Sugar Shack
| Address: | 100 8th St SE, Altoona, IA 50009, USA |
| Phone: | +1 515-967-2527 |
| Site: | sugarshackdiner.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 7:30AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–3PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 10
LU
Luke Matthaidess
Prior to the owner change I loved this place. However, last night on 10/16/13 I realized just how much the new owners want this place to fail. I walked in at 6:50 p.m. with my wife and daughter. The older woman at the front counter advised me it was full service and to take a seat and someone would be out to help me. There was only 2 other tables and one had their food. The young woman serving the tables came out after about 5 minutes of sitting at our table to drop off waters and take the order of the table that arrived before us. This took about 10 minutes. Seeing she was in high school I tried to give her the benefit of being young. But, after watching the older woman who I can only assume was the owner stand up front and talk to someone waiting for a to go order, then sit and chat, and lets face it not do anything I decided it was time to leave. As I left the older woman had the nerve to say to me thank you for coming in and I hope you enjoyed the food. Few things for you as I am an Business Major and Finance Minor. 1. if you own a business you work, you work until the door closes. 2. talking to a customer is important but when you have people waiting to be served and the to go order is being cooked you work. 3. Only owners who do not do anything fail, I have noticed your volume of customers has gone down hill since the change of ownership and now I know why. 4. Walk out to tables and ask how things are. 5. Lastly, you need at least one other older worker that can stay past 7 pm. Every server being under age does not help your situation. I will never be back or tell anyone to go here. I cant imagine the service if it is actually busy and it was that slow with 2 tables.
BR
Brain Fisher
Price: Around $4 for most items. Expect to spend $7 to $10 per person if you go the Item/fries/drink route for everyone. Portion: Matches price accordingly. Taste: A little bland. If youre "anti-salt", youll love this place as nothing was heavily salted. Breaded items desperately need seasoning. Restaurants typically bury bland food in salt to make it "taste good"...but not the Sugar Shack, they just serve it to you bland...I added salt/pepper, buried it (tenderloin) in condiments and it was actually pretty tasty. Cleanliness/Decor: looked great and appeared clean...bathrooms looked good to. Service: Good job, food came out fast and flaming hot! It was definitely "made to order". Help are real people with a personality and they actually smile:) Summary: >Sugar Shacks food is better than Corporate "Drive Thru" food, but falls short of a Chain Restaurant (Say Applebees). >Appears to be locally owned (I like to support locals) and the owners appear to be involved and still care about the business. >I would eat there again. Suggestions for improvement: Breaded/fried coating/seasoning is too bland; time to up your game on flavor. Its really not that hard...incorporating a little "Famous Daves Steakburger" seasoning into the breading mix would be be a huge improvement.
DA
Dannyboyz
Average tasting food. The wait staff was very kind. Their shakes do come in a generous portion size, but had ice crystals on both of our visits (and both our shakes in the most recent visit). Also on our most recent visit we confirmed with the staff we could use two separate BOGO item coupons (we purchased four menu items total--two burgers, two shakes). When we went to pay, however, we were told no because its one coupon per table, even if they billed us separate. Thats unreasonable of course, because the coupons say nothing of the sort, and had we just walked in and out with our food to go, paying separate, there would be no issue. Somehow sitting at the same table makes this not doable. We were told "If we allowed this then a huge group could come in and use a bunch at once." Somehow this was supposed to explain why they wouldnt take my second coupon, but I didnt dispute any further as it was apparent there was no desire to do the right thing. I guess if you dont want people using coupons, dont put them out. No plans to go back.
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G Miyoshi
This is a small "Soda Fountain" style restaurant. There is even a small jukebox and a pinball machine! The fare is Americana - Hamburgers, Grilled Cheese, Tenderloin... Its all decent, if you get there before 11 during the week or before noon on the weekends you can get a nice breakfast. Both dinner and breakfasts are delicious, though there is nothing particularly outstanding about anything Ive had. the Bacon Cheeseburger holds a special place in my partners favorites list, and the Waffle Fries are a favorite of both of us when it comes to Sugar Shack as far as lunch goes. Be sure to try the Chocolate Coke or a shake, you are at a soda fountain style establishment after all!
ER
Eric Chiles
We arrived at 630 and asked for a large table due to having 7 people and was rudely told by staff that the large table was closed and then told thay we might want to go somewhere else because the were closing at 7....we decided to stay and that was the biggest mistake ....we were told they were out of about 4 things we tried to order then were told they were closing early due to being short staffed even though they seemed fine about service.... food was cold and after closing i assume the cook as he had on an apron came out and let 1 of his buddies in a jeep into the locked restaurant ....usually always a good expierence here.......Not this time unfortunately
BR
Brie Courtney
This place was highly recommended to us as we are new to town. The shop looks cute and nostalgic out front but seriously needs a makeover. The place just looks old and unclean. They serve generic blue bunny ice cream. Seriously not impresses and I wont be eating here until Im not scared of getting sick. Sorry. The custard place next to Prairie Meadows and Bianachi pizza. It has in house home made custard ice cream that is wonderful and clean. Go there ;)
AL
Aleece Ramirez
Ever since the new owner, Mark, has bought it, the food now has flavor. Before, all the food was very bland and did not look the best either. Now that Mark has bought it and introduced new foods to the menu, I have seen a huge improvement. The food is perfectly seasoned and they make every thing homemade, which is AWESOME! If youre looking for a good, well-priced, home-cooked meal, I highly recommend Sugar Shack.
CO
Cory Ernst
FINALLY a place in Altoona where you can get a quality gyro! Excellent Service and GREAT food! I read an unfavorable review which was placed here after the ownership change and I must say, Im perplexed. It seems to me service has improved, the owner, Mark is much more involved than the previous owner, and the food is much better. My only suggestion is businesses are run by people, and anyone can have a bad day.
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A Private User
Love this place. A person walking into this restaurant is swooped back to the soda fountain shops of years gone by. The people are extremely courteous, the food is quick and delicious, the price is fair for a small entrepreneur business that serves a small town, and its, even smaller, neighboring towns. The establishment is clean, friendly, relaxing, well lit, and good food.
DE
Dean Wenell
Burgers, fries and a shake all cooked and made to perfection! The service was great, the staff was friendly and the price was a nice surprise!!! The owner Mark was out talking to the guest to ensure their experience was a good one. What a concept a owner that takes pride in his business and his food!! Great Job Sugar Shack, Keep it Up!!
