Bars & Clubs, Bars & Pubs, Restaurants, Brew Pubs, Traditional American Restaurants, Irish Restaurants
$$, Bar Scene, Brunch, Celeb Hangout, Date Spot, Late Night Dining, Outdoor Dining
Hibernian is a traditional Irish pub, through and through, with authentic and hearty Irish fare, old world charm, genuine accents and a staggering selection of beer. After work or on the weekends, drop by and try the outside tables or head inside to the cozy booths and fireplace-warmed den for a more intimate setting. If it's a weekend, hold onto your seat because after 9pm, this pub will be rocking with great music, lively people and overflowing pints. The service here is the most charming and responsive you'll find in Raleigh. You will never wait long for your favorite drink, be it a Black-n-Tan or simply a vodka tonic. Hibernian offers one of the Triangle's best selections of beer, and they know how to pour a proper pint of Guinness. Our pub menu features Irish favorites like Bangers and Mash and Shepards Pie alongside steaks, sandwiches and salads. We also feature a late night
Hibernian Pub is a great spot to meet friends and grab a beer. It's also a great place to catch brunch on Sunday mornings. The food is great! I especially love the Shepherd's Pie.
Posted 06/07/09 | Report Abuse
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The floor plan is broken up. It's like several connected store fronts. Walking through I didn't think much of it. But we were meeting another couple and after claiming our space at one of the bars, it made for a nice place for an evening of drinks and conversation.
Posted 02/11/09 | Report Abuse
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I have been going to this pub since it opened in 2000. The food is excellent, and the atmosphere is great. Wait staff and bartenders remember their regulars, and many of them are actually from Ireland.
Posted 01/06/09 | Report Abuse
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This place has a wonderful beer selection, if you like good beer. Their apetizers are delicious, although my favorite is definitely the Spinach & Artichoke Dip...it just can't be beat!
Posted 01/05/09 | Report Abuse
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Go here mainly for appetizers and drinks; food is great and service is quick. It can get very busy on Friday and Saturday nights but otherwise is a nice laid back atmosphere to catch up with friends at.
Posted 11/11/08 | Report Abuse
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We went to this place on a whim and were very pleased. The spinach and artichoke dip was fab!! The large beer selection was a treat. Fast and friendly service. Cool comfortable enviroment.
Posted 11/20/07 | Report Abuse
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Our food was okay. Not fantastic. I think our server forgot about us. She gave us our food and we didnt' see or hear from her again until we were completely finished, drinks empy, and waiting for the check. We both would have preferred a drink refill but by that time we just wanted to pay our bill and leave. We will try it again though to see if we can get better service the next time.
Pros: Food
Cons: Service
Posted 07/17/09
I have only been here twice, and that's two time to many, they were slow to wait on us and the management ended up acting like a douchbag to our group, Nappers now gets my business.
Pros: None
Cons: Too many to list
Posted 04/21/09
Came in to eat but changed our mind after seeing layers of dust and dirt on most furnishings. Buffet food platters sitting in open warm air of restaurant, not very appetizing.
Posted 03/10/09
My husband and I have three small children and get a night out to ourselves about once a month. We always discuss where we're going to go and always end up at the Hibernian! Neither of us are drinkers but we love the atmosphere and most of all the food (the fish and chips are to die for)! It's also great to be able to show up at 6:00 on a Saturday night, be seated right away (almost always at our regular booth), get our food promptly, have a great meal, and be done in time to catch the early movie. Since the bar's not really jumping until later in the evening, it's relatively quiet around dinner time unless there's a big game on. Some reviewers have complained that the waitresses lack "warmth". Personally, I'm glad they're not bugging you all the time! They keep your drink filled, bring what you need, and leave you to enjoy it. I'd rather be talking to my husband, not the waitress! To the owners and staff, keep doing what you're doing and we'll keep coming back! We consider this OUR place!
Oh yeah, I also recommend the potato and leek soup and the chicken cordon bleu!
Pros: Great food! Prompt seating and service! Great atmosphere!
Cons: Parking
Posted 03/05/09
THIS PAST SATURDAY WAS THE FIRST TIME I HAD EVERBEEN TO THE HIBERNIAN DOWNTOWN. I USUALLY ALWAYS GO TO THE ONE IN CARY AND ALWAYS HAVE A GOOD TIME. I BROUGHT 5 OF MY BOYS DOWN TO GLENWOOD AND WE HAD AN AWESOME TIME. THE BARTENDERS ARE HYSTERICAL AND WE HAD JUST THE BEST TIME EVER. GREAT BEER SELETION.
Posted 02/02/09
I have taken my family there several times. Always professional waitstaff, good food and very enjoyable atmosphere. Privacy is available if you need it.
Posted 10/01/08
Nice to go out and feel like i'm in an irish pub. Food was alright, service was a little lazy. It was a pub and i enjoyed the atmosphere enough to go again.
Pros: Nice atmosphere
Cons: food
Posted 03/31/08
After 8 or so visits to the Hibernia, I've really come to appreciate the place. Decor is old school, lots of dark wood across three separate rooms. Food follows basic pub fare: wings, sheperd's pie, sandwiches, etc. Nothing too exciting, just solid and reasonably priced. Service is really good, not only is the wait staff cute and personable, they know how to take care of their customers. It's rare when one of them isn't coming around to check on you. If you don't feel like hanging out indoors, there's a handful of tables around the outside of the Hibernia where you can watch the people go by on Glenwood. Overall a great spot for a casual date, meeting up with friends or just to grab a quick drink!
Pros: Great Service, Nice Relaxed Atmosphere
Posted 07/19/07
It was a beautiful day and we wanted to eat outside. I always wanted to try this place, now I'm sorry I did. My husband ordered the Blackend Tuna Salad and I got the Chicken Ceasar. The tuna was presented beautifully, unfortunatley, it looked better than it tasted which my husband said it was boring and tasteless. I tried a bite and agreed. My chicken ceasar was o.k. Nothing to write home about. The chicken was overcooked and dry. I will say that the dressing was good, but they should keep the packaged croutons. It's always nice to have a roll or bread with salad, there was none. We thought it was overpriced for what we got. On the plus side, the place is charming and the waitress was pleasant. It's not enough for us to return.
Posted 06/22/07
I've been going to the Hibernian every so often since it opened several years ago. I've always found the food to be very good, and the fish and chips to be the best around (the recently opened London Fish & Chips in Cary, while different, is the only F&Cs I've found to rival them).
Hubby and I ate dinner at the Hib this past Saturday, early evening, at an outdoor table. We both had the special, fried green tomatoes with seared scallops and mango chutney. Delicious, even more so than I expected. I'm sorry sbag2278 had a bad experience, but with much more interesting selections on the menu, why would anyone order chicken fingers? I wouldn't be surprised if the cook saves his energy for the interesting dishes, and pulls the chicken fingers out of the freezer.
We did find recently that they no longer serve curry. Very disappointing; their curry (with chips) was outstanding. They must have recently hired a kitchen manager who doesn't quite get the whole fish and chips thing. However the actual fish and chips are still great.
The Hibernian has always been an unpretentious Irish pub (compared to theme-park Irish pubs like Tir Na Nog) that pours a good pint of Guinness. It's tripled in size over the years, and can get really loud and smoky on weekend evenings, when it turns into a major nightlife joint. The corners, crevices and bric-a-brac are starting to look a little grungy, the bathrooms are clean but almost shockingly small and basic, and the place could really use a better air-handling system, but if you're looking for a good pint, a great place to hang out with friends, and good food, this is it.
Pros: Great food and a no-nonsense pub atmosphere
Cons: Smoky, can get noisy on weekends
Posted 06/13/07
Took some friends from out of town here on Sunday night to show them a good time...Upon ordering the waitress kept saying, 'we're out of that', 'oh, we're out of that'...Turns out they were out of all of their soups, out of pita bread, out of spinach and artichoke dip, 'basically we only have one appetizer available' i can't remember what it was...We ordered some sandwiches and a friend ordered the chicken fingers....Upon getting our food we mused how it could be possible to screw up chicken fingers and sandwiches? The chicken fingers were dry and tasteless and the sandwiches were described as 'i could have made a better one at home'...I swear they used wonder bread... Completely sub-par experience and our out of town friends were dismayed...
Pros: Still thinking...
Cons: Food, service, lack of food in stock, completely empty
Posted 03/27/07
I really feel at home at this bar. They have ornate wooden decor mixed with Old School Irish flair. I love the food here, and it is always busy!
Pros: Music, good food and cute crowd.
Posted 12/10/06
This place makes you feel that you've traveled across the world to Irland. The food and the wait staff give you a feeling of authenication. The new expansion on Glenwood Ave. was much needed.
Posted 11/15/06
I have had the Curry Fries and then mostly beer. The Curry Fries should not be eaten with fingers, since it is hard to get the smell/taste out even with several washings!
Pros: Hot Waitresses
Cons: Crowded sometimes at night
Posted 10/21/06
I'm (very) much of a regular at the pub. Bar tenders know what i drink etc. Its a great place to hang out, eat, meet people, and great location. I take most of my bussiness clients there for dinner and drinks. In addition on the weekends its the best bar on Glenwood to hang out in...very comfortable. you can actually HAVE A CONVERSATION in there! great place to meet new people. and did i mention the waitresses!?
Pros: great location, food, service...freindly comfortable atmosphere.
Posted 10/04/06
I sat around waiting for service. The wait staff seem to think it would spoil thier day having to do any kind of work. After almost 10 minutes had passed I went looking for them. The whole thing was a disaster.. Pure lack of any kind of attention or interest. So I left the place. AND I will not go back.
Pros: Handy on Main drag on Glenwood
Cons: Lack of attention from staff
Posted 09/11/06
I used to really like going here, but it seams like the prices increase faster than anywhere on Raleigh, and the lack of functional AC makes the place very uncomfortable - especially on the weekend.
The Hib. used to be one of the best places in Raleigh.... unfortunately it appears to have lost the plot.
Pros: good after work
Cons: too busy on weekends, becoming expensive, too hot - no AC
Posted 09/09/06
Finally, a traditional Irish pub that actually makes you feel like you're in Ireland! The atmosphere is dimly lit, happy, talkative. Real pints of GOOD beer (and Cidar...they actually have Strongbow's!) on tap, many imports. Most of the food is delicious...my fave is the Bogman's Burger with grilled mushrooms, onions, melted cheese etc...SO good. Sometimes certain items won't be available though if you've come after a big night, so just check w/ your server first before getting set on something.
The service can be randomly decent or not. Some reviews below cry about the server not being overly friendly, but it's made up for by the atmosphere, food & beer. (Not to mention, in Ireland, they won't be kissing your bum either...this is not Applebees!)
Be wary of the negative one-time reviews below. Statistically, every place will have a bad night...and someone will talk about it...ruining that place's character for a long time.
Pros: imported beer on tap, irish/bar food, ambience
Cons: menu & service inconsistencies
Posted 07/12/06
WOW, What an amazing find! being a recently relocated Irish-American I was yearning for the bars of home (Boston). Now I can truley say I have found a new home. The Irish bar men serve a great pint, the waitstaff are always happy, and the food is wicked good(try the sheppards pie). Thank you Hibernian for giving a wayward traveler a place he can feel welcome and at home.
Pros: great people, warm atmosphere, perfect pints
Cons: busy late night, can be loud
Posted 02/08/06
On my stay in Raleigh and in search for a good Irish pub and hopefully a chance to meet some fillow Irish. I tried this bar. I was very disapointed. The bar it self was warm and cozy. But every one of the female wait staff was dozy and although the service was prompt. They lacked warmth. They appeared to be programmed to ask a set amount of questions. drop off food, pick up money and that was that. The barmen were chatty and some of them Irish, which was nice. I felt it was a hang out for young VERY young locals. I will not make it my local if I decide to move to Raleigh
Cons: Busy street, Young crowd, Smoky
Posted 01/14/06
the food was cold, bad service and the staff was absolutely very rude to my kids when they were ordering food..............do not recommend this place at all.
Posted 01/12/06
My husband and I have always loved going to the the pub, and now that they have added the non-smoking section we can enjoy it with our infant son as well! He is a young Irish lad who loves the fish and chips as well as other tasty dishes like the beef stew!
Posted 10/04/05
I love this place ! it is the best bar in raleigh!! without doubt! and the food is amazing ! and i really like the sunday brunch !!!! i will agree it was a bit shakey about 6 months but it has improved greatly!. One other good thing , i always hated the somke but they have added a new non smoking bar which is very cool!! i guess you could call me aregular cos im there nearly every weekend !!!! and maybe a little biast but i dont care IREALLY LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!
Pros: SERVICE, FOOD, ATMOSPHERE
Cons: CROWDED
Posted 09/07/05
I could not credit the place enough. great people lovely to hear so many Irish voices.
services is top notch. and the food is class
The bar itself is very warm and a great welcome from everybody in it.
Pros: Real Irish Staff, Happy Crowd, Great Food
Posted 09/04/05
If only the city had more bars like this. we would never have to stay home
it is friendly day or night. Happy People hang out there and that is infectious.
Very laid back and greta craic.
Pros: friendly, fun, happy people
Posted 09/02/05
We've had excellent meals and service for dinner. The Prime Rib sandwich and french fries were delicious. So, we tried the brunch and were disappointed. The buffet brunch selection was extremely limited. The buffet was not refilled promptly and the staff was apathetic.
Pros: French Fries
Cons: Brunch
Posted 05/18/05
I still regularly go to Hibernian (both Raleigh and Cary) so don't consider this review an indictment of the place. It's more intended to notify the management of an honest regular's view.
The food of late has become less predictable, an excellent meal on one night followed by a pedestrian one the next. Furthermore, the prices have been on the rise lately and suddenly everything has become a la carte! If these trends don't reverse soon, I'll have to find a new watering hole.
Pros: location, coziness (Raleigh), food
Posted 06/09/04
The Hibernian is a great place to eat and drink, but ROMANTIC? It's crowded, noisy and not at all my idea of a romantic place. Try maybe 518 West or Second Empire or The Rockford or April and George's -- but definitely not here if you want romance.
Pros: Good drinks, Festive atmosphere, Decent food
Cons: Crowded, Noisy
Posted 10/28/03
Good eats. Good music. Cheerful company. This place has it all. The waitresses are beautiful, patient, nice people. The bartenders are cool. The owner is a madman! It's a mixture of Irish charm and American caucasianism.
Pros: waitresses, Handsome guy monday, trivia nite
Cons: serves alcohol
Posted 08/02/03
Hibernian has great food and atmosphere. The beer can be a little pricey, but the mixed drinks are always worth the money. If you're a 'Canes fan, then you can spot some players every now and then having a couple of beers. My only suggestion is that the management do something to attract more women!
Posted 01/24/03
Excellent pub atmosphere and really good food. They have a great selection of beer, and every Friday at happy hour (after work) they have a guy playing piano who is really good. Very nice to listen to the music while sipping a beer. Great way to start the weekend!
Pros: Live music, good beer, good food
Posted 12/11/02
every city has a neighborhood pub and this is raleigh's. it's the coolest spot in the city, in my opinion. the food is really good, considering it's an irish pub. kudos to whoever opened this place.
Posted 09/09/02
Every Monday night the Hibernian has a "pub-quiz", which is a great way to relax from the crappy mondays that we all have. To say it is one of the best damn Irish pubs in the triangle would be an understatement!
Pros: Great Beers!, Personable staff, and oooohh the food!
Posted 08/29/02
With all the bars on Glenwood Avenue, the Hibernian always seems to be one of the best loved. The space is small--if you get there late you'll have to fight for a place to stand--but otherwise the atmosphere is cozy and friendly.
Pros: patio seating, great crowd
Cons: tough parking, small interior
Posted 08/26/02
Have never actually eaten at Hibernian, but very much enjoy trivia night and the Irish atmosphere.
Pros: hilarious staff, prompt service, good prices
Cons: uncomfortable seating
Posted 08/20/02
Great Bar to get some beers and relax after a long crappy day at work!!!
Posted 08/05/02
so why shouldn't you or I? Why fight the powers that be...
Posted 08/01/02
"I really enjoyed the times that I have visited Bogart's. Their Sunday ..."
