Sugar Bowl

Stepping into The Sugar Bowl is like stepping back in time in the best way possible. This charming little gem in Scottsdale has been around for decades, and it's easy to see why it's still going strong. The pink aesthetic is absolutely adorable – from the striped walls to the nostalgic decor, it feels like you're dining inside a vintage postcard. The framed photos of the original soda fountain setup add a nice historical touch and give you a real sense of the place's legacy. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even sweeter. The food was great – I had some classic tea sandwiches that were fresh and tasty, and we couldn’t resist trying one of their sundaes. It was everything you'd want from an old-fashioned ice cream treat: rich, creamy, and topped with the perfect cherry. And don’t miss the arcade in the back! It’s such a fun, unexpected addition – full of retro games that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Whether you're a local or just visiting Old Town Scottsdale, The Sugar Bowl is definitely worth a stop. It's not just a meal – it's a full experience packed with nostalgia, flavor, and charm.

I had never been to this place before, and upon entering, saw only a bunch of sugar raging ( very loud ) kids inside. You have to wait to be seated by a hostess. I was still having doubts about this place while looking at the menu & the prices. I ended up ordering myself a vanilla shake. And OH BOY! I LOVED IT VERY MUCH!! This place has the absolutely best ice cream in the entire valley. Do not miss this place. You will not be sorry if you go here. Wonderful staff and location. I would even say it is a jewel of Scottsdale, and the entire Valley of the Sun.

The Sugar Bowl is a must of you are visiting Old Town Scottsdale. We went in the evening on a Friday night. I had the Tin Roof Sunday, and my wife had the Golden Nugget!! They were both delicious! The atmosphere is very much old school, and it will hit the nostalgic vibes. The staff was very kind and efficient. Don't forget to buy a coffee much for the collection in the way out.

The experience here was fantastic from start to finish! The food was absolutely delicious, every dish was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The service was warm and attentive, with staff making sure everything was just right without being overbearing. The ambiance was inviting and well-designed, with a comfortable atmosphere that made it easy to relax and enjoy the meal. Definitely a place I’d return to and recommend to others!

This review is for ice cream and the nostalgia of the place. I can not speak for the food other than the Brownie Sunday I had. The restaurant had a 1960s vibe. The staff seemed pleasant but not friendly. To say that this place is old is an understatement. It kind of felt like a time capsule from the past. I don't think I would recommend anything but the ice cream. Evidently the menu contains 3 pages of ice cream. Cheers

Sugar Bowl is a fantastic ice cream shop with a charming atmosphere and delicious, creamy treats. Their flavors are rich, the portions generous, and the service is always friendly. A perfect spot to satisfy any sweet tooth!

It pains me to rate such a historic place with just 3-stars but simply speaking, their ice creams are not that great given today's standards. Yes, you sit in a historic candy-cane themed diner. I love that. It almost feels like you've time traveled into a movie scene. And the retro-style arcade also adds to the nostalgia. But when you are charging $10+ for sundaes and icecream, you have to use top notch icecream in 2025... Icecream innovation comes in many variety these days - whether you are going for the airy feel, or thick and smooth, or genuinely innovative flavors. Innovation also happens with the type of cone or condiments. Let's talk about the banana split - Desirable. It is a standard scoop of vanilla and strawberry - classic-style icecream, the one that you'd expect from a big tub at a supermarket. I didn't register any unique twist to the texture, depth of flavor, etc. It was decorated well with again, standard chocolate syrup. It was good to have bits and pieces of strawberry in the syrup, but that's about it. Middle of the line, nothing special. Now the sundae that came with the cream-puff. You simply cannot serve a cream puff that is like cardboard. You just can't. In this day and age where cream puffs are airy, crisp like a cookie on the outside but light and chewy, you just cannot slap on a piece of thick paper on top of a icecream scoop, inundate with chocolate syrup and call it a day. Sugar Bowl needs to innovate on its offerings and up its quality. It has everything going for it, especially the genuine and authentic interior. No where else can you get that "feel". However, without the evolution, it may only be the past and the present.

I love a good 50’s diner! We visited on valentine’s day & got a chocolate malt with pink whipped cream :) It was delicious & such a sweet experience. This place is run like a well oiled machine too. You’re seated, order, & then pay at a separate cashier near the entrance. We even picked up a coffee mug as a souvenir to take back home with us. Highly recommend trying out the Sugar Bowl if you’re in Phoenix! (I took one of the paper napkins home too bc look how cute they are!!)

We were seated quickly and our server was very nice. The building is a cute pink diner with vintage touches and a classic 50's vibe! We had ice creams and they were all great!

A really fun old school dessert spot that also serves food Food: we ordered a Sunday, a rootbeer float and a peanut butter shake - everything was pretty good! This is t going to be super high quality but it is very comforting! Ambience: it has this retro diner vibe which makes it very fun! Service: good service

Classic diners are one of my favorite types of food establishments, and I was thrilled to discover Sugar Bowl while exploring Old Town Scottsdale! Food We tried the Gosh-Awful-Gooey Banana Split. The banana was perfectly ripe but still had a nice bite to it, and the ice cream and sorbet were both super creamy. I especially appreciated how smooth the sorbet was -- sometimes they can be icy. I also ordered a vanilla creamy malt, and honestly, it was everything I want from a classic diner malt: thick, creamy, and delicious. Love that they offer malted options! Ambiance No frills, but comfortable -- exactly what you want from a classic spot like this. The pink furniture and vintage-style light fixtures were a fun retro touch. It's super casual, and there's even a separate arcade room, which adds to the old-school charm. Service Friendly and efficient. They bring your bill to the table, and you pay at the cashier. Everything was quick and easy. Cost $26 total for the banana split and malt, which we shared among three people. Definitely reasonable for a nostalgic treat in the middle of Old Town. Conclusion If you're craving classic ice cream treats -- and not the fancy, artisanal kind -- Sugar Bowl is the place to go.

I stopped by for a bite with the family after we went to the escape room at the AZ boardwalk- this is my first time here and the ambiance is so cute! I loved it! We were greeted very quickly and the restaurant was clean! They also have an arcade room! Super cool! I got the BLT with potato chips and my kiddo got the grilled hot dog with chips my cousin got the chili burger and my other 2 cousins got the tuna melt sandwich. Everybody loved it! We also got a few milkshakes and a sundae!

The Sugar Bowl is a Scottsdale classic for a reason. Classic ice cream treats that don't try too hard, because they don't have to.Come for a sundae, stay because you "accidentally" ordered a banana split too. No regrets.Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area!

I have always wanted to visit The Sugar Bowl when I was a kid; let me tell you, it did not disappoint, now as an adult I decided to visit The Sugar Bowl and ordered a Banana Split, I'll admit I ate this slowly, just savoring its deliciousness. Our waitress was nice, she seemed a bit overwhelmed, but overall she took good care of our table. This was clean and spacious, the colors and decor fit just right.

The experience here was fantastic from start to finish! The food was absolutely delicious, every dish was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The service was warm and attentive, with staff making sure everything was just right without being overbearing. The ambiance was inviting and well-designed, with a comfortable atmosphere that made it easy to relax and enjoy the meal. Definitely a place I'd return to and recommend to others!

The banana splits were good. Service was friendly and the ambiance was a definite 50's-60's vibe. The prices were definitely on the higher end for dessert but you're in Scottsdale so that's to be expected I guess. The specials seemed to be priced fair so check out the specials. The hubby and kiddos were with me and we needed this cools down in the Arizona heat. This establishment gets busy as we came a t great time. Just as we had finished a multitude of people were coming in so I'm sure this place gets a lot of tourist with the shops in the plaza making nice for a stroll of shopping. Overall this place won me over with their friendly and attentive service.

Step into the cutest retro diner in Scottsdale! I had to share my experience! I have been here several times. Loved the ambiance of retro dining, glassware and vibes. You have to get yourself a delicious milkshake or food at this adorable diner. I usually come here after having a meal already, so I stick to the milkshakes or root beer float. There are sandwiches, salads and other meals available to try (typical diner food) that looked delicious so next time I come here I will be sure to try it. Employees are also always nice and friendly to speak with. Great service and smiles. I typically stick with street parking and walk over, there's a lot of nearby shopping and things to do and see.

Came here for dessert and got one scoop of chocolate chip ice cream. It was creamy and light with big chocolate chips! Yum! After we received the ice cream then we had to get in a different line to pay.

Absolutely loved our visit to Sugar Bowl and I honestly contemplated going back a second time before our vacation ended. I wish I would have. This place has such a fun vintage vibe, and I love a classic ice cream sundae! We had one with hot fudge and it was exactly the extravagant treat you'd hope for. You order at the counter and they bring you your treats to the table when they're ready. It was so charming and so yummy. I recommend this to any and everyone.

Cute old time ice cream parlor. I didn't seem to locate anything wow about it. They have a few arcade style games in back of the establishment but it doesn't look as if it's busy since no one was manning the counter for things. Got a brownie sundae with Rocky road ice cream. It was good but nothing that can't be found somewhere else

Our favorite ice cream shop when we visit Old Town Scottsdale! Great service, too! We recommend the root beer float

Nugget of wisdom get The Golden Nugget!! It was sooo good! This is a must stop in Old Scottsdale, the service is friendly, the ambiance is classic, and the menu is bursting with old time good flavors and the prices are solid too! The only thing that disappointed me was my straw when it stopped filling with delicious orange goodness!

I always drove or walked by it, but never had a chance to try it. It's time to give a try at this 50's diner-looking ice cream place. Everything was overly pink but it made it super cute. They had very large menu items, like 4-5 full long pages. They all looked the same, but also different. We had a hard time picking some. We got Desireme Banana Split and Gosh-Awful-Gooey Banana Split. Our banana splits came super quick. Like she was there to take our order in a minute, and the second minute she was holding our food and walking towards us. Not a big fan of eating whipped cream. So, I tried them all except the cream. My favorite was the Turkish coffee ice cream in Gosh-Awful-Gooey Banana Split and the chocolate marshmallow sauce and strawberry ice cream from Desireme Banana Split. Can we mix and match? If so, I would like to get those only. Maybe try another split as the second order :) Clearly, they like to turn the table fast. The bill came when we were halfway through. But we had to get up and wait in the line to pay by the door. Which is kinda annoying, while there were tables by the cashier, and there is a long line for the payment. I wouldn't like to be seated at those tables, thb.

A blast from the past! The Sugar Bowl in Scottsdale opened in 1958. It looks like it hasn't changed much since. Very much an old fashioned ice cream parlor. It was often featured in the popular Family Circus cartoon strip, created by Bil Keane in 1960. On the menu, one page of salads, soups and sandwiches. Three pages of ice cream treats and other desserts. My sandwich was huge and came with chips and a pickle. The star of the show was the build your own banana split. Yum! Got there right at 11am on a Saturday. It filled up fast. Enjoy.

Stopped by Sugar Bowl after strolling around and shopping. I got the Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream in a cup. It was good but pricer than other ones I've had elsewhere. Not sure if it was worth the price but convenient if you're already here.

A staple of Old Town! Coming to Sugar Bowl should be on your list for a sweet treat or to enjoy while walking around. Once you're inside, it really feels like a trip back in time with the diner vibes. Loved it! The service is great and very fast. With big windows all across the front, it's a great spot to take a break and people watch, too! The ice cream is delicious! They have a big dessert menu with tons of options and ways to customize your order. Prices are nice as well! Ordered the peanut butter ice cream milkshake, and it was perfect. So creamy and fantastic! Can't wait to come back and try more flavors! If you're in Old Town, you gotta give Sugar Bowl a try - you won't be disappointed!

Stop by here after walking around old town Scottsdale. We wanted some sweet treats. It was on a weekend so the place was pretty busy and chaotic, which is understandable. I really liked the vibe, it's so cute. Very pink and classic diner atmosphere. My partner got cookies and cream ice cream and I got strawberry milkshake. I feel like people come here because of the vibe and convenience, the ice cream felt very store bought (I did see a half-gallon blue bell ice cream container which explains my view on their ice cream lol)

Came here to Sugar Bowl in old town Scottsdale -- within Phoenix, AZ -- little before 10 PM when they close. I forgot to take photos, but I had the Pralines n Cream one scoop. It was good. Shared it with two others. We finished it easily. Bit too sugary and sweet, but hit the spot and sated my sweet tooth. Nice place, hope to be back and try something else if I'm ever in the Scottsdale / Phoenix area.

4.5 stars Cute little place reminiscent of a 50s diner and even busy on a weekday night. I got the sundae with chocolate chip ice cream, peanut butter sauce, and peanuts with whipped cream. So good! Service was friendly and quick and prices weren't bad either. 2024 #35

Always a treat to come to the sugar bowl for dessert! We come here for dessert every time we have family in town and sometimes when we eat at a restaurant in old town. We've never had their entrees but the ice cream never disappoints us. They even have some dairy free options. The service is always great when we go and the atmosphere is very nostalgic. I would definitely recommend coming here for the ice cream! Here are just a few that we've had

While walking it started down pouring so we ran and ended up in the sugar bowl. We were seated quickly and ordered 2 ice cream sundaes. Both were very good. Only complaint is they don't have French fries. Would have loved fries and a shake

An Old Town staple! I've loved coming to the Sugar Bowl since I was a kid. The sugar bowl treat banana split is my favorite and I love the pink decor.

The cookie dough to ice cream ratio was great. The coffee float was also pretty good. The inside was super cute and pink and service was fast. It is a little on the expensive side,but you're paying for the vibe.

In old Scottsdale... great place to stop in for a scoop of ice cream and relax . They also have a game room for the kids or the kid on you

Sugar Bowl in Old Town Scottsdale is all about the nostalgia. We sat at the counter and ordered a sundae and a shake--classic treats, but nothing that really stood out flavor-wise. The service was friendly and the staff made us feel welcome, but the place itself is a bit run down. It's a fun stop if there's no wait and you're already nearby, but not something we'd go out of our way for.

I couldn't dream up a cuter place if I tried! I love this place so much and always take new friends and visitors here any chance I get. I've never had anything that didn't make me smile - dessert or food. The people are kind, the decor is adorable and the ice cream is classically delicious. Thanks sugar bowl!

Excellent help friendly and professional Had strawberry malt thinking best I've had.

The weather has been very hot in Scottsdale so took a break and popped into the Sugar Bowl. We had a vanilla shake and mint chocolate ice cream. Our ice cream was delicious we kept seeing the staff make banana splits and wished we would have given that a try. This restaurant is also air conditioned which was a huge win on a 110 degree day!

Out here for spring training and was told to take the kids here for ice cream. Since we were hungry we decided we would order some food before the ice cream. This place gets super busy so if you are in a hurry definitely don't stop at the sugar bowl. Burgers were good but they come with plain lays chips and coleslaw. I love Cole slaw but avoid it at all costs. It is terrible. Ice cream was good. Customer service is great but they are so busy it just takes a really long time.

Usually love Sugar Bowl. The sandwiches come with chips. No substitutions. I work with old lady on fixed income. She can not have chips due to medical issues. She had to pay $4 for coleslaw to have something with her sandwich. The manager refused to make an exception to their no substitution policy. I feel that is poor customer service. Also gave incorrect change to my other lady (shorted a dollar). Food and service was good, though.

The atmosphere is is super cute and old school, the food is yummy and the orange sherbet has dairy in it but is super good! The price is affordable for downtown Scottsdale! Definitely worth the stop if you're visiting old town! The BLT and potato salad was refreshing.

The Sugar Bowl is a long time Scottsdale business. Opening in 1958 it now has "legendary" status as a place to try when in the area. Decked out like an old-time soda fountain--it has a long counter with stools--the pink and white eatery serves as an ice cream shop and full service restaurant. We simply wanted ice cream, which was terrific. But had we wanted something more substantial the Sugar Bowl serves sandwiches, soups, and salads. It was busy when we arrived, yet service was satisfactory.

The sugar bowl is a musty spot in Scottsdale. I bring everyone here at least once not just for great ice cream, but for the atmosphere and ambience. 50s vibe covered in Pepto-Bismol! So cute, Instagram worthy, and the gaming room was decorated for Christmas. Out of my 30 years of life, I've never actually eaten lunch/dinner dining food here, however, one of my favorite ice cream spots in Arizona. Which flavor, perfect creamy texture. The tin roof is my favorite because adding salted peanuts to the sweetness of chocolate ice cream will knock out and satisfy any cravings.

Love this ice cream parlour. Like stepping back in time to 1950's and the prices are so reasonable. Visited twice this week. Once for a malt after dinner and today for a light dinner of a bowl of soup (cheese and broccoli) tea sandwich and crackers along with coffee float. Sandwiches were great and just hit the spot. Floats were excellent and very flavourful. A fun place to hang. Staff are friendly and helpful.

When my family said they wanted dessert this was the place to go. I love coming to old style diners/ice cream shops. We went close to when they were closing. We were the only ones there. They seated us right away. My family has been there prior so they already had an idea of what they wanted. My husband and I shared the top hat sundae. It was good. Very chocolatey which my husband likes. I felt like it was maybe too much chocolate. They have a mini arcade which was fun to go play while we waited for the sundae. My little one was having fun. Overall, cute place with a good amount of seating inside. We wouldn't go out of our way to go but if we are in the area and looking for some ice cream we would come here.

It's like taking a step back in time to an old fashioned ice cream shop. Menu has lots of ice cream standards (banana split, root beer floats, ice cream sundaes) or just a simple scoop on a cone.

It had been a spell, yet in turn for bike race and she'd never been. So, we roll over and she was pleasantly surprised. Sundaes were on point. Fun time. How can you not love the SUGAR BOWL?!

We went to eat dinner at 8:30pm and was told they only serve ice cream and desserts from 8-10pm. That's a shame cuz nowhere on the menu says that, not even a sign on the front door. I have a suggestion, instead of putting a fake saying about being open and having pride for staying open Monday -Sunday, instead, put the correct fuckin hours of lunch, dinner and snacks.

A step back into time! We moved the old time decor and how they serve their ice cream in classic glass dishes with custom napkins. Definitely nostalgic and great service. We shared the brownie sundae and ate every bite. There is also a separate room with more seating and some arcade games. Very unique spot!

Sugar Bowl is a great old fashioned ice store with good lunch options. The service is friendly and efficient. They seated us quickly, took our order quickly and food arrived promptly. The egg salad sandwich on toasted sour dough was perfect. There may not be a better ice cream dish in the world than a Top Hat Sundae. Ice cream inside a cream puff covered in hot fudge. A cute can't miss place in old Scottsdale.

Iconic and a must stop place when you're in Old Town Scottsdale. Big portions and always delicious. Very iconic.

Cute soda shop with lots of seating, fun decor, and good ice cream. My kids request to go whenever we travel to the area.

THIS SH*T IS BANANAS LOVE-love love the Sugar Bowl in Scottsdale! The banana split was yummy and the menu has so much to choose from! They even serve food! If you're in Scottsdale don't just pass by the Sugar Bowl, definitely go in! We can't wait for those nice spring days and enjoying ice cream together The service is kind and it's just a fun diner experience and just love how the interior is all pink!

We had our daughter's 4th birthday party in "The Fiesta" room (30ppl), what a GREAT spot!!!! Ricky and Olivia were amazing to work with and made sure the day was perfect!! The perfect spot for some delicious food, dessert and family fun!!! A must stop by spot when you're in the area for ALL ages!!! Thank you for a wonderful celebration Sugar Bowl!!

Cute little ice cream shop that has been bookmarked for months! I was finally on this side of town and decided to stop by after dinner. I brought some friends and they thought the decor was cute and girly. It gives old school ice cream shop vibes. The customer service wasn't the greatest, however. It wasn't overly crowded and we were seated promptly. I got the brownie Sundae and the brownie was really good. The sundae itself was okay

Haven't been here for years. Still the best ice cream place around! The grandkids absolutely loved it and so did grandma.

Always great service, fun old fashioned ice cream shop with amazing malts , shakes and ice cream sundaes . Fun arcade area for kids with old time theme. Always very clean!