
Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery
A timeless Raleigh institution offering classic American comfort food and legendary, colossal desserts in a charming 1940s diner setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A timeless Raleigh institution offering classic American comfort food and legendary, colossal desserts in a charming 1940s diner setting.
"Save room for dessert – you can't leave without a slice of their HUGE, delicious cakes!"
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and parties of 4 or more, to secure your spot.
Save Room for Cake
Don't leave without trying the HUGE, delicious cakes. Consider ordering whole cakes for special occasions.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(919) 856-8551
Address
2000 Fairview Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Cakes
Indulge in colossal slices of award-winning cakes, with rotating daily options. A must-try for any sweet tooth!

Classic American Comfort Food
Savor hearty American dishes like meatloaf and chicken pot pie, served in generous portions that satisfy.

Retro 1940s Ambiance
Step back in time in this charming diner with 1940s decor, memorabilia, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and parties of 4 or more, to secure your spot.
Save Room for Cake
Don't leave without trying the HUGE, delicious cakes. Consider ordering whole cakes for special occasions.
Parking Patience
Parking can be limited. Arrive early or be prepared for a wait, or consider using ride-sharing services.
Arrive Early for Desserts
Dessert slices sell out quickly! Arrive early or order your slice as soon as you're seated to avoid disappointment.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and parties of 4 or more, to secure your spot.
Save Room for Cake
Don't leave without trying the HUGE, delicious cakes. Consider ordering whole cakes for special occasions.
Parking Patience
Parking can be limited. Arrive early or be prepared for a wait, or consider using ride-sharing services.
Arrive Early for Desserts
Dessert slices sell out quickly! Arrive early or order your slice as soon as you're seated to avoid disappointment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery is a beloved Raleigh institution praised for its phenomenal desserts and comforting classic American dishes. Diners rave about the generous portions, the warm, retro atmosphere, and the attentive service. While parking can be a challenge and reservations are a must, the overall experience is consistently delightful, making it a go-to spot for both meals and sweet treats.
"One of my favorite restaurants everrrrr. Make sure to book a reservation unless you’re there just to grab dessert. We’ve been here many times and have enjoyed ourselves. Everything is good. Cute, quaint, relaxing small restaurant. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in Raleigh. They are also known for their HUGE cakes. You can’t leave without a slice of cake!"
Rhonnie Mapp
"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!"
Elizabeth Scott
"Hands down absolutely our favorite restaurant of all time! We lived in Raleigh from 2000 to 2010 and we tried a lot of restaurants. This 1940’s throwback dinner quickly became our go to date spot. Classic American dishes that are done to perfection and outstanding dessert options you cannot pass up.
We recently had the opportunity to visit Raleigh after 15 years of being gone and to our greatest delight Hayes Barton was still open and just the same as it was when we first went there.
This is a hidden gem that will take you back in time with comfort food and a cozy atmosphere. Don’t miss out! Be sure to make reservations (parties of 4 or more)."
Lindsey R.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and parties of 4 or more, as the restaurant is very popular and fills up quickly.
The colossal cakes are a signature item, with popular choices like the lemon blueberry and chocolate raspberry. Diners also love the meatloaf and chicken pot pie.
Parking can be limited. It's advisable to arrive early, be prepared for a wait, or consider alternative transportation like ride-sharing.
Yes, you can walk in and order cake slices to go from the display counter. Desserts are a major draw, and slices are huge!
The provided information does not specify outdoor seating. The restaurant is known for its cozy, retro indoor ambiance.
The restaurant has a charming, retro 1940s diner vibe with checkered floors, memorabilia, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The 25 Best Restaurants in Raleigh in 2022
Raleigh is a city that loves itself (read: proud to the point of resisting change), and Hayes Barton has been happily answering the call since 1998. Situated in the heart of historic Five Points, the City of Oaks institution delivers on authenticity with its quaint black-and-white checkerboard-floored 1940s-esque diner with historic and star-studded photo-adorned walls that transport you back as you dine in the midst of the “Greatest Generation.” … A perfect pairing for the star-studded divine dishes—from the “MGM” Mussels to the Two Chickens in Every Pot Pie to the fan-fave monstrously delish not-your-mama’s Dial M for Meatloaf (a 2021 Raleigh Mag Best Dishes winner). You’ll be stuffed in the best way, but—hear us out—you must save room for a slice of cake (or take it with you).
101 Fun Things To Do in Raleigh NC -
Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery is a beloved institution in Raleigh, North Carolina, that has been serving up delicious meals and desserts since 1990. The restaurant is known for its classic American fare, such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads, as well as its extensive selection of homemade desserts. From decadent award winning cakes to creamy cheesecakes and fruit tarts, the dessert menu is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
16 Stellar Raleigh Pie Shops According To The Locals
Located in the 5 points neighborhood, Hayes Barton Cafe is an upscale restaurant with an old-fashioned vibe. Prices at this diner are slightly higher than other restaurants in the area, but customers rave about their entrees, dessert, and customer service. Portions are large, and you can get dinner items like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans with a basket of cornbread and biscuits.
Restaurants With the Best Desserts in Raleigh, N.C.
Located in the Five Points neighborhood, Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery is a Raleigh institution known for its massive desserts and one of the best chicken pot pies around. Definitely save room for dessert because Hayes Barton serves up pies and cakes more than five-and-a-half inches high!. From lemon blueberry cake to Bailey’s Irish Cream tiramisu, the dessert options change daily.
15 Raleigh Restaurants That Will Blow The Taste Buds Out Of Your Mouth
Yelp 4 stars, 105 reviews Is “dessertery” even a real word?. If you are not sure, visit Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery for confirmation. The restaurant was awarded the “Where The Locals Eat Award,” “Best Dessert” and to sum it all up, the “Best of Everything Award.” The best advice I can pass on is to try anything for a good time (like the meatloaf), but above all, have dessert.
The Best Places to Eat, Drink, and Play in Raleigh, NC
For anyone yearning for that old-timey charm and a great meal, just stop by Hayes Barton Cafe for a helping of both!. Our North Dallas Senior Community Manager, Caroline, grew up in Raleigh and we have it on good authority that this is her favorite restaurant. Among many reasons, the cakes are HUGE and the dinner menu is infused with cultural references to the early 1900’s.
30+ Family Friendly Restaurants & Places To Eat In Raleigh
From the black and white checkered flooring to the movie memorabilia on the walls, everywhere you look there is something whimsical and fascinating to look at. Our kids love the cake selection, and the homemade chocolate cake always goes down well in our family. It’s a classic Raleigh staple where loyal fans flock for their HUGE and delicious cakes!
10 Best Bakeries in Raleigh, NC
Hours: 11:30 AM to 2 PM and 6 PM to 8:30 PM Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 AM to 2 PM and 6 PM to 9 PM Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Phone Number: (919) 856-8551. Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery is a popular restaurant and go-to spot for desserts in the family-friendly neighborhood of Hayes Barton.
23 of the Best Downtown Raleigh Restaurants in 2023
Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery is known for its classic diner-like menu, but the real magic here is the housemade cakes and desserts. They rotate their dessert options daily, so there’s always something new for you to try. Their Chocolate Raspberry Cake is my favorite, but you’ll be happy with any of their cakes or pies.
What are the best dessert shops in Raleigh?
You can have your cake and eat it too when you stop into Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery in Five Points. Their selection of house-made, award-winning cakes changes regularly, and you haven't lived until you've sampled a piece. Stop in for dinner and enjoy "dessert by the slice.
Restaurants in Raleigh | The 21 Best To Try in 2025
For locals in Raleigh, restaurants that offer classic diner dishes with punny names often take the cake. Hayes Barton Café & Dessertery serves cuisine inspired by the American 1940s, featuring a charming exterior with Rosie the Riveter painted on the window.
The 25 Best Restaurants in Raleigh, NC for Food and Drink
The epitome of comfort food and amazing cake, get the stretchy pants ready. The chicken pot pie, crab dip, and meatloaf are legendary, size-wise. And then comes the cake which can feed three people per slice!
7 Must Try Places for Dessert in Raleigh
Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery has been setting the standard in Raleigh for almost 25 years. Their specialty has to be cakes. They offer over 30 different types of cakes and pies daily.
Highest-rated Dessert Shops in the Raleigh Area by Diners
- Rating: 4.3/5 (346 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 2000 Fairview Road Ste B Raleigh, North Carolina - Categories: American, Desserts- Read more on Yelp
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit