazing! Service was o.k. guess they knew how good the food was. Mac n cheese was a must! the "hangover" potatoes on the brunch menu were to die for!! read more

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Delish food! I never would have noticed this place or wanted to go in, except for a recommendation from a co-worker. Good thing I listened! The food was amazing- so fresh and so flavorful. Best Mac n Cheese-- it's a MUST!!! Desserts looked great too, but I'm watching my calories (trying to get off the baby weight!!). Not a deal breaker, but not very kid-friendly (i.e. no hi-chair). And although it's called a "Diner", it's much more retro sheik than diner-esque. read more