Bittersweet

180

514

3 years ago

i love the concept of this place & how popular it is! there's almost always a line waiting to get in & there's many indoor/outdoor seating too. the staff were super friendly, we really appreciated everyone for their patience & helpfulness! i saw a lot of people order the espresso martini & i've always wanted to try a coffee drink & it was so good! my friends got the saturn return & toasted almond which looked so good as well. one ended up ordering a splash of grapefruit juice towards the end of her drink & they were so considerate! i also tried another drink afterwards, which was the bittersweet aviation, it was super floral & had such an amazing flavor to it! moving on to the desserts! omygod we had such a hard time deciding! my friend was deciding between the lemon tart or the strawberry creme pie but ended choosing the later since it was only available on friday & saturday. i had my eye on the blueberry lavender creme brûlée because how can anyone pass up on that combination?? our other friend decided with the s'mores sundae, which wasn't her favorite, but they were all decorated so uniquely & so aesthetically pleasing! overall, the service was great, the drinks were amazing, & the desert were superb! even though it was really popping towards later into the night, they weren't lacking at all. i love how there's hooks underneath the table to hang our purses & bags. even though the streets can get very noisy, i thought it was still very intimate & really easy to continue your focus on your peers or whoever! read more

Bittersweet - espresso martini, toasted almond, saturn returns - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - blueberry lavender creme brûlée, s'mores sundae, hella-good strawberry creme pie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Mona C.

1 year ago

The Drinks! The Sweets! I have a favorite place to go in Raleigh now and it's here. Highly recommend the Gin &Jam. Create a drink adventure with over 80 ! Gins to choose from. Knowledgeable staff helps with the difficult decisions. read more

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Maria D.

126

3 years ago

Great place! Friendly service, great vibe - fun drinks and delish desserts. It's a splurge, but we had a blast. If you get there after after 8:45pm, be prepared to wait in line. A must try In Raleigh! read more

Bittersweet - The dude! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Espresso martini! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - people sitting at a bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Mess cake - beautiful & yum! Plus, edible flowers. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - S'mores! Yuuuummmm! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Holly M.

186

103

426

7 years ago

What a gem. I was in town for work this weekend so of course stalked all the cocktail bars, and this is one that came up as "best of." Sure was. First off, it's a Gin and dessert bar (they have a full bar and beer and whine, but are known for their exquisite Gin list. Secondly, they specialize in sweet treats and well, and If I lived here I'd be all over this, all day every day. So we arrived upon opening at 20m in a Sunday, and the staff greeted us warmly. After checking out the menu and recommendations from our server, I settled on their specialty, a "Gin and Jam." Which, infuses delicious flavored jams in with one of their select Gins. I did a lemon flavored gin with raspberry jam, and oh my what a treat. It was so delicious, and comes with an extra scoop of jam to either eat or mix in with the drink. I didn't mix, for fear of way too much sweetness. We ordered the s'mores sundae and the bourbon pecan pie....the sundae was sort of a deconstructed one and was outstanding. The marshmallow and graham crumble was outstanding. I didn't try the bourbon, but the smell was so delicious and my family raved over it. If I am ever back in the area, I'm in. Staff was so super friendly, ambiance was so laid back and relaxing, and menu is just on point. A great place to check out!! read more

Bittersweet - Dessert and drinks - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Sundae - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Drinks - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Sign - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Taahira H.

141

373

5 years ago

Honestly, you can't go wrong here. I needed a sugar fix this weekend and this place was open until 12am. There was a small wait (10 min) and we were seated inside. Outdoor seating is available as well. It's a cool concept on sweet treats from cupcakes to alcohol and ICE CREAM SANDWICHES! I had an espresso martini, which was amazing ! I also tried their pumpkin cupcake. Delicious , the thing I liked the most is the food was fresh. The cupcake was soooo soft, like it was just made and cooled. The icing was perfect. The drinks and food are overpriced, but honestly for the experience and the ambiance it's worth it for a once in a while treat. read more

Bittersweet - Cocktail menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Pumpkin cupcake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Margarita - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Stacy A.

240

3 years ago

Bittersweet really is one of the most underrated, "hidden in plain sight" destinations in Downtown Raleigh. From their complex and distinct cocktail menu to their extensive specialty gin menu (they're known for gin/gin cocktails) to the out of this world dessert menu, Bittersweet is the kind of place that you can't wait to eat and drink your way through the entire menu. Champagne & Gummy Bears is one of my favorite cocktails on the menu and I haven't had a dessert I didn't like. It's an intimate space for seating indoors but there's also outdoor sidewalk seating/standing space. Staff is always attentive but relaxed; you're never rushed and never forgotten. Love stopping in--it's more than worth it every time! read more

Bittersweet - Champagne & Gummy Bears cocktail - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Priya D.

Elite 25

218

3 years ago

I cannot recommend this place more!! I've been here several times and had a great experience each time! The desserts and drinks are all top tier and the ambiance is amazing! I love ending my night here! We got the s'mores sundae and cookie sandwich which was delicious! The popcorn that came with the cookie sandwich was kind of weird and stale but overall the dish was amazing! Would highly recommend it! The s'mores sundae was incredible! Very sweet but so delicious! The espresso martini was one of the best! Would highly recommend this place for a sweet treat and when out in downtown Raleigh! read more

Bittersweet - S'mores sundae - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - S'mores sundae, cookie ice cream sandwich, espresso martini - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Kate W.

Elite 23

137

123

5 years ago

Such a great dessert spot, we have been here a number fo times and enjoyed it each time! There can be a line out front so try to come early. The desserts are delicious as are the drinks! I had the toasted almond but it was almost too strong for me to drink. The gin and jam was my wife's favorite drink, they have just released a number of new seasonal flavors! Good atmosphere alright can be quite dark depending on where you are sitting. read more

Bittersweet - Blackberry gin and jam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Blueberry carnival - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Toasted almond - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Jason H.

332

6 years ago

Last week we just wanted something sweet, so I yelped and found this place. It was next to the my wife's office and she was like "yes, there food is so good!" I picked up and amazing apple and caramel pie and a salted cookie and another dessert special to bring home. It was so easy, they have a little takeout window right on the street. I called ahead and it was well packed and ready for me, but the best part is that everything was delicious. This place is definitely on my list going forward when it's been one of those days, and something sweet is required for an attitude adjustment. read more

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Molly L.

130

2 years ago

Cool concept--a dessert bar. Tasty cocktails, really fun service, and a good salty caramel , homemade ice cream sandwich. Would have liked to try most of the desserts.Great energy, good vibes here, glad we stopped in. read more

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Jazzmine O.

3 years ago

10/10 recommend. The desserts and drinks were great. Guilty of revisiting for the s'mores sundae alone. read more

Bittersweet - Seating - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Pamela R.

4 years ago

Great place. The food and service are awesome. I be back. We order the Brie and the s'mores delightful read more

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Nneka C.

2 years ago

I tried to come here on a Saturday night with my girls, and the line was down the block. I came here on a Wednesday when they just opened and we were seared immediately. We had Irish Coffee, creme brulee, and a strawberry cake special. Come early because they don't take reservations. read more

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Karly H.

110

6 years ago

There's nothing quite like Bittersweet in Raleigh! Even though there's no dining in right now, the to go window is open from 2-7 everyday (except Monday). You can order online and conveniently schedule pick up for your fav sweet & savory treats + drink mixers! One of my favorite desserts is the S'mores Sundae, it is mouth watering-- trust me. Marshmallow cream, dark chocolate brownie, ice cream and toasted graham crackers. Just so YUM! Once you can grab a cocktail again, I highly recommend ordering a chocolate martini. It's not on the menu but they'll happily make it for you. If you're not a chocolate drink lover, I would try the gin & jam! They let you select a gin & local jam combo, then mix it up with lemon and sugar and served with a spoonful of jam. So unique and so good! read more

Bittersweet - Chocolate Martini - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Kaitlin C.

208

3 years ago

Came 30 minutes before close lastnight on a Sunday after dinner . The bar staff was friendly and didn't make us feel rushed even though I know how it is in the service industry when it's close to closing. My experience was a great one all of the drinks were delicious and our derby pie for dessert was 10/10. Happy to have found this gem can't wait to bring my out of state family and friends when they visit. read more

Bittersweet - Derby pie 10/10 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Chai espresso martini .. 10/10 so good - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Jessy Briton H.

1045

211

3 years ago

Lovely stop after brunch on a cold day for a boozy hot coffee drink (the Oatmeal Raisin is yum!) and slice of derby pie. Our server was joyful and we just loved the concept this restaurant brings to downtown Raleigh. read more

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Stephanie M.

2 years ago

Stopped in for some dessert after dinner. We had the Don't Call It Tiramisu cake paired with the Seaside Garden drink and the Affogato Al Cafe paired with an Espresso martini. Let me start by saying that the Seaside Garden is extremely sweet. I had to send that back. The waiter was kind enough to switch my drink to an Espresso martini. The Espresso Martini was underwhelming, definitely heavy on the espresso side. The tiramisu cake was beautiful and it tasted fabulous. Nice size portions. The Affogato Al Cafe, while good, we could have easily made this at home. It was merely ice cream in a cup brownie crumbs, espresso, and baileys. The atmosphere is always wonderful here. The entire place is filled with laughter and happiness. It's a wonderful dessert spot and we will continue to come over and over again. Can't wait to try something new. read more

Bittersweet - Espresso martini and Seaside Garden - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Don't Call It Tiramisu cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Meaghan H.

204

3 years ago

Always enjoy our time at Bittersweet! It's so fun to have a dessert cocktail bar in Raleigh. Perfect for nights where you don't want to go out to a loud bar or are craving something sweet. They have delicious gin drinks (among many other cocktails), awesome coffee cocktails, and of course yummy desserts! They even have a few savory items like charcuterie, as well as teas and coffee for those not looking for alcohol. 10/10 recommend! read more

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Brooke V.

3 years ago

Come here with no expectations and I do mean that in a good way. While, I was underwhelmed it still curved the sweet tooth. The bar tender was great even when the first drink took me by surprise. Their version of an espresso martini isn't one you would find everywhere. But it was replaced with their "strong island" and that drink was good. Now, the desert I ordered was the s'mores (as I love chocolate and marshmallow anything) however my only draw back is the toasted part. I think the guy who preps it really enjoys using a blow torch and gets a little to happy. The char taste is good but it's bad when the after taste is forever present. Overall the service was good though. The people were very pleasant. The atmosphere was eclectic but cute. Coming back is 50/50 for me it's decent just not my cup of tea. read more

Bittersweet - Toasted s'mores dessert w/ espresso martini - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Alexandra P.

Elite 22

551

469

299

5 years ago

This place was insanely busy the night we came... pros/cons include: PRO: while waiting in line you can order non-alcoholic bevvies from a window in the wall and/or take shots (they offer a "5-pack" so bring friends). CON: there is not a lot of outdoor seating options, and the inside seating was pretty packed in #NotCovidAware PRO: their desserts are real tasty, and the bevvies are decent too CON: may be a bit overpriced for what it is, and staff are not the friendliest. read more

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Ashley O.

327

4 years ago

Had a great experience at Bittersweet! Great menu selection of cocktails, desserts, and coffee. Everything on the menu was unique and sounded good so it was hard to choose! We ended up ordering the s'mores sundae and it was everything we thought it would be and more! It's a great spot to go to after dinner or for a casual/nice late night spot. read more

Bittersweet - Outside area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Pat S.

3 years ago

Standing in line in the cold, but the Matron continues to come out and seat others further back in line... terrible service Do not recommend!!! read more

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Victoria K.

4 years ago

A great place for the sweet tooth. The desserts and drinks pair so well together. I also love their bubbles and cupcake special on Thursday night. read more

Bittersweet - Cupcake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Pirate coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Mud pie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Brena E.

Elite 26 All-Star

1167

2492

9 years ago

We were walking by one Saturday evening and the vibe from inside lured us in. We just sat at the bar for a drink, so can only judge on that, but we were glad we checked it out. They specialize in gin drinks and I tried the gin and jam since it was unique. The bartender recommended a blackberry jam and a floral gin to go with it. Great choice. Although we didn't eat, the couple next to us ordered the ice cream sandwiches that looked so tempting. read more

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Megan P.

Elite 24

104

493

4 years ago

Bittersweet is a must try if you love desserts, coffee, and specialty cocktails! I wanted to try everything on the menu honestly because everything sounded amazing. I had to try their Toasted Almond coffee cocktail because I love almond and it was amazing! Also tried their Espresso Martini and S'mores Sundae. The sundae had torched house-made marshmallow cream, Valrhona dark chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream, and toasted graham. If you have a sweet tooth like me, this is the place to go! read more

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Connie X.

512

695

773

5 years ago

My friend suggested we go to Bittersweet after dinner at Brewery Bhavana. The wait for a table wasn't long at all, and as soon as we were seated, our waitress highlighted her top pick: the Thursday special, which includes a mini-bottle of champagne and cupcake of the day. My two friends ended up ordering the special. However, since I was pretty full from dinner, I opted for a hot mint green tea. The atmosphere makes Bittersweet a really cute date place or after dinner-event, especially during a night out in Downtown Raleigh. All in all, my friends and I really enjoyed sitting down here for quality dessert/tea and girl time. read more

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Emma S.

5 years ago

Oh my goodness! I've been here three times already and it just keeps getting better and better. Their drinks are great but what I really love is their sweets! In particularly their creme brûlée! They change their desserts seasonally but man oh man...any flavor of their Creme brûlée is to die for! I've tried their lavender flavor and raspberry flavor. Both so good and so different. I loved this dessert so much that I drove twenty minutes out of my way to eat creme brûlée by myself! read more

Bittersweet - Creme brûlée - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Anita S.

2 years ago

Great ambiance. Great cocktails. Great desserts. Great location. Its loud but looks like everyone loves good stuff..duh.

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Kimberly C.

3 years ago

Bella (aka mgr) would not let us in. We were in the midst Of a major storm and she would not Let 12 of us in. We had left the Heart Ball Fundraiser helping those less fortunate and in need. We had 12 people dressed up And ready to donate. Bella decided we weren't worthy enter Bittersweet to have drinks. We gave thousands of dollars at the heart ball. She had a chip on her shoulder: Have been several times without Bella and was lovely. Will never go again. Bella ruined the night! Bye Bella! Will find better places without you. read more

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Kam C.

Elite 24

4 years ago

Kelly was a fantastic server. She had all her check ins perfectly timed, and given how busy she was, this was incredible. If you're going to try for a date, though, it's pretty loud in there. Not a coffee place, definitely a bar. But a pretty bar! read more

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Chantelle H.

447

7 years ago

At Bittersweet dessert is the main event !!! I am entirely obsessed with their S'more Sundae which tastes as good as it looks! P.S. it's big enough for two. read more

Bittersweet - S'more Sundae - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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L S.

3 years ago

The olive oil beautiful mess cake was fabulous! Very good taste wise and looked impressive also. My partner got the ice cream sandwich with popcorn and really liked it. Also the pirate run drink had a DELICIOUS whipped cream on top. Would definitely go again. read more

Bittersweet - Beautiful mess cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Jami C.

119

7 years ago

I enjoy the concept of a dessert bar, who doesn't want a piece of pie with their cocktail? I liked the atmosphere: intimate, dim, and cozy. Perfect for a date! They had a decent menu of desserts and dessert type cocktails, shots, coffees, and wine & beer list. It is a bit pricey. Two drinks and two desserts with tip was $40. I wouldn't have minded it if the dessert was mind blowing, but it was just average. The derby pie was okay but the crust was pretty bland. And the ice cream sandwich was an interesting concept considering it was covered in kettle corn, but the chocolate chip cookies that were the sandwich were dry. It's a nice experience and the service was great but I probably won't venture here again. I can get tastier treats elsewhere and for less money. read more

Bittersweet - Chipwich ice cream sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Derby pie and an Irish coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Roger S.

4 years ago

Love love love love this place! Great drink selection and their desserts are amazing!!!!! I got the affogato and added Baileys to it and it was absolutely phenomenal. Got the pie of the day which was chocolate cinnamon crust, Dulce de Leche, banana crème and latte whipped cream... yum! read more

Bittersweet - Chocolate and cinnamon crust, Dulce de Leche, banana crème and latte whipped cream. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Affogato, vanilla ice cream and Irish Baileys cream - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Lana L.

812

600

5158

9 years ago

Bittersweet is a great post-dinner dessert spot. On a Saturday night, there was a short line outdoors but we were seated in less than 10 minutes. My friends and I shared the "Clem Brûlée" and a slice of "Cheesecake is for Closers." With the addition of clementines, the Clem Brûlée was an interesting twist on the classic creme brûlée. The texture was a bit watery, but not in a necessarily unpleasant way. It was a light, comfortable dessert, which was great as it balanced our heavier and sweeter cheesecake slice. It was very loud inside, but understandable since it was a Saturday night. I thought it was interesting for them to have sports playing on the TV screens; it didn't quite match the atmosphere of the rest of the restaurant. Will be trying their drinks next time! Taste | 4 Atmosphere | 4 Presentation | 4 Service | 4 OVERALL | 4 read more

Bittersweet - Clem brûlée - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - "Cheesecake is for Closers" - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Chat C.

Elite 23

333

168

501

7 years ago

This is my second time having the Chipwich and there's literally no words except what I'm saying below! If I could create an essay about the Salty Chipwich Ice Cream Sandwich [chocolate sea salt cookies, vanilla ice cream, rolled up in bourbon caramel corn], then this is what I'd write: Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Chipwich Bottom line: i seriously need to try their coffee and other stuff on the menu, but this is too good not to grab! Pro tip: call ahead to make sure they still have it available before you get your hopes up!! read more

Bittersweet - The homie holding up the AMAZING CHIPWICH!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Cameron H.

259

5 years ago

Came here after dinner for a "night cap". The lights were dimmed but the place was lively! We opted to sit at the bar because it looked comfy. I wish we gotten (or maybe just remembered) the guys name who helped his, but he was awesome. He made great cocktails and conversation. ( he also enjoyed dancing) we tried the lemon creme brûlée and it was fantastic. A perfect combination of sweet and tart. My favorite drink was the dude, but my SO loved the espresso martini, he got it with extra espresso. We had some of the great shot options too! Can't wait to come back, overall great service, great experience, great time! read more

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Jaime S.

Elite 26 All-Star

403

1227

7 years ago

My daughter and I attended the Ariana Grande concert at PNC arena earlier in the evening and decided to have late night dessert at Bittersweet. I was so excited to get a parking spot right out of front, and was seated immediately. We started our order with one of the special quiches of the day, which was good, but not like smack your momma good. Our dessert then came out, I ordered the Apple Cobbler Donut w/ vanilla ice cream, and my daughter ordered the S'mores Sunday. They were both delicious, I actually ate the majority of both. I have never had a dessert that I didn't like from Bittersweet. The ambiance is great, they always have fresh flowers on the tables. Both the drink and dessert menus are plentiful. Bittersweet is a great place to go when downtown for a late night dessert & drinks. read more

Bittersweet - Crime Brûlée, Cheesecake with Rum Soaked Bananas and Lattes. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bittersweet - Apple Cobbler Donut - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Maria C.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

312

252

932

6 years ago

Thank you, NC, for FINALLY getting on board with alcoholic cocktails to-go. I ordered a double espresso martini and their homemade chocolate hazelnut pop tarts and this made my Christmas Eve Eve! I have missed visiting Bittersweet so much this year and haven't had a martini in over a year. This was perfect. I can't wait to try another cocktail next week. read more

Bittersweet - Thank you, NC, for FINALLY getting on board with to-go alcoholic beverages. Espresso martinis and hazelnut pop tarts by Bittersweet! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Amit M.

298

5 years ago

I've been coming here for years and they always have the sweet fix I need without fail! When you need to kick up your dessert a notch and spike it with liquor to get to (or stay at) your happy place - not to worry! Bittersweet's got you covered! read more

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Page 3 of 13

16 E Martin St
Raleigh, NC 27601
Directions
(919) 977-3829
Call Now
Visit Website
http://bittersweetraleigh.com/

Full menu

Hours

What time does Bittersweet open?

Bittersweet opens at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Bittersweet opens at 2:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Bittersweet close?

Bittersweet is closed on Monday and Tuesday.Bittersweet closes at 11:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday.Bittersweet closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.Bittersweet closes at 10:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Tue ClosedWed-Thu 4:00 PM - 11:00 PMFri 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)Sat 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)Sun 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Bittersweet take Bitcoin?

No, Bittersweet does not take Bitcoin.

Does Bittersweet take credit cards?

Yes, Bittersweet takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Bittersweet have catering options?

No, Bittersweet does not have catering options.

Does Bittersweet have a happy hour?

Yes, Bittersweet has a happy hour.

Does Bittersweet serve alcohol?

Yes, Bittersweet serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Bittersweet allow dogs?

No, Bittersweet does not allow dogs.

Does Bittersweet have TVs?

No, Bittersweet does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Bittersweet have bike parking?

Yes, Bittersweet has bike parking.

Does Bittersweet have outdoor seating?

Yes, Bittersweet has outdoor seating options.

Does Bittersweet have parking?

Yes, Bittersweet has parking options. Garage Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Bittersweet wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Bittersweet is wheelchair accessible.

Does Bittersweet allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, Bittersweet allows outdoor smoking.

Does Bittersweet have free WiFi?

No, Bittersweet does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Cocktails, coffee and desserts using seasonal, local produce, unique flavor combinations & Counter Culture Coffee. All desserts made in-house daily! Visit us in the evening for elegant desserts, handcrafted cocktails & excellent espresso drinks. Or check out our walk-up coffee window in the morning--full espresso menu and morning pastries of the highest quality ingredients.

Meet the Business Owner: Kim H.

Raleigh-native and life-long baker, Kim Hammer started bittycakes bakery (bittycakes.com) in 2004. Born from her desire for fresh, seasonal baked goods, without a bunch of phony ingredients and icky chemicals, Kim continues to be committed to supporting as many local growers and producers as possible. The concept for Bittersweet was born from her love of dessert and cocktails together, matching great flavors and sharing fresh produce--strawberry tarts with strawberry-infused vodka, for example. Many ingredients used at Bittersweet come from within a 50-mile radius of downtown Raleigh. This includes milk, cream, eggs and nearly every produce used (berries, sweet potatoes, herbs, etc.). And because nobody wants chemicals in their cupcakes (or pie!)--all berries and most other produce is completely pesticide-free or certified organic.

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Is Bittersweet 21 and over only?

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Watts & Ward

Husbands brought me here and I am in love…read more Venue: It has a little speak easy feel. 3 indoor bar in different section with its unique feel and one outside (outdoor patio). Drinks: we had the Manhattan and penicillin. Fresh and high quality ingredients. Love the craft cocktails made by skillful mixologist. Service; friendly bar tenders and staffs. Will be coming back!

Such a gorgeous space! Perfect spot if you're feeling a moody cocktail or mocktail. This…read morebar/speakeasy is located in downtown Raleigh close to street parking and parking decks. They're typically having some sort of fun event or pop up that you can enjoy. When I went recently I decided to try a mocktail, they do a good job on their mocktails - equally as skilled as their cocktails. Definitely worth a stop in for a drink.

Love the vibes at Watts & Ward

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Carolina Lily

FOUNDATION

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.

Updating my review: Initially I really liked this bar however I went again on a Friday night and…read morehad a different experience to where I may not return. It was me and one other person and it took about 15 minutes for our waiter to come to our table to take our order or even speak to us (shockingly this same waiter took a couples order sitting at the table next to us even though they arrived way later). We understood that it was slightly busy since it's a Friday night however it would've been better to at least take our order or bring us water in the meantime while also letting us know we had to wait that long. I grew very impatient and ultimately wanted to leave the establishment altogether at this point. Once we got our drinks (I ordered The Middle Child) they were both way too strong to even take a sip. As a cocktail bar, the drinks shouldn't taste like straight rubbing alcohol. I couldn't even finish my drink because it tasted so bad.

South side

Foundation old fashioned

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Bar

Aunty Bettys Gin and Absinthe Bar

4.8

(63 reviews)

0.4 mi

It's conveniently located, it's close to both downtown and Glenwood. The vibe is so cute and the…read morecocktails are good! I'm not the biggest gin person, but they have other options too.

Tucked behind the bustle of of the Morgan Street Food Hall lies a not-so-secret secret: a whimsical…read moreden of gin, absinthe, and mischief. Step through the unassuming door near the buildings corner and find yourself in a moody little lair where botanicals bloom in every glass and green fairies are always welcome. Part apothecary, part speakeasy, all vibes -- this tucked-away tipple temple is your reward for being curious. Blink and you'll miss it -- sneeze and you'll lose your seat. This cozy little cocktail cave fills up faster than you can say "Negroni, please." With just enough room for a handful of lucky souls, it's part bar, part social experiment. Come early, come curious, and be prepared to elbow your way into the best seat you'll never want to give up. If you're in a rush, maybe try...literally anywhere else. Their cocktails take time -- because They're busy muddling together timeless classics, like a good Old Fashioned. But hey, perfection can't be microwaved. Sip slowly, wait longer, and remember: you can't rush greatness...or them. Cheers!

Bar.

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Killjoy

I love Killjoy! I went for an event but outside of that it's the cutest bar for and depending on…read morethe night you'll find a dope dj playing music. The vibe feels romantic if you're out for drink with bae as you can be nestled in your own area with the comfort couches but it's also a dope place to visit with girlfriends for a drink to catch up for some friend time! There's plenty of space and areas to sit and stand depending on the crowd.

Fun spot for a mocktail or cocktail. Comfy seating…read more Super friendly bar tenders. We were there early on a Friday so it was super chill with great tunes playing. Fun decor : ) Kissing booth : )

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The Haymaker

I came here to experience a night out on the town all the way from Brooklyn, NY. I didn't realize…read moreuntil after when I looked on the business page that it had Brooklyn decor. Since I visited the day after Christmas there was still holiday decor up. The did play a small selection of NY based music which I did appreciate which music from other regions which I also enjoyed. What I didn't enjoy too much was my drink. I was trying to order a drink fro the festive list but one of the ingredients weren't available so I decided to just get a vodka and cranberry which tasted a little watered down. I'll probably try a second visit when come back in town.

Came here for the Christmas decorations and loved it! The service was great, the spiked hot…read morechocolates were delightful , the decorations are so creative (night before Christmas themed!) and we enjoyed the karaoke.

I love when it's slow.

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Inside during Christmas

Cuya

4.5

(30 reviews)

0.8 mi

I can't say enough about Cuya! From the amazing food and secret hits (they have pastelón! Iykyk),…read moreto the excellent drinks, and gorgeous vibe - I can't say enough! But the hospitality took it over the top- our wonderful server was so friendly and kind and on her game. And the owner as well. He is so gracious and warm and just out there with his guests! It was a very relaxed chic vibe with music and low light and then he went around to every table to ask if they had interest in watching the World Cup game (England v Norway). Luckily everyone said yes and then the vibe was all heart and all love. We stayed for HOURS & didn't want to go. lol. This was our first time in RTP, and as New York foodie snobs, we were blown away by the food scene and overall vibe. LOVE Cuya & really dig RTP!

I've driven past Cuya Cafe more times than I can count, and now I'm wondering why it took me so…read morelong to go inside. The vibe? 10/10. The drinks? 10/10. The food? Unlike anything I've had before. And somehow they managed to be stylish, delicious, AND fast. The only thing that took some time was us deciding what to order because there were so many amazing things on the menu! Raleigh, add this one to your list immediately & honestly...this may be the best fried chicken in Raleigh! CUYA Cafe

Très lèche

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Seasonal cocktail

William & Company

Was visiting for a concert and am so happy I checked out William & Company. I was with 6 other…read morepeople and we were able to snag the soft seating at the front (space to the left when you walk in). I enjoyed my slushie but then moved on to tequila soda - my classic. All staff was super nice and drinks, bar service was quick and empty glasses were picked up quickly while we were just yapping. Added touch is the Krispy Kreme that's across the street (make sure you share with the staff!)

Ok i loved this place! Honestly it was exactly what i needed! Great vibes. Fantastic drinks! And…read morejust a vibe you don't want to miss. Easy seating. You don't want to miss out on this spot for sure!

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Whiskey Kitchen

5 stars for the Fried Chicken Sandwich and Collard Greens. Loved the sauce and fresh pickles on the…read moresandwich and the collards were super flavorful. I also had The Botanist - very good and reminiscent of Christmas with the allspice.

If bourbon and whiskey choices were a personality trait, The Whiskey Kitchen would definitely have…read morecommitment issues...because the selection is massive. Seriously, if you can't find a pour you like here, you may just need water instead. Started with the biscuits topped with crackling and house-made preserves, and honestly, that combo alone made me question why I don't eat more biscuits in life. Sweet, salty, buttery chaos in the best way. For the main, I went with the pork chop and greens. The chop leaned a little overcooked for me personally, but the sauce helped bring things back together and added good flavor. The greens had a nice little kick of heat, but I kept waiting for that deep smoky ham hock flavor to show up like an old Southern grandma entering the kitchen... and it never quite arrived. Overall though? Still a solid meal, strong whiskey program, cool atmosphere, and definitely worth checking out if you're in Raleigh looking for a bourbon-forward dinner spot. Travelin_Broke approved with a slight side-eye from the greens.

Smoked mozzarella salad with fried chicken

Whiskey Flights

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The Botanist and Paper Plane

The Crunkleton

The food and drinks were sub par. No flavor at all! The Charlotte location is amazing but this…read morelocation was a waste of my hard earned money. Very disappointed.

We were only in Raleigh for a short family trip and wanted one memorable dinner. After reading the…read morereviews, we decided on The Crunkleton--and it exceeded our expectations. We arrived on a busy Sunday evening without a reservation and were told the wait would be about 40 minutes. Instead of simply putting us on a list, Alfredia, the host, immediately made us feel welcome. She even offered me a cup of ice water after noticing we'd walked over in the summer heat. A few minutes later, she found a way to get our family seated much sooner than expected. That small act of kindness set the tone for the entire evening. Our server, Toni, was exceptional. Friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic, he guided us through the menu with thoughtful recommendations. Every suggestion was spot-on, and it was obvious he knew the menu well. The food was outstanding. The Duck Flautas were a great start. The She-Crab Soup was rich and flavorful. The Wagyu Burger with caramelized onions, truffle aioli on brioche was excellent--my son says it's the best burger he's ever had. The Mediterranean Chicken Piccata was beautifully prepared with confit fingerling potatoes, charred asparagus, goat cheese, sun-dried tomato tapenade, and piccata sauce. We were so busy enjoying dinner that we completely forgot to take photos until dessert--which probably says everything. The Beignets with cold brew icing were excellent, and the warm Brownie with salted caramel ice cream was the perfect ending to the meal. What also impressed us was that Chef Jonathan stopped by our table to check on our meal, and Ravin, the General Manager, took time to welcome us personally and make sure everything about our visit was going well. We never felt rushed. Great food may bring people through the door. Great hospitality is what brings them back. The Crunkleton gave our family one of those dinners we'll remember long after the trip is over. The atmosphere is stylish without feeling pretentious, the service is genuinely warm, and it's clear that everyone there takes pride in what they do. If you're visiting Raleigh--or if you're fortunate enough to live there--I would absolutely recommend giving The Crunkleton a try. We left talking not only about how much we enjoyed the meal, but also about the people who made the evening special. Thank you to Alfredia, Toni, Chef Jonathan, Ravin, and everyone behind the scenes for making a simple family dinner into such a memorable experience. We absolutely will be back.

Interior

Dry Rub Chicken Wings

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Espresso martini

Postino Village District

I returned here with a friend after enjoying a Yelp event. It was very busy on a week day at lunch…read moretime and our lunch took a bit to arrive but it was all good once it did. I ordered the crispy cauliflower app which was delish! Don't let the raisins sway your decision - it's suttle but just right with the cauli. They add a romesco sauce that's flavorful add capers to add the salty goodness. Loved this! I also ordered the meatball app which was plenty. They were perfect size and more than enough for two. The sauce was rich and bold with flavor and a sprinkle of goat cheese was just right. I will return and try a few more apps next time.

This was my first time visiting Postinos, and we stopped in for lunch. The service was amazing. Our…read morewaitress was sweet, attentive, and made us feel welcome right away. The food was pretty good. I started with the tortellini soup and had the French toast from the Brunch menu. For drinks, I tried the pineapple mimosa, but it was warm, which really affected the flavor. I also ordered an espresso martini, and unfortunately it had an artificial taste that I would not recommend, especially for the price. One issue we ran into was the number of flies around our table. Even though we were seated inside, there were several constantly circling, and one ended up landing in my water. Our waitress tried to help, but the problem continued. Overall, I enjoyed the food and the service, but I would come back for the food only and not for the drinks.

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Ponysaurus Brewing Co

I love this spot! TBH my review is all for the food and service (the only drink I've had here was…read moretheir special 4th of July "rocket pop" lol). Anyway - Pizzas are consistently good, come out quick, and new pizza toppings/flavors pop up every once in a while. I especially love their Wednesday night dinner specials - sometimes I'm not as much in the mood for pizza but they do things like chicken parm and pasta just as good. Service is like a mix of waitstaff and self serve but whenever we interact with anyone working there they're always super friendly and helpful. Like I said, just love this spot! Parking at Raleigh Iron Works is never an issue - I just park in the back gravel lot

If you're heading to Raleigh Iron Works and think Ponysaurus is just another brewery, think again…read more The Chicken Schnitzel completely exceeded my expectations. The chicken was perfectly crispy, thin, and juicy, while the fresh arugula salad added just the right peppery bite. The roasted fingerling potatoes were seasoned perfectly and rounded out a simple dish executed exceptionally well. Ponysaurus Brewing Co. serves the schnitzel with arugula, fried red potatoes, celery, red onion, parsley, and a whole-grain dressing, and it all comes together beautifully. Of course, the craft beer selection is what gets you in the door, but don't overlook the kitchen. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service was friendly, and the food easily holds its own against many restaurants in Raleigh.

Ponysaurus in Raleigh

Wings!

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Ponysaurus in Raleigh

Death & Taxes

It was an awesome combination of superb food combined with outstanding service…read more The wine choices were great and the attention to detail was evident.

We stopped at Death and Taxes for a drink prior to going to Poole's restaurant. We were challenged…read moreto find a spot at the bar, but the restaurant manager Ryan did an excellent job accommodating us. We enjoyed a wonderful oyster appetizer along with a drink. Service was excellent! She even came by to greet us at the bar and make us feel very welcome. We left and walked to Poole's for our dinner reservation. Much to our surprise, Ryan had called ahead to provide a complementary appetizer when we arrived! So thoughtful! So appreciative of her extra effort and thoughtfulness! We will be a forever customer! Thank you so much!

Dinner w Hailey. NY Eve Eve 12/25.

Interior

Potatoes

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Crumbl - Raleigh

3.7

(163 reviews)

3.2 mi

Locally owned & operated

Grab-and-go

TLDR: Large, tasty, but expensive cookies. Exciting rotating menu. Subpar flavors…read more While in the area and needing a Friday sugar fix, I stopped at Crumbl. To save time I started an online order. It took a while to go through the log in process and a $2 tip was required. This brought the total of one cookie to nearly $7! Then when it said the wait time was 15-20 min, I decided to abandon the online order and order at the counter. There were about 3 employees busy at work and no customers. I was greeted upon arrival and helped right away. I ordered one cookie and the order came to over $9 before tip. I questioned the total and the employee returned to fix it. I like how you can easily see and pay on the screen so I could see the error. When fixed the total was about $5. Pricy for one cookie, but they do look pretty and are packaged well so they make a great gift. The rotating weekly menu is exciting, but the cookies are not very flavorful so they taste similar. Even the guava cookie had a very faint fruity flavor and mainly tasted like sugar. Many times I have noticed that the unique flavors are just in the frosting not the cookie itself. I understand having a weekly changing menu is challenging, but there is room for improvement on their flavors. The cookies are all perfectly baked and decorated beautifully. Overall, good place for the occasional treat or gift.

The cookies here are awesome. This weeks selections are insane. They are huge and taste delicious.read more

8/3/26 - 8/8/26: Chocolate Cola Brownie

8/3/26 - 8/8/26: Shirley Temple Cookie

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8/3/26 - 8/8/26: Pink Berry Cookie

Raleigh Brewing Company

Nice stop for a beer! They had several styles, and had the choice of a full pour or a half pour…read more Huge indoor space with plenty of seating. Service was friendly. No food.

Came here recently for some beer and karaoke, and we had a good time!…read more I was happy to see that there was a pretty large, dedicated lot for the brewery, so it was easy to find parking. We started the night off by grabbing a couple of drinks, and they actually just recently starting serving cocktails, which was a big plus for my wife. Of course, they also had a bunch of different beers on draft, which was more my speed. After getting our drinks, we wandered into the next room and were delighted to see a ping pong table waiting for us :) They also had cornhole and a big TV showing the Hurricanes game. There wasn't a huge crowd for the karaoke, but the host was cool and the song selection was pretty large. I was also happy that the karaoke started at an earlier hour (7 PM) than most places. Starting karaoke at 10 PM is kind of brutal when you have kids :) One random aside is that the water fountain near the bathrooms was extremely powerful, so it was honestly a little hard to use. That sounds kind of ridiculous, but it was seriously firing halfway across the room. Overall, we'd definitely come back!