Comments on: Poole’s Downtown Diner

By: Jay Coop

Jay Coop — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:19:24 +0000

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….

By: Pineview Style

Pineview Style — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:13:25 +0000

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!

By: Lupus Yonderboy

Lupus Yonderboy — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:45:15 +0000

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 ;)

By: John

John — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:54:20 +0000

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.

By: Elliot

Elliot — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:45:46 +0000

I have been very anxious to go to Poole’s and after this pictorial of the place I am intent on getting there asap.

By: Ginny

Ginny — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:52:54 +0000

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.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:32:06 +0000

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.

By: Pineview Style

Pineview Style — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:20:54 +0000

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.”

By: RaleighRob

RaleighRob — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:52:05 +0000

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.

By: Lisa Jeffries

Lisa Jeffries — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:39:15 +0000

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.