Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor

07/04/2008 Posted by ignoredsolongImelted

On June 28, 2008 I had the unpleasant experience of visiting the Sugar Bowl along with my relatives. We were touring the Scottsdale area as part of our family reunion tour. My cousin had made prior arrangements with the Sugar Bowl since it was about twenty of us in number. He spoke highly of the delicious ice cream, and we were all anticipating a good time at the restaurant. When we arrived we were seated in what appeared to be the party section. We waited approximately ten minutes before we were greeted and served water by the young server. While we were being served, what appeared to be a birthday group arrived. Our server immediately stopped serving us, and commenced to wait on the birthday group. We waited; however, no one came to take our server's place. Now I don't want to think that in 2008 that racism or one's appearance determines the level of service you receive at the Sugar Bowl. It was quite evident that we were not welcomed. My cousin ,who had arranged for us to visit the Sugar Bowl, was quite offended as well as the rest of us, and he made the decision that we would not stay due to the lack of courtesy as well as time. We still had additional sites to visit. I was quited disturbed by this experience. It was almost unbelievable. Although, there wasn't a sign posted that stated, "African-Americans Are Not Welcomed," this message was demonstrated throughout our visit at what I now will call the Sour Bowl. Our tour guide apologized to us, and commented that she personally knew the owner. I doubt if she reported this incident. However, I'm sharing our experience, and hope that race relations will improve at the Sugar Bowl.

Pros: None

Cons: Partiality shown in service, no regard for customers.

08/26/2007 Posted by carolyn0101

We had a great time at the Sugar Bowl last night. We only got dessert but the desserts were delicious and fun! Our waiter was busy but so attentive and available for us. We came to the Sugar Bowl after having a bad experience somewhere else (see my review for the terrible Italian Grotto) and our time at the Sugr Bowl totally uplifted our evening.

Pros: Delicious ice cream, great servers, cute ambience

Cons: None

01/31/2007 Posted by the_verdict

I had a tuna sandwich it was practically pureed, which was awful. It was pretty much tuna slop. Then next to us was a group of 3 that were on a laptop, playing some medical game. It’s not that we cared but it was sooo freakin’ loud and I don’t want to hear about skin grafts when I’m eating!?? So we asked our server if they could ask them to turn it down. Our server asked the manager and the manager refused and had US move to another table? Are you freakin’ kidding me?!! I don’t care how good my black raspberry sundae was, I’m not going back! What kind of customer service is that??

01/13/2007 Posted by starlightjulian

After reading so many good reviews of The Sugar Bowl in the three years I've lived in the valley, I finally went in tonight and ordered the deluxe burger and the buster brownie. I'm sorry to say I was very disappointed; I found the "deluxe burger" to be an average grilled burger of about 3 inches in diameter, and its side dish of cole slaw bland in flavor (though crisp in texture). I asked to substitute some nut bread for the chips that also came with the burger, to which my server obliged. The delicious bread came with a nutty honey-sweetened buttercream. The buster brownie was originally a cool brownie topped with marshmallow cream, whipped cream, and a cherry. Since I had asked my server if the brownie came heated and he replied no, but that he could do that for me, I was again disappointed when my order came with a cool brownie. Servers from other establishments would've quickly apologized and offered to bring me another one straight away, but my server tonight took more than a few seconds (I had to mention the cool brownie at least twice) to finally say he would make another one. I'd have to admit that I enjoyed my warm brownie with the one scoop of vanilla and bittersweet chocolate sauce more than the "deluxe" burger. What a shame that my server took my request of no whip cream to mean no cherry as well. After being presented with the check, I asked the server if the pies and cheesecakes were made in-house, to which he replied "I'm not sure, but I think we buy them." He didn't offer to find out if they were made in-house (the menu boasted "made from home-made recipes!" which I thought was a hint that they were made in-house... the cashier later told me that the baked goods came from Costco). Another tip: the ice cream is Dreyer's/Edy's brand. Granted, the server did mention his day was a long one; however, I feel that the lackluster service coupled with the bland food and average dessert are reasons enough not to come back.

Pros: Parking, ice cream samples, quick food-plating times

Cons: below-average service

05/18/2004 Posted by mgmk

After hitting the stores in the Scottsdale area, the kids are worn out, stop in to Sugar Bowl for a soda, a sundae or some special creation. It's a great place -- and the staff are warm and friendly to kids. If you squint, you can tell that Bil Keane of Family Circus fame used the place as the model in his panels when they took the quartet for ice cream. And there are many panels from him inside the store.

Pros: Fun, Good Parking, Reasonable prices

12/15/2002 Posted by mintchocochip34

The Sugar Bowl is an excellent place to take out-of-towners for a great treat. The setting comes right out of a 50's malt shop, with a southern flare. The many cartoons, pictures, and classic furniture make it a great place. By the way, the icecream is fabulous, but big portioned, so share w/a friend!

08/30/2002 Posted by dsapiro

I love the sugar bowl. I looks like an old fashioned ice cream parlor. The ice cream is excellent as is the food. I love the turkey salad and the bananna nut bead with cream cheese. I have been eating at the sugar bowl for 30 some years and I will continue eating there for 30 more.

Pros: food/ice cream, help, prices

Cons: needs redecorating

08/22/2002 Posted by SunCatcher

Sugar Bowl is the best thing Old Town Scottsdale has going; the atmosphere attracts both young and old, and the food is delish'! To try an old fashioned ice cream soda at the Sugar Bowl is to make the most of your time in the Valley.

Pros: Inexpensive, Fun Atmosphere, Tasty treats

Cons: Touristy

08/09/2002 Posted by rozverone

The ice cream is wonderful, and they have all the toppings you can imagine. Being at the Sugar Bowl is like being at an old ice cream parlor. It makes eating ice cream not just a treat, but a terrific experience.