First of all, thanks to everyone who participated and commented on my special Made in NC post this week. I just loved reading about all of the local businesses from cities across the states that you love.
And so the blog birthday week continues. In honor of think fruitful turning the big 3, I decided we could all celebrate by taking a virtual dessert tour of Raleigh.
Let’s all indulge in a piece of pie with freshly whipped cream or pair a hot cocoa with a $3 cookie (that’s totally worth it) and celebrate.
I’ve always associated desserts with celebrating, and I don’t intend on changing that anytime soon.
So, in the spirit of celebration, if I had to pick my favorite dessert spots in Raleigh, I’d say:
This place has got it all. It gives you the excuse to just go out for drinks and dessert. It’s full of art deco gorgeousness, the women’s bathroom is adorable (they have real hand towels)…and have I mentioned that their desserts and drinks are creative and absolutely delicious?! Everything I’ve had here (in my three visits) has been fabulous. From cookie plates (pictured above) to cupcakes to root beer liqueur cocktails, it’s all delicious. The atmosphere is perfect for girls night out, couple’s dinner out or really anything. Going out for dessert makes me feel extra special and indulgent, so Bittersweet is an important part of my Raleigh birthday dessert tour.
Oh, Joule Coffee. How can you do coffee, brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert all so wonderfully (ok- to be fair, I haven’t had dinner there yet, but I want to). This is one of my favorite spots in Raleigh no matter what time of day. Although I love their brunch and lunch fare, I’m just as smitten with their coffee, tea and dessert offerings. This is a perfect place to end a date night- modern, low lighting with Southern-inspired eats that are sure to win you sweet tooth over. My husband and I once ended an evening splitting a vanilla pots de creme with peaches and candied pecans beside tea and fabulous coffee at Joule.
If amazing, local and natural-ingredient frozen custard doesn’t confirm that you’ve moved to the right state, I just don’t what does. There’s a reason why Goodberry’s is an institution around these parts- their custard is amazingly creamy and delicious and they offer hundreds of mix-ins. From blackberries to hazelnuts to Reese’s peanut butter cups, it’s all good mixed into a Goodberry’s concrete. And guess who lives about 3 minutes away from one…this girl!
If you go out to dinner at Stanbury (and you’ve GOT to go), you’ve also GOT to get a hot chocolate or chocolate truffle at Escazu afterward. Escazu is an artisan chocolate shop that has some of the best sweet bites and drinks. You really haven’t had hot chocolate until you’ve tasted one of their offerings inspired by various regions of the world (Aztec, French, ooh la la). If you’re just wanting a small taste or a few sips of fine-crafted chocolate, Escazu is your best bet!
Now, I know that there are dozens of places that I haven’t yet explore in the Triangle, and thankfully I think I’ll have quite a few years to find them.
In the mean time, leave a comment with your favorite dessert spots in the area!