Union Special

Introduction / Overview

For residents across North Carolina, finding a local bakery that excels in both classic artisan bread and a full, creative cafe menu can be a challenge. Union Special, located in Raleigh's revitalized Gateway Plaza, rises to meet this demand, operating as a successful hybrid of an artisan bakery and a full-service restaurant. Its identity is deeply rooted in the craft of baking, with a specific and admirable focus on high-quality, naturally leavened loaves and perfectly laminated pastries. This commitment to craftsmanship is even reflected in the name, which pays homage to the durable work ethic of a classic American industrial sewing machine company.

Union Special has quickly become a cornerstone of the local Raleigh food scene, known not just for the comforting aroma of fresh bread but also for its commitment to local sourcing. A significant feature is their partnership with Lindley Mills in Graham, North Carolina, for their flour, ensuring that every loaf—from the celebrated Union Sour to the Potato Loaf—supports a regional supply chain and benefits from freshly milled grains. This farm-to-table ethos translates directly into superior flavor and texture in all their products.

The venue is more than a grab-and-go spot; it’s a diverse gathering place with an inviting atmosphere where locals can enjoy a "world-class" cup of drip coffee (sourced from local roasters like Black & White), settle in for a satisfying breakfast, or grab a creative sandwich for lunch. The menu skillfully bridges the gap between bakery and cafe, offering staples like the beloved "Union Egg Sandwich" and hearty sides like house-made sausage and Carolina Grit Co. Grits, alongside a dazzling array of flaky croissants and sweet pastries. Whether you're a local seeking a reliable, daily loaf of sourdough or looking for an aesthetically pleasing spot to meet friends, Union Special delivers a consistent, high-quality, and distinctly North Carolina-centric culinary experience.

Location and Accessibility

Union Special is conveniently situated in the Gateway Plaza area of Raleigh, making it easily accessible for customers driving from various parts of the Triangle. Its location off Crabtree Blvd, near the intersection of US-440 and Capital Blvd, ensures visibility and easy access from major roads.

The establishment's physical address is:

2409 Crabtree Blvd #102, Raleigh, NC 27604, USA

A major draw for local customers is the comprehensive commitment to accessibility and convenience:

• Parking Options: Customers benefit from both a Free parking lot and Free street parking, which eliminates a common urban inconvenience and makes a quick visit genuinely quick.
• Full Accessibility: The location features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring comfort for all patrons.
• Service Versatility: It offers a wide range of service options, including Dine-in, Takeout, In-store pickup, and Delivery, catering to every need from a leisurely brunch to a speedy lunch.
• Amenities: The presence of a clean Restroom and a Gender-neutral restroom adds to the comfortable and modern atmosphere valued by the diverse Raleigh community.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, facilitating fast and seamless transactions.

Services Offered

Union Special provides a rich array of services that extend far beyond a standard bakery, integrating a full cafe experience into its core offerings.

Comprehensive Services and Menu Categories:

• Full-Service Artisan Bakery: Specializing in the daily production of naturally leavened breads, including the popular Union Sour, Baguette, Potato Loaf, and specialty loaves like Pepper Pumpernickel (available Sunday).
• Handmade Pastries and Croissants: A wide range of high-quality, buttery laminated pastries such as Plain Croissants, Videri Chocolate Croissants, Ham & Swiss Croissants, and seasonal pastries like Twice Baked Pecan Croissants and Coffee Cake.
• All-Day Cafe Menu: Serving thoughtfully composed savory items and sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and brunch, including the signature Union Egg Sandwich, BLT, Grown Up Grilled Cheese, and various daily specials.
• Breakfast/Brunch Staples: Offering classic Southern-inspired sides such as House-Made Sausage, Plain Biscuit W/ Jam, Carolina Grit Co. Grits, and Hashbrowns.
• Specialty Coffee & Beverages: Partnering with local roasters like Black & White Roasters for drip coffee and offering a full espresso bar menu including Union Latte, Cortado, and Chai Oat Milk Latte, as well as Tin Roof Teas and Unsweetened Iced Tea.
• Kid-Friendly Options: The "Kids!" menu section features simple, satisfying options like PB&J, Kids Grilled Cheese, and Chicken Fingers.

Features / Highlights

The features that make Union Special a standout choice for North Carolina food enthusiasts are deeply rooted in their quality of ingredients and commitment to the local community.

Core Features and Unique Selling Points:

• Commitment to Local NC Flour: A signature highlight is the exclusive use of locally milled flour from Lindley Mills in Graham, NC, ensuring freshness, regional support, and superior flavor in all their breads and pastries.
• World-Class Drip Coffee: Known for its high-quality coffee program, often featuring Black & White Roasters, satisfying the most discerning coffee drinkers in the area.
• The "Union Sour" Bread: The daily-available, versatile sourdough loaf is celebrated by customers as a "reliable loaf of bread" and possibly the "best sourdough" in the state, serving as the foundation for many of their sandwiches.
• Superior Biscuit Program: A customer favorite, the biscuits are praised for being simple and satisfying, often enjoyed with house-made sausage and jam for breakfast.
• Cool, Diverse Vibe: The atmosphere is consistently described as "immaculate" and a "diverse gathering spot," offering a relaxed, quiet environment where patrons can work or "zone out."
• Comprehensive Dining: The successful integration of a full savory menu with the bakery counter means customers don't have to choose between a sandwich and a pastry—they can enjoy both, made with the same high-quality, in-house baked bread.

Contact Information

To place an order for in-store pickup, inquire about catering, or confirm the availability of a specific bread type (like the Sunday-only Pepper Pumpernickel), Raleigh locals can reach out using the contact information below.

Address:

2409 Crabtree Blvd #102, Raleigh, NC 27604, USA

Phone:

(984) 200-3094

Mobile Phone:

+1 984-200-3094

What is Worth Choosing

Union Special is unquestionably worth choosing for North Carolina residents who prioritize quality, local ingredients, and a truly integrated bakery-and-cafe experience. It stands out in the Raleigh food scene for several compelling reasons.

First, the core product—the bread—is exceptional. Choosing Union Special means you are buying a loaf crafted from locally milled, high-quality flour, ensuring a fresh product that supports the regional agricultural economy. As one customer noted, it is a go-to for a "reliable loaf of bread," with their Union Sour often hailed as a state-leading sourdough. This focus on the foundational item sets it apart from many other places that may only bake a few specialty desserts.

Second, the versatility of the offering makes it a highly functional destination. Whether you need a full breakfast (like the highly-regarded biscuit with house-made sausage), a quick and satisfying lunch sandwich (made on their fresh-baked bread), or just a phenomenal coffee and a croissant, Union Special covers all bases efficiently. The atmosphere is an added benefit, offering a space that is hip, diverse, and calm—perfect for both a quick visit and a longer period of relaxation or work.

Ultimately, by choosing Union Special, you are investing in a local business that elevates the everyday culinary experience in North Carolina through expert craftsmanship, a commitment to scratch-made food, and a strong partnership with other local suppliers. It’s the ideal choice when looking for a blend of a high-quality, European-style bakery and a satisfying, Southern-influenced cafe.

Union Special

2409 Crabtree Blvd #102, Raleigh, NC 27604, USA