Poole's

About the Business

Specialties

Poole's specializes in modern interpretations of comfort food classics, with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. The historic space retains lovingly restored elements of its history in the form of the iconic double horseshoe bar with original formica finishes and red banquettes.

History

Established in 1945.

The original Poole's Pie Shop opened its doors in 1945, becoming one of the first dining destinations in Raleigh. Soon, patrons were clamoring for more than just sweets, with "chicken slick," sandwiches and a daily "hot plate" adorning the menu by the early 1950s. As the line continued to wrap around the block, Poole's Pies became Poole's Luncheonette, and a legendary downtown hotspot was born. In 2007, Chef Ashley Christensen lovingly restored the bones of the original restaurant, including the iconic double horseshoe bar and red leather banquettes. Her opening menu, hand-written on oversized blackboards, featured comfort food classics elevated by fresh local ingredients. Nearly fifteen years later--with two James Beard Awards in tow--Poole's has fully returned to its role as a Raleigh classic, a restaurant as essential as it is beloved by the locals and visitors who queue up for its modern Southern cooking in a nostalgic setting.