Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery

Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery is a true Raleigh treasure! The classic diner vibe mixed with a warm, nostalgic decor takes you back in time. I tried the chicken pot pie, and it was hearty, comforting, and full of flavor – exactly what you’d expect from a great Southern kitchen. But the real star was dessert! The slices of cake are HUGE and taste incredible; the chocolate cake was rich, moist, and perfectly balanced. It’s clear they take pride in their recipes. The staff is welcoming and attentive, adding to the charm. Highly recommend for anyone craving delicious food and a trip down memory lane!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Dessert by the Slice

Really cool place to take my wife on her birthday. We were there maybe 20 years ago on a date without kids. Oh yeah...

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

This was my first time here on a recommendation and I am delighted! I can’t wait to go back. I called up last minute and the wonderful worked us into the bar. The vibe is fun and slightly on the loud side. The bar is really more of an old time counter. It was so much fun and we really enjoyed the company of the people to our right and left. I had the grouper and mashed potatoes. I am particular about my fish and I will say it must’ve been caught that day! The owner said goodbye to us on the way out the door, and I will say this special place will be a success forever!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My daughter and new son in law got four different cakes for their wedding. Everyone wanted a piece of each one. Lemon blueberry my favorite. Just perfection.

Food: 5

Recommended dishes: Coconut Cake, Chocolate Cake, Lemon Blueberry

Cake was just so incredibly not worth it. I prefer boxed cake from food lion. and a slice is like over $10???? extremely bland, must have been in the case from the previous day as it was dry and just SO MEH it actually ruined my night lol I was so excited to try it after it being so hyped up by the internet

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 5

The food is good and the desserts are epic. The cakes are so good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Oreo Cheesecake, Dessert by the Slice, Dessert by the Slice of Cake

I've been a Raleigh resident for about 8 years and had no idea this place existed. Found out about this gem on FBs TriangeFoodies. I would definitely recommend this place. I brought my sister from out of town here, and we had the best time, our server was so pleasant and attentive and the food and cakes were splendid. Don't miss out on this gem! Shoutout to TriangleFoodies on FB for the recc!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chocolate Cake

So quaint! It's like stepping into the past with photos of old stars on the walls and the decor. Moody, great lighting, and the food speaks for itself. We started with the fresh bread basket (included) and fried oysters. Then meatloaf and mashed potatoes with green beans. The food did not disappoint ?. The portion was HUGE. For dessert we ordered 2 cakes to go. Not cheap but so worth it! Coconut cake was the winner, followed by the Boston cream pie cake. Huge slices (HUGE). They need to add more vegetarian and vegan options. Reservation needed for dinner. We'll definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Coconut Cake, Meatloaf

Such a fun atmosphere! We had lunch and the food was pretty good. I had a BLT that was nice. To be honest, the real reason I went there was to take home a couple of pieces of cake. Just took a couple of bites so I could let you know... They are phenomenal. I got the seasonal patty (which was a berry layer cake) and the chocolate raspberry. I gotta go now so I can finish off those cakes Lol!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Dessert by the Slice

Full transparency I have never had lunch or dinner here but I am a HUGE fan of their cakes. Anytime I am in Raleigh I swing by and buy several slices to hold me over while I'm in town. I dream of their biscoff/cookie butter cake and is one of the best cakes I have ever had. But you truly can't go wrong with any of their cakes/pies, I've had probably 10 different flavors and all of them have been delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Dessert by the Slice

We had high hopes for this place given the reputation, but were sorely disappointed. At $80/person for appetizer, entrees, and dessert, I expected it to be at least decent.

While the appetizer we had, crab dip with toasted pita chips, was good, we have had several recently that were better. Unfortunately it went down from there. The filet was dry and tasteless. You can get a better and less expensive filet just about anywhere around town. The scallops were bitter and paired wrong with the rest of the dish flavorings. Again, much better and less expensive scallops just about anywhere else. The "famous" meatloaf was just plain weird tasting. We all ate a bite or two out of curiousity and were done. Basic brown gravy and potatoes accompanied it. We thought it was very strange that the waitress raved about the mashed potatoes when they were so basic. Best thing on the plate was the green beans, but again a basic sauteed green beans, not quite as good as we do at home. To s of good restaurants around town with better food at half the price.

Finally, we thought maybe dessert would redeem the very expensive meal, and were disappointed again with very packy basic cakes. Good chocolate, but we can get better cakes at the local grocery store.

Oh, and the atmosphere left a lot to be desired as well. Uncomfortable, cramped seating, warm and moist A/C, and slow, inattentive service with lengthy delays for orders, drink refills, and the check. Crazy for such a small place with so few customers.

I realize this review is harsh, but don't want others to make the mistake of paying a hefty price to celebrate a special day, and being severely disappointed.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 3

Great desserts and great atmosphere. Been a Raleigh native of 41 years and this place has been a staple as far back as I can remember. I still unfortunately haven't tried the food yet, just desserts. I'm gonna make it a goal to get there for a dinner soon. My wife and I had dessert there a couple of weeks ago for our 15th wedding anniversary and the owner took grear care of us. He got us a window seat. It's busy there but all the great places are so just be patient. It's worth the wait. The owner will work with you the best he can. He's a great guy. Looking forward to going again hopefully in the near future.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Dessert by the Slice

Phenomenal!! Stop reading the reviews, call ahead and get on the list. Wait as long as they ask…Trust me! It’s worth it!! We had the meatloaf and pot pie based on another patrons recommendation. It was easily the best meal I have had in a long time. A deliciously upscale experience on good old fashion diner food. Pro tip: save room for dessert!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Pot Pie, Dessert by the Slice, Meatloaf

I always go in thinking the cakes will be amazing but I am always underwhelmed. They look a lot better than they taste.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Absolutely amazing place. A fantastic owner who sat with a group of us to chat for an hour and talk.

The food was superb. Frank and this place are a rare gem.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pie, Dessert by the Slice