The Sweet Shop Cafe & Lounge — Restaurant in Tallahassee

If I could leave zero stars I would. Let me clarify a few things: first, I have never left a review before, good or bad, because I don’t care to get involved in the mess. This experience changed that. Second, I hate to leave a bad review—I’ve worked in a restaurant, both my parents have worked in restaurants—restaurant employees has my highest sympathies. Okay so, let’s get to what happened. I ordered a cotton candy Italian soda and received an order number, I’m pretty sure it was 1-037. A few minutes later, “37” was called. I went to the counter. There were multiple items there and I wasn’t sure which would be my order, so I asked the employee behind the counter and told him my number. He said it was the drink and grapes and I could get ice from the machine. I didn’t pay too much attention to it—I figured they either screwed my order up, or they were cotton candy grapes and this was a new, weird way to make an Italian soda. Later, an employee comes up, confused and scared seeming, and tells me it was the wrong order. He didn’t say anything else, just left. It was really weird. So, I went to the counter to see what was going on and they again acted scared and confused. They told me the new drink at the counter was my drink, so I took that. They acted strange, but I brushed it off. Like I said, I’ve worked in a restaurant before and I know weird mix-up’s like this happen all the time. I thought about brining the order back (which, to clarify, I was never asked to do) but there’s an generally accepted rule at restaurants that once the food hits the table, it’s unsanitary for someone else to eat it. Later, another employee, scared and confused, comes up to me and tells me the “boss man” wants to speak to me because he is upset. At this point, I was now also confused, because it seemed like they were belaying a simple mixup by both parties. I asked the employee why the “boss man” wanted to speak to me, but before he could respond, something else happened. The boss man got on a microphone, in front of the whole restaurant, and called me a thief! I was honestly blown away. I immediately went up to talk to him so we could get to the bottom (I figured there had to be something else going on because this seemed like an irrational reason to be upset) but he REFUSED to talk me. Classy. I don’t know if it was because he had a long day, or he just assumed I was ditsy college girl, but he would not talk to me at all. He just shouted, “I WILL NOT HEAR ANYTHING, YOU MUST PAY FOR BOTH ORDERS.” At this point, I wanted to cry. My legs felt like uncooked spaghetti and my head was spinning. This situation made absolutely no sense to me. Maybe I should’ve followed my friend’s advice and just left, but I decided to pay the second order.

Now, after all that, I still wasn’t going to leave a review. It was the following events that put the nail in the coffin. A few hours later, I was still shaken by the whole situation so I called my Dad. Not to get him to complain or anything, just to talk with me. After we finished talking, he called the restaurant and asked for the name of the “boss man.” Just the name, nothing else. The employees said they didn’t know and hung up. Now, I still wasn’t going to leave a bad review. Then, I saw the voicemail message they left my Dad. I saw the incessant lying, blaming, and overall lack of respect that plagues this place. They claimed they asked me to return the order. This claim is incredulously from the truth; nothing close to it happened. All the employees just seemed scared and confused by “boss man” who was irrationally upset by a teenage girl when his cafe mixed up her order. They claimed I had no respect. That’s funny! I went up to talk with them twice to figure out what was going on. The first time, everyone looked around confused. The second time? I was blasted by a microphone and yelled at. Regardless, I CHOSE to pay for a mistake they made. The only party lacking respect was the...

The Sweet Shop is the sweet spot! 100 years is a long time, especially for Tallahassee, where many local gems seem to get washed away in the tide of so-called progression. This is perhaps my favorite location in the city and I hope it lasts another 100 years.

I've seen a lot of complaints about the offerings, the staff, and the owner. However, I've not had one bad experience. While I haven't sampled every item on the menu, what I have gotten has been great. The owner is friendly and was welcoming from our first visit, even as I stumbled through his self-order kiosk. My fiancee and I love coming in for a little snack, and chatting about Michigan and the differences we've experienced. He's from the same town as my dad, and close to the same as my fiancee, even if I'm from PA myself.

Some points:

Know what you want, and be realistic It seems a lot of people dislike this place because they expect a 5 star restaurant. I see people complain about the milkshakes and other menu items, but if you take a minute and look at the menu, you'll know what to expect. Don't order a milkshake that's made differently, knowing it looks different, and then complain. If you're realistic, and take a minute to study what's available, you'll likely order something you'll like instead of a false expectation. He's pretty up front about what's on the menu, which I appreciate.

The boba is fantastic, people are insane. I've gone DAILY for a bubble tea because I love the jelly bubbles. I believe they're likely konjac or something similar, but I love them. I only wish there was an option for extra to be added to my cup.

Their taro is smooth and good. It's unlike others I've had, but very good.

The snow cones are good and perfect for hot days.

I love the bagels. They are a perfect blend of chewy and toasty.

While I can't comment on some interactions that people have had with owner, none of mine have been negative. I'm sure he deals with some doozies, being on campus. We all have bad days. I only wish I'd have an opportunity to work with him. If you're reading this, hit me up if you need any writing, marketing, or social media work.

The atmosphere is great. I like reading the writing on the wall. I hope that continues. AC works well, and the place is overall clean, cleaner than other places I've been recently.

The location is fantastic. Easy access. My only gripe is that I wish they were open longer. Historically, they were open pretty late. I guess they only have so many staff though, and they may have other engagements. I'd love to pop in again later in the day if they were open even until 8 or 9pm.

Overall, they are a great place to grab a treat or a snack, or something more substantial. Pricing is what you'd expect, or even cheaper for some items, and the atmosphere is either lively, or quiet and relaxed depending on when you go. I spend about $10 per visit, for 2 people to get something. They don't force tipping either, unlike other places, even though I don't mind tipping, it's nice to not feel like you have to because you're being stared at as you check out on the touch screen.

Don't let the bad reviews scare you off. I hope that The Sweet Shop will outlive me, I'll look for it in my next life.

Here's to 100 more! The Sweet Shop is the sweetest remaining Tallahassee icon, by far. If only I had the funds to reopen Sherrod's or The Phyrst...

If I could give 0 stars I would. I 'used' to be a regular customer, but after today I will never step my foot at that establishment ever again. I went to a different coffee shop earlier today that only offered outside seating. It started raining, so I had to leave that place and go somewhere else. I went to sweet shop because it's on campus and I also go there to study. I could not leave my table, because I was watching a live lecture and I was just finishing drinking the coffee that I bought at the other place, so I could buy food and more coffee at Sweet Shop. A man, who I believe is the owner or a manager, approached my friend and I in a very aggressive way, yelling at us and hitting his chest. I was in shock and honestly scared as that big rude man was getting really close to us and being very aggresive.

I completely understand that outside food is not allowed, but both my friend and I were literally about to buy food and drinks. We were just waiting for my lecture to be over.

I really did not appreciate how he approached the situation. He could have simply told us that it was not allowed, or if we were going to buy anything, but instead he chose to yell and be extremely aggressive towards two 5 foot tall girls who are regular customers...

EDIT: It is very easy to call other people liars when you are the liar yourself. Please learn how to be polite to people and accept your customers feedback, either good or bad, instead of calling everyone who posts a negative review a liar and using the same broken record "liar liar pants on fire". Also, I'd highly recommend you to get medical help. You have serious anger issues. Karma is real....