NC Triangle Dining Food Blog

The Best Restaurants and Bars in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill

  • NC Triangle Dining Food Blog
  • Home
    • Blog
  • Best Restaurants and Bars
    • The Best Restaurants in Raleigh, NC
    • The Best Restaurants in Durham, NC
    • The Best Restaurants in Cary – Apex, NC
    • The Best Restaurants in Chapel Hill – Carrboro, NC
    • Best Food Specials and Deals in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill
    • The Best Bars and Lounges in Raleigh, NC
  • News
    • Coming Soon to the Triangle – New Restaurants and Bars
    • New Restaurants and Bars in Cary and Morrisville
    • New Restaurants and Bars in Chapel Hill and Carrboro
    • New Restaurants and Bars in Durham
    • New Restaurants and Bars in Raleigh
    • New Restaurants and Bars of the Triangle, 2021
  • Index of Reviews
    • Cary – Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • Chapel Hill and Carrboro – Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • Durham Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • Raleigh Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • NC Video Reviews
    • Travel Reviews
  • Food Photos
    • Food Event Photos
  • About
    • NCTD Blogger- Ron Wen
    • NC Triangle Dining Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    • NC Triangle Dining Blog Policy
    • Working with NC Triangle Dining
    • NC Triangle Dining Blog and Social Media Statistics
Restaurant & Bar Reviews » Raleigh » First Take: The New Hibernian Pub on S. Glenwood is Born-Again and Better!

March 8, 2014 by Ron Wen 4 Comments

First Take: The New Hibernian Pub on S. Glenwood is Born-Again and Better!

Front of Hibernian Pub, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Front of Hibernian Pub, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

When I first moved into Raleigh, the Hibernian Pub on S. Glenwood was my GoTo bar for a beer or cocktail and idle conversation.  This Raleigh stalwart had really been key to the re-development of S. Glenwood and it was always a convenient place to hang out at.  A fire at the end of 2012 left the place in shambles but owner Niall Hanley was committed to rebuilding the Hibernian, bigger and better than ever.  And did he succeed?  Well my friend, I’d have to say yes after my first visit. And maybe a bit more.

Padded booth at Hibernian Pub, Raleigh-NC Triangle Dining
Padded booth at Hibernian Pub, Raleigh-NC Triangle Dining
Cool front bar at Hibernian Pub, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Cool front bar at Hibernian Pub, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

From the outside the changes are obvious.  While there are hints of the old Hibernian in terms of signage, the primary color has changed from green to a deep red and there are these female figures hanging off the front of the building as architectural sculptures.  Stepping inside, the first floor retains most of its original space outside of the wide staircase headed upstairs.  The place feels sort of familiar in terms of layout but the new look for the Hibernian is much richer with painted, metal-stamped ceiling, richer woodwork, crimson red padded booths and knick-knacks galore.  Upstairs the Hibernian has a small bar along with a library-study area.  Not in terms of what you do up there but in terms of how it looks!  And the rooftop patio is an L-shaped area with a nice view of S. Glenwood.  I’m not sure if the Hibernian will be doing any of its sidewalk tables once the weather warms up.

$5 Burger Monday at the Hibernian Pub
$5 Burger Monday at the Hibernian Pub
Patio at Hibernian Pub, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Patio at Hibernian Pub, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Even with all the new space, I end up grabbing a seat at the bar and the menu looks about the same.  Irish favorites, American classcis, sandwiches, burgers and more.  I go with some fish and chips (haddock over cod) for my first meal at the new Hibernian.  Food was never a huge strength of the old location given the Hibernian’s roots as a bar but every now and then, pub food can really hit the spot.  Prices are $8 to $15 for sandwiches and entrees.

Fish and chips at Hibernian Pub, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Fish and chips at Hibernian Pub, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

In about 15 minutes, a large plate of well-fried fish shows up, sitting on top of some pub chips (fries) along with a small cup of tartar and pile of slaw.  The fish looks excellent: well-browned, crunchy with lots of texture. It’s one big piece and is a little messy to eat, probably could use more tartar given the size of the fish.  The slaw is just a small taste for contrast, but I really like the chips!  I’m not sure if they are freshly sliced, but the crisp exterior opens to a really moist and soft potato-ey interior!  Really well-done basic fries, they’ve got the fryer at just the right temperature for this genre of food, yum…

Bar at Hibernian Pub, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Bar at Hibernian Pub, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Service at the bar is excellent but that has always been a strength for the Hibernian: the attentive and well-trained staff.  Looking around the space you get a real mix of people and professionals enjoying the simplicity of a pint at their newly returned Irish pub.  And that’s why it’s great to have the Hibernian back in action.  While it may not have the best food or beer list it’s a comfortable and friendly spot to meet up with friends.  And yeah, the place also looks fantastic now, so rock on Hibernian!

 

Hibernian Pub

311 Glenwood Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.833.2258

Location on Google maps

Save

Save

Related

Filed Under: Raleigh, Restaurant & Bar Reviews Tagged With: Patio

Comments

  1. Scott B says

    March 8, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    They’re called pub chips, crisps are what people in the UK and Ireland call our potato chips.

    Reply
    • Ron Wen says

      March 8, 2014 at 2:54 pm

      Hah, thanks Scott! I had to go google some recipes to figure out exactly what they are. Will update my post, grazie…
      Ron

      Reply
  2. Leigh Powell Hines says

    March 10, 2014 at 8:59 pm

    I’ve always loved the inside.

    Reply
    • RonW says

      March 14, 2014 at 3:28 am

      Hey Leigh, missed your comment earlier but yeah, it’s worth the effort! I’d wait a month or two for them to shake down their staff. Service-wise they were pretty off on my second visit and I imagine this weekend will be rough. On a nice warm afternoon, you’ll be all set…

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to NC Triangle Dining

Popular Reviews

Kingfisher Bar in Durham: Fanciful Ambiance and Ground to Glass Cocktails Near DPAC

Ideal’s Sandwich and Groceries in Durham – A Northern Take on the Classic Hoagie

Two Roosters Lands in the Bull City and is Dishing Out Great Ice Cream

Don’t Miss

  • Coming Soon to the Triangle – New Restaurants and Bars
  • New Restaurants and Bars in Cary and Morrisville, Now Open
  • New Restaurants and Bars in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, Now Open
  • New Restaurants and Bars in Durham, Now Open
  • New Restaurants and Bars in Raleigh, Now Open
  • New Restaurants and Bars of the Triangle, 2021 Edition

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

New Reviews!

  • The Willard Rooftop Lounge in Raleigh for Cocktails and the Golden Hour
  • A’Verde Cocina and Tequila Library Offering Up Fruity Cocktails and Fanciful Food Presentation
  • PrimoHoagies in Raleigh for Stuffed Sandwiches with a South Philly Flair!
  • CowBar Burgers & Fries in Raleigh for Beefy Perfection at North Hills

Connect with NCTD

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

NCTD Email Subscription


Handcrafted with on the Genesis Framework