Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar – American
Steeped in musical legacy, this intimate Upper West Side sanctuary wraps guests in a soulful embrace of exposed brick, warm candlelight, and the rhythmic pulse of live R&B. The kitchen serves up elevated American comfort food that resonates with heart and flavor, creating a vibrant sensory experience where every savory bite is harmonized by the smooth melodies drifting from the stage.
254 West 72nd Street, New York, NY 10023 +1-212-579-0222 https://www.sugarbarnyc.com/Rating: 4.5/5 (966 reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, keto, low-carb, diabetic, heart-healthy, plant-based, low-fat, sugar-free, pescatarian, paleo, mediterranean, whole30, anti-inflammatory, south-beach, clean-eating, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, atkins, gerd, volumetrics, tlc, detox, carnivore, zone, raw-food, alkaline, mayo-clinic, slow-carb, candida, lectin-free, pegan
Currently open
Hours
- Tuesday - Wednesday
- 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Thursday
- 3:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Friday - Saturday
- 15:00
- Monday - Sunday
- 12:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners consistently celebrate Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar for its incredible soul food and vibrant live music scene. Guests rave about standout dishes like the crispy catfish nuggets, fried chicken, red snapper, and flavorful collard greens, alongside sweet treats like bread pudding. The atmosphere is frequently described as intimate and inviting, with reviewers highlighting the "bomb" happy hour and energetic open mic nights. While one visitor noted a policy issue, the vast majority praise the warm, attentive service and well-crafted drinks, making it a beloved spot for a memorable night ou
Menu
Appetizers
- Catfish Strips - $14: Cajun tartar sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Vegetarian Spring Rolls - $12: Vegan Option Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Plant-Based, Low-Cholesterol
- Golden Fried Shrimp - $13: Choice of plain fried, buffalo, or sautéed in garlic sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Vegetarian Chilli - $10: Topped with scallion & corn chips. Vegan Options Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb
- Garlic Toast - $5 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs - $14 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, GERD-Friendly, Zone, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Chicken Wings - $13: Choice of deep fried, buffalo, BBQ, jerk, mango habanero Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Crab Meat Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp - $16: Saffron butter sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Garlic Soup - $10: Poached egg, croutons, chopped garlic, chicken broth, croutons Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Volumetrics
- Add Shrimp & Collard Greens - $8 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Add Chicken & Collard Greens - $6 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Slow-Carb, Candida
Salads
Dressings include: balsamic, ranch, blue cheese, italian dressing
- House Salad - $12: Organic green mix, red onions, grape tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Classic Caesar Salad - $12 Dietary tags: Nut-Free
- Spinach Salad - $12: Baby spinach, bacon, red onions, grape tomato, boiled eggs & blue cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Slow-Carb
- Add Chicken - $6: Add-on for salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Add Steak/Shrimp/Salmon - $8: Add-on for salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Santa Fe Salad - $20: Chopped romaine lettuce, shrimp, pico de gallo, avocado, black beans, tortilla chips, lime cilantro dressing Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, High-Fiber, Volumetrics
- Seafood Salad - $20: Salmon, shrimp, calamari over house salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Candida
- Cobb Salad - $20: Bacon, red onions, tomatoes, blue cheese, red peppers, hard boiled eggs, grilled chicken Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Slow-Carb
Desserts
- Key Lime Pie - $8
- Bread Pudding - $8 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Banana Foster Cake - $8 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Chocolate Cake - $8 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
Frequently Asked Questions about Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Approximately 70% of the menu, including salads, chicken, shrimp, and chili, accommodates vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb dietary requirements.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar specializes in American cuisine, specifically serving elevated comfort food and traditional soul food dishes.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- This restaurant is unique for its musical legacy, live R&B, energetic open mic nights, and elevated American soul food.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar has a total of 966 reviews with an average rating of 4.5/5 stars.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- This moderate ($$) restaurant offers an intimate, inviting atmosphere with elevated American comfort food and energetic live music.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu offers 36 dietary options including keto, vegan, and gluten-free, featuring dishes like catfish, shrimp, and vegetarian chili.
- Where is this restaurant located?
- Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar is located in the Upper West Side neighborhood of New York City, New York.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar is an operational restaurant featuring an active website and reviews highlighting its live music and menu.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar holds an overall rating of 4.5/5, reflecting positive reviews for its soul food and music.
- Is this a good spot for a date or special occasion?
- This intimate restaurant is ideal for dates, featuring live R&B, warm candlelight, and a 4.5/5 rating for its soul food.
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