Category: | Bakery |
Address: | 712 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104, USA |
Phone: | +1 651-797-3354 |
Site: | sugarushdonuts.com |
Rating: | 4.2 |
Working: | 7AM–2:30PM 7AM–2:30PM 7AM–2:30PM 7AM–2:30PM 7AM–2:30PM 7AM–2:30PM 7AM–2:30PM |
BA
Barbara McDonald
I have been to a few different donut shops in the cities--Mojo Monkey (W. 7th Street, St. Paul), Donut Hole (Little Canada Road east of Rice Street), Maplewood Bakery (Frost west of White Bear Avenue). I had come across Sugarush when I was doing an online search for Twin Cities donut shops. One of the sites that had reviews gave me pause because of comments about how untidy the shop was. Yesterday (4/29/16) I happened to be running errands that took me to University Avenue so I decided to stop at Sugarush. I got there around 9:30 a.m. I was the only person in the place. On a wall there was a news article and photo about the shop. The person who waited on me was the owner (per the photo). Pleasant young man. I ordered a plain old-fashioned and a white-frosted old fashioned plus a small coffee. I was told that there wasnt quite enough coffee to fill the cup so was asked if I wanted an "americano" (hot water added to coffee). I said that was fine. Usually when I stop someplace for coffee and goodies, I like to sit and read. However, upon surveying the surroundings, I made a decision not to do so. Other reviews of Sugarush have commented about how untidy the place is and nothing has changed. There was a tall counter along the front window. The accompanying stools were tipped upside down on top of the counter and the rest of the counter space was piled with junk. There were two couches forming an L. The front couch (close to the front window) had a huge plastic bag of clothing on one end and there was clothing strewn around the bag (looked like the clothes had fallen out of the bag). There was a young man (employee, friend?) who was sprawled out on the second couch. A coffee table in front of this couch had junk all over it. On the wall opposite the entrance there was a counter or shelving that was also loaded with junk. In the center of the shop were two tables with chairs and, surprisingly, the table tops were clear. But the general messiness of the place was so off-putting that I decided to take my goodies and leave. The plain old-fashioned was very good--nice and crunchy on the outside. The frosted donut was also good although I would have preferred chocolate frosting (which they apparently dont do on the old-fashioneds). Will I go there again? Dont know. From other reviews, this donut shop has apparently been around for about three years so theres no excuse for the place to be this messy. I dont get it--common sense would indicate to most business owners that having a tidy place is just good business practice. The garage where I take my car for service is tidier than than this place that prepares and serves food!
RO
Rosey Coburn
Its a doughnut shop. They have tasty doughnuts and I stop in on the weekends because its the closest doughnut shop in the area. Their menu is standard, no gourmet doughnuts, just classics like glazed, cake, twists, apple crullers, long johns, etc. I prefer classic doughnuts and they do a good job. I gave them 3 stars instead of 5 though because the store has such a weird atmosphere in a way that is not very inviting. When you walk in, the counter is to your left and everything is normal- donut display, register, someone working the counter. No complaints there! However, when you turn to the right it feels like you just walked into someones living room. I dont mean that in a way of feeling at home, I mean it in a intruder type of way. It is very odd. Theres a TV in one corner, a overstuffed couch, and usually 3-6 people just lounging around watching a movie or something. The people hanging out arent customers, theyre family or friends of the staff. It would be nice to have a doughnut and some coffee at the shop but to me, it has a real get in, get out atmosphere... plus there is nowhere to sit. So all and all, great donuts, weird place. Luckily this would be an easy issue for them to fix if theyre inclined to.
PE
Peter Thompson
This place needs some work... This business is trying, and I credit them, for sure. They have some nice fixtures, a well-done, hand-lettered menu, etc. But it was not being looked after in a way that would indicate being up to the task. The lighting is harsh, there was junk everywhere on the tables, the garbage was overflowing at 7:20am on a Sunday, and while having been open for 20 minutes (and appearing to have been occupied for a good half hour before), this "coffee and donuts" shop hadnt brewed coffee yet. To their credit, a staff member made me an americano rather than having me wait for a brew, but he didnt ask, and not everyone would like an americano in the place of drip. The apple fritter I had was okay, but could have been from any old donut shop. It had the feel of a family owned and run business, which I love and prefer, but if this place wants to attract a diverse clientele, their gonna need to up their game.
LE
Lee Schnepf
Local family-owned business with the best donuts in the twin cities. I used to live a block away, and it was the Sunday donut place. The twist donuts are so soft and warm in the middle that it almost feels like youve hit a filling in them, even though theyre cooked through. Its a hole in the wall, and easy to miss if youve never been. The coffee is decent. The owners kids are pretty helpful when theyre the ones serving you. The owner is nice - some bougie white office types will complain when hes sleeping on the seats, thinking hes homeless. When really hes been up since 4 am. Do try the donuts with filling, and the donut holes. Also the dough trays sitting in stacks are literally the cleanest dough trays Ive ever seen, and Ive got five years of restaurant experience. Theres some next level cleanliness stuff going on in back, even if the chairs are worn, and the owners kids are playing video games on the TV screen.
JE
jeff lathrop
This place is amazing!!! I am able to support a local business and get my daily fix of sugar all in one spot. I admire the close and loving relationship that the owner, Kioni, shares with Rob, one of the workers. They love each other for sure. Kionis son Eli is also very helpful and personable, we often chat about cars and such. You can tell they are real people and they know what I want before I even get there. Sure, you can go to a grocery store or another coffee shop to get your morning coffee and donut, but the things those places often lack is a quality experience. Two thumbs up for sure, I will continue to fully support this establishment and then bring my kids here when that time comes. I also just want to say that Sugarush does an awesome job at catering!!!!!! I tell all my office working friends about it and it works out well. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KE
Kevin Dahm
Good pastry, The best apple fritter Ive had in the metro and Ive tried a few. Friendly guy working the counter, sometimes his kid daughter. They could stand to clean up the living room that is their storefront, the owner should visit some local competition and learn from it. Then again it is St. Paul not Hipsterville. The waffly looking round donuts have a delightful eggy taste to them and a dozen donut holes are crazy cheap. Owner should watch some Bar Rescue though and learn about store presentation. Is it a business or the place where your cousin takes a nap on the couch? I would probably feel differently if I could take a nap on that couch and watch TV. Might do that next time.