On The Square

Name: On The Square
Address: 115 East St. James Street, Tarboro, NC, United States, 27886
Telephone: (252) 823-8268
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8

1201 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Due to limited seating, we are only accepting in-house reservations. Please call the restaurant directly for a reservation.

Located in Historic Downtown Tarboro, one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, On the Square Restaurant offers seasonal, sustainable ingredients that are celebrated throughout the ever-changing menu. Open for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and for lunch on Monday through Friday, we are as proud of our food and comfortable atmosphere as we are of our eclectic and value-driven wine list.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 28, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(252) 823-8268

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 3:00pm; Dinner: Thursday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Phone number
(252) 823-8268
Website
http://www.onthesquarenc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Stephen Ribustello
Catering
We offer catering of every kind. From box lunches to weddings, we are happy and able to provide food and wine for your special event.

Location
115 East St. James Street Tarboro, NC 27886
Neighborhood
Tarboro
Cross street
Main Street
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

90 Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Char-grilled 8 oz. Burger$8.50
Sterling silver ground chuck, lettuce, tomato, purple onion, kaiser roll
Reuben$7.50
Corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss, thousand island, grilled rye
Rachel$7.50
Turkey, swiss, coleslaw, thousand island, grilled rye
Hot Roast Beef$7.50
Caramelized red onion, roasted bell peppers, lettuce, melted provolone, kaiser roll
Turkey & Cranberry$7.95
Cream Cheese, sprouts, red onion, cranberry sauce, honey wheat bread
Grilled Pork Tenderloin$7.95
Sterling silver pork, lettuce, tomato, horseradish honey-mustard, poppy seed kaiser
Vegetable Sandwich$7.95
Cucumber, lettuce, tomato, alfalfa sprouts, red onion, roasted red peppers, havarti, balsamic vinaigrette, honey wheat bread
Grilled Chicken Breast$7.50
Havarti, lettuce, tomato, red onion, dill dressing, honey wheat bread
Cold Roast Beef$7.50
Horseradish dressing, lettuce, tomato, red onion, kaiser roll
Fried Oyster Sandwich$8.95
Chipotle aioli, slaw, kaiser roll
3D Club$7.50
Ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato
Boar's Head Hot Dog$4.50
Garden Burger$6.95
Lettuce, tomato, onion, kaiser roll
Chicken Salad or Tuna Salad Melt$6.95
Grilled Cheese$5.95
Pimento Cheese$5.95
BLT$5.95
Salad & 1/2 Sandwich$5.50
Pimento cheese, grilled cheese, BLT or peanut butter & jelly
Soup & 1/2 Sandwich$6.00
Pimento cheese, grilled cheese, BLT or peanut butter & jelly

Salads

Add On's: Tuna or Chicken salad or Grilled chicken $2.50

Cobb Salad$7.50
Mesclun mix, grilled chicken, hard boiled egg, blue cheese, crumbled bacon, red onion, tomato, sunflower seeds
Chef's Salad$7.50
Mixed greens, Boar's head meats & cheeses, hard boiled egg, red onion, cucumber, tomato, sunflower seeds
Cranberry Salad$6.95
Baby greens, dried cranberries, pecans, blue cheese, buttermilk ranch
House Salad$4.95
Mixed greens, cucumber, red onion, tomato, sunflower seeds

Daily Pasta Dish

Daily Pasta Dish$10.00

Vegan & Gluten Free

Stir Fry Rice Noodles$8.95
Vegetables, ginger-scallion, tofu
Baked Potato & Salad$5.50

Desserts

Desserts$3.50
Made Daily

What 1,201 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.3Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
Great for Lunch
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
Contemporary American
Raleigh
Best Food
Raleigh
Great for Lunch

Sort by

Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was awesome!
LE
LenE
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The menu was very interesting and the portions (in our opinion} were large. On the Square is a must go to place in Eastern N.C.
M
Marie
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Love On the Square. Thanks to the chef, Steven! Great selection of wine to choose from, great price point. Service is great, food delicious
F
Foodies
Mississippi
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
Food is excellent , service ok but its no longer the upscale restaurant it was prior to the pandemic.
D
Dennis
Raleigh
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great place to share moments together with friends & family with the diverse dinner offerings of a beloved restaurant -by-many in Eastern North Carolina !
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greensboro
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food at On the Square is consistently delicious!
BB
BretB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
A happy staff, the outstanding tasting dinner we remembered from pre-pandemic and a bartender who truly knew what she was doing and took pride in her work
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food always! Outstanding staff always! Outstanding atmosphere always! Great place for an intimate dinner or a big party in the back. Never disappoints!
JC
JosephC
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
The food was well prepared. My wife had the burger and fries..she said that they were among the best that she ever had. I had the salad with strawberries and for the main course, risotto. The risotto was excellent, but the portion was a little small for my large appetite. The salad was exceptional and enough for the two of us. The carrot cake was deconstructed with pecans and raisins on the side. The cake was served with a large portion of stiff cream...altogether it was very satisfying. The staff was very friendly and helpful but one of them seemed to lack experience and was a bit intrusive (not rude, however). Perhaps she was very rushed. Overall, it was a nice evening with some friends. The noise level was tolerable, and we had a good conversation. We will certainly return.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our table was ready when we arrived. Server was attentive and staff was friendly. Cannot say enough good things about our meals. Everyone ordered different entrees- all were excellent. Juicy steaks, delicious salmon and soft shell crab, and shrimp and grits that I will probably dream about for weeks. Followed with a creamy cheesecake- a fabulous way to end the celebration of our daughter’s graduation.
PH
PamelaH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time eating at this restaurant but it won’t be our last. The food was delicious and the service was great. Highly recommend
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful find to celebrating college graduation with family and friends. Great service, food and hospitality! Relaxing evening together. Thanks If you’re in the area, truly recommend a visit.
MS
MarkS
Charleston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
We have eaten there many times and each time the quality of the food and service goes down. The food is good, still better than average and the service is okay. The dessert choices were limited and they no longer serve coffee. This was disappointing and made us cancel our dessert order all together. We had a table of four as a birthday celebration and overall it was a disappointing evening.
M
Michael
Greensboro
6 reviews
vip
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience1
Always good recipes - but usually always small portions. Service adequate, knowledgeable - but never quite as polished as the pricing would suggest. Same goes for atmosphere, decor, background music, presentation and a lasting warm and welcoming impression. Have always hoped for more at these price points...don't see evidence of improvement in these areas anytime soon.
j
joeyde
Raleigh
117 reviews
vip
5.0
117 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Came over again from Greenville. Food and drinks were excellent. Split the very tasty mussel appetizer. Our party had the mahi-mahi, shrimp and scallops in a pastry shell and the salmon. All three were delicious, but my favorite was the shrimp and scallops followed by the salmon. The sauces, seasonings and presentations were exception. We split the warm fried apple pie with vanilla ice cream and it too was delicious.
TM
TrentM
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food, great service and the wine was fantastic!
S
Stump
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall3food5service3ambience2
Not the experience it used to be. Gone are the candles, fresh flowers, and local artwork. Dress is far too casual, even for the staff. Food is very good, but a more limited menu. Service is ok. Disappointed.
R
Ricky
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
Great food and service. Anbience was only problem. Otherwise great.
JW
JimW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service! Excellent food! I would and do recommend everyone to make an effort to try On the Square! We are from Greensboro nc but whenever we are in the area, we make sure we have dinner there!
r
roberty
Raleigh
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was extremely busy, but the staff did a wonderful job. Very cordial waitress who had a lot of tables to manage. I know Stephen was catering elsewhere tonight but the kitchen turned out some delicious meals. Kudos for having them so well prepared. Saw a lot of friends last night. Will be back in 2 weeks for my birthday.
DW
DonnaW
Richmond
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience3
We were there for lunch. I would prefer not to pour my own drink. I would also like to have had at least a paper table cloth. The food was very good. The service was quick. The server friendly. I will certainly go again.
JC
JimC
Wilmington
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience3
Food was fantastic Service was good. A very enjoyable evening
JC
JohnC
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Drinks and dinner were absolutely fabulous: Brown Derby, fried brussel sprouts and chicken scallopini for my wife and I had the Valdemort cocktail (referesing like lemoncello), garden salad & Seafood Cacciacucco (sp?) with shrimp, mussels, squid & clams (?) in a nice garlic red sauce - all VERY good at a moderate price & defnitely worth the 40-minute drive. If you want to get away from the aroma of seafood, request a table in the back. We will definitely go again.
JH
JudyH
Raleigh
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
I always enjoy On The Square when I’m in the area.
RM
RobertM
Raleigh
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
On the Square is a small local gem…excellent food and service.
GA
GeneA
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really enjoyed our visit. Very neat and clean. Love the low light atmosphere we will visit again!
E
Ellen
Philadelphia
176 reviews
vip
5.0
176 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were staying at a hotel 20 minutes from Tarboro and wanted to eat at a nearby gem. We found On The Square on Open Table and decided to try it. The food was outstanding, the service very attentive, the prices more than reasonable and all in a very charming atmosphere. This restaurant is a true neighborhood gem not to be missed.
HD
HD12
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and wine was top notch as usual. Staff were friendly and personable. It was busy but I didnt feel rushed. Great experience
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
Great food, especially for Eastern NC. Service was great. It was rather cold in there and I would request a table and chairs instead of their wooden straight back bench seating. It was a bit uncomfortable. Pricing is very good. I would definitely return.
GS
GinaS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was amazing and the food was delicious! Can't wait to go back!
TL
TinaL
Washington DC
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Disappointing
IP
IglooP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food! Excellent service. Took a date here for Valentines day and was more than pleased. Wine choices were excellent. Food is on a daily menu and everything tasted amazing.
MY
MauryY
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was very good, and at a reasonable price.
NA
NAJYALC
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was the best from the bread to the dessert. We all cleaned our plates.
LC
LucindaC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I normally love going to have lunch there, but recently my husband and I like to go on double date with our friends for dinner, and it’s been delicious!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
On the Square was great as always!
PD
PhillipDixon
Raleigh
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service
BF
BobbyF
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our group of 6 was extremely pleased with every aspect of our experience at On The Square. The food and service was exceptional.
KL
KellyL
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our table was ready for us when we arrived. The server and the food were wonderful! I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
j
joeyde
Raleigh
117 reviews
vip
5.0
117 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
We drove over from Greenville after reading the reviews and were not disappointed. Wonderful food, great martinis and excellent service all at reasonable prices. We will definitely return soon. A hidden gem.

FAQs

On The Square offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (252) 823-8268.

On The Square is rated 4.8 stars by 1201 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 28, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(252) 823-8268

115 East St. James Street Tarboro, NC 27886

Additional information

Cross street
Main Street
Neighborhood
Tarboro
Hours of operation
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 3:00pm; Dinner: Thursday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Stephen Ribustello
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.onthesquarenc.com/
Phone number
(252) 823-8268
Catering
We offer catering of every kind. From box lunches to weddings, we are happy and able to provide food and wine for your special event.

Featured in

90 Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

On The Square

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

90 Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Sandwiches

Char-grilled 8 oz. Burger$8.50

Reuben$7.50

Rachel$7.50

Hot Roast Beef$7.50

Turkey & Cranberry$7.95

Grilled Pork Tenderloin$7.95

Vegetable Sandwich$7.95

Grilled Chicken Breast$7.50

Cold Roast Beef$7.50

Fried Oyster Sandwich$8.95

3D Club$7.50

Boar's Head Hot Dog$4.50

Garden Burger$6.95

Chicken Salad or Tuna Salad Melt$6.95

Grilled Cheese$5.95

Pimento Cheese$5.95

BLT$5.95

Salad & 1/2 Sandwich$5.50

Soup & 1/2 Sandwich$6.00

Salads

Cobb Salad$7.50

Chef's Salad$7.50

Cranberry Salad$6.95

House Salad$4.95

Daily Pasta Dish

Daily Pasta Dish$10.00

Vegan & Gluten Free

Stir Fry Rice Noodles$8.95

Baked Potato & Salad$5.50

Desserts

Desserts$3.50

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

Does On The Square offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is On The Square restaurant rated?

Is On The Square currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Featured in

90 Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day