Union Special — Restaurant in Raleigh

I would recommend looking elsewhere if you value a more inclusive, supportive environment for studying , reading, and fellowship as descendants of the diaspora. On only my 3rd visit to this location, I had a very unsettling experience this morning. The atmosphere felt pleasant until it today my table was quietly circled many times by a strange man while my daughters and I practiced their new reading app game. As a single mother with CPTSD out with my daughters in this day and age , I called my emergency contact just incase to be on stand by. In his final approach, disrupting our session, he addressed himself as the owner of the establishment also stating “ stated “Hello ma’am , all though we want everyone to feel welcomed , we will be freeing up this table (tapping the table we sat at) as we’re starting to fill up here (referring to peek time I reckon)”. We were the only ones inside the shop and all the other tables were empty. There were also seating available outside as well free for grabs if needed. I didn’t mind leaving as we were wrapping up anyways as we were there for about an hour and a half but, I know not to return with tasks to complete while I’m there or not to return at all preferably. They need their seats even as ALL the others are empty . In this climate , I can and will be taking my studies elsewhere where I can enjoy a cup of coffee and sunshine with my family in a small group outing reading and...

I have ordered from this place so many times and I can't keep count! I have had pastries in London before (The Borough Market) and this place is remarkably close! I have had brunch and lunch (very, very good). I have had a brush with the Owner and he was a true gem. I have had almost every single pastry item on the menu and I have ordered wholesale and everything has been a hit (The Union Sour is amazing and so is the vegan loaf). I have eaten here before Covid and after and I have gotten the same results: prompt services and delicious pastries. Thank God my waistline is still intact! Months back, on my GMA'S birthday I got her a box of goodies from Union and she was delighted. Everytime I go there the employees are friendly, the vibe is always good here. Vegan options are pretty good! Got to get to this place early in the day though. Cinnamon rolls don't stay long at all :(. Chocolate chip cookies are rich and sultry. Many of the items on the menu have a earthiness quality that isn't "rich" or delicate. Just know when you eat here you can tell that the flavor comes from integrity and wholeness. I have eaten here 20+ times and out of those 20+ times I have only had one food item that was a tad underwhelming, but that is expected! Union Special, you are doing it the RIGHT way! It is hard to find a buisness that truly puts their money where their mouth is in the food and their voice. Will always...

RAW CHICKEN SERVED HERE.

the chicken chimmarones i was served were absolutely raw—the outside was cooked but inside was something you’d purchase at harris teeter. I was so shocked I didn’t think to take a picture of it, and staff were so blasé as to not even apologize to me until I approached them for a second time to ask for a refund (nothing was even suggested to me when i turned in my dish and saw the absolute shock of the waitstaff who saw how raw the chicken was) and it was was only after the manager approached me to get a refund and i expressed how upset i was that he even apologized. let me reiterate: THE MANAGER DID NOT APOLOGIZE until prompted by me. Extremely unprofessional service, including the manager who again didn’t approach me until I approached the cashier, WOULD NOT RECOMMEND. the only solace the owner could offer me was to ensure that their “safety practices” were up to par, which was only to thwart any legal action on my part and was not sincere. PLEASE do not eat here. If you doubt my review—please just ask them about it; I have enough witnesses and contact with the owner that i hope they will not deny. don’t bring your children or...