Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery

Recommends

Kevin K.

Joined 1 year ago

A 10 year review. There is something to be said for a restaurant where people wait outside 10 min. before the doors are open to get in. I've been going to HBC for 10 years, and it's always more than a dinner out when I go. For some reason, it's an experience I don't soon forget. Almost everyone I have taken there, even months and years later they still talk about the experience. The food, wine, service and of course desserts are all top notch. I'll be going for many more years to come.

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Sadie G

Joined 4 years ago

Always fantastic!!!. Took our friends Friday night and as always, everything was fantastic. The salads are fresh and the portions huge. Make sure you save room for their cakes. You won't finsh your dessert but will enjoy the leftovers the next day. They don't take reservations for parties under four so you might have to wait but it is worth every minute. I only wished they stayed open past 9:30 on the weekends...it would be nice to be able to stop by for dessert after a movie.

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aprileman

Joined 2 years ago

The best food you will ever taste, seriously!. This is were you go when you really want to treat yourself to what it would feel like to visit the ideal feel good restaurant. Husband and wife team, Frank and Marget have created a place that feels like coming home for us.

On the very rare date nights my husband and I get, our first stop is always here. It's like a getting a home cooked meal (only the exquisite kind) from some really good friends, followed by you've died and gone to heaven desserts. The prices are amazing and the food is incredible!

Seriously run don't walk to this restaurant and bring all your friends--everyone will be happy and full!

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annie181

Joined 4 years ago

Great Staff, Best Food!. I am very picky about restaurants and I don't want to spend money eating out unless the food and drinks are top notch, and the staff and ambience make for a truly enjoyable experience. That's why I go back to Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery every week! The staff and owners are incredibly friendly - they even remember your name and favorite drink. The food is by far the best in Raleigh and in my experience living in over 5 major cities, the best anywhere around.

The specials are incredible - my first choice is often a fish entree or the steak with mashed potatoes, although I also love items on the everyday dinner menu such as the pear salad, chicken pot pie and meatloaf. But beware, the portions are quite big! Try as best as you can to save room for dessert because it is truly incredible! For chocolate lovers like me, be sure to try the Elvis Cake and the Boston Cream Pie Cake. Other favorites are the Coconut Cake and the Key Lime Pie.

Be sure to give this place a try! It is a local gem. I'm sure you'll keep going back over and over!

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JD17

Joined 2 years ago

Hands Down - Best Restaurant in US. The headline is true. I've been to restaurants across the fruited plain and there is not one other place that beats Hayes Barton Cafe for food, ambience, vibe and overall experience.

The World War II decor brings back feelings of yesterday, when times were simpler. The staff is downright 'cool' and always provides excellent service. It's not unusual for the owners to stop by for a few words while you are there, and are about the most genuine and nice people you could meet.

There may be a wait, but that's because the place is always packed because it's so good. Be patient and wait - it's always worth it. Leave any pretentious attitudes at the door 'cause this is the kind of place where the Rat Pack would've hung out back in the day.

Thanks Hayes Barton for being the heartbeat in the City of Raleigh.

Doesn't Recommend

Ensor1

Joined 2 years ago

Head Here to be Treated Like a Second Class Citizen. A Restaurant Run By Rude Staff.

Yes, the dessert is yummy, perhaps some of the best in the city. The unfortunate news is that every single time I go to this restaurant I have an awful experience. I have a weakness for good dessert, but I am officially done with this place. Once I was eating with a group of girlfriends. We had finished eating and had just paid our bill when the owner came over and asked us to leave b/c we were holding up the table for too long. Next I went by for dessert a little before 3 in the afternoon. We were refused coffee with our dessert b/c they do not serve coffee before 3 p.m. Really? This past weekend my friend and I headed over after enjoying a movie at the Rialto. We arrived around 9:10 p.m. The restaurant closes at 9:30. It was packed and they sat a group right as we were walking in. We asked to be seated to have dessert. We were told no. We could either get a piece to go or not have anything. When we asked why, we were told they needed to get ready for the next night, which was New Year's Eve. When we declined and said we would not be coming back b/c of rude service, they back tracked, changed their minds and said they would now serve us. Business must be really great when you can pick and choose the customers you serve. If you want to be treated like a second class citizen, head on over to Hayes Barton. They will not disappoint.

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Kevin Coats

Joined 4 years ago

Excellent Food - Friendly Service - EAT HERE. Hayes Barton Cafe is one of the best local restaurants in town! The lunchtime bacon cheeseburgers are not to be missed and the dinner options are extensive and specials change nightly! The atmosphere is a 40s/50s inspired celebrity diner and you'll think the food was prepared by a celebrity chef! Frank does a great job! The food is incredibly good and the service is fantastic! The location in the heart of Raleigh couldn't be more convenient, but be sure you have dinner reservations! The line forms early and the locals know exactly where they're going for dinner when they don't want to cook! Be sure you have lunch and dinner here, you'll be a fan for life! Published by Kevin Coats Raleigh NC

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dessertstar

Joined 3 years ago

Fantastic Food, Atmosphere & Staff. Every detail is evident in the unique decor as you enter this 1940's inspired retro atmosphere and are reminded of our past celebrity, veterans and local lifestyle hanging on the walls.

Just try not to be distracted when you walk past the dessert case - these are the most artistic and tasteful decorations of all! I've sampled just about every cake and pie over the last 12 years and I can promise, you will NOT be dissappointed.

Once you are personally escorted to your table by the owner, it's like walking into a friends home for dinner. The owners are always there, and the longtime staff know you by name and welcome you back.

The food is generous, tasty and I can suggest my favorites: Filet Mignon, Mussells, Meatloaf and Chicken Pot Pie.

If you are a regular or a first timer it's YOUR special meal and I always feel treated like royalty. Thank you Hayes Barton Cafe for remaining a Precious Gem in this mega franchise restaurant world we live in!

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Rann Paynter

Joined 3 years ago

The Coconut cake is just the beginning!. Raleigh is fortunate to have Hayes Barton Café and Dessertery. While this Five Points gem wins awards for the best desserts… their coconut cake is better than your grandmother's or mine…they are deserving of more…the staff is courteous, attentive and friendly; the atmosphere welcoming; the filet is the best in town and the evening specials make you want to come back for more! I’ve entertained friends and business associates from around the country there…when they return to Raleigh…they always want to go back to Hayes Barton!

Doesn't Recommend

5ptsfoody

Joined 3 years ago

Disappointment. I really wish that 0 stars was an option. Friends and neighbors have always touted Hayes Barton Cafe but we were highly disappointed in the whole experience. The staff was rude, the wait for service was unnecessary, and the food was just not good. The next time I want to spend $80 on two appetizers,half a lettece wedge and some wine, I will surely stop at Bloomsbury Bistro where I know the food is 5 star, my husband and I could split an entree as well and John Tolar appreciates his customers.