Union Special
Bakery · Woodcrest ·
Freshly baked bread, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
Freshly baked bread, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
"If there’s one place in Raleigh to come for a quick bite or fresh baked goods, it’s Union Special. They cover the basics, like a BLT, turkey melt, or egg sandwich, without actually being basic. A grilled cheese might come with kale pesto, fontina, and pepper jelly or a BLT might sub out mayo for chow chow aioli. This place also works for a quick working lunch or some grab-and-go treats, like a chocolate croissant or a vegan thumbprint cookie. The bright, rainbow-painted space sort of reminds us of an elementary school classroom, so naturally, it’s the perfect place to doodle in your notebook and enjoy a sugary snack." - eric ginsburg
"If there’s one place in Raleigh to come for a quick bite or fresh baked goods, it’s Union Special. They cover the basics, like a BLT, turkey melt, or egg sandwich, without actually being basic. A grilled cheese might come with kale pesto, fontina, and pepper jelly or a BLT might sub out mayo for chow chow aioli. This place also works for a quick working lunch or some grab-and-go treats, like a chocolate croissant or a vegan thumbprint cookie. The brightly-lit, rainbow-painted space sort of reminds us of an elementary school classroom, so naturally, it’s the perfect place to doodle in your notebook and enjoy a sugary snack. photo credit: Anna Barzin" - Eric Ginsburg
"Union Special’s menu and its entire ethos are built on baking damn good bread. It’s part-morning coffee shop, part-take-away bakery, and part-sandwich joint. Grab a coffee in the early hours and a fresh-baked loaf of bread to take home for later, or stay and have a breakfast of biscuits with charred-onion sausage gravy and pickled peppers. Lunchtime offers American deli favorites like grilled cheeses, turkey melts, and BLTs — all with flavors one might expect in a high-end restaurant. (Union Special recently opened a second location on Fayetteville Street as well.)" - Matt Lardie
"The smashburger at American comfort restaurant Fine Folk is a holdover from chef/owner Chris Lopez’s pandemic project Gov’t Cheeseburger. The chargrilled double patties, special sauce, and shredded lettuce creation was too iconic to abandon with the new spot, so it made its way onto the menu. The Fine Folk burger comes with a side of salt and vinegar chips." - Jenn Rice
"Union Special Bread in Raleigh is suggested as a spot to grab cookies or slices of Red Velvet Cake, and you can also order a King Cake to give Valentine’s Day a Mardi Gras twist." - Matt Lardie