Sugar Bar

Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar is an intimate restaurant and live music venue founded in 1996 by the legendary songwriting duo Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson. The space is decorated with African art, musical instruments, and eclectic American pieces, creating a warm “east meets west” atmosphere with a thatched-roof bar. The menu features Southern comfort food staples like fried catfish, jerk chicken wings, cornbread with strawberry butter, and indulgent desserts such as bread pudding and apple cobbler, reflecting the owners’ South Carolina roots. Known for its lively live entertainment schedule—with blues, jazz, and especially its popular Thursday open mic nights—the Sugar Bar attracts a diverse crowd, including celebrities, and offers a welcoming, soulful vibe. The Sugar Bar is a unique destination combining great food, drinks, and top-notch live music in the heart of the Upper West Side. Located at 254 W. 72nd Street (between Broadway and West End) 212.579.0222 https://www.sugarbarnyc.com/