This past weekend two friends and I decided to hit up the Big Apple to check out the Sugar Factory American Brasserie on Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District.
It doesn’t look like much, huh? A hole in the wall, maybe. But you know what they say, and you’ve heard it a thousand times, and I sincerely mean it this time. Don’t judge a book by its cover. The expression certainly applies here.
It was a rainy day when we visited, and we had to wait outside. In fact, the place is small (3,000 square feet to be exact) and was so packed that we couldn’t even get inside at first. But we were set on trying this place, mainly due to word-of-mouth from some trustworthy friends. Once we squeezed inside and made our way up to the hostess stand, we found out the wait for three would be two hours, so we put one of our names down on the waiting list and, since we had time to kill, found plenty to explore in NYC.
If you’re sweet tooth is acting up while waiting at the Sugar Factory, there is plenty of candy to munch on.
Upon returning to the Sugar Factory, we still had to wait an additional half hour, and were just about to leave (since there are plenty of other delicious restaurants in the area) when the hostess let us know that a table was ready. We followed a waiter past the crowded bar, which was lit up with colorful, sweet creations of liquidy goodness, and over to a small table in the corner.
The Sugar Factory’s bar (quack, quack).
Since we skimmed the menu while waiting, we already knew what we wanted. It would start off with a shared 60-ounce goblet of lollipop passion, one of the restaurant’s delicious, bright, fun-promising drinks. The lollipop passion consists of melon, coconut, and pineapple juices, along with lollipops hanging out of the goblet that are tied together by a candy necklace. As for the base of the drink, I think vodka is responsible for that. But be warned — although it tastes like a tropical paradise, this passionate drink is quite strong!
The lollipop passion is a fabulous work of art that must be sipped and enjoyed.
As for my meal, I enjoyed a turkey club with fries, which was tasty and satisfying, not to mention the perfect portion. One of my friends chose a pasta and chicken dish, which she was happy with, and my other friend also had a successful turkey club.
As for the atmosphere, most of the guests were women, or couples of men and women. There were lots of large parties when I visited, including a group of young women celebrating a 21st birthday, and another group of 20-somethings celebrating an engagement. Though the place is small, it’s pretty clean, and the waiters and waitresses are constantly on their feet, though attentive and polite.
Since the Sugar Factory is obviously poppin’, I recommend calling ahead of time to make reservations so you’re not disappointed with the wait — this goes for both large and small parties. The bar is also first-come-first-serve. And if you’re of age, you must try a goblet!
Nicole DiGiose 