Poole’s Downtown Diner
Although Poole’s Downtown Diner has many decades of Raleigh history under its belt, you won’t be greeted with the typical soul food you may have come to expect from a diner. The owner is Ashley Christensen, a nationally renowned chef recently featured in Bon Appetite Magazine.
The menus that change daily are only listed on the blackboards. Additionally, most of the ingredients originate locally so many of the rotating items are seasonal. The evening I stopped by featured entrees such as a 10oz Royale with Scotch Whisky Cheddar, Duck Confit served over white beans, and Macaroni au Gratin.
This was my first time at Poole’s. I hadn’t planned on staying for the evening, but I found myself thirsty and in the area on a late Saturday night. I was really surprised to learn that they stay open until 2:00 A.M. (with dinner served until midnight).
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The sign in the image above says If you don’t use profanity you will not offend anyone
. The photograph between the tall translucent glass bottles is of Leon Jordan who together with his wife Shirley (daughter of the original owners, the Pooles) lease the building to the current Owner/Chef. All around him in that same photo are members of his big band, the Continentals. They’ve played Big Band music for over forty-five years.
Personally, I find it refreshing to not have the traditional paper menus. Even in the back of the place, the day’s menu is easily accessible. If you look closely at the back wall, you can find the same phrase referencing profanity as seen on the plaque behind the bar in the photo above this one.
Visible in the photo above are reflections of progress: the new Mariott and the new Convention Center. While modernity and progress are enveloping, a hidden cult classic lies for those willing to travel to a more quiet part of town.
I asked Luke, one of the bartenders (not pictured), if business had improved since the reopening of Cabarrus Street. He stated that “Business has been growing steadily since we opened in December, but yeah, the increased traffic flow has improved things quite a bit.”
Here’s hoping it continues that trend. I really enjoyed my stay.
Poole’s Downtown Diner is open Wednesday through Saturday evenings, in addition to Saturday brunch.
Located at 426 S. McDowell Street.
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09/16/2008
I need to check this out – great feature! I remember my dad talking about the original Poole’s when I was growing up… should be very cool to see this time around.
09/16/2008
I haven’t been there in its most recent reincarnation….I’d like to. But I’m extremely weary of any place that doesn’t post a menu online or at the very least a “sample” one. I like to get an idea of whether I can eat anything there…and whether I can afford to…before making the trip.
09/16/2008
Wow, I did not know this place had reopened. Are the food prices reasonable? The last time I was there was 7 years ago when it was called “Vertigo.”
09/16/2008
I love Poole’s. I’ve only been to brunch (many times) but cannot wait to try dinner. The food is delicious, and I feel priced fairly for high quality meals that will leave you full and happy. The macaroni au gratin seems to be a staple on the menu and is a meal in itself, and quite wonderful (about $9). I had fried grits with shrimp and white wine sauce the last time I had brunch there for about $13. You will definitely get your money’s worth.
09/16/2008
The food is delicious but it is a little expensive, but like Deb said, quality is there. The way the menu was set up when I ate there, you order an entree that doesn’t come with sides. Then you separately order your sides, which are large enough to feed two people (at least the macaroni and cheese was … or the ‘macaroni au gratin’ whichever). The point is it was delicious.
I didn’t like the chalkboard-style menus though. It looks super cool and it’s environmentally friendly for a restaurant that changes its menu often. But if you’re sitting at one of the tables along the wall where the chalkboards are, other diners have to stand up in front of your table to see the menu. Also, it’s so expansive that you have to crane your neck to see it. Hardly a deal breaker, but if you’re in the mood to have intimate conversation and you get seated at the wrong spot, plan on sharing your words with the occasional passer-by.
09/17/2008
I have been very anxious to go to Poole’s and after this pictorial of the place I am intent on getting there asap.
09/21/2008
RaleighRob – I can understand your point. I’ve felt the same way many times. Check out the prices from a menu that I snapped above. The menu does change, but I’m willing to bet you’ll enjoy whatever you order.
Pineview Style – I’m going to agree with Deb and Ginny, for the (remarkable) quality of food you get, the prices are very reasonable.
I took my family here for dinner when they were stopping through Raleigh on the way towards the Outer Banks this past Friday, and am very glad I did. Although we were at the worst table in the house – near the kitchen door that blinds you with bright white light every 10-30 seconds as servers come and go – it was a fantastic experience. We were also under the chalkboards, but as far as I’m aware no one stood over our table to try and get a better peek.
If you haven’t yet dined here, I highly recommend it. It could be my favorite place to eat.
01/12/2009
Thanks for the best meal I have had since moving back to North Carolina. Keep this place on the down low, don’t want it to get jammed up with idiots ;)
02/02/2009
So…. A friend and I checked this place out this past Saturday for “brunch.” We both had the mac-n-cheese. It was pretty tasty. I liked how the place was set up and had the retro feel. They seemed to be doing well because the place was packed. The only drawback was that I thought it was a little on the pricey side, however, compared to other places downtown, it is comparable. I’ll have to try their dinner fare at some point!
10/09/2009
My mother worked at Poole’s under the original owner, Bill Poole, as the cook for years. I remember he and his wife smokin cigarettes all the time, even WHILE eating! This was the 80s, early 90s. Looks like a great spot, definitely a great downtown location….