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Sugar Bar, New York, NY

Sugar Bar

4.8 (689)
$30 and under
Comfort Food
254 West 72nd Street, New York, NY 10023

Make a reservation

A photo of Sugar Bar restaurant

Sugar Bar

4.8
$30 and under
Comfort Food
Upper West Side

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 18 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for live music
  • Lively
  • Neighborhood gem
Come to Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar, an eatery established by the couple who created hits such as “Ain't No Mountain High Enough" & "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing." Their culinary venture, Sugar Bar showcases the duo's love for great music and Southern-accented dining. The Food: A little Cajun, a little soul, a little Latin, a lot of delicious! Offering meals. prepared with fresh ingredients giving you the warmth of a homemade cooked dish. The Music: Live Entertainment starts at 8 pm. Catch a moment with our weekly Open Mic night every Thursday. Check our entertainment schedule for more. Make a memorable experience by sipping a cocktail, having dinner, and relaxing. At the same time, our friendly staff takes care of you, or you order a delivery and enjoy it in the comfort of your home.

****WE ARE CURRENTLY OPEN FOR INDOOR, AND OUTDOOR DINING, PICK-UPS, AND DELIVERY! TUES - SAT AND OPEN SUNDAYS FOR BRUNCH and EARLY DINNER! FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUR WEBSITE www.sugarbarnyc.com***

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Comfort Food, Latin / Spanish, Soul food
  • Hours of operation
    Tue, Wed 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu 3:00 pm–12:00 am Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sun 12:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Ruben Dominguez
  • Catering
    Sugar Bar is ready to cater your next corporate or family occasion.
  • Private party facilities
    Sugar Bar would love to host your next private function. Please email steve@sugarbarnyc.com for any inquiries.
  • Neighborhood
    Upper West Side
  • Cross street
    Broadway and West End
  • Parking details
    There is Street or a Private Lot for parking.
  • Public transit
    1,2,3 to 72nd Street
  • Entertainment
    Live entertainment and open mic night every Thursday evening. A cover charge applies during show hours. The cover charge is usually $10 but may be more depending on the entertainment of the evening. Please call us or check our calendar page on our website for specifics.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Concierge
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What 689 people are saying

Sugar Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Sugar Bar offers an "intimate and excellent dining experience" with "outstanding ambiance" and "excellent southern soul food." The live music is a highlight, creating a "fun and unique experience" with "fantastic live music" that adds to the vibrant atmosphere. The service is praised as "top notch," ensuring a memorable visit.
689 Reviews
  1. Kimberly Gold

    Los Angeles3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    From Los Angeles love Ashford and Simpson would not have left nyc without trying this. Everyone was welcoming and helpful with suggestions and recommendations had the chicken and waffles hubby had steak and eggs my friend had the chicken tacos we throughly enjoyed! 😋

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  2. Karen

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 30, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Celebrated my birthday here and it was truly special. This place is always amazing—great music, great vibe, and incredibly talented singers—but when Kim Davis hosts, she takes it to another level. The energy, the performances, the whole room just comes alive. Last night’s Yacht Rock theme was so much fun. If you love soul music and live performances, I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening—especially a birthday.

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  3. Nancy

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 25, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was outstanding! Good sized portions and absolutely delicious. The staff was incredibly friendly too.

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  4. Elena

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 19, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing! The host, server, bartender were all so kind and funny. Food was good, but the ambiance was outstanding

    Is this helpful?

  5. Diana

    Caribbean3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 18, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just go!!!! The Sugar Bar is an intimate and excellent dining experience. The food, the professional servers are top notch -shout out to Dominic, our server on 4.18. 2026. Wonderful place to relax eat, drink and be merry!

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  6. Billie

    Dallas7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 11, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    The waitress spent more time on her phone than assisting us. We continuously had to get her attention to help us. Band was great and interactive with customers Food and drinks were very good.

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  7. Roseann

    New York City13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 4, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A cozy neighborhood bar with wonderful live entertainment. Owner Valerie Simpson (of Ashford and Simpson) was a gracious host for a moving show by singer Ami Brabson. A fun night out!

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  8. Jordan

    Palm Springs54 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 4, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love the Sugar Bar. I usually go to watch a friend perform. The atmosphere is fun tiki bar sort of…the seating is comfortable. I had a GingerSnap Mocktail and it was delicious. The food is fried. All of it. I loved the catfish appetizer but I wish the fish tacos were not fried fish - just clean grilled fish would have been better. The key lime pie delish!! Staff is excellent!!! Only criticism, the place feels a little musty. Maybe it’s time to refresh.

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  9. Bobby Gold

    New York City10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 4, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The sugar bar is my go to any night restaurant! Excellent southern soul food! The best fried chicken in nyc. Most nights have fantastic live music, biggest night is Thursday! Check it out!

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  10. Danette Gold

    New York City54 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 29, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The Sugar Bar is always a good experience! The food is good. The atmosphere is good! The service is good!! Dominique is the best!! Damara is a great hostess!!

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Comfort Food, Latin / Spanish, Soul food
  • Hours of operation
    Tue, Wed 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu 3:00 pm–12:00 am Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sun 12:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Ruben Dominguez
  • Catering
    Sugar Bar is ready to cater your next corporate or family occasion.
  • Private party facilities
    Sugar Bar would love to host your next private function. Please email steve@sugarbarnyc.com for any inquiries.
  • Neighborhood
    Upper West Side
  • Cross street
    Broadway and West End
  • Parking details
    There is Street or a Private Lot for parking.
  • Public transit
    1,2,3 to 72nd Street
  • Entertainment
    Live entertainment and open mic night every Thursday evening. A cover charge applies during show hours. The cover charge is usually $10 but may be more depending on the entertainment of the evening. Please call us or check our calendar page on our website for specifics.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Yes, Sugar Bar is a popular spot for a lively, intimate date night. Guests praise the cozy, romantic vibe, strong cocktails (Sugartini, classic cocktails) and live music that creates a memorable evening. For a quieter date pick a non‑music night or an early seating; for a festive night out choose Thursday open‑mic or other live shows. Reservations are recommended for peak nights.

Sugar Bar is open most afternoons and evenings with Sunday brunch: - Tue–Wed: 3:00 pm–10:00 pm - Thu: 3:00 pm–12:00 am - Fri–Sat: 3:00 pm–11:00 pm - Sun (Brunch/Early Dinner): 12:00 pm–8:00 pm Check the entertainment schedule for late music nights and special events.

Partly, families do dine here and guests often celebrate birthdays and family occasions. Seating is cozy and can feel tight when the restaurant is full, so parties with small children might prefer an early seating or to call ahead. The atmosphere is lively on music nights, so it’s better suited for older children and families who enjoy a musical vibe.

If you want live music and high energy, go on Thursday open‑mic or other live‑music nights (most guests single out Thursday as a must). For a quieter meal, pick a midweek evening or an early Sunday brunch. Reservations are a good idea for busy music nights and weekend evenings.

Sugar Bar offers a main dining room, a lively bar area and smaller back/upstairs sections that are sometimes used for overflow or private gatherings. Guests mention being seated at the bar, in the main dining room or in a back room (where music may be played on a screen). There is also a coat check service. If you have a seating preference, call ahead.

Warm, intimate and musical, Sugar Bar blends Southern comfort‑food vibes with lively live performances. Guests describe a cozy, upbeat atmosphere with great sound quality, soulful and jazz‑leaning music, friendly staff and energetic crowds on music nights. Expect an engaging, neighborhood‑club vibe rather than a quiet, formal dining room.

Casual, guests consistently show up in relaxed, smart‑casual attire and the restaurant’s owner lists the dress code as casual. It’s a comfortable spot for date nights, brunch or a night out enjoying music.

Yes, Sugar Bar appears willing to accommodate reasonable special requests. Guests report the staff handled dietary requests (low‑salt preparation) and celebratory touches (birthday desserts). For seating, music or accessibility needs, call ahead so the team can better arrange your visit.

Partly, families and multi‑generation groups often dine here and guests celebrate birthdays with children present. Because the focus is on live music and a lively evening scene, it’s better for older children and teens. For younger kids or a quieter meal, choose an early seating or a non‑music night and call ahead about seating. There isn’t a dedicated kids’ menu mentioned.

Busiest: Thursday open‑mic and other live‑music nights, plus weekend evenings, guests highlight these as high‑energy, often sold‑out nights. Quietest: midweek early evenings and early Sunday brunch service tend to be calmer. If you prefer a relaxed meal, avoid main performance nights.

For music lovers, Thursday is the standout, open‑mic night draws top talent and guests repeatedly recommend it. For a more relaxed meal, Sunday brunch is popular. Choose Thursday for an energetic show and weekend vibe, or a midweek evening for a quieter dinner.

Sugar Bar was founded by the legendary songwriting duo Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson (Ashford & Simpson). Guests often mention Valerie Simpson greeting and hosting events. The restaurant celebrates their music and legacy while pairing soulful cuisine with live performances.

Not explicitly stated. The posted hours cover Tue–Sun (including Sunday brunch) but do not list holiday schedules. If you're planning a holiday visit, call or check the website to confirm holiday hours.

Yes, Sugar Bar accepts major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) and is not cash‑only. Guests frequently reference card payments and smooth service at the bar.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New York City
  4. Manhattan
  5. Upper West Side

Make a reservation

A photo of Sugar Bar restaurant

Sugar Bar

4.8
$30 and under
Comfort Food
Upper West Side

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 18 times today
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