Hibernian Restaurant & Pub

311 Glenwood Ave.

Raleigh, NC 27603-1406

919.833.2258

www.hibernianpub.com (link)

Southwest Garden Salad

I think it is about time that we downshift here at Spoonfed and pay some attention to some of the local establishments that may not be considered ‘culinary Meccas’, but still hold some significance when examining the rotunda of options to those of us in need of sustenance.  This homage is paid to the places that may not be chef centered or considered to be a contender when discussing a James Beard award, they may not be exploring molecular based menus and there may hardly be any mention of them on a thread between high brow foodies who ‘wouldn’t dare’.  But to the local, everyday bub, these are the places visited often, shared with friends, that go on delivering to the masses, the normals, to you and to me without extensive ‘culinary’ praise, under the radar, but still present and now accounted for (by Spoonfed at least).

When I first set up digs in Raleigh and realized Glenwood South was what it was, a strip attuned and keyed in for dining and nightlife, there were two buildings that made blatant statements, and they were a block apart.  Solas and the Hibernian (along with their new sibling  ’the Diner’) opened and owned by Niall Hanley, both of which force you to stop and take notice.  The exterior of the Hibernian, painted black with ornate accents really sells the point that this is based off of the Irish Pubs found overseas.  Coming into their 10th year anniversary, the Hibernian “is a meeting place for all, to talk, to argue, to debate, to sing, to laugh, to drink and to EAT. From listening to traditional Irish music while enjoying lunch to letting it all hang out to the latest hits late night! It adapts and changes with the time of day. Its cozy corners and blazing fireplace take you away from Raleigh and bring you into the streets of Galway.” (from their website).  Offering many bar standards alongside traditional Irish eats, the Hibernian offers weekly food and drink specials found on their website.  There is also a second location in Cary at 1144 Kildaire Farm Rd. for those that don’t want to travel in-town.

Just got word that a photog-bud of mine Bryan Regan (click his name to check his new A Photo Folio site) just shot some editorial using the Hibernain as backdrop, check out some out-takes here.

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Reuben-Corned Beef, Swirl Rye, Swiss, Sauerkraut, 1000 Island

Beer Battered Cod w/tarter and slaw

Corned Beef and Cabbage-garlic mashed potatoes, parsley sauce

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)