Expertly brewed coffee, including unique options like Mexican white chocolate, served hot or iced.
Daily-made scones, croissants, brownies, sugar cookies, and custom cakes for weddings and events.
Wholesome dishes like avocado toast, spicy chicken quesadillas, and fries for dine-in or takeaway.
Personalized wedding and celebration cakes with flavor tastings, including lemon and chocolate peanut butter.
Rotating artwork from Durham artists, creating a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.
Mad Hatters made our wedding cake! It was absolutely delicious and the hardest part was deciding which flavors we wanted at our tasting. We ended up picking the lemon cake and chocolate peanut butter flavors. My only complaint with the whole experience is that being out of town, the email communication and paying without being in person was a little difficult. I really a great experience and would recommend!
Mad Hatter’s can absolutely serve great coffee and baked goods. Their particular strength is the chocolate chip scone, brownies, and the sugar cookies. Croissants are also an excellent choice. I would recommend skipping their food menu items. It takes forever to get your food. I waited over 30 minutes today and it wasn’t the first time either —It always seems they have 1-2 highly overwhelmed people working the food stations but tons of staff on the counter and pastry sections. I ordered toasted avocado toast and it was stale, with barely a hint of avocado and an actual mountain of dry arugula. If you want hot breakfast just go get something across the parking lot but don’t miss the coffee or pastries!
I'm a regular customer, and I just have to say that every visit is always such a wonderful experience. The staff greets you with a friendly smile every time, and you're never short of fresh, delicious pastries and a great selection of prepared foods to choose from. Elizabeth, the manager, is always checking in to make sure everyone’s having a good time, which really shows how much they appreciate their customers. If you're in the area, I definitely recommend stopping by Mad Hatter Cafe + Bakeshop. And don’t forget to check out the local artwork on display—you might find something that really catches your eye!
Great food and coffee here but unfortunately it is very busy here. I can't say if that'd the case all the time, but for sure while I was there. Great and unique coffee, absolutely loved the Mexican white chocolate. The spicy chicken quesadilla and fries were also delicious. Took a little while for the food to come out but I'd say the price is worth it and it tasted great. Overall, solid place.
I recently visited Mad Hatter (not the first time, but first time reviewing) which serves as a café, bakery, and restaurant all in one, and it was fantastic as usual! The food quality is outstanding, with fresh, flavorful dishes that left a lasting impression. Their baked goods were delicious, perfectly crafted and full of flavor. The coffee was rich and expertly brewed, complementing the overall dining experience. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, whether you’re there for a quick coffee or a full meal. The service was exceptional, very friendly, attentive, and fast. A perfect spot for any time of day!

Fresh pastries, artisanal coffee, and cozy vibes in the heart of Durham.
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Mad Hatter Cafe + Bakeshop is a beloved Durham destination offering a delightful blend of freshly baked goods, expertly crafted coffee, and wholesome prepared foods. As both a cafe and bakeshop, we serve everything from decadent wedding cakes and chocolate chip scones to savory breakfast items and rich Mexican white chocolate coffee. Our cozy, welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by local artwork, making it the perfect spot for a quick pastry, a leisurely meal, or a special event. With friendly service and a commitment to quality, we cater to locals, visitors, and event planners seeking delicious, fresh flavors in a vibrant community setting.
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