As Raleigh continues to grow, it’s interesting to see new businesses popping up to take advantage of these demographic changes. Chains both large and small view the Triangle as a great spot for a new location and Crofton’s Pretzels is the latest entry to that trend! Based out of Wilmington, NC, there was a lot of excitement building for this purveyor of soft, Philly-style pretzels. I had heard good things from friends down in ILM so during their opening weekend, the parking lot was packed along with the side streets. I had to bail out on my first attempt due to the wait. Another visit 3 days later was successful, here’s what to expect for your visit to Crofton’s!
Crofton’s Prezels, Raleigh – Location, Interior
Crofton’s Pretzels is located in the same space that used to be Slice Pie Company off of S. Saunders Street. Parking in the lot that it shares with Riparian Provisions can get a little tight, you can also try the side street (Summit Ave) if there’s nothing available. Inside Crofton’s it’s pretty basic: concrete floors, a service window with visibility into the kitchen, some bright pain in primary hues along with some picnic tables and a refrigerated case in back. Oh yeah, and some small video games to keep you busy while you wait for your food. They had two tablets up front for ordering but I think they disabled them for now during their opening month so just order with the nice person at the counter!
Crofton’s Prezels, Raleigh – Menu, Food
Well now that you’ve made it over to Crofton’s, what to order? That decision is a bit of a challenge given the breadth and range of pretzels they have! Choose from their standard pretzels or indulge in their stuffed pretzels, both sweet and savory. Or go with a pretzel dog, a sausage encased in a pretzel crust. Once you’ve chosen your main pretzel, add a dipping sauce from a wide assortment of mustard, dipping cheese, marinara and more. And then finally, grab a soft drink out of the refrigerated case in back. If you’re looking for a beer, you can bring your pretzel over to Riparian Provision next door!
The pretzel dog is a substantial sausage encased in a nicely browned pretzel bun. A worthwhile bite, get some mustard for some dipping, one is a good snack, two for a meal. The cinnamon pretzel is shaped like a figure-8 and bathed in butter and sweet sugar, a bit messy but tear it apart and you’ll enjoy that soft fluffy interior with a lot of cinnamon sweet on the outside. And the stuffed nutella pretzel?! This monster looked like it was plump and pregnant but don’t worry, that’s just the Nutella. A bit messy with that hazel-nut and chocolate mix oozing out, you need to eat this bad boy quickly while it’s still warm, very tasty!
Crofton’s Prezels, Raleigh – Service, Conclusion
Service at Crofton’s was polite and friendly along with the prices ($2 to $8 for most items). My pretzels were cooked to order so they required a 15 minute wait but it was worth it. Overall I like the concept and what they’re doing here at Crofton’s. I think they make for a solid snack or lunch when you’re in the mood for some saltiness! I’m in the area pretty frequently since I live in S. Raleigh and I’m sure I’ll be trying more off their menu soon. Maybe while I’m enjoying a beer at Riparian. There’s something about that molasses tinged, salty hit you get when biting into a pretzel that just can’t be replicated elsewhere. So welcome to Raleigh, Crofton’s!
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