Sugar Cafe
Categories: Desserts, Coffee & Tea, Lounges [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Nob Hill679 Sutter St
(at Taylor St)
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 441-5678
Join us friday and saturdays for 40% off bottle…
Announced 7 days ago Inappropriate?
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.
Sat 8:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.
Sun 8:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Free
- Music: DJ
- Best Nights: Tue, Wed, Fri
- Happy Hour: Yes
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: No
432 reviews
Neighborhood: SOMA
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248 Reviews for Sugar Cafe
Last Sunday I attended Mimosa Factory at Sugar Cafe. Sugar Cafe looks and feels very post modern, with snowy white and silver decor, i-pod stations and other technical delights. Cheers to Sugar for giving us their upstairs room and all the mimosas we could drink! I must withhold a star for them running out of potatoes for Saturday brunch.
Perhaps this isn't a fair review since I never actually ordered anything here.
I planned too, I was trying to attend their Mimosa Factory event that was supposed to happen all weekend, and the Yelp event said it ended at 5 PM each day, but they were all out of Champagne at 12:30 PM.
It was frustrating, to say the least. I traveled across the city to get a fix of the mimosa and meal I was craving and prepared for, but they were not ready to deal with the demand that their advertising got.
So I ended up at Piraat Pizza across the street.
Then I went to Safeway and bought 4 bottles of cheap champagne and a gallon of orange juice to satisfy my craving. (Though I didn't get through even a fourth of it...)
I would like to try you again, Sugar Cafe, so please don't let me down next time!
Okay, so maybe I hang out at Sugar Cafe more than I'd like to admit but I have seen these guys put up with a lot of bullshit and drunk assholes, and of course they always handle their shit! Here are a few surefire ways to have a great time at this lovely establishment:
- Don't give the bartender shit because he needs to pull your unfinished drink at 2am.
- You want good service from your friendly bartender? Then tip them properly! I know there are a lot of tourists and foreign students in this hood, but come on people! When in Rome...
- Don't be an asshole by interrogating the staff about what kind of beers they have and then order a Bud Light
Also have to say that this place has great lighting and simple, modern decor... makes for great picture-taking if you have friends visiting from out of town. Might be a little pricey but worth it as these guys don't skimp on the alcohol.
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UGH.
I never thought I'd say this, but the bouncer was the best part about this bar. I take it back -- the fireplace and the decor were neat, too. The service here was absolutely astounding. Astoundingly awful.
After ordering two shots and two drinks, I handed the bartender a twenty and a card, asking him to put the balance on the card, and what happens? HE THREW THE CASH BACK AT ME ACROSS THE BAR. Are you kidding me? I'm a good tipper too. At least I WAS.
Oh, and then while sitting down enjoying what was hands down the WORST cocktail I've ever had (it tasted like dishwater with lime), some "regular" had the balls to walk up and ask my friend and I the most vulgar question I can even think of.
What a terrible establishment. It looks so deceivingly cute from the outside. I left that bar with a bad taste in my mouth. Literally. I was spitting for blocks from the aftertaste of that "drink."
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I am recovering from the Bottomless Mimosas at Sugar Cafe today.
I was there to celebrate Mr. Starr's birthday and what a celebration it was.
I love the layout of this cafe. We were in the back section which has a curtain if you need and want privacy.
The menu has Lobster Salad and a yogurt, fruit, and homemade granola concoction for reasonable prices.
Free Wi-Fi access and wired computers $2.00 an hour are offered.
Across the street from one of the Academy of Art campuses, this place attracts an arty crowd with sophisticated tastes.
At night the cafe hosts parties and other events.
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Aah this review is hard .... well it's called Sugar Cafe so let's start w/the sugar... my friend and I shared the Chef's Dessert Assortment which had lots of REALLY GOOD stuff in it, like ice cream in lambic beer, a decadent brownie, chocolate croissant, plus caramel sauce and a sour cream/raspberry type sauce on the side.
however ... there was no espresso bar! i mean... helllooooo Latte... Cappucino... and dessert... i really don't know what else to say, Maybe something changed from the time we went there b/c the website has coffee drinks on it. Anyway, we ended up getting the closest thing to coffee... an Irish coffee...which was the most disgusting drink I've ever had (and this isn't the first time I've had Irish coffee...just to be clear, here) ... I can probably make a better one at home!
Aside from that... the decor is pretty cool, ESPECIALLY the fireplace...one of the coolest installations I've seen!
I'm not sure if I love this place or hate it. I like how they have lots of couches, tables, and it's right off sutter street where it's conveniently close to other bars. I don't like how the pictures on the website show a place that looks so much different when you finally get there.
They had one bartender that thursday night. One bartender and 5-6 people trying to order!!!! He was the type of bartender that doesn't take shit from people, flirting chatting, and actually came off very offensive when my friend's friend tried to order a drink. I actually thought it was funny though because that friend was pretty arrogant.
Oh and I was very disappointed that I didn't see any deserts... or is that during the day only?
I've been looking for a place like this. Sometimes you just want to jump on your laptop and sip down some cocktails, right? Well this is the place to do it. The bartenders were decent, you can always get a seat, and the drinks about an average price.
..Then they started playing Creed tracks. WTF? I almost want to knock a star for that.
Either way it's convenient if you live nearby. I wouldn't see myself going all the way to the TL to come here, but I won't knock it for that. At least the atmosphere is pretty cool.
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Will is the awesomest bartender EVER! I get drunk and have great times with excellent service!
-Brian
actually MORE than excellent service. its service and a show... and entertainment. the environment is super schnazzy...everyone inside is down for a good time, if you don't like having a good time, then don't bother, but if youre down to kick it and have a few shots then fridays and saturdays are the night for you
-Liz
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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04/29/2008
Awesome atmosphere, better brownies, and great location, Sugar Cafe is cool anytime time of day or… Read more »
good old sugar cafe. im only reviewing the bar / lounge aspect of this place since i haven't been able to check it out during day time.
the ambiance here is great, reminds me of bars / lounges in nyc. i appreciate the fire place too by the seats. i feel like it's one of the best lounges in the lower nob area vicinity. it's a good place to bring your date after a nice dinner to sip on a drink or two by the fireplace. im not fan of their drinks (either too weak or strong) but it's about right for what you pay.
if you have a friend visiting out of town and want to take them to a nice, clean, and chill lounge that won't break your wallet this is a great place to go.
I don't like writing negative reviews however my experience here was so horrible. Service was absolutely horrific. My husband and I waited to get waited on seems like forever. We just wanted to get some coffee and a dessert. There place was not even at 20% capacity and not one person came to take our order and we even went to the bar to see if we should order it at the bar and still no one came. the bar had only 1 person sitting at the counter. we weren't the only ones looking around for assistance. the other tables around us were saying the same thing and left soon after we did. I have to say... what a horribly ran business.
Worth what you'll spend? Worth more than the $$ you fork out.
Good service? Uh huh.
Decent ambience? Yes. Not many places combine bar and cafe effectively.
Food/drinks tasty? Sure!
Free refills on soda? Yes. 100% awesome!
Bonus points for? Fre wi-fi.
Great place to chill out and do homework during the day, or to grab drinks in a place that's busy but not packed. If you're bringing a laptop, consider also toting along a 6'-12' extension cord. There are usually enough outlets along the walls, but not in the middle of the room. I think they turn off wi-fi around 9 p.m. It's a great place to get sandwiches, coffee, and other light food during the day. At night it becomes a lounge/bar and the prices on booze are reasonable.
Cheap drinks, great decor, classy crowd, what more could you ask for??
If you're looking to find 'bigger' drunk girls falling on their faces while they're smoking a cigarette, you'll find that here too! Thanks to the overpacked club next door!!
Fantastic spot. You can dress up or dress down. Stop in for a beer after work or make a night of it. Awesome bartenders. I go in on Monday nights after work hang out with the amazing bartender/magician Will and get some liquid courage before descending down into the cellar for karaoke!
Decent prices, good folks...I suggest you try this hoTT spot!
This is a great place for all types of things: studying, meetings, dates, desserts, appetizers, a drink or two, grab a cup of coffee, or just to hang out-they have free wi-fi for customers. It's pretty cozy and has plenty of seats-i LOVE the fireplace-its huge and pretty! I want a fireplace like this in my future home.
The desserts are so yummy, the lunch sandwiches and salads are great, the mojitos are pretty strong & environment is cool. I love coming here.
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I went here during the evening when it was a lounge. This place is funny dude.
Drinks are fine. Place is small, but not tiny. A little too much pink lighting gives it sort of a tacky feel.
The funny/lame thing is that for the music, they just looped the playlist over and over and over. Which is fine, if the playlist was very extensive. But there must have only been about 20 songs in the playlist when I went. I think I heard Chris Brown's "Kiss Kiss" and Janet Jackson's "Feedback" at least 4 times. IN THE SAME ORDER! At least turn the "shuffle" on.
That's pretty sad. You'd think someone could spend at least 30 minutes to download a few more songs for their resident DJ MP3. Shiiiiiettttt.... I should DJ this place. I'll just bring my iPOD and a stereo jack.
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I had a meeting at Sugar Cafe one night after work. It was a convenient little spot where we were able to grab a table, espresso drink, and a delicious dessert. I like that they have tons of tables & couches that you can lounge and of course, as mentioned before, free wifi.
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I mean, there is everything here that COULD potentially make me want to hate Sugar Cafe with a vile passion: the modern-ish decor with low couches, lots of neon, an odd menu, and a bunch of douches that seem to congregate here late in the evening.
Except. Somehow. All these factors actually WORK for me. The couches and the tables are comfortable and can accommodate groups of friends. The neon lighting is the most flattering, for taking photos and putting them on my Flickr 'n such; it's this rosy-red glow that just makes you look vibrant and mysterious and attractive, if slightly radioactive. The menu is actually full of super tasty things, like amazing mac'n'cheese with white cheddar and crispy bacon bits, fluffy tiramisu served in gigantic cappuccino cups, really good olives with orange zest and garlic, and raspberry Lambic float with chocolate ice cream. Oh and chocolate empanadas, and dates wrapped in bacon. It is so tasty. And last but not least, the douches are actually my friends and I, because we get there early, have a light dinner, and then segue into some serious drinking of foofy cocktails. while we take up lots of room and talk loudly about inappropriate subject matters, romantic anecdotes, and the trials and tribulations of post-baccalaureate academia.
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This place has a great location. The seating is perfect for the City climate since it has great outdoor seating and a warm and cozy fire place inside. I'm not a huge fan of their desserts way too sweet but the have a outgoing and friendly staff and good drinks. There's no cover and typically not too packed on Friday nights, which is rare for a SF bar. The party goes on downstairs, so for all you party people they have options.
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Based on the select reviews I read, I must agree with the consensus that the service is really poor. Granted the barista-by-day/bartender-by-night made a decent cup of mocha, I couldn't get over his pompous, pretentious attitude. I love the decor. I'm not too fond of the cafe transforming into a bar by night, but I do find it's a cool study spot. I advise you bookworms to arrive before 12pm to receive the adequate 5 hours of study time before it metamorphoses into an eccentric bar at night.
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What the heck is this place? From the looks of the decor, seems like the owners wanted a swanky, mod cocktail place w/ the twist being desserts. But when we got there at 7pm, it was populated by lone wi-fi users sipping a Heineken or latte. Nothing chic or lounge about it. Bar bites had a good variety of food that ended up being solid but dessert were disappointing for a place that highlights it. Plus, the service was bad - the server insisting that the giant sundae he brought us was the Chef's Special for the night, only to come back later and ask "Did you guys eat the sundae? Yeah, that wasn't for your table. But don't worry. I won't charge you." WHAT? Damn straight! The place is better on paper than in reality. Don't bother, unless you want free wi-fi.
I really was excited to try this spot -I swear I was ...
I thought I was.
My girlfriend & I simply wanted to enjoy a nice drink, a delicious appetizer in a cozy spot where we could catch up.
Our wine glasses were foggy ... our appetizer plates were served dirty ... I don't think their dishwasher works properly.
We didn't know the pesky fruit flies would be also be drinking some of our wine and eating some of our food.
Despite my complaints ... it seemed others were enjoying their time and space there. Mostly sipping some espresso whilst working away on their laptops.
Unfortunately, I can't say I will return.
Jason is the man of my dreams. He is meticulous when making drinks better the most bartenders who work here at nights. I have been going to sugar every day for the last year morning noon and night. I live a block away since I don't cook and although I am a very picky eater they have been able to fulfill my every need wether it is bottle service on a friday night or a pastry and coffee on a monday morning or a bloody mary on a sunday afternoon it is the only place in the city where I know I can get it all. life is good hear at sugar! It is my oasis of free wifi.
cafe by day- lounge by night. its cozy place with good seating. I've only been there one time during the day and i didn't really care for it. the service was bad and the muffin i ordered was...gross. I really only go there at night to have some drinks with friends. its a fun place to kick off your night on the town.
THIS SPOT IS GREAT! Ask fer Will if he's werkin' kuz he's a madly entertaining fellow on the regular... Didn't expect anything but a drink tonight and he pulled a magic trick outa no where. He broke my cigarette into 4 pieces and put it back together like nothing. I was honestly worried kuz it was my last one. No joke, myself and 3 others were truly impressed. He said we inspired him and he was gone practice more. So, don't ask but, hint at somethin' special and see what he might break out from up his sleeve.
Pretty awesome spot. Good espresso, sandwiches, location, they take cards, lots of space, laptop friendly, nice guys, great music, tasty pastries. I like this spot.
Interesting concept - coffee shop by day/lounge by evening. The coffee shop part was not all that good but it was serviceable. Service was friendly but the mocha was way overloaded with chocolate syrup (basically hot chocolate). Maybe it was too early in the morning. The pastries looked... well, the best I can do is "hard".
Interior decoration comes across as one of those places that tried to be cool but didn't quite get there. Modern styling but somewhat cheap materials. Was not an inviting type cafe where you feel like you can hang out for hours.
This is one of those random SF watering holes that leaves you thinking....this is why I live in this city. You never know what to expect with this place. During the day it's a cafe yet a night it could turn into an unexpected fun time. The staff is cool and the patrons are so random that it could make for an interesting evening.
Fantastic food, drinks and atmosphere. Plus they roast their own coffee every morning. It would be perfect if it was not for the HORRENDOUS music that plays on loop all day. It's so loud I can't hear myself think in the middle of the day.
Great spot to get work done and have some food and drinks during the day!
And a cool atmosphere for the night crowd inbetween club hopping!
-Mack
Great decor: nice space, modern lighting, fantastic little retro-mod fireplace, plus a second floor with circle window cutouts. My first reaction was: Why isn't this place more crowded?
I got my reason shortly after. The bartender was a prick (sorry for the language, but this opinion was shared by the majority of people there). The whole night, he barked commands, YOU NEXT, YOU WAIT. At the end of the night, after I thought he may have lost some of his vocal strength, he shouted SETTLE YOUR TABS FUCKERS! And proceeded to shout out people's full names. All this yelling became very obviously unnecessary, as the music was already dwindling to a halt. Yeah, this guy was bitter about SOMETHING.
We went this past weekend (Gay Pride week). The poor shmuck could have been furious he missed it because he had to work?!? I'm just trying to understand what would possess someone to yell at customers and find it somehow justified. How much are anger management sessions anyway? Perhaps regulars could chip in and get him enrolled in a couple to start him off. Jeesuuuss.
This place has the potential to be awesome any other night that is not Bar Nazi's shift. No beer for you!
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It's a bar, it's a cafe.....it's SuperSugar.
This place is pretty comfy before nightfall, when the music gets inappropriately loud and the lights seizure inducing...I mean when no one is dancing and it's 930pm on Monday, do you really need thizz music blastin' and neon pink lights glarin'?
Drinks are strong and wellmade, and overall it's a conducive place to chatting and reconnecting with an old friend, new friend, or luv interest.
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So, usually I come in here for some good music, and to get some work done in the evening hours. I've been in here a total of 3 times, and the third might be my last.
I'm currently amongst 8 guests at 11pm on a MONDAY. The Bartender thinks it's necessary to BLAST an Eminem concert. I can't get through a single thought. Though there is relatively no one in this lounge/bar, everyone is huddled together trying to put together pieces of conversations.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for listening to some Eminem and getting my ghetto white boy self out here and there. But, you'd think after 30 people come in, and immediately walk out, the bartender might think that something was wrong. It's not friday 'bro' it's monday.
EPIC FAIL!!
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I recommended this place for a drink because the bar my coworkers and I had originally tried was too busy. Got some good couches at the front. I ordered a whiskey- the bartender took a long time and my glass was dirty- sticky fingerprints and other people's lip prints around the edge. Yuck. The interior design was pretty cool, and the people were a nice mix, but something just felt wrong somehow. I could see this place being nice in the morning for a cup of coffee and checking email on the laptop, but I'll never go during happy hour again. I'm a little embarrassed for recommending it.
We came here for coffee and the Sunday Times and stayed for lunch, which was delicious. I had some sort of Brie and apple sandwich with a side salad. Yum! The atmosphere it totally laid back, but sleek. I'm not sure how it is at night, but for lounging around during the day it was perfect.
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Decent at best. I think the design and style of the place is inviting. but a bit scatter brained. It comes across as a unique cafe, but then it also has a lounge feel which confuses me.
I came here for a meeting, and it was held in their upstairs room. Cool room, but not sure if the boat or cruise ship like circle windows really impressed me. Again, it just felt like there was no unifying theme to this whole place.
Drinks were ok, nothing special. I didn't eat anything here, but I did take a peek at dishes around the place and they actually looked really good. I might come back, but I wasn't sold.
Date & Time: Saturday May 17, 2008 @ 10pm
Company: Christina & Peter, Michael
Crowd: Diverse Young Crowd snapping Photos
Vibe: Fun & Chill
Decor: Very Hip. Plush White Leather Chairs & Black Leather Loveseats to Lounge in with low glass coffeetables. When you first enter there are three computers with bar stools. A beautiful Cream colored Fireplace with marbles inside takes up an entire wall. Elevated Screens showing the movie 300. The Bar is next to it. Closely packed tables in this section. A Private Room in the back with Curtains.
Service: With an Attitude
Imbibe: Ski Lift & Snuggle
Devour: Dessert Sampler - that is why this place got 4 instead of 5 stars - they stopped serving dessert!
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So Saturday I had to wiork at the last minute and I was like starving.
A co-worker came and said he was going to Sugar Cafe. I was like I need a wake me. My man came back with this amazing puff pastry that I guess they make there because I never had anything like ant was great! It had a blueberry something filling and so flaky and buttery.
It was amazing!
I also had this powerful long shot espresso that woke me up followed by a mocha. Man I was over caffinated.
I walked passed the window and I like the modern set up they have going on inside so I'll have to stop by for a personal visit
Okay, I have passed by this spot over and over, and have been wanting to stop by. Finally I did. It was around 10 am on a Wednesday. I ordered green tea and a blueberry muffin. Actually, to be completely honest, I asked for a white wine, but the kind lady told me they start serving at 11. I'm bad, I know. Anyhow, I really like the space itself in this cafe. It's open, with plenty of comfortable sofas and chairs in the front, and tables in the middle and back. Free wifi too. They had the windows wide open in the front of the cafe which was so nice, since it was a hot day (for SF). Oh, back to the food. My green tea was delicious. My muffin very good. I thought to myself: I must come back for the "bar."
Yes, this coffee cafe turns into a full bar in the evening. I came on a Friday night, and instantly loved it. There are a good mix of people at this bar, at least the night I went. I ordered a champagne cocktail, which was mixed with raspberry liquor. It was only $6. They also have specialty shots. I switched to wine after that, then beer. But they also had a fully stocked bar.
They had a room for dancing, and the dj was playing good music, easy fun music to dance to. MJ's P.Y.T., Salt'n'Peppa's Push It, Flo Rida's Get Low... So, Sarah had fun dancing! There is an upstairs area as well, but I didn't venture up there.
Overall, I really, really like this bar. Plenty of space, good people watching, and a good mixed crowd.
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Dig this space, which effortlessly transforms from a coffeehouse into a club, Was here on a recent Saturday for a private party in the back room, and it was a fabulous venue.
The drinks were strong, pours by the glass generous, and the food was surprisingly good (espy the bacon wrapped dates).
I'd highly recommend this place for just about anything---catching up with a friend over a latte, a first date with drinks, a clubby atmosphere to meet friends on a Saturday.
And best of all, the management are extremely accommodating, and receptive to feedback. In a neighborhood where I'm often hardpressed to find a decent bar (when I don't want divey, trannies, or Indian food), this plate fits the bill.
You can't go wrong.
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