Poole's — Restaurant in Raleigh

Whenever I review a restaurant, I take into account all parts of the experience, from the quality of the food alongside the (almost always nowadays) fusion culture involved in the menu's creation to the ambiance, service, and energy of the location itself. Unfortunately for Poole's, despite four separate attempts to actually eat at this place, I have never consumed a single bite of food at the establishment. I have wanted to, I've heard great things about how good it is, but to be completely honest, my experiences simply trying to eat here have been so negative I am going to abandon it as a possibility and rate it as it stands.

The first three times I tried to eat here the wait was simply too long. That's fine, and in no way garners a negative rating. Busy is good, for the location and those eating there. It makes for a fun atmosphere if the kitchen knows how to handle it, and from what I could see sitting in the corner waiting for a table for over an hour each time before leaving, they seemed to have the flow of food down pretty well. The only negative criticism I have about the actual waiting, as waiting is to be expected in a high traffic location, is the hostess. Trying to get information from her regarding wait times, policy, and why I wasn't being seated when others who came in after me were was about as fun as getting a tooth extracted by an intoxicated dentist who accidentally grabbed saline instead of Novocaine.

My final attempt to eat here, last week, resulted in my arriving 30 minutes earlier than my party to ensure we had a table. I put my name on the list, was told it would be a 45 minute wait, and said "that's perfect, my party will be here in half an hour," received a nod from the hostess, and took a seat in the corner to catch up on the events of the world while I patiently waited. Transition to party's early arrival about 15 minutes later, return to hostess and tell her my party is all here, only to be told I wasn't put on the list because my party wasn't all here. Well, what do you know, there are now three separate groups of four in front of us waiting. Our wait time was now well over an hour.

So, ultimately, we left, and I have entirely given up on ever eating at this location going forward.

You're probably wondering why two stars instead of one, then? Well, they won't seat you, but they will make you a drink while you wait in the corner like the misbehaving puppy you are, and I must say, they know how to make a drink for the punished corner-sitter. It was really impressive. Impressive enough for me to bump my waiting experience of misery from a 1 to a 2 star. So, nice work on the drink, guys! For the rest of you attending Poole's, I hope you enjoy the food after the wait. The only advice I can give at this point is arrive with your party or don't bother going in at all. I'm simply not a very patient person when it comes to making a plan that is systematically ruined by an misinformed policy that results in me being pushed back in the queue...

For over a decade, I have enjoyed my finest celebrations in life with Poole's Dinner. The ambiance is energetic and like a step back in time with the 40s decore. Thank you to the staff for never disappointing, always being kind, and exceeding expectations.

My partner and I headed out to Raleigh to celebrate my new job. An especially trying year sent packing with one exquisite meal.

To start, we had the tuna tartar. The NC tuna was beyond the quality you'd expect at a sushi bar. The tuna was perfectly chopped but not to a paste. It was wonderfully dressed with cider aioli and topped with ripe, creamy avocado. The tobiko provided a delightful pop and brininess. The chicken liver pate is my favorite starter Poole's serves. The mustards are fantastic, and the compote is a perfect pairing with the smooth and luscious pate. All this was served with seasoned cucumber slices to accommodate my partners gluten allergy. Again, kindness prevails at Poole's.

Our main was simply the best tenderloin I've ever tasted. I'm not a tenderloin fan, but this blew me away by the endless flavor. Usually lacking in a tenderloin, in my opinion, but not on this occasion. The meat was velvet on the tongue and melted into an amazing bite with the garlic and spicy carrot top chimmichurri that it was paired with. Served with brown butter carrots, fingerling potatoes, crunchy spiced pine nuts, and finished with a bed of tangy whipped feta. The final exquisite touch was a perfectly salty and savory sauce.

My partner had the triple smoked au jus roasted chicken. She refuses to get anything else and has said it is her final meal request. LoL the chicken was paired with the lightest, creamiest whipped potatoes. Worth another mention is the amazingly deep and rich au jus.

For our "Nexts" we had to order the house specialty, Mac and cheese. As my company couldn't partake due to gluten, the waitress was so kind as to ask for a half portion for myself. Again, kindness. We also enjoyed the cauliflower with oyster mushrooms, sherry, and cream. Surprisingly, this side was one of the stars of the show, and I am definitely making this side for the holidays. A new tradition begins.

We didn't have room for dessert this go-a-round, but the creme de pot is always a win no matter the variation, and the chefs cobblers are devine. I so desired the banana and chocolate pie, but alas, my waistline pleaded to stop.

Please treat yourself if you are in town, or celebrating, or just want to experience amazingly crafted food. They are expanding this week, which is great news for us faithful. More seats for us all to enjoy Ashley Christensen's creative southern cooking, served by talented and helpful staff. Thank you, Poole's dinner, for once again, making a special night more memorable and...

Wow where to start! The seating and rez went off without a hitch showed up on time and was greeted outside, mask on as required. Then whisked to my 2 seats at the counter. Now the way I approach a place with a limited almost daily menu such as this place is to order alotnof things and just taste my way through. And this was fully accommodated by the bar man who took care of my guest and I. Everything was coursed out perfectly,and after tasted was boxed promptly. We started with a punch drink off the cocktails selection that was so fresh and vibrant,followed by starters. We chose the heirloom carrots, mussels add the baguette..(do not skip this step) and the mac and cheese. The mussels were amazing as were the carrots,however my taste in Mac and cheese leans on the creamier shell pasta style,and this was a more melted cheese in top and oil tossed elbow macaroni variety. Imo the mac was a letdown as the person that recommended this spot was raving about it. It was 18$ and I as I thought about it wouldn't order it again as the ingredients and preparation didn't match the ask. Next course we did the braised lamb neck as well as a soft shell crab dish. The soft shell crab was served pan fried and with butter beans and corn. Crab perfectly fresh and pan fried to perfection and despite the amount of butter involved still had a great freshness that shown threw that richness. Now for the absolute star of the evening the braised lamb neck stew. Holy hell this was a richness and depth of flavor that I have never personally or going out had in any lamb dish, whether it be a shank or any other cut. Confit included. A really rich brown broth with the braised neck meat. Accompanied by the most tasty ricotta gnocchi. Finished with pea shoots amd mint. Now for those that are into the finest of fine details.....the Brunois of the carrots was an incredible detail as that shows the skill of this kitchen. But overall just absolutely stunning. In fact the only dish of all that we tried that we completely finished. For dessert we opted to take out and went with a strawberry shortbread type dessert that was packed appropriately for travel as everything was not soggy when we got home. Now onto the service. Everyone that "touched" us was eager,pleasant and most importantly had a warmth that you either have or you don't. Including on the way out the door I grabbed a cpl t-shirts and was helped get what I needed with aplomb. Oh and BTW they have good ol George dickel 10 on the shelf and that was the perfect finish for me. Hope this helps all the future guest in their decision making process. Cheers and thank you for the...