
Bittersweet
A chic dessert and cocktail bar in downtown Raleigh, offering decadent sweets and creative drinks in a fun, nostalgic atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
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Bittersweet

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A chic dessert and cocktail bar in downtown Raleigh, offering decadent sweets and creative drinks in a fun, nostalgic atmosphere.
Make Reservations
Book ahead to avoid long waits, especially on weekends or during peak hours.
Try Signature Cocktails
Sample creative coffee cocktails like the Espresso Martini or Toasted Almond.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Bistro
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Decadent Desserts & Creative Cocktails
Indulge in sweet creations like the S'mores Sundae and unique coffee cocktails such as Espresso Martinis.

Nostalgic Atmosphere
Experience a fun, delightful vibe with nostalgic decor in this hidden gem.

Artisanal Sweets & Savory Pairings
Enjoy a wide range of artisanal chocolates, baked goods, and sweet treats perfectly paired with savory delights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Book ahead to avoid long waits, especially on weekends or during peak hours.
Try Signature Cocktails
Sample creative coffee cocktails like the Espresso Martini or Toasted Almond.
Visit Off-Peak
For a more relaxed setting, consider visiting during quieter, off-peak hours.
Explore Seasonal Desserts
Don't miss the ever-changing seasonal desserts for exciting new flavors.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Book ahead to avoid long waits, especially on weekends or during peak hours.
Try Signature Cocktails
Sample creative coffee cocktails like the Espresso Martini or Toasted Almond.
Visit Off-Peak
For a more relaxed setting, consider visiting during quieter, off-peak hours.
Explore Seasonal Desserts
Don't miss the ever-changing seasonal desserts for exciting new flavors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bittersweet offers a delightful experience with creative cocktails and delicious desserts, often praised for its fun atmosphere and attentive service. However, some diners have reported issues with the noise level, and a few have found certain dishes to be underwhelming or overpriced. Despite occasional complaints, many consider it a gem for a sweet treat and a drink.
"My bf & I stopped in and sat at the bar. The bartender was super friendly and gave me a great drink recommendation. She answered all my questions and got our food out super fast. My only complaint with the food is that the bread for our pimento was really dry. The desserts were amazing though!"
Shelby Harrell
"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."
Joel
"Great idea, mediocre execution. 50% of the desserts we ordered were underwhelming; the blueberry compote not good, the grasshopper tart downright awful. Also, the garden party cocktail tastes like steak seasoning, wouldn't recommend that either. Your best bet for cocktails are under the coffee cocktail category. The best dessert is probably the s'mores. We liked the ice cream sandwich as well (although it felt like they took a generic ice cream sandwich from the frozen food aisle and pressed popcorn on it, no homemade feel to anything we ordered). Probably won't come back."
Doug Fischer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular desserts include the S'mores Sundae, ice cream cookie sandwich, derby pie, and seasonal specials.
They specialize in coffee cocktails like Espresso Martinis, as well as creative seasonal cocktails, wine, and beer.
While it has a fun atmosphere, it can get loud with large groups. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a quieter experience.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid potentially long wait times.
The menu changes seasonally and specific dietary accommodations are not detailed in the provided data.
Parking is typically available on the street, which may be free depending on the day.
Yes, they check IDs for everyone, so be sure to have yours with you.
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It’s hard enough to get a late-night seat at this dessert and cocktail bar on weekends, but Bittersweet’s ice cream cookie sandwich is so popular that they’re limited to one per customer and typically run out. If you show up and they're gone, there’s no need to stress—the list of desserts here is long, with hits like derby pie and a spin on the childhood classic Dirt & Worms with chocolate “dirt,” edible flowers, and housemade gummy worms soaked in gin and Luxardo cherry liqueur. Come on a Wednesday or Thursday after dinner at St. Roch to have a better chance at snagging one of the tables on the sidewalk.
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Bittersweet Cocktail and Dessert Lounge is a popular establishment located in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, that specializes in crafting delicious cocktails and delectable desserts. The lounge features a trendy and sophisticated atmosphere, making it a great spot for a night out with friends or a romantic evening. The menu offers an impressive selection of handcrafted cocktails, wine, and beer, as well as a variety of mouthwatering desserts, including menu items like derby pie, lemon tarts, and “dirt and worms.
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4.00pm – 11.00pm Wednesday and Thursday, 4.00pm – 12.00am Friday, 2.00pm – 12.00am Saturday, 2.00pm – 10.00pm Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday. We love the concept of a dessert bar, a place where you can get bourbon with your pie, champagne with your cake, or Irish whiskey in your coffee. Bittersweet serves up delicious desserts, coffee and cocktail pairings in a fun and delightful atmosphere with nostalgic decor and cool tunes playing.
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Bittersweet is hands-down one of my favorite cocktail bars in Raleigh. The conveniently-located dessert bar in downtown Raleigh is known for their robust menu of coffee cocktails (Bittersweet will fulfill all your espresso martini needs, and then some), along with playful cocktails inspired by familiar candies and desserts. Coffee cocktails remain constant, while Bittersweet’s signature non-coffee cocktails seem to rotate seasonally.
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It’s hard enough to get a late-night seat at this dessert and cocktail bar on weekends, but Bittersweet’s ice cream cookie sandwich is so popular that they’re limited to one per customer and typically run out. If you show up and they're gone, there’s no need to stress—the list of desserts here is long, with hits like lemon lavender crème brûlée, derby pie, and a spin on the childhood classic Dirt & Worms.
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16 E Martin St. While many Raleigh residents turn to Bittersweet for their caffeine fix as one of the best coffee shops in Raleigh, they’re also pouring up some of the most creative cocktails and specialty drinks in town. Their menu features seasonal and coffee cocktails, creative shots, bottles of beer, bubbly, and wine. Bittersweet also serves delicious desserts and sweet treats.
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We happened upon Bittersweet just after dinner at Beasley’s, which feels like the ideal time to saddle up to this fun spot focused on gin and sweets. The atmosphere is instantly welcoming and inviting, with tunes and chatter floating through the air. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable about what they’re pouring, and there’s a spectacular sweets and snacks menu to match.
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Bittersweet is a cocktail, dessert, and coffee bar located right on Martin Street in downtown Raleigh. While Bittersweet is a great spot to end the evening on a girls’ night, it is also ideal to start your evening with a cocktail (espresso martini, anyone?) at their walk-up window before a sip and stroll to dinner in Raleigh’s Social District. My Order: Espresso Martini
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In addition to serving up some of the most creative cocktail and specialty drinks in Raleigh, Bittersweet serves some of the best coffee in town. In addition to signature cocktails and coffee drinks, the bar offers a wide range of shots, domestic and imported beers, champagne, and wine. Sweet treats and desserts are also available at Bittersweet.
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At cozy tables inside downtown Raleigh’s Bittersweet restaurant, the busyness of East Martin Street gives way to clinking cocktail glasses, intimate conversations, and shared desserts. This time of year, one menu item takes center stage. “As it starts to get close to fall, everybody asks for the pumpkin crème brûlée,” says owner Kim Hammer.
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This dessert and gin bar serves up tons of delicious seasonal desserts. Some desserts are here to stay—like the derby pie and the salty chipwich ice cream sandwich—but most of their menu changes with the seasons. Our fave desserts on the fall menu would have to be the s’mores sundae; it’s decadent and chocolatey!
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📍Location: Bittersweet ✨🍰 one of my favorite places to go for something sweet!. Bittersweet is a cocktail bar in downtown Raleigh that features desserts, coffee drinks & specialty cocktails 😍 they have a rotating menu of dessert items depending on the season as they use seasonal ingredients fo
6 Fall Desserts to Try in Raleigh This Season
There’s nothing bitter about this sweet treat from our fave dessert + cocktail bar in DTR. Crack into the hard layer of caramel on top to sink into an irresistible pumpkin spice filling—and each bite should be enjoyed with the side of housemade whipped cream, spiced pecans and dried cranberries.
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Bittersweet is the perfect place to catch up with a friend or bring your laptop to work. This cafe is perfect for a light bite and serves delectable coffee, cocktails, and desserts. Bittersweet has a seasonal menu, so you get something new every time you go.
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A dessert as awesome as its play on words would have to be Bittersweet's Clèm Brûlée. This clementine crème brûlée features brandy-vanilla poached clementines, sugared rosemary and pomegranate seeds. An added bonus is that it's gluten free!
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I’ll let you decide 😉 BittersweetRaleigh is a coffee cocktail bar in the heart of downtown. I used to walk past it on my way to work every morning and it was one of the first places I tried after we moved. View this post on Instagram
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Bittersweet is a sinful and aptly-named cocktail, dessert, and coffee lounge. It has date night vibes and their beautiful desserts go wonderfully with coffee. During the fall they have pumpkin spice and maple syrup lattes!
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Stop by Bittersweet located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. You can have your dessert and drink it too!. Bittersweet offers an innovative menu of desserts, coffees, and cocktails that change with the seasons.
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A great spot in downtown Raleigh to grab cocktails, desserts and coffee. They have an all-natural, local, menu that changes seasonally and have been known to make doughnut-inspired treats from time to time.
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And make sure to meander over to the Bittersweet cocktail, dessert and coffee lounge at least once for a morning cappuccino, a midday crème brûlée or an artisanal cocktail nightcap.
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At Bittersweet, diners will find an assortment of specialty treats and cocktails. Chef-owner Kim Hammer creates seasonal menus using all-natural — and local — ingredients.
Highest-rated Dessert Shops in the Raleigh Area by Diners
- Rating: 4.4/5 (450 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 16 East Martin St. Raleigh, North Carolina - Categories: Coffee & Tea, Cocktail Bars, Desserts- Read more on Yelp
50 Restaurant Patios and Places to Eat Outdoors in Raleigh, N.C.
Open with indoor seating and a brand-new outdoor patio, Bittersweet's seasonal cocktails and pies are calling your name (ours too!).
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit