Poole’s Diner

Poole’s Diner is a Raleigh landmark on South McDowell Street, in business since 1945, when it opened as Poole’s Pie Shop. Generations of locals have gathered there to eat, celebrate, and rub elbows with whoever is on the next stool.

Chef Ashley Christensen and her team took over in 2007 and have kept faith with the diner’s comfort food roots. Dishes like pimento cheese with fried saltines and chicken liver pâté are the ones people come back for. The room still feels like a diner, which is part of the point.

What to know

• Twelve counter seats take reservations each dinner service, and twelve are kept for walk-ins.
• Poole’s Lounge is a separate space for a drink or a quick snack.
• The lounge is walk-ins only and does not take reservations.
• The kitchen works with seasonal ingredients from local producers.