Crave Dessert Bar image

Crave Dessert Bar

Restaurant Bar Cocktail bar Lounge Dessert restaurant Hookah bar

One of the Most Reviewed Cocktail bars in Charlotte


Address

500 W 5th St UNIT 120, Charlotte, NC 28202

Website

www.cravedessertbar.com

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (2.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 5 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 5 PM to 1 AM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 3 PM to 1 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 3 PM to 12 AM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 5 PM to 12 AM
  • Wednesday: 5 PM to 12 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (24) dessert (21) Crave (16) time (15) good (15) hookah (13) night (13) desserts (12) drinks (11) delicious (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ghost W. 2 years ago on Google
    Crave is definitely a great experience. A secret most do not know is they do offer some free parking but it does get crowded fast. We were there around 6, a decent sized crowd with one party leaving and one party showing up. Paige, was a great server. She was attentive, informative and fun. The drinks, not only looked cute they definitely did not skimp on the alcohol. We will definitely be back
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 stacey s. 1 year ago on Google
    Been wanting to go crave dessert bar for a long time, I was extremely disappointed. I ordered the chicken flat bread and the Buffalo sliders and both were uneaten. The flat bread had no taste and was soggy. The Buffalo sliders were a little better but extremely salty. My husband threw the sliders in the trash when I got home. The strawberry cupcake and red velvet cupcake were just ok, but the pineapple drink was the star of the show. I would recommend crave dessert bar for just their drinks and desserts. The name of the restaurant lets you what you should order when you get there, desserts and drinks. Eat a meal before you go because the food is not good.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Deanna J. 2 years ago on Google
    I finally made it back to Crave after some years and had a great time! Alyssa was our waitress and she was the absolute best! Very attentive, checked on us regularly, made excellent recommendations, and completely enhanced our experience providing stellar service! Drinks were a little too sweet for my taste. I ordered the Signature Sincerely Crave, essentially an old fashioned, not strong at all but the presentation was great! One thing I will say that doesn’t seem to be promoted enough is the hookah! I recommended it to a friend because she loves hookah and when she looked it up, all she saw was that it was a dessert bar so it was almost axed from the list but thankfully it made the cut and we had a great time!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Briana G. 1 year ago on Google
    My friend and I had the greatest time here! Everything from the food to the drinks and dessert was exquisite. I would recommend the “Fudge it” to any fellow chocolate lovers! Our server today was the best! Sabrina, you’re one of the most amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting here in Charlotte, thank you so much for making our experience awesome! Everyone should stop by here for a great vibe and good eats
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anastasia M. 3 years ago on Google
    Crave Dessert Bar had been the talk of the town. I had to give it a try myself. This establishment was absolutely beautiful. A wonderful place to come after you had a nice dinner and in need of a good dessert to curve your sweet tooth. A bit pricey. I was really shocked this place offers hookah and that the ventilation system was so great. The only issue is it really is just a dessert bar and only offers just that and small finger food. Do not come hungry. The wait time wasn't too bad but since groups do come it can take a while. The staff was remarkable polite, helpful and accommodating.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 marvin b. 2 years ago on Google
    Crave Dessert Bar is a 21 and up establishment due to offering Hookah. They were kind enough to allow my daughter’s 20 year old boyfriend as long as no one ordered Hookah at the table. We were there in the middle of the afternoon and dressed casual. But that could be different in the evening as the place looked Sophisticated. I had a dessert cocktail named Thicker than a Snicker, caramel vodka, creme de cocoa, Irish cream and amaretto. The drink seemed a bit strong but very good. I don’t drink a lot. My dessert was the New Yorker, naturally a cheesecake and I enjoyed it a lot. My wife the dessert connoisseur got the Victorian, a 3 layer chocolate cake and she LOVED it with an added side of ice cream. Overall the experience was great. We would definitely go back on our next visit to Charlotte.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin R. 3 years ago on Google
    Delicious treats and fabulous drinks. The hookah smell is not bad and it doesn’t linger. I still wish they didn’t serve it. The place is pricey but it’s very chill.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 LD F. 1 year ago on Google
    Crave Bar has a nice uptown lounge vibe feel off from the beaten path. If you're looking for something different for date night or boys/girls night, then it's something to check out. They have an appetizer food menu, good selection of desserts, drinks, and hookah. I gave it four stars because the food was decent, but I would go back for the atmosphere.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Precious G. 1 year ago on Google
    The food here is great! I went here with my mom and some friends! The staff was very friendly and helpful with choosing menu options. Although the plates might be small for people who eat heavier or heartier meals the plates were not super small and the flavor of everything was immaculate. First we started the night off with the crab dip with pita chips! It was great! I enjoyed that they used real crab and not that fish substitute other places may use. We ended up getting 2 orders of it because it was so good. Then we also got the kettle chips with smoked blue cheese. And that was fantastic. I’m not a fan of blue cheese, I hate eating it but they were delicious. My mom and I both enjoyed them. My friend Katie got the small pizza which was just big enough for everyone to have a small slice. I got the Smoked Mahi fish it was cooked and seared made medium rare which is exactly how I like my fish cooked. My mom who hates her fish semi cooked even enjoyed it. During our stay we also got mock tails dessert and an assortment of other things including the quesadilla which was great! The highlight of the night was definitely the dessert. We all got different desserts such as the Golden girl, the double strawberry cheesecake, the bourbon pecan cheesecake and I don’t think there was a single thing we got that we didn’t like. I highly recommend the Golden girl. This place is also great for hookah.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael T. 1 year ago on Google
    Sabrina M. was awesome. Great recommendations, very friendly, made sure we had what we needed and helpful with suggestions. She’s a great host! My favorite drink was the Thicker Than a Snickers and my friend had the Chocolate Cocaine. The peanut butter bomb was delicious! A great place to end the night. We’ll definitely be back!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer L. 1 year ago on Google
    Every single sip was pure heaven! The drinks are so delicious. I loved celebrating my birthday here. The atmosphere was beautiful and really relaxing. I was amazed that I didn’t really smell the Hookah at all. I had the Empanadas and I’m still craving them. The desserts couldn’t have been better.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shay B. 2 years ago on Google
    Crave never let's me down. Great ambience coupled with great food and adult libations, what else could you ask for?! The decor is luxxe and it's always a blast whether you come for a celebration or just sit at the bar and people watch. I can't wait to go back and get another hookah.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T S. 7 months ago on Google
    If you're CRAVING tasty desserts, unique drinks, chill atmosphere, a variety of music, or even some nice bar food, this is a cool little spot. I've been a few times, and it's always a vibe. Seats do fill up quickly when it's late, so you may want to check and see if they take reservations. Service had great attitudes even though they were super busy. Very attentive from the time we sat down till we left. They also have a cute little outdoor seating area. They have a bar area where you can just walk in if you don't want to wait to be seated(which is what I do if it's not full) and tvs to watch the games during different sports seasons. This time around I had the Golden Girl (Pineapple upside down cheesecake cake) and Thicker Than A snicker drink (4 different dessert liquors) definitely delicious. Paid parking across the street or you may get lucky enough to get an alley spot. Of course I'll be going back. There's no doubt about that.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Monica B. 1 year ago on Google
    The service (Sabrina), drinks and food were delicious. This empanadas were my favorite! The desserts were outstanding. I would definitely recommend this place. Super cool ambiance too!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julian F. 5 months ago on Google
    Crave Dessert Bar in Charlotte is an exceptional establishment that seamlessly combines contemporary design with an exquisite culinary experience. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a stunning decor that exudes modernity. The walls adorned with avant-garde art pieces set the stage for an evening of sophistication. One unique feature that caught our attention was the availability of hookah, a delightful addition that adds to the overall ambiance. It's a testament to the diverse offerings this place provides. We started our evening with a glass of champagne, and it was nothing short of perfection – crisp, refreshing, and expertly recommended by the knowledgeable bartender. The attention to detail and commitment to offering a memorable experience was evident from the very beginning. The true highlight of our visit was the Tequila Espresso Martini, a creative twist on a classic cocktail. The infusion of tequila brought a delightful depth of flavor that left a lasting impression. It's a testament to the innovative approach that Crave Dessert Bar takes to their beverage menu. The seating arrangements, featuring luxurious couches and a lavish lounge area, offer an oasis of comfort within the contemporary design. It's the perfect setting to unwind and savor your drinks and desserts. In summary, Crave Dessert Bar is a gem in Charlotte's culinary scene, combining modern aesthetics, exceptional drinks, and a unique atmosphere. Whether you're a local or a traveler, this destination is worth a visit for a taste of elegance and innovation.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shaneka R. 7 months ago on Google
    Hadn't been here since pre-pandemic. Went here for a friend's birthday a few weeks ago. Still one of the best spots in the city! There is usually a wait on a Friday or Saturday night. They do not take phone or online reservations but it is worth the wait. Very attentive staff, unique & delicious desserts, and wonderful ambiance. The whole place has the moody lounge feel with low lighting, soft music, and different scents in the air from hookahs. We had a great time!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandi M. 7 months ago on Google
    This was my second time at Crave in a long time! I had my mind on their Victoria chocolate cake but I ordered the wrong dessert. The waitress was so nice and was able to have the kitchen make the dessert close to closing! I’m forever grateful! Their desserts, service, and atmosphere are always awesome!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sunshine 5 months ago on Google
    I absolutely love this place..the first couple times we went too late to try the food but this last time we ordered a little of almost everything. Lollipop chops lambs are soo good! I wish I could remember our waitress name she was the best! Great date night. We swing by whenever in town
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tyler M. 2 years ago on Google
    Crave Dessert Bar is a great addition to the lacking lounge scene in Charlotte. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with happy chatty guests. The staff are attentive and accurate with orders. The food, cocktails and desserts are all delicious and worth the price paid. Ending your visit with a unique flavored hookah is an added bonus and probably worth a visit to use on its own. Have and will be back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cbella M. 1 year ago on Google
    Customer service is always great. The food is amazing. The desserts on point. Sadly the only dessert that every time I get it it's dry is the coco coco cupcake. Good flavor but very dry.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 BH F. 2 years ago on Google
    Saw this place driving into Uptown for dinner and naturally remembered it when it was time for dessert! It's a bar and also offers hookahs, so they check IDs at the door, even if you sit outside on the porch. The tiramisu and bread pudding were delicious. We had parked on the street and walked up, but our server gave us a tip that you can park in the garage for the neighboring apartments and there will be a code on your receipt for when you exit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mah Santa C. 2 years ago on Google
    A MUST STOP WHEN IN CHARLOTTE! Alyssa (probably butchering the spelling) our hostess was amazing to us and gifted us with a table with the best waitress ever Ishah. After driving for 12hrs to make it to Charlotte and Crave being our first pit-stop to celebrate our wedding anniversary, we were amazed with the service, the food and the ambiance. I hardly believe there is anything in the menu short of perfect, but word of advice, the ahi tuna is out of this word of perfection. If you are a peanut butter lover, the peanut butter bomb (only served in Charlotte) is a piece of peanut butter cloud in your mouth, its heaven on earth. Ishah was God sent, her service, her respect, her kindness resulted in a memorable anniversary celebration that she will always be part of. Clint congrats for the amazing staff and the moments you are gifting your patrons, eternal memories.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dawn B. 2 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed my time with friends. Drinks were good. My friend really enjoyed the bread pudding.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 sharmila c. 2 years ago on Google
    Its a really nice place to sit out. The dessert was good but one of the best in Charlotte. They do have dress code though "No baseball caps" so if you are planning to visit make sure u don't have a hat head. It's a good place to visit. One time visit for sure the interiors are good though
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Caleb S. 2 years ago on Google
    Veronica made my friend and I have a wonderful night! She was down to earth and on top of our orders. Crave is always a great experience when I go, and I have not had one bad experience there. It helps when you get good service as well! The food has been tasty and the hookahs are always smooth!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Devon 2 years ago on Google
    Hard to see because of the light but this place is definitely a perfect place for a date! Have some desert maybe a little hookah sit back in the comfy chairs and enjoy the night! Once inside you'll instantly feel the rustic feeling with all the exposed brick and wood and hanging shelves. This place was well put together and the people inside are as sweet as their deserts! Thanks Madison for taking care of us!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chante 5 months ago on Google
    This is a very cool spot. I had dinner earlier and was looking for a restaurant with a full dessert menu and came across this place. Paige, my server, was great and the food was really good. I would recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Haze A. 2 years ago on Google
    My wife and I have been here once prior to tonight’s visit and absolutely loved it. I’m guessing that there was a different cook tonight because the food was terrible. Everything was cold and when I sent my lamb back it was microwaved then brought back to me. I was highly disappointed. Not even only that, our waitress checked on us TWICE the whole hour and a half we were there. In fact, I had to get up and go to her directly just for the check. Just horrible. We needed this date night out away from our kids and the experience was not worth it at all. I could’ve stayed home.

  • 2/5 Alezsia S. 5 months ago on Google
    I have a bit of a mixed review! Loved the atmosphere and vibe of the place but the service needs some much needed work. Service: Our waitress Kaitlyn was so amazing and patient! Couldn’t give her enough stars! She was very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed and our orders was correct. However, we were hovered over by the ‘security’ guards in the tight shirts and cardigans. When asked why they were hovering because they were making my friend uncomfortable he responded ‘because I can’ in a nasty tone and overall had a disgusting attitude for someone asking a question that is patronizing his establishment. I understand there are policies and protocols, but it would behoove him to explain their policy to new patrons before being condescending and dismissive to those trying to diffuse the situation. I have never experienced anything like that from an establishment, and I’ve been to many. Waitlist: I came in on a Friday night with a party of 7 and was put on the waitlist for an 1.5 wait which was expected for such a busy night. You’re able to track your place in line via a link they send you and they text and call you when the table is ready so we were able to explore the area in the meantime! When we got back, we were promptly seated but I believe there was a miscommunication between the hostess stand and our waitress because it took about 20 minutes before we met our waitress/got water, etc. Ambiance: When you walk in, it’s a very cute vibe. There are booths, kind of round sitting areas and a bar in the middle. It’s kind of loud due to background music and talking so I wouldn’t go if you’re expecting a lot of intimate conversation, but more for girls night out or even a date if it’s not the first one! Food: We ordered hookah, and I had the blue crab dip and bread pudding. Both were delicious. The blue crab dip had a lot of pieces of crab and the bread pudding was warm and came with a cream that complimented very well. The hookah was a little too harsh for me and the flavor was just okay. Parking: I’m not sure if they had their own lot but I ended up parking across the street for about $12.50 for 10 hours.

  • 4/5 Shiniqua L. 5 months ago on Google
    Crave is always a great spot for chill vibes, smoking hookah, and tasty plates. Our server was Alaina. She was nice, attentive, and provided amazing customer service. I ordered the new s’mores cocktail, it was delicious and the toasted marshmallow was an amazing touch! The rum runner was also really good as well and made me feel as if I was in the tropics. To eat we had the steak and crab dip! HIGHLY recommend these two dishes, they were flavorful and we really enjoyable. FOOD HACK: Put some crab dip on top of the steak with some Chimichurri, makes for a great “surf and turf”. For dessert we ordered the vanilla bean and red velvet cupcakes. We wanted them “boozy”, but were told they were out of the droplets. The cupcakes looked amazing, but unfortunately didn’t taste like they looked. They were DRY, didn’t taste fresh, and felt like they were in the fridge then thawed out. We were EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED, since we came for the dessert bar experience. We did send them back and Aliana was very accommodating. Overall recommend Crave, but wish the cupcakes were better and “boozy”.

  • 5/5 Cassie W. 2 years ago on Google
    To go dessert was AMAZING! The strawberry cake was great, especially the chesscake layer. The cupcakes were NEXT LEVEL, the carrot cake was possibly the best carrot cake I have ever had and the red velvet cupcake was mosit and delicious and most red velvet can be dry but this cupcake was perfect! Both cupcakes we tried had very good cream cheese frosting. I will be back!


Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Happy hour food
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned
    • ✓️ Identifies as veteran-owned

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