Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar Reviews

Excellent food, service and the vibe is so warm and inviting. Great music. My favorite New York spot. Celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary here on Valentines Day and it was a night to remember.

the entire vibe is outstanding.....the attendees, music, food. ...what a great place to hang out and enjoy.. i will spread the word AND come back!!

Before coming I wanted to know if there is still a maritime fresco on the wall as told me a long time ago by the manager of the cafeteria of the metropolitan museum of NY where there is a huge mural (the float of Poseidon) from the liner Norandie. Thank you for coming back.

We all had a Great time celebrating my birthday with my wife and three grown children on a Friday night. The food was well prepared and very good. The fried chicken was cooked to perfection. The service was outstanding. And the entertainment was excellent.Keep supporting Sugar Bar it is a Gem. We were visiting NY for the weekend from South Jersey. We liked Sugar Bar so much we went back Saturday evening. And everything was as good or better than the previous night.

there was sugar everywhere at sugar bar. sugar in the coffee sugar in the tea, sugar everywhere but the sugarbowl. inside there was pure cocaine. no wonder everyone was working doubles. and talking alot. sugar bar, no pepsi - just coke.

If I could give zero stars I would! On a girls trip with my mom. She had heard about this spot and wanted to have a late dinner. I made a reservation a week in advance. I received a text yesterday asking to confirm my reservation. I responded and confirmed we would be there. We had tickets to a comedy show before dinner. They called while at the show to confirm again. Of course I couldn’t answer. We make it to the restaurant 5 minutes early and are told “You have a reservation? We have a private event!” I say yes I have a reservation and you confirmed it. A guy walks up and says they don’t have a reservation for tonight, I say yes I do. The hostess opens the book and finds my name. She says she’s sorry they don’t have a table. Another woman walks up and says go look for a table. The hostess leaves then comes back and says “we don’t have a table but you can wait 20 minutes and see if something opens at the bar but we’re really crowded!” WTH? How does this happen? Unacceptable. I will never come here again. Customer service is JOB 1 and if you can’t get that right I’m not interested!

We were visiting from Truro in Cornwall. I/we had read mixed reviews about the Sugar Bar owned by Valerie Simpson and the late great Nick Ashford, but thought we'd get our own opnion by booking a table well in advance of our trip via email. Jimmy, Valerie's brother was a very good communicator. I cannot fault his professionlism and friendly manner. It was a shame not to have met him on the night of 20th June 13 The food wasn't great, but ok, although, I don't believe one should go to this place based on the food as this is not the driving force for visiting. However, I can't fault the music and the talent that passed through that night as some of the performers were FANTASTIC! It was only a pity that I/we could not stay for the second set. Had I and my friends been able to stay we would have had Valerie, herself speak to us and take a photo as she promised prior to a quick conversation before the show started. I found Valerie to be quite an amiable,approachable person, not the 'typical diva' type. She joined in with the backing singing with the open mic contestants and she sang a hearty 'happy birthday' to a member of the crowd which was a blast! It's a little bit pricey but not over the top as some of these celebrity owned venues can be. It's a possible once in a lifetime ocassion, and I can't say I had a bad experience at all. My friends throughly enjoyed the moment too. The Sugar Bar has a distressed look dark browns and beige and looks a bit shabby in areas, but I think Valerie wants it that way. Overall the bar was atmospheric and it will be an experience that will live with you for a long time, whether you have a good, bad or an ok time. I/we had one big regret and that was the fact that Nick was not around to add to the whole experience. Nicholas Ashford R.I.P you are missed.

My girlfriend and I stopped by Sugar Bar for an early dinner on a Friday night. We were greeted and seated very well without a reservation. We ordered a shrimp and plantain appetizer. It came out fast but wasn't anything special. The same for my Blackened Salmon, it wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. From the setup and decor of the place, I think the main attraction it's the entertainment not the food

It’s a restaurant with a bar and a stage for performers. Us: three adults and three kids. Made a reservation in advance for a dinner on the open mike night. When we came, not very friendly ladies explained the entrance fee $15/person needs to be paid in cash, because “the musicians want it that way”. Ok, we don’t argue and go looking for an ATM. The night before, kids had gone to the Apolo theater, loved it and wanted more of similar sensation. We come back with cash, pay the entrance and get escorted to the second floor and into a small space with a few tables and a bar. To the question where the singers will perform, we are told that won’t be happening here, it’s all downstairs but we will be able t watch the action on the TV screen on the wall. If we really want to feel the real thing, a short visit to the space downstairs is ok, but kids can’t go because of the bar down there. (The bar in our room on the second floor doesn’t count somehow.) The show starts and it turns out the sound on the TV is distorted. Everything doubles, an echo. Listening isn’t available either, so we just eat and leave. Before exiting, however, we express our disappointment to the managers but they are quite nonchalant about it and offer to return the $90 of the entrance fee but when they finally come up with money its only $45, take it or leave it. Well we take it.

We purposely visited the Sugar Bar on our 1st night (even though we were staying in Brooklyn). We were not disappointed. After a fine (not too expensive) meal, we settled down to wait for the music. As the band got ready, the owners Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson (of Ashford & Simpson Fame) arrived. Nick made a point of moving around every table, to say a few words. It was then the turn of the band to start, they were Hot, Hot, Hot. Later a young femail R&B singer got up & had a voice that was out of this world. Reminded me of a young Tina Turner. The is a $10 charge to get in, to cover the cost of the music. I'd have paid more!!! Brilliant night out.

This is a surpisingly successful but rather down market restaurant and music venue on Manhattan's trendy Upper West Side. There is a regular clientele of largely wanna-be music types and their "dates" and a mediocre Caribbean kitchen.

I generally try not to give a bad negative review on a small local business, but I cannot lie. First the positive: The woman collecting the money at the door, she was very nice and seated us appropriately. I didn't like the idea that cover charges are cash only. A venue like that should give the option of using a credit card or just add it to your tab after tax and gratuity are calculated. Some people don't always carry cash. Just saying. The food and drinks were great, I ordered the fried shrimp w/ two sides of collards and mash potatoes. My date ordered the Pan Fried Red Snapper with the same sides. The food was nice and hot when we both received our entrees and the meat crispy. The drinks took about 30 minutes to get and the food about an hour and 15 minutes. Totally unacceptable, this is a small venue, it should not take that long, I saw at least 3 workers on the floor. The entertainment was great. It was an R&B night so I was looking forward to it. The MC was funny and the singers were very good. Heres the problem: The table and chairs are very uncomfortably set up. I was sitting against the wall across from the one bathroom that male and female patrons use. (Terrible) My date had to pull the table out into the aisle. Every time I got up, people had to wait until the table was pushed back in. For me, that was twice and my date had to be disturbed. Besides, now I have to disturb the persons on both sides of me and vice-versa. You need to put the stage in the front where the window is and make the bar smaller, place the chairs and tables facing the window where the new stage will be. You could fit more chairs and tables in the current stage area if you make that change and it will benefit both. This way patrons don't have to turn their necks halfway to see the entertainment. I went home with a stiff neck and could hardly enjoy the great entertainment. I feel so bad about this review because I love Ashford and Simpson, their music and the whole Motown era but this makes me not want to go back. No hard feelings and hope this criticism will not be taken too hard.

we booked a table for 5 persons weeks in advance. We were very much looking fwd seeing great performances live on stage during a diner. Once we arrived the waitress brought us upstairs in a small room with a bar where you could watch the performances on a TV screen(!!) . The sound came out of speakers which had a extreme bad sound quality. You really got a headache of it. We where waiting to order drinks but after being for 30 min. not helped we decided to leave. The worst part was the sound, it was unbearable. We recommend to make sure you sit in the room where the stage is, upstairs is a NO GO.

If you are into live music (R&B/ Soul/ Funky) or singing go visit this place on an Open Mic day, you'll not regret it. We are professional musicians and are picky but we were blown away! The Band was incredible, and the singers.....UNBELIEVABLE! Probably the best night of live music in NY. Seriously. The host singer of the Open Mic was Chaz Shepherd, who was in "Dreams Girls" musical and lots of movies !

We have just discovered the Sugar Bar in the last couple of months and have gone every visit to New York. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the food is delicious and the staff are great. The music is great and the drinks are excellent. The Sugar Bar is a place to go to relax, eat well, and enjoy some great music.

Went there on a Saturday night and I was poeantly surprise with the atmosphere. I'm not a big fan of the smaller restaurants, but Sugar Bar was so warm and inviting. Great atmosphere, the entertainment was wonderful, good service and the food was amazing. Very impressed and my wife and I had a very nice time. The $10 cover was well worth it was a 8 person show and everyone did their thing. Great up and coming talent was showcased. All the food was good, but the collar greens and mac and cheese will definitely bring me back.

First night in NYC. Chose this restaurant from past recommendations** of something 'a little different'. Wasn't expecting that we would be stopped and demanded that we pay a $10.00 cover charge ("for tonight's show'') as soon as we entered the building/before we got to the dining room. Okay. Were seated...and the first thing I notice is...the bathrooms are directly across from us. Yes, the bathroom doors are in the dining room. Ummm...not too appetizing. Anywho.....we ordered while we waited for the show to begin (announced for 8pm). It's now 8:30....and there's still no show (let alone food). By 8:45pm, I'm asking the waitress should we expect a refund for the non-show....and was told that the perfomer(s) ''...are running late...". Okey dokey. Ordered food and drinks. Crab-stuffed grilled tilapia with rice/peas and mixed grilled veggies were pretty good. Finally, the show starts. There were several acts (singers, spoken word artists, etc.). There definitely was talent there....but somehow, I felt like I was at amateur hour. And, it was live and LOUD. CDs for sale. It was all very interesting....with a neighborhood bar feel. Yeah. Interesting. **and the fact that the restaurant is/was owned by veteran R&B singers Ashford & Simpson

The food is so tasty and delicious ! And the entertainment is top-notch ! The waitstaff was so friendly and attentive! Never know who you’ll see at The Sugar Bar ❤️

When in town on a Thursday night, we always come here for “open mic night”. Not sure they call it that, and it’s not amateur night-these singers can SING! And everyone is so friendly! Have never eaten here or even sat down, always just standing against a wall enjoying

I had looked forward to visiting for a long while, but was disappointed with food and decor. The food arrived barely warm, was nothing notable and though we ordered just apps was slow in coming though we were the only customers at early evening. Really in need of a makeover as the African Village decor is past its prime.

I booked a table a table before leaving from the UK 6 days prior. We received confirmation of which I was pleased as I had heard great things about the restaurant owned by Motown legend Valerie Simpson. We met a family friend and had a wonderful evening. The food was excellent, the service was great and soul legend Valerie Simpson performed my favourite Ashford & Simpson track, Street Corner. Thursday are an "open mic" evening so check it out. The ambience is great, the talent was excellent and a good night was had by all. Rochie One

Before a show at the Beacon Theatre, we hunted down Sugar Bar for an early dinner. I had heard about it, now I was going. I ate the fried whole red snapper. That's right, a whole snapper; and it was a big sucker! Needless to say I ate til my jaws ached. They served us free wings at the bar during happy hour, so I was really stuffed. It's small, narrow and gets real crowded, real fast, so I advise getting there early to get a seat at the small bar. Only been there once, so far. Sugar Bar is owned by Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson. RIP Nick.

I live nearby and have been to Sugar Bar several times before. My wife and I went on a Saturday night expecting to hear some blues or R. And B. Music which is the usual fare at Sugar Bar. I checked the website which said nothing about the evening's entertainment. I called and asked what time the music started and when they said 8:00 PM made a reservation for 8:00. The music started at 9:30 and it was a songwriters competition with young songwriters singing one song each and then being critiqued by judges a la American idol, with 15-20 minute pauses between singers. I feel they should post the type of entertainment on their website and when I called to make a reservation they should have told me what was happening. The evening was not at all what I was expecting. Food was OK.

I took my family to NYC to see Alvin Ailey and we had lunch at the Sugar Bar. My daughter had a wonderful experience! The food was great and we loved the desserts and specialty drinks. The waiting staff and manager were very attentive.

The food was delicious and service was great! And it all was extremely affordable. Set in a charming upper west side townhouse, the small room in the back afforded us just the intimacy we wanted to catch up with old friends. In the front room, there was fantastic live music if we'd wanted a different kind of evening. While many celebrities go to the Sugar Bar co-owned by singers Ashford and Simpson, any one who goes there is treated like a celebrity!

Good food and accommodations. Can be a wait for server to take your order. Hostess and other staff is very helpful.

I generally try not to give a bad negative review on a small local business, but I cannot lie. First the positive: The woman collecting the money at the door, she was very nice and seated us appropriately. I didn't like the idea that cover charges are cash only. A venue like that should give the option of using a credit card or just add it to your tab after tax and gratuity are calculated. Some people don't always carry cash. Just saying. The food and drinks were great, I ordered the fried shrimp w/ two sides of collards and mash potatoes. My date ordered the Pan Fried Red Snapper with the same sides. The food was nice and hot when we both received our entrees and the meat crispy. The drinks took about 30 minutes to get and the food about an hour and 15 minutes. Totally unacceptable, this is a small venue, it should not take that long, I saw at least 3 workers on the floor. The entertainment was great. It was an R&B night so I was looking forward to it. The MC was funny and the singers were very good. Heres the problem: The table and chairs are very uncomfortably set up. I was sitting against the wall across from the one bathroom that male and female patrons use. (Terrible) My date had to pull the table out into the aisle. Every time I got up, people had to wait until the table was pushed back in. For me, that was twice and my date had to be disturbed. Besides, now I have to disturb the persons on both sides of me and vice-versa. You need to put the stage in the front where the window is and make the bar smaller, place the chairs and tables facing the window where the new stage will be. You could fit more chairs and tables in the current stage area if you make that change and it will benefit both. This way patrons don't have to turn their necks halfway to see the entertainment. I went home with a stiff neck and could hardly enjoy the great entertainment. I feel so bad about this review because I love Ashford and Simpson, their music and the whole Motown era but this makes me not want to go back. No hard feelings and hope this criticism will not be taken too hard.

Excellent experience. Friday night also had a Jazz band playing from 8PM to 11PM with $10.00 cover charge. Food was delicious and well prepared from the appetizers of Mussels and Jerk shrimps to our main of Rib Eye Steak,Whole Red Snapper and 2 Tilapia special.An enjoyable evening with good service and great music.

I had an early dinner with a friend. Great spot for good conversation. We came before a show, but we didn’t stay for the show. Will return though for a show. Kui was our server and so gracious and attentive. I had the chef special, BBQ Salmon, which was very flavorful. The macaroni & cheese was also great and we did jerk wings as an appetizer. My guest had fried fish and collard greens which were tasty. We were both pleased and left full. Can’t wait to go back.

My sister's and I were in town to celebrate my birthday and this place was wonderful! I previously made reservations hoping we would be seated in the main dining area and we were. We had taken a tour earlier that day and it lasted most of the day and it rained all day.☹Instead of returning to the hotel after the tour ended we headed to Sugar Bar. Needless to say ..We had a ball!! Open Mic night was Awesome! I was given a birthday shout and called up on stage. The famous Valerie Simpson graced our presence and was there. She helped sing Happy Birthday to another patron and me! I got a free dessert with a candle to share with the group!!! I WILL NEVER FORGET THIS BIRTHDAY!!! ThankS VALERIE SIMPSON AND STAFF OF SUGAR BAR👏.. We will be back!!!

The food could be called West Indian and soul food fusion. The menu had a good selection of dishes to choose from. The entrees averaged about $25 dollars. I had the pork chop with mashed potatoes and greens. I also ordered a side of mac and cheese. My friends ordered the blackened salmon and the pan fried catfish. Everything was tasty and made to order! I am ready to go back now. They have live music at night. The place had ambiance.

This is where we spent our first night out in NYC. The food was so delicious and nothing topped it for the remainder of our trip. The prices were so reasonable. Everything was homemade and the best I’ve ever had. It was open mike night and the entertainment was great! The staff was attentive and friendly. The seats were close together, but I felt it added to the overall unique experience. We made some nice friends. What a very special place!

We went on Saturday night at this place and it was full there was no place to stand crowd was amazing and this place has good music and best food in the town

This place is great for live entertainment and delicious food. I enjoyed my meal of pork chop, collard greens, cornbread, Mac n cheese, bread pudding, and banana fosters cake. All were exceptionally tasteful! My husband enjoyed his meal tremendously as well. We will return when in New York again. Others had delicious looking cocktails. The band played jazz. It was entertaining. The restaurant is clean and the staff is friendly. I was hoping to meet Valerie. Maybe next time. The chef turned out 2 awesome meals for us. Our night out was just what we wanted-good music, great food, fashionably dressed individuals and a lively atmosphere!

The total experience was great. We were greeted and escorted to our reserved table. The banquet style seating made conversations very interactive and fluent. Our server was knowledgeable of the menu and offered not listed foods that were the specials..Ms. T's fried chicken. The music, the talent in open mike....breath taking. We, the diners/guests was honored to see Mes. Simpson the owner. A fantastic evening of good food, very professional staff, and great entertainment.

I live on same block and stop in often. This is a spot with amazing live music Almost any night of week. Great bar! The best fried chicken in manhattan! Charming staff!

The Sugar Bar is a rare find of good music and good food in NYC. It’s a whole vibe and you never know who you will see there. Tasty food and live entertainment. ❤️

Amazing place. Drinks are the best ay too go. Food is ok. A must to do Went for my birthday and this is the way to celebrate. It’s for the young and old.

Had an awesome time at Sugar Bar with friends. The food was delicious and the open mic very entertaining.

This TINY space is hard to find (with an even tinier bamboo thatched-roof bar area). We went there for dinner because it was near our hotel and the Museum of Natural History. We heard it was owned by Ashford and Simpson (singer/songwriters) and frequented by Mya Angelou (poet laureate), et al. The food and service was good but the local musicians were so fabulous that we hung out until 4 in the morning and EVERYONE was having a GREAT time. The VIBE is awesome!

Food is outstanding, I love the pork chops. and live music which is fantastic it's a no brainier. If I want to have a great time, eat great food, and be entertained The Sugar Bar has it all.

Went to Sugar Bar for my partners birthday. We got to the restaurant at 5.45 pm. We were the only table eating. You would think the service would have been better. The service was horrible. The waitress did not know anything . When we asked how much the steak was because the menu stated mp, She said she didn't know. I asked for an ice tea four times to three different people, after 45 minutes I again asked the waitress where is my ice tea, and her answer was " didn't someone tell you we have no ice tea". Then after another 10 minutes someone brought me ice tea. I thought she said they didn't have any. The food was actually ok, nothing fabulous, but ok. However though out the meal I never saw the waitress. Where was she? There weren't any other tables Because it was a birthday celebration we had bought some cupcakes with us, the waitress said we would be charged a three dollar fee. Really, we already had dropped over 100 bucks on dinner and drinks. Then to top things off the check came with the tip already added. This is New York , and I am a New Yorker , we usually add our own tip. Don't tell me how much you deserve. I would not go back

Funky, rocking R&B, intimate, and fun! With the best music and house band on open mic night. They don't make music like this anymore or joints with this flavor!

This establishment is owned by R & B couple Ashford and Simpson. Located upper West side. Good food excellent drinks. Live music at 9:00 with 15.00 cover charge. Very quaint intimate setting.

The bar/restaurant mixes an intimate bar/restaurant with excellent jazz and a really warm feeling. You get the sense that anyone can be comfortable here and that the prices will not make you dizzy. We went there on Wednesday night by happenstance, but the JT Project, the band that evening, was outstanding. I live in NYC and I was impressed by the environment and the band. I was surrounded by people who clearly enjoyed the band and the "vibe." They were not intrusive, they were just "part" of the place. They apparently have music every night. We were not asked for a cover charge (I would check if that is of concern). The professional music is from 8:30 to 9:30 or 10 pm, then there is an "open mike." Again check on all of this, or just go and enjoy. We sat at the bar and enjoyed being in a bit quieter area, but still in good seats for the music. Try it, you will like it.

Had a lovely evening, nice meal and drinks, staff were lovely and great entertainment. One of the highlights of out recent trip to NYC, thoroughly recommend

I purchase Groupon, Living Social and Google Offers vouchers as many of cost/spend conscious consumers do when we go out. These vouchers are agreements between the above mentioned and the business that allows the consumer to receive a discount for services. With that being said, I had a $40 worth of food/drinks with admission to the live show for 2 for $25. The establishment waited until we were comfortable seated with food and drinks ordered to tell us "Google Offers" could not honer the voucher. Well that is impossible I replied. I called Google as I sat at the table with others staring. I was informed that it was not Google but the Manager who had no idea what to do with the voucher despite that it was established by the Sugar Bar itself. The manager waved our voucher around and tried to convince the Google representative to refund our money. I told the Manager we wouldn't be staying and to cancel our order. He was very upset and asked twice if we were leaving. I feel the management made a big mistake to not honer the voucher when the bill would've no doubt exceeded $40 on the 2 entrees alone. We had ordered appetizers and drinks as well. If you are a Groupon/Living Social/Google Offers consumer you know this NEVER happens when you purchase a voucher. Shame on you Sugar Bar for being the 1st out of 23 vouchers I've purchased to not honer it!

go fo the music - especially when Paul Peress is playing! A small intimate spot - great for live music and casual dining. Always go there whenever I'm in NYC

Went here for my birthday- party of 5. What fun we had! My friends told them it was my birthday and we were seated and treated like royalty.... A wonderful band that played lots of Stevie Wonder and R&B. The cover was 10.00 and well worth it! Everyone loved their food. Took a while to get it but so worth it! Fried chicken so hot we could hardly eat it, mac and cheese that was fantastic and collard greens that were wonderful! Others in the party had salmon and catfish. They seemed to enjoy.... Since it was my birthday they brought an assortment of desserts for us to try and share with one another. Great service, great staff, great food and great music! I had one of the best birthdays that I have had in a long time....

If you are looking for a surprising, eclectic, inexpensive night of wonderful entertainment then this is your place. Thursday nights here are the best in the city. When I travel to NYC I make sure I arrive before Thursday so I can experience Open Mike. Good food, friendly, comfortable atmosphere and unbelievable talent. You won't be disappointed.

Highly recommend the open mike night on Thursdays. We got there about 8pm and got a great table in the bar area. if you want a meal you would need to book at table but there are bar snacks available. $10 cover on the door. Artists sign up from 9pm if you feel the need to join the list....but be warned standard is extremely high. We were even lucky enough to see Valarie Simpson herself join a couple of acts on stage. Great atmosphere, really friendly crowd. Special mention to Brian behind the bar who looked after us all night. We didn't eat this time but on a previous visit we had a meal here which was very good. Definitely worth the trip up town, we will be back again.

we waited 30 minutes just to get someone to greet us and say hello. Our waiter was a very sweet guy and very cordial but extremely overworked. The bar was packed the main room was sold out and they only had two men on the floor serving food. All we ordered was a picture of water and Cocktails. It took nearly 20 minutes just to get the picture of water and 40 minutes later we still had no cocktails We walked out. This was our second visit to this bar. I had visited during the Christmas holiday season with another couple and the service was horrible been to but the band was great and we stayed out of politeness to the other couple who was friends with the band. This time the band was horrible the service was horrible and it wasn't even worth being there. I doubt I will be back but I may give Sugar Bar one more chance and then I'm out. The place is declined so much in a mere six months, from December 2017 to May 2018 that honestly I would not recommend it at this point. There are far better places to go.

A hodge-podge of second rate musicians and performers, a mediocre kitchen, higher prices than the food is worth and rather perfunctory service. I would not return.

I recently visited the Sugar Bar on a Tuesday evening and had a fantastic time enjoying the live music. It's a small, intimate spot that's lively but not too noisey - you can still have conversations with your tablemates with ease. The open mic artists were excellent, singing a blend of classic blues, jazzy and R&B tunes. Ms. Valerie Simpson herself was in the house as well and graced us with a few bars that made the night spectacular! The food was delish too so all in all, I will definitely return!

Aziza Miller was performing blues and poetry. I would've been satisfied just with that but as an added bonus was the delightful waitstaff, hostess, environment of the sugar bar, and the excellent cuisine. We started off with a seafood chowder filled with very subtle yet intense seafood flavors and large chunks of salmon and other morsels. Then on to the shrimp and spinach and salmon dumplings with a delicious creamy peppercorn sauce. The entree consisted of Australian lamb chops perfectly roasted with an amazing red wine reduction sauce, mashed potatoes and delicious collard greens fused with smoked turkey. Did I mention cornbread with strawberry butter was to die for! The dessert we shared was a New Orleans style bread pudding. What an amazing culinary experience teetering on slightly overpriced for the fare. But I would spend every penny again to be in the sugar bar with the amazing back alley band and the stylings poetry jazz and blues of the incomparable Aziza Miller!

I don't usually give bad review to small local business but this is just inexcusable and I don't want others to become one of their victim again. I've purchased a voucher from Google Offers last year to Sugar bar, similar to the Groupon deal they are offering. I made the reservation a week prior to the visit, mentioned I have the Google voucher during the booking. However, when I showed up for my reservation I was informed by the General Manager - "Hugo Astudillo" at the front door which they can't honor the offer they sold on Google because he is new and he doesn't know anything about it. I asked him to talk to his boss or someone who has worked there before him, for whatever reason he refused to and simply said he has no knowledge about the offer without even trying to applogize. At this time I decided to call Google and have the account agent spoke to him but he still refused to do anything about it. Google informed me their account is still active, they had sold many of these vouchers for them and there is no reason for them not to honor the voucher. I am a very calm person but I was furious because they could've told me they don't honor the voucher when I made the reservation, it's not a big deal cuz I know Google would credit me back if that's the case. The way how that moron GM handle the situation just amazed me, not only he didn't acknowledge it was their fault but he was trying to say the people took the reservation in the office had nothing to do with him and not even tried to apologize. If I am the owner I would fire this guy immediately to prevent future lost of buisness. I've seen bad customer service over the years but this is on top of the list. Sugar Bar should definitely be shutdown for trying to scam the innocent New Yorkers. Below are just some of the highlights of the shocking reviews from previous patrons: One of my worst dining experiences. We were relegated to the 'garden' room, where you can pay $10 cover to watch the musical performance on a TV screen. While other music is broadcast through the speakers! No waiter showed for 45 minutes, then the manager took our drink and food orders. Drinks came 30 minutes later, food 30 minutes after the drinks, two of the four entres were wrong, the mashed potatoes were cold. The service is super bad, hygiene was below standard and food was horrific. I've been before and vowed I'd never go back because it was crowded and over priced and the food was terrible, seating in the Sugar Bar is TERRIBLE! They pack you in like a can of sardines, there is literally NO space whatsoever between tables so you are literally on top of the person sitting next to you. Show never started even 1 hour and 25 minutes after entering the restaurant with no apologies from anyone. Band just sat at the bar while customer look how they drank and talked among their friends instead of given them the show they had expected. There was a very weird after taste on the food we had with some having an ammonia after taste. You must paid an 18% gratuity that is mandatory even though waitress was not even paying attention to our orders, delivered drinks after we finished eating and had bad tasting food. Keep in mind the place was half empty so you can imagine the service you will get if this were packed. This place was just plain awful. I took my GF and she was just as disgusted as I was. The food was so bland! We both got fish and it was chewy and tasteless. Oh they also add gratuity regardless of how many people you go with. Pure NYC ripoff. Do yourself a favor and go get a TV dinner. It will taste better then this place... Wish I could give no star- worst experience ever! Argued about Groupon, waited one and one half hour for food, cold potatoes, tilapia instead of salmon, no bread-could not enjoy the music-beyond bad-really sad...

Wonderful music place! Live music with different performers each evening. The night we were there, it was Eddie Sands, who gave a great show. The food is great too, try the lamb chops with a side of collard greens and rice and beans. The atmosphere is clublike, the ambience is old school, the people are very welcoming and friendly. You never know who will turn up on stage. I had friends fly in from London and they were gobsmacked!

A group of 6 went on 9/5/15. We got there at 6:40 PM and waited for about 20 minutes. We were finally seated in the very back of the restaurant, which was okay because the front of the restaurant is a little too dark for me when I am eating. We waited for about 15 minutes before the waitress came to take out drink order. We all ordered soda and it took another 20 minutes to get 4 of the sodas, and another 15 minutes to get the other 2 after I called the waitress over. She finally took our order. A couple of people in our party went to the bathroom and said the restaurant was empty in the front. There was only 3 table in the back where we were, so I don't know why it was taking so long. After waiting about 20 minutes the waitress informed us that they ran out of mixed vegetables and only had corn on the cob. If the restaurant opens at 5:00 PM and we got there at 6:40 PM, how were they out of mixed vegetables?? Anyway, about 10 minutes later we get our food and all I can is it was okay. At this point we wanted to eat and get out of there. We had to get the waitress so she could give us the check. The price and the quality of the food is average. Not bad, but nothing special. The place was empty so I don't understand what the problem was. The waitress never came to check on us to see if everything was okay or if we needed anything. We were really shocked that they have the nerve to add the 18% gratuity to the bill. That is probably why the service is so bad. The waitress certainly didn't deserve 18% tip. I don't know if it was just a bad night, but we won't be going back or recommending it to anyone.

After watching Ashford & Simpson talking about Sugar Bar a couple years ago on CBS' Sunday Morning news (it's on YouTube), I knew I have to come here to check it out myself. So I surprised my wife that we're going to eat here for our 13-year anniversary (and she had no idea that this place ever existed nor did A&S owned a restaurant). Now, for those of you who are making or have made reservations here, make sure that you have $15 cash for each person when you get there. This is the cover charge for the performers and trust me, it's worth it! As soon as you walk in, it's tight but cozy. The appetizing hot cornbread with strawberry butter will surely make your mouth drool for some more. And the food entree itself (I had the tilapia with greens and mashed potatoes)...'Nuff Said! Then the entertainment. The band and singers were so phenomenal, it turned Sugar Bar into a jam party. The unforgettable thing about this is that we had a blast with everyone who was white, black, Asian, etc. under a small roof. And the best of it all, the band acknowledged us on our anniversary. With that being said, I will guarantee you that you will have yourself a good time when you go to the Sugar Bar!

The staff on March 1st around 8pm were amazing. You guys just don't know how much you did for me on my birthday. I had in mind to celebrate my birthday at this establishment and listen to live music. Unfortunately, it was a snow storm on this day and the band cancelled and there was nobody in the restaurant. We arrived late around 8:45 and was able to pick any seat as no one was there. Upon entering though, the host kindly stated "Ms Wilson, we were waiting for your arrival". You just don't know how much that means to someone. Especially after a long ride from PA in the snow storm and was already hating that you should have been on a island but stuck in NYC. They went above and beyond by allowing me select the music I wanted to hear for the night. The GM shared a bottle of wine with us that had a trick to the label, the waiter was so kind and the food..OMG...The cook needs a raise. We had a pasta with salmon, shrimp and mussels..OMG...it was SO DELICIOUS and everything was fresh. It was only us in the restaurant other then a couple at the bar. My family sings so we were looking forward to the band but we ended up singing for the GM that night. Told him we will be back. At first I was really upset because I came into a empty restaurant but that then turned around into a frown because the staff was so attentive to just us since it was only us so it felt so intimate. Thank you to the Sugar Bar for such an amazing birthday dinner. We will be back with a band:)

There are seats in the main area which seats mostly 1-4 people and Bar seating; there are seats outside, not sure how many or if you can watch the entertainment; there is a back room which has 2 monitors to watch the stage and can fit up to 12 seats; there is also an upstairs lounge with a bar, stage monitor and could probably fit another 24 seats. It was great to see Valerie Simpson, still having fun and singing (back up) for the singers who went up for the open mic. The House Band was not playing and another band filled the spot, unfortunately I didn't catch the name. I can tell you this much, since I was there early and left by 9:15pm and it's my first visit - there's lots of talent that go to the open mic and sing --- this is NOT a karaoke bar!!!! I enjoyed my food which was a grilled (Jerk sauce) pork chop, garlic mash potatoes and collard greens. My wife had the Seafood Pasta - not so thrilled with it because it was a creamy type Alfredo sauce, rather than a lighter broth type (Please note: she did not ask about the sauce). Service was great - very attentive by more than just the waiter!! Pricing was average and there is a $10 entrance cover. I do want to go back to enjoy the music, the City's talented singers and the food!!

I have never been to Sugar Bar, yet heard so much over the years.... so I went with 7 friends last night. Upon entrance, Sugar Bar feels dated and stuck in a time warp. The banquettes were worn out and dingy and the very dim lit room made the atmosphere kinda drab. The waitress worked the bar and the tables simultaneously which made the service just so/so. There was a plate with dry hard cornbread sparingly placed on a table for seven and when I asked for more they said they had no more yet an hour into my dinner fresh cornbread magically appeared. The thing about comfort food is it's meant to me made at home with love. Whenever I seek comfort food elsewhere it always disappoints. The Mac & Cheese was not good at all with no flavor or seasoning and was a loose mac N cheese which I hate. The yams seemed like Bruce's canned yams doctored up. The pork chop (which there should have been two) were delicious-they nailed that. Two friends had the whole snapper and really enjoyed it. This place needs a freshen up not only in decor but in the kitchen. The neighborhood atmosphere was cozy and nice...we did not feel rushed and the patrons were ultra friendly. The Banana Rum punch was pretty good.

I hate to give bad reviews but the service that I got at the Sugar bar really deserves it. I went on a Saturday night at 10pm to see a band play. I sat at a table with a friend an ordered wine, water and vegetable quesadillas as an appetizer. The waitress brought us the wine but not the water. 45 minutes later we kept asking the waitress for my glass of water,she gave us an attitude and said that it wasnt her fault, it was the bus boy's fault. The water and quesadillas arrives an hour later. My friend and I asked to speak to the manager. When we told the manager what happened she didn't apologize and just gave us the check for the wine. Not to mention that the include a gratituity % of the wine. I wont go ever again.

Must come the place is small but the music is outstanding make reservations for a table for sure good food and friends a jem in manhattan

This isn't a tourist spot. I'm a NYer and went there with friends on a Friday night. We ordered Tom Collins', catfish fingers and quesadillas. The drinks were strong and tasty, and the catfish fingers perfect, crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. They had a great band, 30th Street Blues Band, The singer had an amazing voice. Will definitely go back.

I guess the good food should bring me back? I may try it again. on the fence.... and it wasn't just my meal, I sampled five different dishes from my friends, all freaking delicious! appetizers were also up there. my rum punch was weak, and im a "lightweight" so it should have been better. OK, here is for ghetto!!! we arrived 7;30pm sat down and after being there almost 40 minutes, enjoying our apps.... someone comes over to the table with a change purse collecting the cover charge for the "band" that was supposed to perform "shortly" ((guess I was too drunk to fuss or afraid to appear cheap, but COME ON??)) didn't see any band members, no guitars being tuned up.... twenty minutes later a serious of three "local" artists put on a mediocre show including songs we never heard, original songs and spoken words. in between a DJ plays Drake, same song twice in one half hour? the waitress was sweet but unorganized and confused half of the time. the A/C wasn't working?!?! it became super hot, humid in there! management offered 25% discount plus free soda.

Not once have I had a bad time at Ashford and Simpson’s Amazing establishment on west 72nd street The Sugar Bar. Walk in sit at the bar and one is instantly comfortable. Then after a few deep lovely transformative chats one focuses on the music! One is simply blown away by the talent that jumps on stage. Planed or not, impressive Book a table, or just stop by Sugar Bar for a full rich evening in New York! And please tell them you are a friend of Bobby’s.

This is my second visit here after being impressed with my food last year. I ordered the fried chicken again with cheddar mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese. The chicken never disappoints. And the Mac and cheese was delicious. Great LIVE jazz!! I’m already looking forward to my visit next year.

Had a great time. Food, drinks and especially the entertainment was wonderful. Will be going back.The in house band was fantastic.

Went on a Thursday to check the open mic night. Glorious music. The people could really sing! This is NOT bad karaoke (my biggest fear) and I enjoyed it immensely. The place had a great atmosphere and the staff was very nice. It is a small place but I was lucky enough to get a seat by the bar. For people wanting to eat I would definately recommend booking a table.

created by the village people an exceptional ambiance warm and top voices lov it and make it lov by all our friends and family going to new york

No room but there were able to squeeze us in for a quick dinner. Fun food, comfy and as they said the place filled up for the show really quickly. We had veggie spring rolls, garlic mashed potatoes and quesadillas (shrimp and chicken). But fortunately we saved room for the New Orlean Bread Pudding- heck, forego the food and go right to the bread pudding. It was awesome. Fund with friends.

My husband and I went to dinner for our anniversary at the Sugar Bar. The food was very good and moerately priced as were the drinks. There was a very nice Jazz band playing. The atmosphere is coy and comfortable. The inside of the restaurant is very small and the seating is very close together is you get the long banquet table seating.

Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson opened this musical oasis on 72nd street a number of years ago. He passed past year, but the place has not changed and Valerie keeps his legacy alive. It is the last bastion of the authentic blues in NYC and on Tuesday nights the blues singers of New York line up for open mike night, which was his thing. Most open mike nights brings in 50% duds, but not at the Sugar Bar, where real singers get up and belt it out on the stage, accompanied by the great house band! But that's not all, great drinks and the food, which has a soulful touch is quite good. While I have been there with a rare off night on talent, usually they only hire in first rate musicians...if you get there on the right night and sometimes it's on a Tuesday, Valerie gets up and sings and that is a legendary experience!

This place met beyond the expectations of me and my friends from NC. We made an open table reservations and even received a call for confirmation. When we arrived the host initially set us at the feet of the stage. Lol. But later came and moved us to a more comfortable table. She was so extremely nice and told us that someone had canceled and she wanted us to be comfortable. The guest singer even gave us several shout outs during her performance. The food was excellent! I had fried chicken and it was oh so delicious. We stayed for about 2 1/2 until they were about to close and the night ended with a Latin dance and my friends went up and danced. Everyone had fun and it was such a great occasion. Even on our way out the managers thanked us for coming and asked us to please return. We have every intentions of returning during our next visit!