Founders from Helios and Foundation put their talents and passion together to bring you the newly opened Bittersweet on E. Martin Street. The small store-front opens up to a modern, interior with lots of black, white and hipster decor. A Pie Hard poster shows a whimsical touch to this otherwise urban space. I grab a quick seat at the bar while waiting for friends. Bittersweet’s small list of house cocktails are in the $10 to $11 range, right in line with other bars in the area. But I get my usual gin and tonic which Bittersweet serves up with a can of tonic. As I hang loose at the bar, I scan the room at Bittersweet. Probably seats about 50 people and the place is bustling on a Saturday night. Some young-un’s, some not so young’uns and everyone in between.
As friends arrive (Kristen B- Gadaboutfood, Eliot A- Eat Raleigh) we shift over to a small high-top. Bittersweet can get a bit loud due to its open and small space, be aware. Along with the cocktail menu, there’s a small list of house-made desserts. We order up a Derby pie, cookie plate and more! The kitchen is a bit slow, it takes 15 minutes or more for dessert but what the heck, Bittersweet just opened. My pie is beautifully prepared with a tight layer of pecans on top of my slice and layered with delicious chocolate underneath the sweet filling, excellent. Nibbled on the cookie plate which was also solid.
So welcome to the neighborhood, Bittersweet. I do like the concept of cocktails and dessert! But the bigger question is will Raleigh embrace this combo and concept? Only time will tell but given it’s location and great start, I’m thinking we’ve got a lot more sweet than bitter here, let’s keep our fingers crossed people!
First Take: NC Seafood Restaurant at the State Farmer’s Market in Raleigh!