smallSUGAR was excellent! Everything, from the food to the ambiance to the customer service, was amazing! First and foremost, I must start by commending the girls who were working there. They were all so sweet and really went above and beyond to make sure it was a high-quality experience. I noticed that they openly advertise that they don't accept tips and have slightly higher prices in order to pay their workers a living wage, and the results were directly reflected in the customer service that I received. As for the food and drink (coffee), that was pretty good as well! While I do wish that they might have had bagels, the croissant that I substituted it for was warm, buttery, and tasty, and it was a nice change from my usual coffee shop meal, as I've only had a croissant a handful of times. The coffee was fine, and I loved how they offered free refills, which I've noticed that other local coffee shops usually don't. Finally, I loved the setting of the restaurant, which gave you the opportunity to either sit inside and enjoy the ambiance or on the outside patio and enjoy some peace and quiet. I also loved the artwork that they had on the walls, which the waitress informed me was painted by a local artist and which you could purchase if you wanted to. All-in-all, I loved smallSUGAR, will be back in the future, and would highly recommend stopping in! read more

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Stopped by smallSUGAR and had a decent overall experience, though a few things held it back. The space itself was clean and well-kept, with a modern, minimalist vibe that works well for a casual brunch or coffee stop. Service was fine. Nothing particularly standout, but smooth and efficient. For drinks, the coffee was average. It wasn't bad by any means, just nothing memorable. Especially considering the price point. Food-wise, there were some highlights. The sweet potato bowl was well-dressed and flavorful, though it felt like it was missing a protein component to make it more complete. The shakshuka was very good overall, with great flavor, though it leaned a bit salty. The biggest issue was the bread portion. It simply wasn't enough for the dish. I ended up ordering an extra side, and while it's listed as two slices, it's really just one slice cut in half. At $4 for that portion, that is very unreasonable. That was a recurring theme. Pricing felt high across the board for what you receive. While the flavors were there, nothing really stood out as exceptional enough to justify the cost. Overall, not a bad visit. Just one where the value didn't quite match the experience. read more

smallSUGAR - Sweet potato bowl - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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I've been to smallSUGAR a couple times. This place provides great service, good prices and a chic venue. The bakery is tucked inside the alley and has plenty of seating inside and outside. Prices are fair, no tip needed and the selection is great! I appreciate how friendly the service is. My favorites are the bread plate and Hong Kong Milk Tea. +1 Vibe +1 Taste +1 Presentation +1 Service +1 Value read more

smallSUGAR - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Great breakfast spot when you want something new, fancy, and worth culture. Excellent fusion of breakfast items from around the world. read more

smallSUGAR - SmallSugar Breakfast and London Fog - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

This was my second time visiting smallSUGAR, but my first trying their savory options. So while I was expecting quality, I found myself surprised just how much I enjoyed my breakfast. After placing my order I found a seat outside in their lovely covered space surrounded by greenery and waited for them to bring my drink and food to the table. My London Fog was pleasant, and while nothing about it stood out, I'd order it again if I was craving one. The bread plate and Shakshouka-ish, however, were worth the visit alone. Both ran around $15 and were packed with flavor - the stewed tomatoes of the Shakshouka-ish even made my nose run due to some welcome heat. It's clear why some have made smallSUGAR a staple. read more

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I've heard about smallsugar for years and this is the first time I have visited. Let me tell you this place is incredible! Everything we got was amazing. So fresh and delicious. The staff was so kind and accommodating and the location was unexpected. I loved that it was tucked away and also had a nice outdoor area. I will definitely be back ASAP. read more

smallSUGAR - Nutella pastry and Honey/ cheese danish - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Just had the most interesting exchange here. I asked, how do I leave a tip? Staff replied, we don't accept gratuities here because we all make a living wage ... that's our mission here. Please just leave us a review. Brilliant! Love it. Will order a take out on my way out. read more

smallSUGAR - Roast pork - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Awesome food and service! Recommend the shakshouka-ish and strawberry pistachio pastry. The Hong Kong milk tea is also pretty solid. The shakshouka had depth of flavor with many different seasonings. Egg was cooked perfectly. Pastry was lightly sweetened and very flaky. Would definitely come back to try other dishes. read more

smallSUGAR - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Food, service and atmosphere were all great! The coffee was fantastic! I had some scrambled eggs and a small loaf of MONKEY BREAD...OMG! read more

I finally made it y'all!! I made it to smallSUGAR and I really enjoyed the laid back vibe and the friendly atmosphere. I wish I would have gotten the young girl name who was working the front on that day. She was so nice and pleasant. She really made the experience a really positive one. The coffee was great. I enjoyed the rich flavor and hints of sweetness. I also love the fair wages fair prices model. This is a great spot to work on the honor hang with friends or meet with colleagues. I'll be back to try lunch soon. read more

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Perfect cappuccino. Great food. Fast and friendly service, and down-to-earth atmosphere; although busy, chill.

smallSUGAR is such a gem! Having visited twice now, I would say it's one of my Columbia favorites. The first time, we visited for breakfast and found the place mostly empty on a Friday (late) morning. The interior had a cozy ambiance with exposed brick walls, covered in paintings for sale. We ordered at the counter and I chose a Hibiscus Iced Tea and Mushroom Tartine with Smashed Avocado. Service was friendly and pretty quick. My Mushroom Tartine was very tasty, and the portion size was perfect. The Smashed Avocado ended up just coming in a little bowl on the side, but it went well with the small mixed green salad. The Hibiscus Iced Tea was very refreshing and not too sweet. My friend got the smallSUGAR Breakfast, which she absolutely loved. The second time, I visited for lunch and had an equally great experience. I ordered an Iced Bourbon Caramel latte, which was decent - not quite strong enough for me. And for food, I chose the Turkey Melt with Za'atar Carrots as a side. The Turkey Melt was delicious and very filling, and I loved all the melty cheese. The flavor of the Za'atar Carrots was awesome, and although they slightly overdid it with the flaky salt, I would get these again. I also got a Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie, which was fantastic. Overall, an awesome cafe with a good mix of healthy and decadent options! read more

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I love smallSUGAR! The historic brick building in the Vista is gorgeous and the decor is all clean lines and surfaces, dahling. Plenty of outdoor seating. The greens and grains salad is chock full of perfect local lettuces and kale, lightly dressed, and pretty to look at. The coffee is very good. I had a cortado. The pastries are ginormous but I decided to wait for cheat day. They add a service charge to your bill which takes the awkwardness out and ensures the staff have a living wage. Having worked in the service industry for years, I approve! Everyone seems friendly and happy to work here. read more

smallSUGAR - greens and grains - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

So good, but.... today was the 3rd time they had run out of their almond croissants. They are so good. And I am so sad!

smallSUGAR is an absolutely amazing bakery, and the Staff there are exceptionally warm,kind, and helpful.

Was looking for a little cafe that we could hang out at. Parking a little tricky but was able to find a meter a couple blocks away. Inside was cute but a little small with ~10 tables. We were able to hang out and it was lovely. I got a little hungry and ordered the turkey melt. Prices are a little elevated because they say the extra fee goes to their workers. I felt like the workers were all treated very well and they were all hard workers. The sandwich was good! Loved all the flavors. I also loved the side carrots. Overall a very nice time! Glad we tried it! read more

smallSUGAR - Turkey melt with carrots side - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

smallSUGAR is a must try spot in Columbia!! I came here for a coffee and a pastry and I was so impressed. Everything looked and tasted so fresh and high quality. The place itself was also massive with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Service was great and the staff were very kind. I would absolutely recommend everyone try this hidden gem if you are in the area! I can't wait to come back soon. read more

smallSUGAR - Vanilla Latte, Chocolate Croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Sat outside this morning, great atmosphere, superb service, great food--what a way to start the day!! read more

smallSUGAR - Soft scramble tartine - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

This place is a gem. In town for the weekend and ate here twice. The food is delicious and the staff are so nice. We especially enjoyed the overnight oats! read more

Very cute and my coffee (cafe au lait) was made perfectly! It wasn't too sweet or bitter. I love all the plants on the patio. The outdoor seating is covered so your not roasting in the sun and they have fans creating a light breeze. Cute lil birds might come up and say hi. They keep their distance. Staff was great. They do not accept tips. read more

smallSUGAR - Outdoor patio - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Cute place tucked away on a side street so Parking can be tricky at busy times but food is worth it. Order at counter and seat yourself was convenient. Indoor and covered outdoor space was great. Open faced soft scrambled egg dish with avocado on the side was delicious. Staff was friendly and helpful!! read more

I tried the smallSUGAR breakfast today and it was phenomenal. The fresh flatbread was soft and flavorful and paired well with the assorted spreads. As usual, the pastries and people are amazing. Can't wait to come back next week to try some more items. read more

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The chocolate and almond croissants were amazing. Best we've had in years. You have to wait in line to place your order at the counter, which seemed to take too long for the type of food the serve. The line gets long and not enough space for it to fit inside so they'll send you outside to wait. Staff is very friendly. Took a long time for food to be served but it was fresh, and good. Lots of outdoor seating was great. Just except to wait a little longer than you'd think you should and be patient. Worth the wait. read more

This must be the best food establishment in Columbia, which is saying a lot. The vibe and space here is warm and welcoming. The food is James Beard-level ahmazing. Seriously. We came back every day during a three day stay. There are still things I need to try and will come back to Columbia just for that purpose. The Shakshouka-ish is the best I have had in my life, and I am a not infrequent traveler to Morocco, so try it. You won't regret it. The staff here is even better than the ambiance and food. Every day, they accommodated my mother's multiple food allergies with a smile and attention that would put renown doctors to shame for their bedside manner. Can't wait to see this place win some awards for this magic. read more

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In my opinion, one of the best places for a Mediterranean breakfast, fresh and healthy. To my knowledge, nothing is deep-fried here this is authentic food that is good for your heart and soul. And the service is outstanding,these folks do not accept tips. They are well paid and happy to serve you because they earn a fair wage. read more

What a gem! I would give it 10 stars if I could! The coffee is amazing! We had the egg toast and man, they know how to cook eggs! Perfect! The croissants were amazing, some of the best we have had. Very cute place and super nice staff to top it off. Loved it! read more

smallSUGAR - Croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Had brunch before a basketball game at USC. The food was wonderful and the service great. Will be back again.

Such a gem on the Vista!!! The almond croissant was incredible, and the coffee was dark and delicious. Definitely a new favorite. Oh, and outstanding service!!! read more

I got a pastry and this mocha latte. The drink alone was worth the drive! Perfection! read more

smallSUGAR - Mocha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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I was in the area visiting relatives and was recommended this place for a quick breakfast bite. The friendly cashier greeted me with a smile and explained what breakfast options were available. I opted for the Chai Cinnamon Muffin and Bourbon Caramel Oatmilk Iced Latte...Delicious combo! Great location and will return whenever in town. read more

This place is a tiny, hidden gem. A friend found it and we were so happy. The ONLY reason I gave it four stars is it didn't have decaf coffee or espresso. The staff were very nice. The food was made fresh and tasted amazing. It was combinations of stuff I wouldn't have thought of. Definitely worth a repeat visit. Thank you!! read more

What an adorable stop on our way to the coast!! The most perfect cup of coffee that I finished so quickly and contemplated ordering one to go. A delicious sandwich that was fresh, inviting and very filling. The outdoor dining space was such a relaxing experience. I could see myself hanging here often if this was in my town. Everything about this place was a five blazing star!! read more

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Took 40 minutes to get our jam and bread and some scrambled eggs while my kid was hungry. They must have forgot our order and it wasn't even busy. Didn't offer any explanation or compensation. Maybe next time maybe throw in an extra treat???!. Nice outdoor and indoor seating. Food is good but wouldn't wait 40 minutes for it. read more

This is one of those places that looks like a repurposed warehouse or something, with a splendid brick aesthetic. It's very hipster, with conversations about "repositories of industrial land" and other things I wasn't expecting to hear. They claim to do a lot of local sourcing, and the menu was some American and vaguely Middle Eastern brunch with a reasonable vegetable focus. I thought for a while before trying a hummus bowl which came with some cooked eggplant and some visually enticing sweet potato slices arrayed on top. There was plenty of za'atar-style spice, and it was an impressive bowl. My almond croissant was as flaky and sweet as I'd hoped, and for a drink they do a Charleston Fog, which is a tea latte with Charleston Tea, which I think is distinctively delicious (I have some at home). The price was quite high, but they seem to have a no-tipping policy and a commitment to training and paying staff (who seemed to be having a good time taking pictures for the holidays), and if you factor in what I would have paid in tip for a nice brunch elsewhere, I felt quite happy about coming here. read more

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Exquisite pastries and atmosphere. They have a fantastic selection of sweet and salt pastries to meet any craving. Really enjoyed the everything bagel pastry and lemon sugar pastry. Avocado toast was a perfect balance, complimented by a refreshing vinaigrette salad. Highly recommend. Be aware the pastries are a hot commodity and go fast! read more

One of my favorite cafes ever! The soft scrambled tartine is excellent and every pastry I've had here has been great. Monkey bread, lemon pull apart bread, chai spice cinnamon roll(favorite) were all fantastic. Most importantly however, they have excellent coffee! The iced americano was one of the best I've had in a minute. They are clearly using very high quality coffee. I always order mine black and it was sooo tasty. Cold brew was solid too. The interior is filled with tables to get work done or hang out and the entire room has a cozy vibe with wood and brick finishes plus beautiful art for sale adorning the walls. The staff at smallSUGAR are very friendly and the food service is quick. They have vegan offerings and little something for everyone. My only warning is to get here is quick as you can! The pastries are so good some of the options do sell out. I wish I could pack up smallSUGAR and take this place home with me! read more

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Incredible breakfast spot with impeccable service and food offerings. This is a place that absolutely gets it right. Right sized menu that allows perfection in every dish. The staff appears to enjoy their roles and it shows in quality of service and food. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a French cafe with a bit of southern charm. Great find!!!! read more

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A great breakfast and lunch spot tucked away in the Vista. They have breakfast bowls, plates, savory and sweet pastries and delicious coffee. Such a cute spot with indoor and outdoor seating. read more

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Our favorite breakfast spot while Columbia. The staff is very nice and helpful when you can't decide. They have a large selection of pastries, breakfast sandwiches and tartines. My favorite is the overnight oats, slightly sweet with peanut butter, almonds, and banana. Not what I would call inexpensive, but a great treat. read more

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So, if I am being honest - this place just isn't for me. I went here for brunch with some friends. I was kind of turned off by the menu. They only had two items with meat, and while my sandwich was really good - I was bummed that a brunch place didn't have more variety, but that may just be me. I also felt like the prices were outrageous. I got a sandwich and a sangria and it was $30. They were out of Orange juice, and couldn't make a Bellini. I just feel like on a Saturday in downtown that is a bad time to not have 2/3 of your brunch beverages stocked. There is a sign that says gratuity is included, which I definitely have an issue with. You order at a counter and someone brings you your food. We had to ask for water, napkins. There was however a really nice man who came to asked us if we wanted to try a Chai Cinnamon roll, on the house. Their pastries were very tasty. Overall, it was not a terrible experience. I personally wouldn't choose this spot again based on the menu and the prices, but if you're into that hipster vibe - you will probably love it. read more

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