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: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar
Dairy-Free at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar
Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar in New York has 9 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegetarian Chilli, Add Chicken & Collard Greens and Vegetarian Spring Rolls. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar
Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar in New York has 7 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Add Chicken & Collard Greens, House Salad and Add Chicken. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar
Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar in New York has 10 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegetarian Chilli, Classic Caesar Salad and Vegetarian Spring Rolls. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar
Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar in New York has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Seafood Salad, Golden Fried Shrimp and Chicken Wings. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar
Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar in New York has 3 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Add Chicken, Catfish Strips and Crab Meat Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar
Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar in New York has 3 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Add Chicken, Catfish Strips and Crab Meat Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar
Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar in New York has 2 nut-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Add Chicken and Catfish Strips. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar
Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar in New York has 3 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegetarian Chilli, Vegetarian Spring Rolls and House Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Salad | 37 g | 73.8 g |
| Chicken Wings | 1.4 g | 57.1 g |
| Seafood Salad | 33.8 g | 56.3 g |
| Golden Fried Shrimp | 23.7 g | 30.6 g |
| Cobb Salad | 43.9 g | 28.2 g |
| Catfish Strips | 4.3 g | 14.4 g |
| Classic Caesar Salad | 44.5 g | 13.8 g |
| Key Lime Pie | 110.2 g | 12.2 g |
| Bread Pudding | 74.6 g | 10.6 g |
| Garlic Soup | 43.9 g | 9.8 g |
| Chocolate Cake | 62.3 g | 9.5 g |
| Garlic Toast | 36.5 g | 7.6 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
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: Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Vegetarian Spring Rolls - $12: Vegan Option Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic
- Golden Fried Shrimp - $13: Choice of plain fried, buffalo, or sautéed in garlic sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Vegetarian Chilli - $10: Topped with scallion & corn chips. Vegan Options Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium
- Garlic Toast - $5 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs - $14 Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Chicken Wings - $13: Choice of deep fried, buffalo, BBQ, jerk, mango habanero Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Crab Meat Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp - $16: Saffron butter sauce Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach
- Garlic Soup - $10: Poached egg, croutons, chopped garlic, chicken broth, croutons
- Add Shrimp & Collard Greens - $8 Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Add Chicken & Collard Greens - $6 Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
Salads
Dressings include: balsamic, ranch, blue cheese, italian dressing
- House Salad - $12: Organic green mix, red onions, grape tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free
- Classic Caesar Salad - $12 Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Spinach Salad - $12: Baby spinach, bacon, red onions, grape tomato, boiled eggs & blue cheese Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC
- Add Chicken - $6: Add-on for salad Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Add Steak/Shrimp/Salmon - $8: Add-on for salad Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Santa Fe Salad - $20: Chopped romaine lettuce, shrimp, pico de gallo, avocado, black beans, tortilla chips, lime cilantro dressing Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Seafood Salad - $20: Salmon, shrimp, calamari over house salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory
- Cobb Salad - $20: Bacon, red onions, tomatoes, blue cheese, red peppers, hard boiled eggs, grilled chicken
Desserts
- Key Lime Pie - $8 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Bread Pudding - $8 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Banana Foster Cake - $8 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Chocolate Cake - $8 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
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.
- Is Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar has 9 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegetarian Chilli, Add Chicken & Collard Greens and Vegetarian Spring Rolls.
- What can I eat at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar on a dairy-free diet?
- Vegetarian Chilli, Add Chicken & Collard Greens and Vegetarian Spring Rolls carry the dairy-free tag, out of 9 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar have vegan options?
- Yes. 3 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Vegetarian Chilli and Vegetarian Spring Rolls.
- Is Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar gluten-free?
- 7 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar?
- Santa Fe Salad, at roughly 73.8g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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