When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee
Why The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee, located in the vibrant Glenwood South district of downtown Raleigh, is an exceptional place to gather with friends or family. Established in 2007, this locally owned bakery offers a cozy café ambiance complemented by outdoor patio seating, making it an inviting spot for any occasion. The bakery specializes in scratch-made sweet treats, boasting 11 different kinds of cupcakes alongside seasonal favorites, muffins, cookies, and breakfast pastries. Pairing these delights with locally roasted Joe Van Gogh coffee and espresso adds to the experience, ensuring each visit is both comforting and delicious. Guests can stop by for a morning latte with a pastry or enjoy an afternoon sweet treat while catching up with friends on the sunny patio. Additionally, the shop takes proud custom orders for cakes and cupcakes suited for celebrations and special events, emphasizing personalized service. With street parking, free Wi-Fi, and wheelchair accessibility, The Cupcake Shoppe truly caters to a diverse clientele seeking a friendly and accessible spot to enjoy delectable baked goods and quality coffee.
Here's what people think of The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee
As of recent, The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee holds a 4.6-star rating based on 831 reviews.
Reviews of The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee reflect a strong overall satisfaction, contributing to its impressive 4.6-star rating from over 830 reviews. Customers frequently praise the bakery for its high-quality, flavorful cupcakes and other baked goods which are regarded as "addicting" and available in a wide variety of flavors. Many reviewers highlight the exceptional customer service, noting professionalism, prompt response times, and flexibility in accommodating custom orders. The team’s attentiveness and warm hospitality further enhance patrons’ experiences, making it a favorite choice for weddings and special occasions. Positive reviews often describe the shop as a pleasure to do business with, citing friendly staff and consistent product excellence. On the other hand, some negative comments mention occasional issues such as limited seating during busy times or preferred flavors being temporarily out of stock, but these remarks are relatively few and tend to be overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback. In summary, customer reviews portray The Cupcake Shoppe as a dependable and delightful bakery and coffee shop where quality treats and customer care combine to create a standout local destination for both casual visits and special events.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Melissa Ervin
The Cupcake Shoppe is always our go to for Birthday Cakes. The Cake is one of THE MOST important parts to Birthday celebrations for our family and the Cupcake Shoppe never fails to deliver. We show up with our ideas and their amazing Bakers always bring it to life. This year our daughter wanted a Jellycat cake. The cake was not only absolutely adorable but was incredibly delicious. Everyone that ate it complicated the taste. The staff is always so friendly and professional and we never worry about the delivery of their service. It's always top notch.
Michelle Rochelle
I ordered cupcakes for my baby shower gender reveal. They were Starbucks Drink themed and they were perfect!!!! Everyone thought they were the cutest cupcakes ever and this store was super easy to work with. I had a few late RSVP’s and had to add extra cupcakes and they were super accommodating! 10/10 recommend!
Ashley Donovan
My family has been using The Cupcake Shoppe for my kids' birthday cakes since 2018. They do an incredible job, every time! The cakes/cupcakes are always so beautiful, and they taste amazing, too! Arlen, the Front of House Manager, is so kind and helpful. This bakery is extremely professional, but has that small-town charm at the same time. If you follow them on Facebook, the shop lets you know about their daily or weekly specials. When I need a pick-me-up in the middle of the week, I love to stop in for a cookie, a croissant, a cupcake, or a muffin! They are a treasure in downtown Raleigh!
Crisnina Olorvida
I had less than 2 weeks to plan a surprise 70th birthday for my mom. My brother and I came across her page during our search and we contacted Sara via email. She responded immediately and was so kind and easy to communicate with. Planning this with her was so smooth and she knew all the things to help you with your event. Overall planning a party from another state as we no longer lived in Raleigh was difficult but Sara made it easy. The cupcakes at the party were a hit and my mom loved them and the flavors. They were perfect to ensure the guests had their portions. They are great quality cupcakes without being overly priced. Also for a party like ours it was perfect the cupcakes did not require to be refrigerated but were good for room temperature. That was just right for us. I did not go to the shop physically as I had another sibling go and pick up and try the place prior to. However she said it was cute and a quaint little place. Sara answered all my questions promptly and kept in communication with me. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in getting cupcakes for an event.
Sarah Rachita
We love the cupcake shoppe bakery! Not only do we stop by frequently for cupcakes and get excited to check the flavor of the week but we had a great experience catering them for our wedding! They made a beautiful cake and provided a great assortment of cupcakes for our special day! Very communicative throughout the process and answered our questions quickly. Couldn’t recommend enough!
How to reach The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee
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Why The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee with your friends?
Gathering at The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee is an irresistible choice for a meetup with friends because it offers more than just a place to eat — it creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere paired with exceptional, handcrafted treats that elevate your social time. This locally owned, scratch-based bakery tucked in Raleigh, North Carolina, has earned a glowing 4.6-star rating from over 800 reviews, reflecting its reputation as a sweet haven for both locals and visitors. With a commitment to quality, each cupcake, cookie, and pastry is freshly baked daily from the finest ingredients, assuring every bite bursts with flavor. Paired with locally roasted Joe Van Gogh coffee or specialty espresso drinks, it’s the perfect spot to relax, chat, and savor culinary artistry.
Beyond the culinary delights, the shop’s welcoming atmosphere—complete with cozy indoor seating and a sunlit outdoor patio—makes it a social magnet. Whether you want to start your morning with breakfast pastries over coffee or wind down in the afternoon with sweet treats on the patio, this bakery invites you into a warm space designed for connection. Whether planning a casual meetup or celebrating a special occasion, The Cupcake Shoppe offers unparalleled charm and quality that will impress your group and create lasting memories.
What activities can you enjoy at The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee?
At The Cupcake Shoppe, the activities revolve around indulgence, discovery, and socializing in an ambient café setting. First, tasting a rotating menu of seasonal cupcakes and baked goods can turn into a delightful shared experience. Each week features a new flavor, encouraging repeat visits and sparking conversations about favorite picks, while their specialty items, like homemade marshmallows and seasonal ice cream sandwiches, add playful variety. Friends can engage in a tasting session or order an assortment to share, finding favorites while enjoying the artistry of small-batch baking.
The bakery’s open kitchen concept is an interactive attraction, where visitors can observe the bakers at work, piping cupcakes or mixing dough. This transparent glimpse behind the scenes deepens appreciation for the craft and can be a fun, educational experience for groups intrigued by baking. Moreover, The Cupcake Shoppe offers custom cakes and confections by pre-order, perfect for special group celebrations such as birthdays, showers, or corporate gatherings, allowing guests to personalize their event with tasteful, made-to-order treats.
Beyond just eating and watching, the shop's comfortable seating areas and free Wi-Fi facilitate extended conversations, catching up over coffee or even light work sessions for groups looking to balance productivity with pleasure. The outdoor patio, perfect for sunny days, offers a charming setting to enjoy fresh air alongside delicious desserts, enhancing the meetup experience with a touch of nature.
Why is The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee perfect for group meetups?
When planning a group meetup, space, ambiance, food quality, and service all matter, and The Cupcake Shoppe excels in these areas. Its ample seating both indoors and out can accommodate small to medium-sized groups comfortably, allowing everyone to settle in without feeling cramped. The café’s atmosphere balances coziness with vibrance, making it an inviting spot where conversations flow naturally and everyone feels welcome.
The bakery takes pride in using local, fresh ingredients and fair-trade coffee, which adds conscious quality to your gathering. Knowing the food and drink supporting your meetup is ethically sourced and carefully prepared enhances the experience, especially for groups who value sustainability and community support. Moreover, dietary needs are thoughtfully addressed with some vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring all guests can find something delightful to enjoy.
Service at The Cupcake Shoppe is another highlight. The staff is known for being friendly, attentive, and flexible—important when coordinating group orders or special requests. Their ability to cater custom orders, including logo-embellished treats for corporate or celebratory events, adds a unique professional touch to meetups for work teams or milestone celebrations with friends and family.
Lastly, its central location on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh near other attractions and urban amenities makes it a convenient and vibrant hub. Groups can easily combine sweet indulgence with other outings, making the bakery a natural starting or ending point for a fun day out.
What food and drink options enhance the meetup experience?
The Cupcake Shoppe’s menu is designed to delight every palate and create a dynamic eating experience for groups. The heart of the menu is its extensive collection of from-scratch cupcakes in countless flavors, blending classic favorites with modern twists. Whether your group loves classic vanilla or craves inventive seasonal specials, these cupcakes offer a perfect sharing experience thanks to their individual portions and rich flavors.
Beyond cupcakes, the bakery serves an array of cookies, muffins, brownies, and breakfast pastries that are perfect for sharing or snacking throughout your meetup. This variety means there is something for everyone in your group—those who prefer rich chocolate, fruity bites, or lighter pastries—making it easy to satisfy different cravings simultaneously.
Pairing sweets with coffee is a highlight here. The bakery serves locally roasted Joe Van Gogh coffee and espresso drinks, including specialty lattes that appeal to coffee connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. The availability of tea options and fair-trade beverages broadens the choice for those who prefer non-coffee drinks, ensuring every guest has a beverage to complement their chosen treat.
Adding a fun twist, seasonal offerings like homemade marshmallows and ice cream sandwiches occasionally appear on the menu. These treats add a sense of novelty and make visiting The Cupcake Shoppe feel like a celebration, perfect for marking a special occasion or simply making an ordinary day feel extraordinary.
How does The Cupcake Shoppe accommodate special events and celebrations?
The Cupcake Shoppe excels at catering to special events, making it an outstanding venue for group celebrations with family, friends, or colleagues. Customers looking for custom cakes and confections can pre-order personalized creations tailored to the event’s theme, size, and dietary needs, from birthdays and weddings to corporate parties. This bespoke service ensures your celebration stands out with elegant, delicious desserts crafted just for your occasion.
The bakery also offers custom branding options for corporate meetups, including logo replicas on cupcakes or pastries, perfect for enhancing company events, client meetings, or holiday parties. The availability of delivery and elegant gift packaging adds professional convenience and a personal touch, turning simple gatherings into memorable occasions.
Additionally, the welcoming environment of the shop, combined with flexible seating arrangements and the ability to host groups, supports both casual and formal celebrations seamlessly. Whether you want a laid-back coffee and cupcake afternoon or a more organized party setting, The Cupcake Shoppe provides the resources, ambiance, and expertise to make your event successful and enjoyable.
Why is customer feedback so positive about The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee?
With over 830 glowing reviews and a 4.6-star rating, customer feedback consistently praises The Cupcake Shoppe for its exceptional quality, atmosphere, and service. Many patrons highlight the bakery's reliability in delivering fresh, thoughtfully made confections that never disappoint. Regulars appreciate the bakery’s dedication to scratch baking and the use of high-quality, local ingredients, which distinguish it from standard chain cafés.
Reviewers also commend the friendly, attentive staff who create a welcoming environment, making every visit feel personal and special. Whether it’s accommodating custom orders, suggesting new flavors, or crafting the perfect latte art, the service enhances the overall experience.
The bakery’s ambiance—the perfect mix of cozy comfort and light-filled vibrancy—is another frequently praised feature, making it a top choice for meetups. Reviewers love both relaxing indoors and enjoying the outdoor patio, which adds versatility and charm to any gathering.
Finally, the inclusion of vegan and gluten-free options and the bakery’s openness to dietary preferences shows sensitivity to diverse needs, further elevating customer satisfaction and encouraging a wide audience to choose this spot for their group outings.
Whether you're celebrating a milestone, catching up on a sunny afternoon, or simply indulging a sweet craving with friends, The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee offers an ideal mix of delicious treats, cozy atmosphere, and warm service to make every gathering memorable. Its commitment to scratch baking, local ingredients, and inclusive menu options, paired with a friendly, welcoming space, truly makes it one of Raleigh’s premier destinations for social meetups.