Poole’s Diner will soon close temporarily as it makes major changes. Here’s when to go
In less than a month, one of Raleigh’s most famous and influential dining rooms will start a new chapter.
Poole’s Diner, beloved for reimagined Southern classics and its double-horseshoe bar, will close its original dining room temporarily, and move into a permanent space next door.
The flagship restaurant of Raleigh chef Ashley Christensen will make the move into its new space Friday, Nov. 1. The new Poole’s Diner space was formerly Christensen’s pizzeria Poole’side Pies, which closed late last year after four years.
The address for Poole’s Diner will change from 426 S. McDowell Street to 428 S. McDowell St.
That means there are only a few weeks left to experience Poole’s Diner as it’s always been. The original Poole’s Diner space will hold its last service Sunday, Oct. 27.
Christensen first opened Poole’s Diner in 2007, taking over a space and name that dates back to 1940 and a restaurant legacy that includes a pie shop and luncheonette. Over the last 17 years, Poole’s Diner has become Raleigh’s most decorated dining room, with Christensen winning two James Beard awards, including 2019’s for Outstanding Chef in the country.
“It’s been unbelievably exciting for us to build on this special place and add to its legacy,” Christensen’s restaurant group AC Restaurants said in an email this week announcing the changes. “When we closed the doors of Poole’side Pies last year, we knew the future of that space was meant to usher in a new era of our first restaurant. We’ve been preparing to expand Poole’s into the space next door, and we’re nearly ready to welcome you in.”
When will Poole’s reopen?
AC Restaurants said the original Poole’s Diner will get a renovation, updating “aesthetics and acoustics” for the cozy restaurant space. It’s unclear how long it will take for the original space to reopen to the public or exactly how it will factor into the future of Poole’s Diner. The restaurant group promises it will return and that its most famous feature, the double horseshoe bar, will live on.
“She’ll be back soon, rested and rejuvenated, and ready for you to take your seat at the double horseshoe,” AC Restaurants said in its email.
