The RDU Buzz

By Madeline Cook

Union Special

It doesn’t get any better (or fresher!) than a sandwich piled high with veggies between slices of bread that came from a loaf baked just earlier today.  Unless of course, that loaf was crafted on-site in the very same building you enjoyed that sandwich!  This is the level of freshness that fans of Union Special in Raleigh keep coming back for, and if you haven’t tried this gem yet, consider this your invitation! 

The experience at Union Special starts well before you step foot through the doors.  We’re convinced that those comforting scents of bread and flaky goodness actually sneak their way into our car before the artsy building is even in sight.  One thing’s for sure though, as soon as you take the first step towards the bakery, you’ll begin to understand why this is a Raleigh favorite!  The tempting aromas of chunky cookies, buttery croissants and coconut macaroons are enough to make you consider skipping straight to the sweets, but you’ll want to give breakfast and lunch a chance too! 

At the bakery’s East Raleigh (Gateway Plaza) location, vibrant stripes bring good cheer at the order counter.  Once there, you may find yourself stumped when deciding between a BLT on grilled Union sourdough toast or a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich served up with Union ranch on a delicate yet perfectly balanced brioche bun.  You might also try the home fries, accompanied by a tangy aioli dipping sauce and coated in zippy seasonings as a side with your meal.

What makes Union Special… so special?  And what makes their bread so good?  Just under an hour away in Graham, North Carolina, Lindley Mills is hard at work turning whole grains into the silky flour which Union Special uses in their bakes.  Once the local flour is procured, the bakery combines science, art and expert techniques to produce flavors and textures that truly set them apart from their competition.  We tasted the difference immediately.  Come give it a try for yourself! 

Plan for breakfast or lunch at Union Special between 8:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. seven days a week at the Gateway Plaza location at 2409 Crabtree Blvd, or Monday through Friday at the downtown location on 401 Fayetteville Street.  Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday.  The convenient counter-order format means it’s easy to pop in on a lunch break or casual meetup with friends, and the indoor and outdoor seating options will give you a comfy place to sit anytime.  We’re excited to see you there!