Poole's

Picture a jazz lounge mixed with a dimly-lit retro diner, complete with red leather banquettes and a handwritten chalkboard menu. That’s Poole’s Diner, and it’s one of the best and most famous restaurants in Raleigh. Grab one of those booths for a double date or to impress the in-laws, and always order the gooey macaroni au gratin.

Dishing daily specials chalked on a board since before chalkboard menus were de rigueur, what Ashley Christensen created with Poole’s diner is the key ingredient of a recipe for success we’ve since seen play out in spades across the States. Rotating seasonal farm-fresh ingredients shine in Southern staples crafted in only a way the two-time Beard-winning “Darling of Raleigh” can deliver. The cult-classic mac and cheese needs no introduction, while such reimagined comfort foods as pimento cheese with crostinis and palatable proteins like cornmeal-fried NC flounder invite regulars and newbies near and far back again and again to a place that is real Raleigh at its core—and as authentic and intentional today as the day it opened.

It’s nearly impossible to talk about Raleigh restaurants without bringing up Poole’s Diner. Another masterpiece from AC Restaurants, the comfort food haven is known for a few things, including Chef Christensen’s pimento cheese, served on fried saltine crackers, and her macaroni au gratin, which Hodges says is “better than you can imagine.” If you happen to be in the neighborhood on a Sunday, though, there’s one thing you have to get. “On Sundays (and only on Sundays), Poole’s offers The Royale—which is a 10-ounce burger with cheese, served open-faced on grilled brioche with red wine shallot jus,” says Hodges.

When this contemporary diner from award-winning chef Ashley Christensen opened in 2007, it was instrumental in revitalizing the city's then dormant downtown. Once a local pie shop, Poole's has retained its original double horseshoe bar and red leather banquettes, while adding more modern touches like its signature mural chalkboard menu. The food is a mix of old meets new, with contemporary spins on Southern classics that highlight seasonal ingredients.

Located in downtown Raleigh, Poole's Diner is a beloved institution renowned for its elevated comfort food and retro-chic ambiance. Chef Ashley Christensen's innovative take on Southern classics, like macaroni au gratin and fried chicken, has earned Poole's a spot on the national culinary map. Known for its retro-chic ambiance, Poole's Diner offers a menu featuring Southern classics like macaroni au gratin and fried chicken.

Perhaps the most well-known restaurant among the City of Oaks' booming food scene, chef Ashley Christensen's Poole's Diner has retro-chic charm to go along with one of America's most famous mac and cheese dishes (more than 15,000—one for almost every table—are sold each year). View this post on Instagram. A post shared by laura eats (@lauragotfood) on Jan 23, 2020 at 11:22am PST

Poole's Diner opened in 2007, and it was the first Ashley Christensen restaurant in the Raleigh area. Housed in a historic diner with retro red leather banquettes, it uses a chalkboard menu to bring classic American comfort food to your table. Serving delicious dishes with Southern influences, Poole's Diner has a macaroni au gratin that is worth a flight to Raleigh to try.

The upscale Southern diner isat the heart of chef Ashley Christensen's food empire in downtown Raleigh. Poole's is known for its menu of upscale comfort food, especially its mouth-watering macaroni au gratin. Be smart: To this day, Christensen is the only North Carolina chef to win the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef, considered its highest honor for chefs.

Hands down one of the best restaurants in downtown Raleigh is Poole’s Diner. This small restaurant sits in a historic building featuring a classic diner bar top with a menu full of creative seasonal options. No matter which direction you choose to take the meal, you’ll want to make sure to order a Macaroni au Gratin for the table (or have it as your main dish).

Chef Ashley Christensen is a staple chef in Raleigh with several spots to eat at, and there’s no better spot to go to than her modern diner. Poole’s is all things comfort food like her iconic macaroni au gratin, paired with the roasted half chicken. Don’t miss the “baguette”, a rustic bread served with their house-cultured butter.

This upscale diner is a local favorite for its creative take on Southern cuisine. We recommend trying their famous macaroni and cheese and a fun cocktail crafted by one of their talented bartenders. Poole's is the perfect fun date night, especially if you're planning to catch a show at the Red Hat Amphitheater right next door.

Poole’s Diner: This was absolutely my favorite restaurant that we went to in Raleigh!. They don’t take reservations, but trust me: it’s worth the wait. Poole’s offers Southern dishes with a modern twist and has an impressive cocktail menu. Get the mac and cheese, trust me, it will change your life!

Poole’s is an institution in the downtown Raleigh dining scene. In 2007, Ashley Christensen, the acclaimed James Beard award–winner for Outstanding Chef in the Country, opened Poole’s. With her outstanding success, she went on to open several more restaurants.

Formerly a pie shop, Poole’s is an Italian restaurant located in Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. It’s probably the best option if you’re looking for Cheese or Macaroni dishes. One of the more popular options available is the Macaroni Au Gratin.

Fayetteville Street is one of the must-see destinations for travelers in Raleigh. Known for its artistic and unique businesses, this district also houses many award-winning restaurants. Poole'side Pies is the perfect combination of both.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (612 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 426 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601-1727- Read more on Tripadvisor

At Poole’s you’ll find a modern diner with reimagined comfort food. The evening menu offers seasonal, locally focused food offerings that change weekly or even daily. Phone Number: (919) 832-4477 Directions Website

426 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601Phone: 919-832-4477 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Poole’s Diner (@poolesdiner)

The retro-chic setting isn’t the only thing that will make you smile. The seasonal brunch menu is rated as one of the best in the city.

Poole’s is a “modern dinner” with a fun atmosphere that resembles a vintage soda shop, with good food and classic twists on desserts.