Porter's Tavern

(919) 821-2133

2412 Hillsborough St
Raleigh, NC 27607 35.7876 -78.6671

Neighborhood: University

Reviews & Ratings for Porter's Tavern

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

48 reviews

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by RBirch81

February 13, 2009

First off let me say that this is a fantastic restaurant and I never would of expected such from Hillsborough st. My boyfriend and I went with a large group last night and sat in there extended private dinning room, we were greeted by a nice hostess and a great server. I LOVED the drink list and beers on draft there, what a great diverse selection, I fell in love with their season beer. The server pointed me in the way of the pork chop and said it had been a favorite of his for years, let me say....what a pork chop. My boyfriend had the hanger steak and it was great as well. The server was really nice and very informative about the menu, when we asked for all separate checks, he said no problem and came back with all of them in minutes. Sadly to say that this doesn't happen at most places I go. I highly recommend this place, I'll definitely be back. TRY THE PORK CHOP!!!!!

  • Pros: Food, Drinks, Staff
  • Cons: Parking

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4 Star Rating: Recommended

by LinThompson

January 11, 2009

Staff went out of their way to make us comfortable even though we had brought a two year old who was very hard to control. Very gracious people. Food was very acceptable and enjoyed the atmosphere. Enjoyed Porter's very much,

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4 Star Rating: Recommended

Contributor

January 06, 2009

One of my favorite places on Hillsborough Street, Porter's is one of the yummy restaurants owed by the Urban Food Group. The last time I went for lunch, I enjoyed a bowl of their bisque (although it was a bit salty, an unusual event for them) and a turkey sandwich. But the best part of the meal was the appetizer: the tempura greenbeans with chipotle mayo. Definitely a yummy starter. Reasonable priced and good portions. Good for lunch or dinner!

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4 Star Rating: Recommended

Contributor

November 24, 2008

We tried Porter's Tavern for the first time nearly a year ago. We enjoyed it so much that we've returned several times! The food is awesome with a varied menu ... I love this place. Not too pricey and has a great atmosphere and the food is good.

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by Margbfrance

September 12, 2008

My boyfriend and I are tourists in this great city and randomly ended up at Porter's Tavern. What we encountered was great atmosphere coupled with fresh home-made food. We sat in the smoking section and were served by the bartender who was very professional. We had a great night and recommend Porter's Tavern to any through travelers or locals looking for unique food.

What we had AND what we thought

App:

Tavern chips traditional style

So good, and not a soggy chip in the bunch!

Entree:

NC flounder:

brown butter sauce is hauntingly good

NC shrimp and grits:

shrimp in every bite, very filling

Dessert:

espresso double shot:

surprisingly well poured

Vanilla creme brulee:

a layer of vanilla... yes fresh vanilla

Overall: FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Pros: Service, menu, price (parking not a problem
  • Cons: not that I can think of :)

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3 Star Rating: Average

by euncapher

March 15, 2008

We had a girl's night out here with the gals from work. We were seated promptly, since it was a Thursday night AND we had reservations. Our waiter was very friendly and upbeat. I'm on a diet, so I checked out the menu on their website before going so that I had an idea of what to get calorie wise. I was really looking forward to the Ahi Tuna and the Swordfish Salad!

When I got the menu at the restaurant, neither of these items were on their menu. I asked the waiter about both and he said the website hasn't been updated in a while and they no longer had either of these featured items. Blah! I was really looking forward to either Ahi Tuna or a Swordfish Salad. So instead, I opted for the Salad with Salmon. I cook better salmon at home. For $13, that was a darned pricy salad! I didn't like the salmon at all! I also got a to-go meal for the man at home, since it was girl's night out and all. I ordered the salmon with mashed potatoes and green beans. It was $17. They sure don't give you much food for $17!

The other ladies I went with from work didn't sound very impressed with their items. I tried a bite of the shrimp and grits. They were average. Certainly not worth the hefty price for them. I also tried the Crem Brule, which was excellent!! That was their saving grace!

Their beers were a little overpriced. The bartender recommended the Brooklyn Brown to me since they didn't have Yuengling. I was a fan.

It's a really cool restaurant with awesome decor, so if you are just going out for a night of drinking and not dinner, Porters is a very trendy place to hang out! As far as food goes, save your money, the price is high for the average food.

  • Pros: Very trendy and hip, great service, great desserts!
  • Cons: Food is average, prices are too high

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by mikeanddeb2004

February 10, 2008

We've been going to Porter's for a couple of years now. We've always had great service, every time we've gone. The food is always very good- their burgers are the best in Raleigh, to me. Somewhere I can get a burger and a beer, and my wife can get something a little nicer, and we both enjoy it. We've had a few nice dinners there as well, but the casual atmosphere is more our scene. Great place to go with friends, Great draft beers.

  • Pros: A fun place
  • Cons: A little loud on the weekends

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3 Star Rating: Average

by woodduck

January 24, 2008

This a strange question. I recently ate here and sat in the private party room (?). There were several brightly colored painting hanging on the walls. One was of fish with sharp teeth, and the other of two brightly colored birds (red and yellow maybe?) Does anyone happen to know who the artist is or what they are called. I am really interested in the one of the birds. I know nothing about art! Any info would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

The food was good, the wait was a little long, and the portion was not worth the price. But I would eat there again.

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by tommy16

January 19, 2008

This is fast becoming one of my favorite restaurants in Raleigh. The food is delicious, portions are good and prices aren't outrageous. They have great beers on draft, all microbrews. Our server was great, she never let our drinks get empty and really knew the menu.

I don't think tavern-style restaurants can get any better than this! A must-eat place in Raleigh.

  • Pros: Food, bar, service, big tvs!
  • Cons: Parking, only take reservations for parties of 6 or more

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by sharonpinkney

November 19, 2007

Our first time at this restaurant and we will most definitely return. The service was really good and the food was even better. Great for a special occasion or just a last minute spot for dinner.

  • Pros: Ambience, service (hostess and the wait staff) were great
  • Cons: Parking

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