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On The Square

4.7
4.7
1209 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

2 people
May 2022
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7:00 PM
Booked 8 times today

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

Menu

Sandwiches

(Featuring Boar's Head Meats & Cheeses) Your Choice of Pasta Salad, Potato Salad, Side Salad, Slaw, Fries Chips or Pretzels and a Pickle or Soup for $1.50 or Fruit for $1

  • 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

                                                        Last updated: February 3, 2022

                                                        What 1,209 people are saying

                                                        Overall ratings and reviews

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

                                                        4.7
                                                        4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                        • 4.8Food
                                                        • 4.7Service
                                                        • 4.4Ambience
                                                        • 4.6Value

                                                        Noise • Moderate

                                                        Loved For

                                                        • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

                                                          Contemporary American

                                                        • Raleigh

                                                          Great for Lunch

                                                        Sort by

                                                        Filters

                                                        1. OT

                                                          OpenTable Diner

                                                          Richmond

                                                          1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          1 review

                                                          Dined 5 days ago

                                                          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!

                                                        2. 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.

                                                        3. 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.

                                                        4. 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

                                                        5. 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.

                                                        6. 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.

                                                        7. 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.

                                                        8. j

                                                          joeyde

                                                          Raleigh

                                                          115 reviews

                                                          vip
                                                          5.0

                                                          115 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.

                                                        9. TM

                                                          TrentM

                                                          Raleigh

                                                          2 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          2 reviews

                                                          Dined on April 22, 2022

                                                          overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                          Good food, great service and the wine was fantastic!

                                                        10. 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.

                                                        11. R

                                                          Ricky

                                                          1 review

                                                          4.0

                                                          1 review

                                                          Dined on April 22, 2022

                                                          overall4food5service5ambience3

                                                          Great food and service. Anbience was only problem. Otherwise great.

                                                        12. 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!

                                                        13. 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.

                                                        14. 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.

                                                        15. 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

                                                        16. 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.

                                                        17. 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.

                                                        18. RM

                                                          RobertM

                                                          Raleigh

                                                          13 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          13 reviews

                                                          Dined on March 5, 2022

                                                          overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                          On the Square is a small local gem…excellent food and service.

                                                        19. 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!

                                                        20. E

                                                          Ellen

                                                          Philadelphia

                                                          173 reviews

                                                          vip
                                                          5.0

                                                          173 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.

                                                        21. 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

                                                        22. 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.

                                                        23. 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!

                                                        24. TL

                                                          TinaL

                                                          Washington DC

                                                          10 reviews

                                                          3.0

                                                          10 reviews

                                                          Dined on February 17, 2022

                                                          overall3food3service3ambience3

                                                          Disappointing

                                                        25. 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.

                                                        26. MY

                                                          MauryY

                                                          1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          1 review

                                                          Dined on February 14, 2022

                                                          overall5food5service5ambience4

                                                          The food was very good, and at a reasonable price.

                                                        27. 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.

                                                        28. 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!

                                                        29. OT

                                                          OpenTable Diner

                                                          Raleigh

                                                          2 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          2 reviews

                                                          Dined on February 12, 2022

                                                          overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                          On the Square was great as always!

                                                        30. PD

                                                          PhillipDixon

                                                          Raleigh

                                                          4 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          4 reviews

                                                          Dined on February 10, 2022

                                                          overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                          Great food and service

                                                        31. 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.

                                                        32. 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.

                                                        33. j

                                                          joeyde

                                                          Raleigh

                                                          116 reviews

                                                          vip
                                                          5.0

                                                          116 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.

                                                        34. SB

                                                          SteveB

                                                          Portland

                                                          1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          1 review

                                                          Dined on December 5, 2021

                                                          overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                          Absolutely loved our dinner and Gretchan and staff were awesome!!! Will definitely return!! Thank you!

                                                        35. KR

                                                          KenfromRaleigh

                                                          Raleigh

                                                          12 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          12 reviews

                                                          Dined on December 2, 2021

                                                          overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                          Delicious meal! The appetizers entrees and desserts were all great and a nice and reasonably priced wine selection

                                                        36. BU

                                                          BillyU

                                                          Raleigh

                                                          1 review

                                                          4.0

                                                          1 review

                                                          Dined on December 2, 2021

                                                          overall4food3service5ambience4

                                                          Spinach on salad was tough Sea Bass tasted heavy soy sauce Drinks and service were good.

                                                        37. r

                                                          roberty

                                                          Raleigh

                                                          4 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          4 reviews

                                                          Dined on November 28, 2021

                                                          overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                          The food is always great and the presentation is beautiful. Clearly the best restaurant east of Raleigh. The service was wonderful. Always enjoy our meals there.

                                                        38. F

                                                          Fran

                                                          Wilmington

                                                          7 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          7 reviews

                                                          Dined on November 26, 2021

                                                          overall5food5service5ambience4

                                                          I enjoyed the shrimp and mussels curry dish.

                                                        39. F

                                                          Foodlovers

                                                          Raleigh

                                                          14 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          14 reviews

                                                          Dined on November 11, 2021

                                                          overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                          On The Square is a gem! It is a bistro which offers outstanding food and a great selection of wines and cocktails. The menu varies but always offers many tempting treats.

                                                        40. B

                                                          Bootman

                                                          Washington DC

                                                          4 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          4 reviews

                                                          Dined on November 6, 2021

                                                          overall5food5service5ambience4

                                                          Birthday dinner. My only suggestion is to lower the lights s bit.

                                                        FAQs

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

                                                        On The Square is rated 4.7 stars by 1209 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                        Make a reservation

                                                        2 people
                                                        May 2022
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                                                        7:00 PM
                                                        Booked 8 times today
                                                        Google Map for On The Square

                                                        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

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