Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery

This review goes out in response to the three ladies and the goat cheese ordeal. First off, I have known Frank Ballard for many years now and he is by far one of the nicest and gracious people I have ever known. I am a restaurant owner myself and understand the demanding costs of certain foods in our economy right now. Rice, pastas, and DAIRY PRODUCTS are among three of the most expensive food items out there right now. My family and I eat at Hayes Barton regularly and if there is ever a time where we have to wait a significant amount of time Frank is always wanting to buy my family and I a round of drinks, an appitizer, or dessert. I always regrettly decline because I understand the demanding costs of running a restaurant, but somehow he sneaks it in there. Ladies, if you expect to go out to eat and ask for something extra please have enough common sense to know that it will cost you a little something extra. If you are that concerned about it, who says that you can't ask the server if there is an extra charge. And if you are franting over $5 anyway, maybe you shouldn't be eating out to begin with. That is not a way to save money....Hello!!! And to address the cafe style of the place, that is what makes it so unique and popular. It is a 40s-50s themed restaurant.....but I guessed you missed that. I am sure Hayes Barton apologizes for not having the modern, Zen-like feel that everyother restaurant in Raleigh portrays. Hayes Barton is a local restaurant that appeals to many local residents. No wonder this experience happened to you, you have only been there one time. The foundation of Hayes Barton is its regular customers who eat two meals a day there, two and three times aweek. And as for the sexest comments; ladies are you really that desperate. Oh ya, the customer is always right??? Hayes Barton is timeless place that must be doing something right because they continue to pack em in. I don't forsee Hayes Barton going anywhere anytime soon. Pros: Wondergul owner, staff, food, and oh ya Desserts!!!! Cons: The customer is always right!!! more

I just want to second what the past few people have said about this restaurant. I'd first like to say that I wish I could give 0 stars instead of 1. Not only was the owner, Frank, rude and confrontational, but he was also arrogant and smug, making us feel unworthy to be eating at his restaurant. And all of this was because we were charged $17 for a goat cheese salad and were never told there was a $5 charge for ""extra"" goat cheese. I'd be fine with paying the $5 if I really wanted the extra goat cheese, but I don't think it's unreasonable to want to have that choice - I'd like to know in advance that asking for extra goat cheese will raise the price of a $12 salad (which is already high for some lettuce, walnuts, cherries and goat cheeses) to $17 (which is highway robbery at a diner with a pharmacy attached to it). If I had known my salad w/ extra goat cheese would be $17, I would've opted for the crab cake entree, which is much worthier of a $17 price tag. The worst part about it was that we were very nice about telling the owner that the server had not informed us of the extra $5 charge. We never asked him to refund our money, and more than anything, I wanted him to know about it so they will inform customers of additional charges when they request extra of something. I also believe that the owner would never have treated us like he did if we had had a man with us - and that's very disturbing. Guess we can add sexist to his list of glowing traits. more

I agree with the previous review! I, too, was ""banned from the restaurant"" by the owner, who obviously doesn't understand that the best way to catch flies is with honey. I found a hair in my food, and politely asked if it was possible to send the meal back and get another. I felt bad about this, because I HATE when people do that whenever their food isn't perfect. I didn't want to create a hassle for the waitress, but I didn't think that was too much to ask, considering. After my waitress gave me some trouble about it, complaining about the price of dairy products these days, the owner came over and told me that if I did not tip at least HALF the price of the meal that I should not come back to HIS restaurant. I don't think I've ever been spoken to quite that rudely. I liked the food okay, but there are plenty of better, bigger, nicer restaurants in Raleigh that neither look like an all night diner inside nor charge $20 for a salad. And certainly no food is good enough to put up with such rude, unwarranted behavior by a person who should be grateful for our business. Going out to eat should be a fun experience, not a stressful one! The vast majority of people in the service industry that I have encountered have been nothing but courteous and friendly. What ever happened to the customer is always right? Or the customer is at least treated with human decency? Apparently, the owner thinks his restaurant is so great that he does not have to behave courteously. And I'm guessing the two of us aren't the only ones this has happened to. Next time, I'm going somewhere that I can get a smile and a nice meal without any lip from the owner. There are enough unpleasant things in the world, and there's no reason to add eating out to the list. Save your cash and go elsewhere! Cons: Service is unfriendly. Owner is rude and ungrateful. more

Two of my friends and I dined here for dinner on a Wednesday night. We had all eaten lunch at HBC before but not dinner. We ordered an appetizer to share, three entrees and a dessert to share. When we got our bill, two of us had been charged $5 each for ""extra goat cheese"" on salads. When we ordered the salads, we were not advised that there would be charge for the extra cheese or that the charge would be about 50% of the price of the original salad. The waitress did not even offer an apology for the misunderstanding, and when we politely told the manager/owner Frank (basically to suggest that they inform people of the extra charge), he gruffly said, ""I'll take it off."" Later, he came back to our table and said, ""If you don't leave 25% tip, don't ever come back to this restaurant again."" and to punctuate the point, repeated, ""25%!"" Frank should have no worries, as we will not return to the restaurant again. (I do wonder if Frank would have spoken to us this way if, instead of three women dining together, we had had a man with us.) more

We go to Hayes Barton Cafe a few times a year (for the past 3 years). We've always had great service - prompt, patient, and friendly. The food is really awesome - it's all-American with a gourmet touch - we've never had better meatloaf or chicken pie. However, even if the latter was mediocre (which it's not!) we would still go there just for the desserts! Our favorite is the coconut cake but you really can't go wrong with any of them! They run a really good operation! The only drawback is that you can't make a reservation for less than 4 people, so if you go there with less than that on the weekend, make sure you get there when they open, otherwise you'll wait a long time if they can get you in at all - it's not a big place. Pros: Excellent Desserts, Food and Service Cons: tough to get a table on the weekends without a reservation more

Hayes Barton Cafe renewed my faith in Raleigh's food scene! I have been so disappointed by the food and the prices in Raleigh at many highly recommended restaurants. Hayes Barton Cafe is the first restaurant in Raleigh in two years that did not disappoint me and my husband. The service is good, menu is diverse, quality of food and presentation is excellent, desserts are to-die-for, atmosphere is just right, and prices are reasonable! Check it out for yourself! Pros: food, prices, service, ambience Cons: parking more

We have been here a number of times since it was recommended by fellow foodies. This place is pretty neat, small, cozy and delicious. The service has been above average and the food was exceptional. Portions are huge! They have some great specials often to add to the smallish menu (hey it's still a diner) but expect some great variety with local flair. Their deserts are legendary, lots of folks just drop in to get one to go. Highly recommended for a date or after dinner desert stop. Check it out:) Pros: A classic, well appointed and cozy Cons: smallish and dark, a little bit of attitude but relaxed more

My wife and I went to Hayes Barton a couple of months ago to get a slice of cake for dessert. It was about ten minutes before they were ""supposed to close"". When we walked in, we were greeted at the counter by a rather rude young lady. She that told us the register was closed and she could not serve us one measly piece of cake to go. After driving all the way from Apex, we were not happy. Today April 12th we went back to Hayes Barton. We went to the counter to order some cake. This was to take out for our dessert later on this evening. We made two selections. The girl at the counter grabbed some old cake from ""yesterday"", (this at her admission) this cake was the last slice of cake, from an old cake. Meanwhile they had 2 fresh cakes sitting in the case. Now, in the real world, yesterday's baked goods get thrown out or sold at a discount. This is a universal law of baked goods. I did not want an old piece of cake that was handled by the kitchen staff 20 times and looked stale sitting open faced on a plate with loose Saran Wrap over it. . I asked for a fresh slice. She outright refused and said, ?I am not allowed to cut a new cake? I said ?I am not allowed to pay 7 dollars for a slice of stale cake?. I again, asked nicely, ?Can I please have a slice from the fresh cake?? she said, ?no, pick something else if you don?t want it.? My wife is pregnant and I wanted cake, I wanted to make her happy so we settled for another cake. I want to go on record and say that I bought this cake and did business with Hayes Barton under protest because I did not want to let my wife down. These people need a reality check. The food is not that good; the staff is snide and unaccommodating. This place is a glorified Greasy Spoon. I don?t know why some restaurants think that their customers are so stupid? I will never, ever do business with Hayes Barton again and I urge you not to as well. more

na Pros: Cute place, good cake Cons: service more

I went there on a Friday night right when it opened to get a couple desserts to go. Everyone in there besides the hostess (may have been the owner) was reluctant to help me. They seemed put off to take my order. Although the desserts looked very appetizing they were stale! I couldn't believe it. I am not sure how long they were in the case but they were not good. It was really disappointing. Pros: family friendly Cons: bad parking more

I really like the staff here and they have hands down the best desserts in town. Its a great place for a romantic evening. more

We eat here often and the service is always consistently good. They are great with the kids -better with teens and college age than younger. We get there when they open and there is normally a line for dinner. The food is comfort food with a twist. This used to be an old fashion pharmacy lunch place and my kids remember eating here after pre-school so they still love going and sitting at the counter. The burgers and fries are great, as is the meatloaf and chicken pie. All of it is very filling so take a big stomach! The salads are not the most creative or best in town, but very filling and fresh for an entree. The soups are generally very good as are most of the appetizers. I think the desserts at Fosters in Durham & Chapel Hill are much better for cakes and pies and Hereghty on Glenwood & Oberlin for pastries and chocolate are excellent (as is their coffee). We have never been charged for extra forks for dessert or water that I know of - so I don't know if this is a general policy that I've missed that was in one of the earlier comments. It would seem a little absurd given what they charge there. It's worth a call to ask before you go. Reservations are necessary if you have a group of 4 or more since the table seating is very close and they do stay busy on the weekends. Pros: quirky food and good service Cons: very busy on the weekends - need reservations more

Lunch is pretty good, dinner is very good, dessert isn't that great (it looks soooo much better than it tastes). The service is below average, slow, and sometimes even rude. more

We visited Hayes Barton on a Friday night around 9pm and not suprisingly it was packed! The host/owner? was very accomodating in finding us a table within 5 minutes. We only came for dessert and we didn't leave dissapointed! The dessert selection is fantastic and the size of the slices may cause you to take some home.\r \r The atmosphere is cozy but at times a little loud. I highly recommend Hayes Barton. more

Hayes Barton Cafe is like stepping back into time World War II era. The old fashion soda counter, big, I mean BIG desserts displayed in a glass refrigerated case, big portions of food, memorabilia hanging from the walls and ceiling ... and romance, romance, romance. This small, cozy eatery is part of the Hayes Barton Pharmacy on the corner of Glenwood and Fairview. Very popular with the neighborhood locals and there is always a wait. Rumor has it, that during the day, Hayes Barton Cafe has more of a cafeteria style setting, where you order, pay and then pick up and seat yourself (self service). At night, they have full service, low lighting and that great homecooking, all served by a waitress in the soda fountain outfit. Yea, really, it's that fabulous. Try the Buckhead steak, mashed potatoes and green beans...it is outta this woild. I would not STEER you wrong. You gotta go! The Social Light Pros: Thumps Up? Everything! Cons: Parking is hard to find more

We ate here with a party of six people, we had reservations and I would definitely recommend making them with a large party.\r \r The atmosphere made you feel like you had stepped in time. \r \r The food was delicious and the portions were very large; which made saving room for dessert a concerted effort. We started with the fried green tomatoes which were well received, lightly fried, with just enough spread. I had the meatloaf over mashed potatoes with green beans which did not disappoint. My wife had the Tilapia over rice with green beans hers was just as good as mine.\r \r The best part about this place is the dessert. The portions are enormous and the desserts change frequently too. We had the Double Chocolate tort with vanilla ice cre@m. Talk about wonderful the inside of the tort had warm chocolate that literally melted through and crumbled the tort.\r \r Highly Recommend and make sure to save room for dessert! Pros: Atmosphere, Food, Dessert Cons: Getting a table with a small party more

my co-workers and I eat lunch here a few times every month and it is consistently great! The atmoshpere is casual and fun. Great music! Cool pictures of glamorous movie stars and WWII memorabilia everywhere. We always feel like the staff and owner (Frank) are happy to see us. But it's the food that keeps us coming back: Grilled pimento cheese sandwiches, Cheeseburgers, salad specials all GREAT! Check it out for dinner too. The best fish and pasta specials I've ever had. Pros: Burgers, fries, chicken salad, home-made salad dressings Cons: restaurant is small and can get crowded more

Me and a large group of friends really wanted to go to Hayes Barton for a farewell dinner for one of the friends. However, we realized the restaurant size is small and called ahead to see if they would even be able to accomodate us. The manager made us a reservation and was incredibly kind! The waitresses served our large party happily and we had a wonderful evening. The food was great with very large portions. The atomosphere was perfect with a great theme. I will definetely return! Pros: Very accomodating, Great waitstaff more

Good food, fun and romantic setting (not in a elegant way, but more interesting) but staff is overworked. Went on a Friday night and there was long waits between getting a menu, ordering, getting refills. Staff is very friendly and professional but not enough to go around. We ordered a salad and dessert. Salad was OK (a bit too much dressing). Dessert was quite good and enough to share. Overall, we'll go back but need to be patient waiting for service. Pros: desserts, ambiance, interesting Cons: slow service more

Excellent food and service, all with a quaint atmostphere!! It's small, but that only adds to the ambiance. On Saturday nights, a line starts to form, so be sure and get there early...preferably at or before 6. The desserts are wonderful and the menu changes weekly. Try it, you won't be disappointed. Pros: Food, Atmosphere more