Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery

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. more

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. more

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! more

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! more

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

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. more

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 more

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.\r 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.\r 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.\r The food is generous, tasty and I can suggest my favorites: Filet Mignon, Mussells, Meatloaf and Chicken Pot Pie. \r 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! Pros: Food / Desserts / Decor Cons: Limited Seating more

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! Pros: Service, incredible food, ample portions Cons: If they're busy...you may have to wait....but well worth it! more

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. Cons: Menu is deceiving more

What is this place trying to be? A high priced 1950's diner. If your not in the click, forget it. We viewed the menu online for a preview. Sounded okay, so we gave it a try. The 26.00 bottle of wine, was 30.00 on the menu when we got there. When we got our check the bottle of wine was now 38.00. Portions are ridiculous, the appetizeers are larger than the entrees. it is the biggest waste of food ever. Cozy? No intrusive is a better description. The owner fits in great, he is the biggest snob of all. Cons: service/food & PRICE more

This little restaurant always has great food and the best desserts in town. We frequently dine here when we have out of town guest looking for a local restaurant with a special feel. They put a unique twist on the entrees and the desserts are just amazing. At times, the wait is long but well worth it. If you are planning on going with four or more people then I suggest you make a reservation. I strongly recommend checking it for yourself. Pros: Great Food! Cons: Small Place more

What a memorable experience for me to recently have been taken to dinner at the Hayes Barton Cate when visiting Raleigh. I love the concept and the creativity. It is so nice to go somewhere unique. I think what makes it great is the fact that the owners put their heart and soul into it. It's not just a place to eat, it's a destination - great food, amazing desserts and friendly service. Pros: Great food and ambience more

Of the many wonderful restaurants in Raleigh, my wife and I enjoy Hayes Barton Cafe about the best. There are restaurants more expensive and those less, but you won't find a place more enjoyable from both a culinary and environmental perspective than Hayes.  First let me dispel any views that this is a ""typical"" '50's diner. It is neither typical nor '50's. Having grown up in Hollywood, Hayes Barton reminds me very much of the heyday of that town, with unique photos of talent from the Golden Age of Movies -- and not the usual ones you've seen. From that same time frame you'll find wonderful photos of WW II soldiers, their planes, and other paraphernalia -- all from either the parents or grandparents of the restaurant's staff or from people in the local community. One more thing -- the owner's father, a former cartoonist for the Raleigh News and Observer newspaper, has many of his classic comics on the wall as well. It is a fun and immersive experience that really puts you into the '40's -- even with Turner Classic Movies playing in the corner. But onto the food -- it is absolutely amazing. Order anything, and what may seem familiar will be blended with a a bit of magic that makes even the most traditional dish exciting. One of my favorite dishes is their chicken potpie -- which at other places is typically a soupy mix of peas and chicken in a mystery goop that I find nasty. But Hayes Barton takes an entirely new approach, starting with a visual- and taste-treat masterpiece of shortbread that forms the most flavorful and beautiful pastry cover you could imagine. Mystery goop is replaced with velvety smooth mashed potatoes, and the vegetables and chicken breast are perfect. The result is comfort food with an eclectic twist that is just spectacular, presented beautifully, and served up with great passion -- that staff LOVE their food and it shows in their enthusiasm. Which brings me to the staff: we've been there a number of times and already know most of the people by name. Frank, the gracious owner is right there to make certain your experience is perfect. Every member of the server staff is fun, dedicated, and will treat you like family (the good kind that you WANT there). And Carrie, the Dessert Goddess who creates the temptations that you'll see on the way in, is a doll. They are fast, courteous, generous, and fun at lunch or dinner. And lastly...I can't begin to describe the desserts at Hayes Barton. Literally the best I've had anywhere in Raleigh (and frankly, most other cities I've traveled to). There are so many unbelievable cakes that your server will take you to the display case to explain your choices. You literally have to see it all to believe it. Decision making skills required. Even if you are full from the great meal you'll have there, take home a dessert. EVERYTHING is great -- we haven't had a miss yet. There is a reason why Carrie is called the Dessert Goddess. In all, wonderful, unexpected food perfect for any season, a great twist on the diner concept that will have you smiling from the time you enter through your trip home, and a staff that will make you feel so at home, you'll never want to leave. But please do leave eventually -- WE'LL probably be waiting to get seated! We recommend Hayes Barton without reservation (but YOU might want to make a reservation)! Enjoy! by The CitySeacher Pros: Every meal blends comfort with eclectic, desserts Cons: Quite literally, too many good choices more

Just wanted write to say what a great time my sister and I had at this charming little restaurant yesterday! It is one of my sister's favorite places, but I had never been ,so when she offered to take me there for my birthday I jumped at the chance. We had the best time! The servers were so friendly and helpful. They seemed genuinely happy we were there. When I asked if there was a lot of mayo in their chicken salad the woman behind the counter offered to give me a sample. It was quite tasty, but I opted for the cheeseburger, and, let me tell you, it was the best burger I've had in a long time. And the french fries!! Don't get me started! But the best was the dessert. We were given mouth-watering descriptions of everything in the dessert case. We picked a ""chocolate flourless"" cake that was smooth and silky with a delicious hazelnut buttercream layer. AND the server even put a candle in it for me! Just a really wonderful experience. Pros: best burgers and fries friendly helpful servers Cons: parking more

let me start off by saying I have eaten here quite a few times and each time has been GREAT! Last week I wanted to go and try the lunch menu. I took my sister along with me because she had never been here. We both ordered a burger and 35 minutes later was still waiting. There was 2 tables occupied in the entire resteraunt. The woman at the counter forgot to put our order in so they finally brought our food out . We waited 45 minuted total and she didnt even say I'm sorry for the wait or nothing. The way they acted towards both of us was rude. I dont know if it was the way we were dressed? In casual clothes, They kissed everyne elses butt there but not ours. I just wish they would have apologized for the wait.......We will not go back there for lunch. If they treated all of their customers the same, they would be alot busier at lunch then they are. Maybe they need to get rid of the woman at the counter and the woman with blonde hair that has no personality! Pros: good food Cons: snobby workers no parking more

Hayes Barton Cafe is like a great vinyl album....it's vintage, it's classic, it's cool. The food is superb, best anywhere in the USA and the staff is genuine and excellent service is always there. Go there, you'll be a fan. Pros: Food - People - Spirits - Dessert Cons: They aren't open 7 days a week. more

This spot was recommended to me by a buddy of mine who travels often. Since he said it ws tops I finally got around to checking it out. First few times I tried, I couldn't find a place to park or the wait was more than I was willing to go hungry. Finally made it in on a Wednesday night and got a spot at the bar. It's a little close for comfort when they're busy but thhe people are friendly. I ordered the fish special which was recommended by the owner and the bartender. It was terrific. My cocktails were better than I get at any restaurant in town and she's quite a looker. Makes you feel like you're being served by Rita Hayworth or something. The best part is that the ""regulars"" are a hoot. I guess the bar is the place to be. Everyone there knows each other by name and shares there dinners around the bar. They seem to know the wait staff, owner and bartender like family. I don't know what complaints anyone could have about the service or food. Everyone seemed very nice and eager to be of service. The owner was more than willing to share his story about the restaurant and my server was happy to tell jokes and swap stories when she wasn't busy. Nice change of pace. My only complaint would be that it gets a little hot inside and the parking in that area is a pain. I'd go back anyday. Pros: Food, Service and Theme Cons: Parking more

What a great spot for dessert! While visiting Raleigh from the DC area, my partner and I were treated to some of the delicious offerings at Hayes Barton this evening. The staff could not have been more welcoming and accomodating. After having a look at the regular menu, I regretted that I'd not had dinner at the cafe this evening as well. Will be sure to swing by on the next visit. This place is a treasure! Pros: Great desserts. Great ambience. Wonderful staff more

\r \r I have been a customer of Hayes Barton Cafe since I moved to Raleigh about 5 years ago. Every meal I've had at Hayes Barton has been 5 star Excellent - I can say that I've never had something I didn't like. Beyond the food is the 'old time' atmosphere that makes you feel like you are in a different era - where folks have quick joke or a compliment on hand at all times. Bottom line - the restaurant has PERSONALITY. Unlike so many of today's restaurants, Hayes Barton has a 'STYLE' - it defines Raleigh. There is simply no better destination for a date with your lady or just rounding up an old crew of friends for a dinner. \r \r Check it out and be sure to get dessert - ask for the ""elvis cake"".... Pros: Food, Service, Ambience, Vibe more