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Bittersweet

4.4 (485 reviews)
Closed • Closed
Updated 2 months ago

About Bittersweet

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BITTERSWEET ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Loud
Hipster
Trendy
Classy

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Recommended Reviews - Bittersweet

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Andrea M.

One of those spots that you love so much but try to stay away from because... sugar. Their menu is ever changing and their sweets are absolutely delicious. They typically have a daily special and their menu changes 4 to 5 times per year. Known for their selection of gin, don't hesitate to grab a gin and jam or any kind of classic cocktail. I've been coming here for years and will continue to.

Key Lime Tart
Jillian S.

Go here for espresso martinis, mocktails, and desserts. After hearing many praises for Bittersweet, I excitedly stopped by on a Sunday afternoon. The bar is inviting and I love the menu design. We enjoyed all of the items ordered especially the market riot mocktail, espresso martini, and key lime tart. The employees were so friendly and patient. They checked in on us regularly and politely answered our questions.

Dirt & Worms
Allison W.

A fun concept bar of cocktails + desserts! We sat at the bar and received great service. Make sure to take the time to read the whole menu because there are some very unique offerings! We also learned the menu is updated seasonally, so it was a perfect pairing to the beautiful spring weather

Pirates coffee and strawberry rhubarb drink
Cecilia P.

I have a never ending love for this place. The espresso martinis are so good and perfectly sweet. My go to is pirates coffee which is iced and coconut flavor. Even when it's not on their seasonal menu they make it for me. I've never had a bad drink or treat from this place. My favorite bar to take out of town guests! Always a must!

Joel J.

This place was amazing and I'll def be back again. Came on a weekday, the place was moderately packed which was nice because it didn't make it awkward just being us two. The noise level is medium with everyone talking but nothing too crazy. The workers were super friendly and attentive, answering our questions and making sure we understood the menu. The drinks here are also very delicious and presentable. We also ordered an ice cream sundae for 2 which was very yummy; I def recommend you stop by for drinks and a good time.

Pecan pie with Chai espresso martini
Cam A.

The literal definition of a dessert bar. They have amazing unique treats, a great alcohol selection. They also have mocktails coffees, and teas. I believe this place is known for their gym and they have a large gin collection. Sat at the bar here the service was great. The dessert and the drinks came out quickly. They do have special desserts of the day and baked goods also. After a night out if you need a sweet treat and another drink, this is the place to go.

Outdoor
Khanh-Chau M.

Came on a Sunday night and had to wait in line until we could get seated. Unfortunately, a lot of things ran out by the time we got seated so we couldn't try the desserts we really wanted. The sundae was still nice to try with the different toppings. Their almond drink was also tasty. Wish we could have tried more of their desserts.

Ice cream sandwich
Renee B.

Bittersweet was pretty bittersweet... we came for desserts for a friend's birthday and there was about a twenty minute line outside. We were super excited to try these drinks and desserts and were surprised by the lack of flavor in everything. The presentation looked really appetizing but the cupcake was dry, the pecan pie was more like a chocolate with pecans on top and the ice cream sandwich looked cool but tasted like stale popcorn. The drink was okay also. I will say that the vibe was chill and has a really nice date atmosphere.

This was incredible. Prob seasonal. Fresh squeezed watermelon juice as a margarita.
Jessica F.

Loved this cocktail bar! Espresso martinis were perfect and they had a variety of options! All people of my party loved their drinks. The pretzels/nuts bar snack was tasty too. The staff and our waitress in particular was awesome- so friendly and fun and engaging. Definitely would go back next time in the Raleigh area!

Davia N.

One of my new favorite places in downtown. This was one of the stops for my birthday and I know I will be back soon. Service was friendly and the staff gave great recommendations for popular items. We tried a variety of drinks and desserts. Even had a cute birthday shot with a candle in it. The Derby pie was by far my favorite dessert that night. We also had the s'mores sundae which had a cool presentation. For drinks the Caribbean Thunderstorm was my favorite. Definitely give this place a try.

Bad Santa!
Shamara H.

Not so Bittersweet...This is one of my favorite Raleigh spots. Service always amazing! The staff is here is very friendly, helpful, and I have never had a bad cocktail. Drinks are bussin! I love the Gin and Jam and the Espresso Martini's are the best in the city! I would also recommend you trying a seasonal drink. Definitely a cute spot for a date night, drinks with friends, or a solo date. On the weekends get there early to beat the line. But, trust it is worth the wait!

Boozy pepper mint latte w/ vodka
Hayley P.

We've known about this place but only just visited, and we had an absolutely wonderful time! We came in on a Saturday afternoon around 4pm. No wait, which you won't find as it gets into the evening. Our server was lovely and attentive. I got the boozy peppermint latte and my partner got the I Smell Ice, and lemme tell you, they are heavy handed with that liquor. We also got the coffee crème brûlée and both agreed that it is probably the smoothest crème brûlée we had ever had. $42 in total with the tip so not bad for what you get. A great place to pop in on the weekend with your SO or friends.

Holly K.

Bittersweet continues. to be such a Raleigh gem! I've been a few times recently and it never disappoints. On Pi day they were unfortunately sold out of most of their pies, but we still enjoyed what we were able to get. The chocolate chess pie was solid, but I think my favorite dessert here still remains that carrot cinnamon cupcake and the salty ice cream sandwich. For drinks the iced toasted almond continues to be my favorite. The perfect after dinner sweet treat drink. Their new champagne and gummy bears cocktail also did not disappoint. Expect to wait when you go, but they do a good job of moving through the line in waves.

Gin & Jam  Seaside Garden

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Page 13 of 13

Ask the Community - Bittersweet

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I'm not sure. They did not check ID, so my guess is "no age require "

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Is this a good spot to work?

No, loud noise level

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FOUNDATION - Seasonal menu and famous Appletini which is not to be missed!!

FOUNDATION

4.4(332 reviews)
0.1 mi•Fayetteville Street
•$$

This is a whiskey lover's dream and one of Raleigh's most unique drinking destinations. It's quite…read moreliterally underground as it's in a basement. With little signage the space feels like a natural speakeasy. It's unpolished enough to feel a little sleazy, yet polished enough to never feel dirty. In other words, it has character, and plenty of it. The bartenders were fantastic: knowledgeable, talented, and happy to chat about the spirits behind the bar. Whether you're a serious whiskey enthusiast or just looking for a well-made cocktail, you're in good hands. Being open later than most Raleigh bars makes Foundation one of the city's go-to late-night options, but that shouldn't overshadow what it really is........a great bar at any hour. The atmosphere, the drinks, and the people behind the bar make this a place worth seeking out whether it's your first stop of the evening or your last.

Foundation Bar offers a uniquely cool vibe, tucked away in a basement location that makes it easy…read moreto miss if you aren't looking for it. The interior features rotating art hung on the walls--which adds a great aesthetic and is even available for purchase if you fall in love with a piece. The drink menu is impressively extensive, and the bartenders certainly don't skimp on the pours; if you aren't a frequent drinker, one strong cocktail will definitely be plenty. The staff is consistently polite and welcoming, and the overall atmosphere makes for a solid night out. The only notable drawbacks are the lack of a food menu, not even offering small bites, and a noticeable smoke odor inside that might bother non-smokers. Still, it's a great spot for drinks and atmosphere.

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FOUNDATION - South side

South side

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Cuya - Très lèche

Cuya

4.6(41 reviews)
0.8 mi•North Boylan

I absolutely loved this place! Wow nothing but good things to say where I begin? We had had the…read moregrilled shrimp brocheta, & the crispy potato flautas. My wife & I had passion fruit mimosas that were delicious. The decor is modern, yet eclectic and cozy, beautiful accents and dim lighting in the restaurant, there are nice plants everywhere too, which is a nice touch. The shrimp had a tasty grilled flavored that paired well with the aji panco rub and the piquillo pepper sauce the flautas were as flavorful as you can get with potatos, the salsa molcajete really brought it together though. The food was delicious and a nice surprise, we were thoroughly impressed with the whole experience, from the food, to the service, to the ambiance. I will definitely be back for dinner.

I came here for my birthday on a Sunday evening. We easily found street parking a block or two…read moreaway. We had a reservation and it wasn't busy, with two other groups and one couple dining there as well. We left around 6:30 and it was still very slow with no new customers coming in since we arrived. I think this place is probably more lively on Friday and Saturday nights. The food was delicious and the employees were friendly. When we walked in, the executive chef (Kevin?) asked if we had dined there before and welcomed us with a handshake and introduced himself. When you first enter Cuya there is a casual dining area with a lot of natural light coming in through the windows. That is the cafe portion of their restaurant and where they serve pastries, lattes, sandwiches, salads, and other more casual dining options. It's a cute and spacious spot that would be great for a casual breakfast or lunch. When you walk through the cafe there is a second door that opens into a second dining area that is a lot darker and has a completely different vibe and look. The music is fairly loud so it isn't a good place to go for a quiet meal or date unless you're into nightlife. The music is fun though with reggaeton, some r&b, and other Latin music like Juanes or bad bunny. The decor is super cool and sexy and colorful with fun decorations like a bust/mannequin head wearing a tropical fruit hat, lots of plants and neon lights, as well as framed art featuring different Latin countries. We started off with some drinks: a mezcalita picante and a pineapple jarritos. They even poured the jarritos into a glass and garnished it like a cocktail which was a nice touch and fun for our 5 year old. Our appetizers came after our drinks. We ordered the fritto mixto, pork belly tostones, pulpo, and empanadas. For our main meal we ordered the banana leaf steamed snapper. We ended our meal with mango sorbet. The only desserts available were a banana bread style bread pudding and mango sorbet. I was really hoping for some flan or tres leches and very disappointed by the offerings available. However, the mango sorbet was actually so incredible and delicious with a generous amount of scoops (I believe there were four). You could really taste the mango. The fritto mixto was good and came with a nice marinara style sauce which tasted more like a blended pico de gallo. The calamari was tasty and there were some nice juicy shrimp in the mix as well. The pork belly empanada was nice but not our favorite. We liked the sauce it came with but we weren't expecting deep fried empanadas. It comes with 2 however and makes for a great sharing appetizer for a small group. My favorite appetizer was definitely the pulpo which was so crispy on the outside and oh so tender on the inside and cooked to perfection. It didn't seem grilled as the menu states but was still incredibly delicious. It is plated atop a yummy salsa and served with some fingerling potatoes (some purple on the inside!). The potatoes were no frills and not that flavorful but still nice. Highly recommend. The banana leaf snapper was a very interesting dish with a fun presentation. The snapper sits beneath a layer green olive and capers with arugula and baby tomatoes. The snapper was cooked well and extremely tender. I recommend you mix it all together otherwise the caper and olive mix is pretty overpowering. We had an overall lovely experience and would return again and recommend this place to anyone looking for a delicious place to try! I want to come back to try the noodle dishes, Jamaican curry wings, and the ceviche/crudo items! The tacos sounded delicious as well.

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Cuya - La Tripleta Sandwich

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Whiskey Kitchen - Cracklin' Biscuits

Whiskey Kitchen

4.0(805 reviews)
0.2 mi•Warehouse District
•$$

Whiskey kitchen !!!!! Wowzers !!…read more Let me tell you this place is 10/10! The food , the drinks and the service.. I wish I could come daily as it definitely is a great spot. One part whiskey bar and one part southern kitchen this is a win in downtown Raleigh! Known for their small plates and shareable, they do have entree and main dishes along with a great selection of whiskey. The shrimp and grits were alittle to saucy for me but my nephew had no problem finishing it for me lol. We will definitely be back!

My boyfriend and I dined here for a date night and I had really hoped for better. The first thing I…read morenoticed upon arriving was how dead it was, especially considering we went on a Friday night at 6:30PM. My boyfriend is a huge whiskey drinker and had been wanting to visit here for a while. He had heard that the best Old Fashioned were here (he said that it was not that great), and while they did have bougie cocktails, I settled for a margarita. Our server was very attentive and friendly. The atmosphere and decor were great! I am a plant person, so I loved seeing all of the plants. I love the open concept and exposed ceiling. But the food......was displeasing and unappetizing. I ordered the lamp burger, and while I ordered it as well done, I did not know that it would be presented overcooked with a charred outside. If you know lamb, this caused the meat to be extremely dry. The burger itself was very bland and lacked much flavor. My boyfriend ordered the Fireman's Chicken and by the looks of it when it came out, someone should have called the fire department while it was cooking! It was so burnt it was black. The only flavor present was charred meat and it was the most dried out chicken we have ever had (unfortunately I tried it). The collard greens were bitter with little flavor and the black-eyed peas still had crunch to where they weren't cooked all the way. To say all this, to have a $100 bill was HIGHLY unappreciated as it was one of the worst meals we have had in a LONG time. I definitely could see why they were not busy. The food was cooked terrible. And I will note that it isn't that I am picky, the couple next to us barely ate their meal and looked just as dissatisfied as we were. We would NOT recommend!

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Whiskey Kitchen - Whiskey Flights

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Whiskey Kitchen - Smoked mozzarella salad with fried chicken

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The Crunkleton - Wagyu Flat Iron

The Crunkleton

4.3(90 reviews)
0.8 mi•Glenwood South
•$$$

I was excited to finally be able to visit The Crunkleton after hearing good reviews about the…read morerestaurant. We came when the restaurant opened during the week so we were seated right away and it wasn't crowded. There are several tables and spaces to sit inside of the restaurant. Our server, Ariel, was friendly & very attentive during our visit. The manager, Ravi, was also great. We both got a steak and I got the Mac & cheese for my side. The Mac & cheese was very cheesy as it contained multiple cheeses. We enjoyed it. My steak was also prepared well and was tender. The fries were served hot. It did take a little while for our food to be brought out to us but it was worth the wait.

We came to The Crunkleton for dinner and made reservations online ahead of time, which I definitely…read morerecommend since this place seems to stay busy. We started with the mussels cooked with chorizo sausage. They had good flavor, although I personally would have preferred the mussels without the sausage flavor. For our entrée, we had the Steak & Fries. The fries were cooked perfectly and had great flavor, especially with the cheese. We also ordered a side of Mac & Cheese, which is made with baked shell pasta, rich, cheesy, and really good. The restaurant itself is fairly small and intimate, with the full bar and open kitchen all in the same room as the dining tables. I really liked the warm, lively atmosphere, although it can feel a little crowded when they're busy. Overall, good food, a cozy atmosphere, and a fun dinner spot in Raleigh. I'd definitely recommend making a reservation before coming, especially for dinner.

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The Crunkleton - Interior

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The Crunkleton - Charred Brussels Sprouts & Duck Fat Potatotes

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Bittersweet - coffee - Updated October 2026

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