Kumo Cafe — Restaurant in New York

TLDR: SugarCube has been replaced by an entirely different business focused on being an artsy café rather than a bubble tea shop

I had previously enjoyed SugarCube at this location and was looking forward to seeing their renovations when I visited this week. The space looks nice with its updated design and new name, but I was surprised to discover the tea menu has been significantly reduced. What was once pages of diverse bubble tea options is now just a small section with a handful of tea offerings. The focus has shifted to a café concept featuring breakfast foods and coffee. When I asked about SugarCube drinks, I learned this is actually a completely different business with no connection to SugarCube. It's worth noting that although this is an entirely new business, they appear to be benefiting from SugarCube's previous ratings and reputation. I decided to try their bubble tea anyway. Unfortunately, I found the drinks to be quite syrup-heavy, even when ordered less sweet. The mint and lime additions left my drink turning bitter after sitting for just 15 minutes. You would have to chug your drink to avoid this. Overall, the establishment seems to prioritize presentation over the tea quality I was accustomed to with SugarCube. To be clear, this is no longer a bubble tea shop but rather an artsy café that happens to serve some bubble tea. It should be judged on its own merits for what it's trying to be – a stylish breakfast spot with Instagram-worthy presentations. I'm writing this primarily for fellow SugarCube fans who, like several customers I saw during my visit, might come expecting their favorite bubble tea shop only to find something...

Echoing the experiences of another reviewer here, I was previously a huge fan of Sugarcube the cafe that was previously here.

I was bit underwhelmed when I tried Kumo, especially as a frequent customer of the older store, Sugarcube. The drink that I ordered -- the Brown Sugar Milk Tea was a bit expensive and way too sugary compared to Sugarcube's. I think I also paid for like 2 dollars more than what I was used to.

I understand that this is a small business, but for boba in the 7.59 or so dollar range for a large (8+ if you want milk alternative) I'd expect quality similar to Heytea. If you look at Kung Fu Tea's and Sugarcube's pricing you can definitely see it's definitely cheaper.

All I'm saying is that I felt like I was getting charged more so for the vibes and nice interior rather than for quality. I will admit that the service was friendly though, so that was a plus. I did feel a bit uncomfortable to see the infamous tip screen -- especially after I just paid for my 8 dollar boba.

I was also concerned seeing powder flavors on the shelf. I do understand that they use real fruit as well in some of their drinks, but that's just something I observed.

Anyways, while I wanted to genuinely support a new store, especially as an Asian American, I'm a little disappointed in what got replaced. I really hope that you guys price accordingly and focus on the quality of the food more rather than just the aesthetics. EDIT: Edited the review to sound less harsh. I still encourage customers to check out the store...

This was honestly inedible. It was so gross, I couldn’t finish it—and I’ve never not been able to finish dessert before. Surprised the reviews are this good.

EDIT: Well, you’re obviously mistaken because I threw away the cakes as soon as possible after all THREE of us agreed they tasted expired, like they’d been left uncovered in a fridge for a week. The top of the cake was wet? You should be ashamed to sell this as “food.” The mango slush was fine, but the disgusting cakes, which we paid over $15 for, completely ruined the experience.

I have no reason to lie about my experience, and it’s bizarre to suggest otherwise. I’m truly shocked at how bad the food was and just wanted to warn people. Maybe get the slush, but do not get the food.

Also, it’s super telling that you’re unable to take responsibility for your disgusting cake. Next time, instead of staring at me in the store, you could come up and ask like a normal person how your store can do...