Little Barb's Bakery — Restaurant in Durham

Came in looking for a sweet treat at the end of a date and very short respite from the kids. Bought a slice of the most expensive cheesecake I have ever seen, and then spent the entire 15 minutes we had to kill desperately searching Durham Food Hall for a fork. We finally just went and asked the people at the Little Barb's for a plastic fork, because we were running out of time, wanted to actually eat the cheesecake we'd bough, and we'd seen them give someone one with their to-go order. Person at the counter wouldn't give us one, just was like "oh, well, I can see if I can get [Durham food Hall staff] to bring some out," and even after pointing out that we had been all over looking for one and didn't really have time left to keep waiting, was like "well, I don't know." Finally just gave up and asked for a box so we could take the cheesecake with us; it was fine, I guess, when we finally were able to eat it half an hour later, but unfortunately the experience was very much colored by the fact that after paying $10 for a single piece of cheesecake, a plastic fork was too much to ask (I don't even mind paying $10 for a slice of cheesecake at a small, local business; I just think that a 10 cent fork should be an uncontroversial thing to request with it).

Edit to add: This response is a phenomenal example of how to actually get a worse review.

We're well aware that Durham Food Hall is supposed to be responsible for dine-in silverware, and we did leave them a negative review on that front. That doesn't absolve businesses within the food hall from any role in customer satisfaction, or give them license to be blatantly surly with paying customers who want little more than to actually get to eat what they paid for. At no point during this exchange yesterday did you ever say something as simple as "I'm really sorry, I actually just gave away my last plastic fork," and you were exceptionally stand-offish about the whole thing. If your frustration was with spending the whole day running around looking for forks because the food hall wasn't holding up their end of the bargain, take that up with them, not with customers.

As for the price, as I say, the problem isn't with the price, but with service that accompanied it, and this response has done little bit confirm that it wasn't worth it. If you cannot bear the thought that at exceedingly high-end bakery prices people might expect a really basic modicum of politeness and that you be able to plan for really basic exigencies like a shortage of metal utensils without some sarcastic response about how they could have ordered something else, I would not rate your chances of staying in business long particularly well.

It is possible to simply say "I'm sorry you had that experience, I will try to make sure future customers don't have it" without going on the defensive. Good for...

If you're looking for a bakery that delivers both heartwarming charm and exceptional baked goods, Little Barb's Bakery in North Carolina is the place to visit. This cozy spot is a hidden gem that’s worth the stop for anyone craving fresh, homemade treats.

The variety of pastries and desserts at Little Barb’s is impressive. Barb’s pastries, crafted with care and attention to detail, are a standout. From buttery croissants to perfectly flaky tarts, each bite showcases the quality and passion that goes into every creation.

The cupcakes are another highlight, particularly the red velvet, which is moist and paired with a light, creamy cream cheese frosting. Whether you're looking for something classic or something a bit more inventive, Little Barb's has something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

What makes this bakery truly special, though, is the personal touch. Barb, the owner, is always there greeting customers with a warm smile and a story about her latest creation. The bakery has a cozy, welcoming vibe that makes you feel like you're visiting a friend’s home rather than just a place to pick up treats.

The prices are reasonable, and you can tell that the ingredients are of the highest quality. Whether you're popping in for a quick snack or planning a special order for an event, Little Barb’s Bakery is a true gem in North Carolina. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates delicious, homemade desserts...

Where to start when I have so many good things to say? Little Barb’s is such a good addition to the food hall and to Durham generally. Moving from NYC, I had my go-to spots for my sweet treats that I was so sad to give up. But luckily for me, Barb opened up shop just a few months after I moved here to help satisfy my sweet tooth! Her cakes and cheesecake bars are so delicious - whether you’re eating them fresh or after a couple of days in the fridge (because, like me, you picked up a few snacks because you couldn’t pick just one!) they’re so flavorful and rich and the perfect nightcap after a long day. But the real stars of the show here are the chocolate chip cookies! They are perfectly chewy and chocolatey - and just the right size for a snack! Pro tip - pop them in the microwave for ten seconds and wash down with a cold glass of milk chefs kiss

But the real best thing about Barb’s is how friendly and kind she and her staff are. They’re always happy to see you and help make your day a bit better with a sweet treat. I always look forward to stopping by and catching up while I order my two cookies and whatever else looks good that day!

The addition of Little Barb’s was truly a win for the food hall and Durham, and I’m excited to see how far Barb and her...