smallSUGAR — Restaurant in Columbia

This place is a hidden gem tucked away off of Gervais. Best almond croissants EVER! And, the Soft Scrambled Egg on Sourdough with greens was so delicious. Loved sitting outside looking at the distressed brick walls - a Spain/Italy/France vibe. Can't wait to go back. BTW - they don't solicit tips. Their staff is paid a steady wage above minimum with benefits. From their website:

"smallSUGAR will serve as the location for the second phase of the pilot the CITY GRIT Hospitality Workforce Development program. The goal of the program is to provide opportunity and culinary training to non-college bound youth.

We strive to offer improved conditions for employees: Guarantee a livable wage for all staff once they’ve completed the initial on-boarding phase of employment. Offer a transportation stipend for employees to offset parking and/or transportation costs associated with concepts located in downtown Columbia. Incentives for community engagement by volunteering with one of our partners at Richland Library, FoodShare, Transitions, Oliver Gospel Mission, End Childhood Hunger South Carolina, Harvest Hope, or Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters. Continued and expansive training in hospitality, marketing, money and asset management, the culinary arts, and management."

What a great place to support! We went twice in our weekend visit to our daughter and can't...

Small Sugar is a Must-Visit!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Small Sugar in Columbia, SC, and I can honestly say it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made me feel right at home. The charming décor combined with the friendly staff made the whole experience feel personal and special.

The menu is truly one-of-a-kind, with creative and delicious offerings that showcase incredible attention to detail. Every dish we tried was fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared. It's clear that Small Sugar takes pride in using quality ingredients, and the presentation of the food is just as impressive as the taste.

What really stood out to me was the dessert selection. If you're a sweet tooth like me, this place will blow you away. Every dessert feels like a work of art, bursting with flavor and creativity. Whether you're there for a quick bite or a full meal, don’t skip dessert!

Overall, Small Sugar is a perfect spot for anyone looking for a delightful, memorable dining experience in Columbia. I can't recommend it enough—it's a hidden gem that absolutely deserves to be discovered. I’ll definitely be...

There are two criteria I look at when rating a restaurant: good food and good service. It Is always disheartening to have one without the other. Unfortunately, smallSUGAR is one of those places. They have a fantastic almond croissant. Seriously it’s awesome. Ive had it a couple of times at a local coffee shop that carries their pastries. Today I went into smallSUGAR’S actual store for the first time. I wish that I hadn’t. At 9:30 on September 19, 2021, I got up to the counter and asked the young blonde fellow working the register how he was doing. He abruptly asked what I wanted. I ordered my beloved croissant and some drip coffee. When he went to get my coffee, he shouted from the back “room for cream?”, in the same painfully dull and unfriendly tone. He then proceeded to put my coffee lid on—the part I put my mouth on—with his bare hands. Maybe the guy was having a bad morning, was hungover, or just depressed. Whatever the case, I’m tired of spending money at places where the staff treats me as if I owe them something. I will not be returning to smallSugar’s store. Luckily, I can get that wonderfully sweet and perfectly fluffy croissant at my local...