Great service and great food! Perfect for group outings because the portions are large enough to share. The crispy chicken Thai rolls are awesome. I would advise that if you are ordering multiple dishes to share, ensure that the dishes sound different enough. Last time I was there, we ordered two beef dishes and the sauces tasted VERY similar. Lunch prices are really good.
(4)
Logan J.
for me, thai food is pretty difficult to mess up. if the flavors are all there, im pretty satisfied. this place gets a little higher rating though because they offer some other options that some places dont--like avocado curry, which is actually really tasty. the place isnt anything to write home about regarding atmosphere but its a place that ive been back too many times because it is consistently good.
(4)
Akshay S.
Good Thai food. Awesome value for money.
(3)
Esther W.
My review is solely for the two dishes I always get here: Chiang Mai Noodles (Khao Soi) and the Papaya Salad (Som Tam). Both of these are the best I have had in the Thai restaurants I have been to in the Boston area. Actually, most Thai restaurants don't even have Khao Soi and when they do, it just tastes like plain yellow curry with noodles dumped in. But this one is the perfect combo of spices/curry/coconut milk, good consistency (not too thick, not too watery), perfectly cooked egg noodles (with crispy egg noodles on top), tender chicken and it's a HUGE portion so you can make it into two meals. I went to Chiang Mai over the summer and tasted several bowls of this dish and Sugar and Spice definitely come closest to the real deal. Other friends who have eaten this in Thailand also agree! And the same goes for the Papaya Salad. The sauce is fantastic without being too fishy and has the perfect kick of spiciness. It's so flavorful... yum! Again, it's the most authentic I've had in the area. I have tasted other folks' dishes here as well and honestly wasn't as impressed as I was with these two, which are my favorites and the only things I order here. So I can't speak to the rest of the food or the authenticity of it all, but I can definitely vouch for the khao soi and som tam! Go eat it! And wash it all down with a Singha.
(4)
Igor L.
Sugar & Spice may be not bad restaurant. BUT their delivery servies is Terrible! It seems like they delivered food to my from Thailand! They sad it will be at time but it was late for 1 hour and 47 minutes and as a result food was cold! I will NEVER call them again!
(1)
Tina K.
I always order from Sugar & Spice when I need a quick dinner, or in the mood for good Thai food. I usually get chicken Pad Thai or Drunken noodles or basil fried rice! I order take out and they give a pretty good portion of food--most of the time I can only finish half of the portion and save the other half for lunch the next day! If you want good, quick Thai food, and you're in the Porter Square area, this is the place to go!
(4)
james t.
Yay! I'm a fan is right. Not everything is amazing but they do a fantastic chicken noodle soup (which is amazing spicy) and their steamed shumai is great! My fiance has had their drunken noodle which she also likes very much. They have my phone/address on file as well as credit card number. This is a great time saver and makes for an easy phone call. I haven't had everything on the menu but what I have had I've enjoyed very much.
(4)
Desirae C.
Food is great. Decor is unique and fun. Staff are usually attentive (although you will sometimes spot them giggling together at an empty booth if business is slow). What makes this place 4 stars instead of 3 for me is the price for the quality of the food. It's very reasonable considering it's right in Porter square and close to the T. Lunch is an even better deal. If you're into Pad Thai - it's a great dish here. However, the crispy pad thai's noodles are wider and greasier than I prefer.
(4)
Zinah A.
This is probably my favorite Thai restaurant. Always consisten, yummy and affordable food. I particular love the simple surprise super delicious. The crispy chicken basil, and drunken noodles, the best I have ever had. Again, consistency in food, service and ambiance! Great deal!
(5)
Emily O.
I just moved back home to New York, and I shed a small tear every time I think of Sugar and Spice. Yes, it is THAT GOOD, and no, I haven't yet found a replacement yet (so sad!) Tom Yum is fabulously spicy, filled with mushroom chunks. The Papaya salad is also spicy, and a healthy but delicious starter. Chicken satay is a great appetizer, and the peanut sauce is wonderful. For my dumpling fans, try the shumai or meat gyoza. You won't be disappointed. My absolute favorite dish, the Sugar and Spice noodles, has superb flavor and nice texture. During our once-weekly visits, my boyfriend and I would fight over who got to order it. Pineapple fried rice is delicious and filled with surprises. Shrimp, pineapple chunks (canned! I know, but it's O.K.), and cayenne powder are responsible for the great flavor. Dip a spoonful in the sweet sauce. Smoothies are quite rich and decadent. There is a durian smoothie for the brave. Don't forget to add bubbles.
(5)
Marc L.
We ate here while visiting our college-age children. Our group was 7 people, and we dined at around 9 PM on a Friday night. The place was pretty full when we arrived, and we basically shut down the place, nobody there when we left. Food and service were excellent. We had eaten Thai the previous evening in Cambridge (9 Tastes) and liked Sugar & Spice better, and it is slightly less expensive here. Fresh, original interesting menu choices, plenty of vegetarian choices.
(4)
Kelly K.
I placed an order today to be delivered at 12:15 for a lunch meeting. The meeting started and ended before the food arrived at 1:00. This was my first time ordering lunch from Sugar & Spice for my business and unfortunately I think it will also be my last.
(1)
Kacy K.
I have eaten here so, so many times since moving to Greater Boston in January. For one, it's ridiculously close to my office and on my way home. For two, you can order online (takeout for lunch!). For three, they're speedy and cheap. For four, I've never gotten a bad meal here. The garlic udon noodles are my favorite thing on the menu-hands down. Followed by the Rad Na Flat Noodles. I like noodles, and these are always perfectly done-not slippery, not gummy, just right and not overwhelmed with excessive sauce (sorry-may have ruined some appetites right there with my lurid noodle descriptions.) I should note, however, that the Mee Grob Rad Na surprised me. "Crispy noodles" do not so closely resemble noodles, but are more like fried wonton strips. This menu item was not bad at all-just-well-a better concept than reality, I think. And the crispy duck here-UNBELIEVABLE. I was thinking of Sugar and Spice's crispy duck as I contemplated what my last meal on earth would be. It is just that delightful. If you like duck, of course.
(5)
Min L.
I'm sorry but there are just so many better places to go for Thai food in a one-mile radius (e.g. across the street). I have to agree with the person who said it's kind of like the Thai-version of greasy chinese food. The hot basil fried rice was bland and greasy (and not spicy at all). The crispy noodles on the Mee Grob Rad Na were not noodles but rather more like fried wonton sticks so we ended up scooping all the toppings over the basil fried rice & ditching the wonton sticks. It was a sad meal.
(2)
James L.
I have tried many Thai restaurants over the years and I didn't think any Thai place would replace my beloved Thai Taste Too, located in North Dartmouth, MA. Thai Taste Too has an official competitor now! Located a quarter of a mile from the Porter Square T-station in Cambridge, Sugar and Spice doesn't look like your average cultural Thai restaurant like you would expect. No paintings and old Thai dolls placed in and around the restaurant. When you first walk in, you will notice vibrant colors and a greeting from two or more people who works there. Service is great. I came in around 2:30pm with my girlfriend on a Saturday afternoon, lunch is served till 3:00pm. Not pushy at all and they will give you time to think about what you want to order. Through out the meal they requested is we would like some more water in a polite manor and asked us about the food quality, twice. Curry - We order the Mango curry (lunch $6.25). A sweet and spicy concoction. Normally, I would not order fruit flavored foods unless they were for drinks or deserts. I was shocked and amazed by it's flavor. Sweet and savory, with a perfect portion of green peppers, red peppers, unions, and mango served with rice on a elegant plate. This dish is well worth the try and would be a great starters dish for people who are new to Thai curry cuisine. Noodle - Pad Thai, Rich with flavor, the noodle portion was very generous and the piece of chicken is just at the right proportion (not large or tiny). Lunch meal for this dish is $6.25. There was a lack of peanuts in this dish compared to most Pad Thai's that I have tried, though that is no reason to dumb down the score for this dish. Rice - Ordered the Hot Basil Fried Rice dish (lunch $6.25). At first glance, this dish is huge for a lunch meal. The rice is served with two slices of cucumbers, two pieces of large shrimp and a tiny bowl of some sort of duck sauce. The sauce is not necessary, if you want to try the authentic flavor of this culture, then drop the sauce. The rice is perfectly seasoned with the correct amount of basil flavor and has a stunning aroma. The vegetables are not over cooked and has a crunch to their texture. This place is highly recommended for all who wish to dive into Thai cuisine for the first time. This is also a place for veterans of Thai food (this is my 8th place).
(5)
Lauren M.
I've never updated a review before, but I really have to. Am I the only one who has noticed the food quality going downhill? At the very least, they have started stuffing their spring rolls and veggie dumplings with some sort of unidentifiable vegetable-like matter instead of fresh vegetables. Honestly, it's gross. I used to love this place (hence the previous five star review), and the drunken noodles with tofu are still decent so I don't want to dock more than two stars, but the bad appetizers are unacceptable.
(3)
L M.
Yum. I was craving Thai when the family and I were staying in Boston, this place was pretty close to our hotel and it had a charming look so we decided to check it out, glad we did. It was pretty good! The servers were very friendly, the prices were reasonable and the Thai iced tea was very genuine and fresh. The food took quite a while to come out, and the place was far from packed, it was a little salty and slightly lacking on spices, but overall it was very good. I give them a 4 star because of slow service (could have just been an off day) and over salting.
(4)
James B.
Sugar and Spice.. This place is all about the Thai, and believe me, the Thai is GOOD!! As always, my go to dish was the Drunken Noodles, HMMMMMM-HMMMM-Good! My wifey, went for the Pad Thai, and was in mid-gastrogasm the entire time.. Mass Ave, Sugar and Spice, yes, go there.
(5)
Imran G.
Its Sunday night, Memorial Day weekend, and my wife and I are starving. We've got a Thai food craving and we're in Porter Square. A Tale of Two Thai Restaurants. One has patio seating on a beautiful Sunday evening, the other doesn't... What a delightful evening featuring a breezy sunset coupled with some flavorful and well-spiced Thai food. My wife ordered the green curry with beef, and I went with something that I use as a benchmark for thai restaurants, drunken chicken noodles. I'll start with the benchmark, drunken chicken noodles with extra chicken ($2 extra). For me, it was a bit too sweet, but I suppose we are at "Sugar and Spice". In retrospect, I could have asked for it to be more spicy, so I won't take away too much from that. I asked for some hot sauce and that patched things up a bit. Still, the food was a bit cold when I got it, but other than that the flavors are all there and the chicken doesn't have the weird texture that most Thai restaurants have. The real eye opener though was the green curry chicken. Its not something I generally like, and when my wife wants to order curries at Thai restaurants I'm not particularly excited. See, I'm Indian, and I tend to like curries the Indian way. But, this green curry was something else. It had a really unique flavor with a delayed heat that is quite difficult to describe. I'll probably have to make another trip to figure it out, but this dish alone makes the place worthy of a return. Service was great. There's a particular Thai restaurant in Central Square that we used to frequent that didn't have great service. Hence, I'm a little apprehensive of Thai places. To my surprise though, our water was topped off frequently enough to keep our spiced tongues in check. We didn't have to wait too long for anything, and the servers were fairly attentive. If my drunken noodles were warmer or slightly spicier, then it'd be a perfect 5-stars.
(4)
Lisa B.
Wow! First time here. Visiting from California but I'm a native Bostonian. This place is amazing. Everything was fresh, well seasoned and creatively Plated. Awesome service. Will come back again!
(5)
Bonnie C.
Sugar & Spice is probably one the few Thai restaurants that I actually like because they have really good pad see ew. It was pretty empty when I came here and the restaurant is super spacious. So I got here and the waitress was seating us at a booth, but I noticed there were circle booths that looked really cool and asked her if we can sit there. With annoyance, she was like "no" and rolled her eyes at me. I was so caught off guard by this. Ok, I know it's annoying when customers requests where they want to sit because I am a hostess myself, but it's only annoying if they request to sit elsewhere AFTER you've seated them. But we were just walking to our table and asked. This waitress was rude to us throughout our entire meal. In fact, she ended up asking another waitress so serve us because she made it pretty obvious that she didn't like us. We were seated at a booth across from the cashier and noticed her talking to another waitress and looking at us with dirty looks. I am not even exaggerating. At this point, I wasn't even bothered by her because I am only here to enjoy my lunch with my girlfriends. So here's my point: THE SERVICE IS AWFUL HERE. It's not going to stop me from coming back though because my pad see ew with duck was SO good. I think it's definitely one of the best pad see ews I have ever had. My friends ordered a bento box and it was really good too. I can't wait to be back for the food. However, if service continues to be crappy, I definitely won't be back. So 3 stars for the food and 0 stars for the service.
(3)
Fancypants X.
4.25 stars Consistently well-made & comforting Thai dishes makes Sugar & Spice one of my favorite Asian restaurants in Cambridge. I wasn't much for Thai food before finding this Porter a square eatery, but now I've gone through half the menu & love the strong, spicy flavors of the cuisine. I've tried: -- sticky rice & mango: best I've had! I think I've ordered this dessert every single time I've visited. -- tom yum soup: salty, sour, spicy, & satisfying -- crispy basil chicken: lightly fried, plenty of basil -- gra prao chicken: amazing chili sauce -- excited chicken: tender chicken breast, veggies, & a bit of crunch from cashews. Presented in a crisp, puffed shell -- crispy pad thai: probably my least favorite item I've tried, but still better than the pad Thai I've had in SF -- sticky rice: love the tiny bamboo container -- Thai rolls: nice & crispy Lovely outdoor seating for when the weather's cooperative. Wait staff tend to leave customers alone after delivering food to the table (most likely because half of the patrons are students doing homework), but they're lingering about, just make eye contact should you need anything!
(4)
Gary C.
I knew we were in trouble when we sat down and the order telephone kept ringing and nobody picked it up. Babies screaming, old Madonna tune on the scratchy speaker, mismatched chairs, worn off table top, flies buzzing across my face. Then the order came. Went from bad to worse. If a Thai restaurant can't do Pad Thai, then everything else is suspect. This restaurant can't do Pad Thai. It was covered in a sickly sweet sauce. Two shrimp. Correct, two. I think there might have been some chicken but it was cleverly disguised as shoe leather so I can't be sure. I think the majority of the good reviews come from students who have been living on pizza for two years and all of a sudden realize they can't eat another slice. Thai food to the rescue.
(1)
Kevin J.
Food: 3.5 Stars Service: 3.5 Stars We came for dinner in the summer. The place has interesting decor, they have a very lighthearted atmosphere outside and also patio seating when the weather is good. I ordered the Hor Mok and my girlfriend ordered the Pad Kee Mao with veggies. First thing to note is that portions are huge for certain dishes, particularly for the noodle dishes. My girlfriend definitely liked her Pad Kee Mao, it had a hint of spice, used a variety of vegetables which she liked and it was very filling. So the Hor Mok was described in the menu as basically a rice dish within a coconut. I wasn't expected a super fresh coconut or anything, but I was hoping that there would be a lot of flavor inside the rice at least. Unfortunately, I felt the rice was really quite bland and there was no coconut flavor in it. Also when looking at the sides of the coconut on the inside, they were purple! I wasn't impressed. Though service wasn't terrible, we found the servers wouldn't really go around to check on the guests, they would just congregate around the cashier. It's probably one of the better thai places around porter square but I'd probably have to recommend Rod Dee over Sugar and Spice.
(4)
Thunderwoman R.
My 1st and only visit to this restaurant. I actually got sick afterwards. Also the waitress asked me after my meal "Did you leave a tip?" She also had the nerve to ask me how much did I leave her!!!!! Not going there ever again. Nice atmosphere is what attracted me in the first place I like their outdoor and seating area. BTW scroll down reviews and read Bonnie's review. I agree with her service is awful!
(1)
Vivian C.
Sugar & Spice is located the next block over from Yume Wo Katare, a super-short walk over from the Porter Square T stop. They are located on a corner and have taken over the edge of the sidewalk for their own outdoor patio seating. Given the current season, they've thrown themselves all in, and have decorated their dining space with pumpkins and skulls to herald the approach of Halloween. Eager to please, they came by several times to take our order before we were quite ready. Finally though we were all there and we had decided, and we thus started with the Crab Rangoon $6.95, which arrived 5 bundles to an order, hot and crisp and cheesy. I opted for the Thai Iced Tea $2.95, which was a nice cooling treat. Though a bit disappointing in presentation (what purple???), the Purple Fried Rice $10.95 Thai fried rice with shrimp paste, chicken, shredded mango, and egg turned out to be rather tasty and soft. Pad See You $9.95 (Flat rice noodles, chicken, egg and mixed vegetables) was as good as expected. The Panang Curry $11.95 pork requested mild (Richer, sweeter,creamier, and more full of herbs than the red or green curry) was too hot for my taste, yet came with a cooling side salad. Virgin Garden $9.95 (Flavorful steamed or fried tofu with mixed vegetables) with a 50 cent brown rice surcharge, was a melange of crisp vegetables. Tastewise, however, my votes went to the noodle dish and the Purple rice. As we were dining family style, we played Tetris with the entree plates, which though interestingly shaped, were heavy and difficult to fit in the remaining table space. Lesson learned - If you want something mild, don't order the Penang curry; their base is already spicy, so it can't be made truly mild.
(4)
Janet H.
Sugar. Spice. And everything nice. These were the ingredients chosen to create the perfect Thai dish. But the restaurant accidentally added TOO MUCH of an EXTRA INGREDIENT to the concoction.... PEPPERS. In my attempt to make this review "punny," the food here was pretty good, although a bit too spicy for my liking. My go-to Thai dish always Pad Thai (so white washed, I know) and green curry. I noticed the green curry was labeled with 3 red chili peppers indicating how spicy it is... so I requested to make it milder. But man, with one bite, my mouth was on FIRE! Luckily, I had a thai iced tea to alleviate the S&M spice, but whew! Felt like the devil was in my mouth. I ended up not eating close to half of the green curry because I couldn't handle it. Not sure if it's related, but a few hours later, I broke out in some rashes/hives on my neck... which has never happened to me. Is it possibly from the food being too spicy? Coincidence? Anyway, I highly recommend the pad thai. It's on the sweeter side, which I like. What makes Thai food so delicious for me is its adventurous combination of salty, spicy, and sweetness. The pad thai had a pretty good balance of those three flavors. The green curry, on the hand, was questionable. Too spicy for me, even when I requested less spice! The thai iced tea was a nice surprise -- it was more like an icee, which is pretty neat. A bit too sweet for my liking, though. 3.5 stars.
(3)
Andrew Q.
I came to Sugar & Spice at a weird hour (think 3pm) for snacks, hoping to stay hungry enough for dinner. Big mistake. Every bite I ate of my Thai rolls made my mouth water. I wanted to order an entree and just pig out. The real plus of this place is how unique-tasting their dishes are. I've had way too many generic-tasting Thai meals to the point where they all blend together, almost like Chinese fast-food joints. I can remember the flavor at Sugar & Spice. It's worth noting that the restaurant was on the small side and awkwardly laid out in addition. While I haven't experienced it myself, I can imagine there being a wait here.
(4)
Tuli S.
The food is pretty good/consistent here. The first time I came I ordered the Hor Mok. It was served in a whole coconut with an orchid on top :). I loved the presentation! Inside the coconut was a curry with salmon and lots of veggie with rice on the side. My friend ordered the country style pad thai (I haven't seen it on the online menu lately). I LOVED the pad thai. Most places don't have the country style pad thai on the menu so every time I visited since 2011/2012 I've ordered it. I haven't been back this year so I'm not sure if they still have it. Service was good and it's cheap. ^_^
(4)
Steve X.
This place hits the spot. I mean just look at the name. Literally the right amount of Sugar and Spice, and everything nice. My taste glands water thinking about this place. I'm in no way from thailand and know about thai food, but I know what good food is. This place has super great rice dishes. I definitely recommend the Basil Fried Rice or the Pork Belly with Rice. I mean just about every dish has it's own unique taste, and you will be craving more after you finish. The only reason is because the portions are quite small for the price. That's the only critique id give because you will not be very full. But the food here, definitely some of the best dishes i've had, the rice is flawless.
(4)
Karis O.
I highly suggest just ordering a bunch of stuff and sharing with whoever you're with because the food is really that great! You'll want to try as many dishes as possible. Crispy fried duck, prepare to battle your friends Hunger Games style for this stuff. Totally crispy and terrible for your body. The texture in my opinion needs a little getting used to, it's really chewy. But you'll get there, plus the special sauce is really good. Purple Fried Rice. There's like, one purple thing on there so the name threw me off. However, sidenote, do NOT eat the tiny red pepper things as they may or may not burn your mouth off. But there's shredded mango so that kind of makes up for it. Chicken Udon Noodle with basil. Hall-ay-loo-yah. Highly recommend this one!
(4)
Alexander S.
This place is great! Love the drunken noodle and the spring rolls. I order delivery and go to the restaurant and it is great either way. Service is good. One of my favorite Thai places. Literally cannot eat drunken noodles at other restaurants because it is never as good. Highly recommend!
(5)
April M.
It's the best Thai restaurant in Boston. The favor is really same as Thailand. I love this place. If you want to try real Thai food or flavor, you must to come to Sugar and Spices!!!!
(5)
Seokyeong L.
It is real Thai food!!!!!!!!!!! I like this place the most! The owner is kind and food is amazing :)
(5)
Holly W.
Amazing service. amazing Thai. New bubble tea is amazing Sammy was so pleasant at the front and gave me new tea to try while I waited :)
(5)
Matt L.
They have a pretty nice Thai Ice Tea here. Other things which are good are the curries, and the noddles. In general, it can be a little bit pricy, but the ambiance of the restaurant is quite nice, and the delivery staff is always great.
(4)
Katie M.
I went here once the other night and really enjoyed my experience! I have a habit of ordering pad see you at thai restaurants as a baseline judge since it's one of my favorite dishes, and it was excellent here! We also had a summer roll appetizer and it was very refreshing in the hot weather. Most of the entrees were $8-10, and they did have a drink menu. Overall paid around $19 for a shared appetizer, an entree, and a beer. The outdoor seating area is very nice - they have nice little string lights over the tables and small wooden dividers covered in plants to separate the dining area from Mass Ave. Would definitely go again!
(5)
Tamas S.
Meh. The shrimp in the chili shrimp is awesome. The rest is okay. Ambiance is good, but not cozy which is fine for a restaurant such as this. A friend and i sat at the first booth on the right and it was drafty. Service was pretty good. Friend asked for Pad Thai with no fish sauce but reported to me that it tasted "fishy". I think for the price i could get better Thai food someplace else.
(3)
Angie G.
I enjoyed the food here but wasn't terribly impressed. I felt the space was incredibly crowded and the service was surprisingly slow. I'd still go back and give them a second try, but like I said, I just wasn't terribly impressed by the service or space.
(3)
Erin M.
I like Sugar and Spice as a relaxed place to meet with friends for dinner. If you are lucky you will get one of the round booths, which are very nice for conversation. I've been here many times and have never been disappointed with the food. I agree with other reviews that it is fairly standard Thai fare... which I find delicious. Last night I had the Avocado Curry, which had very nice ripe avocados on it and good spices. Also, I had enough for two more meals left over! This means it's very affordable to go here. Food comes fast as well. The waitresses (we had at least three) were a little strange and one of them kept tripping and nearly spilled some soup on my friend. However, I figure the service is on par with most restaurants of this price level, so it doesn't bother me. One of the best dinner options in Porter, for sure.
(4)
Christina M.
I've had a good relationship with Sugar & Spice for many years now. The staff is so friendly, the place itself has cool ambience, and the food is really yummy. Plus, if you go for lunch, the prices are ridiculously cheap. My favorite dishes are the Tom Kar soup, avocado curry, mango curry, yellow curry, pad thai, and house fried rice. I've also tried some of their specialty drinks (i.e.: Thai iced tea), and desserts (i.e.: fried ice cream), and I've never been disappointed. I've had good Thai food at other restaurants, but I keep coming back here because it's my favorite!
(4)
Te R.
we went to sugar and spice for a friend's bd party. i ordered a thai dish that i missed. three-flavored fish. it was supposed to be fried whole or half fish and sauce made of fresh chili and fish sauce and thai spices. but what i got was fish as in fish and chips and the sauce as in sweet chili sauce that you can find in a supermarket. ok i put aside and tasted it. it was ... bad. the fish seemed like a frozen fish and chips and the sauce was way too sweet. then we ordered the fried icecream, and it was also bad. the crust didn't stay with the icecream, and the icecream didn't seem like it was homemade as advertised in the menu. sigh... other people on my table seemed to be happy about what they got though... oh the decor was pretty good though, but i don't really care about that.
(2)
Julia C.
i went to boarding school that was located near the thailand border, and enjoyed a large selection of authentic thai, as well as indian food where i went to high school. so i am oh so horrendously picky and snotty (to the annoyance of many friends) about curry that even after three years' diligent searching i still refused to acknowledge any curry that was deemed to be good enough. this was until i tried sugar and spice's mango curry with chicken at an event at my school that S&S catered. this is the only curry in america that i crave. mmmm. this is what i crave after a long day's work. the other great curry love that i have in the united states is the green chicken curry at the pad thai restaurant in waterville, ME. so totally worth the trip :P
(5)
Erich W.
Best Thai in Cambridge/Somerville area, hands down. That said, they can be a little inconsistent dish by dish. So we stick with their consistently good staples: Chieng Mai Noodle * Avocado Curry * Massaman Curry Drunken Noodles * the very best items
(4)
Doreen X.
Sugar & Spice is fairly standard Thai. Efficient: your order comes within 10 minutes since food is reheated rather than created from scratch. Sometimes, one portion of your meal will be ice cold, and the other scorching hot. Cheap: even at dinner, it's generally less than $10 for an entree. Substantive: single entree portions should suffice for 1.5 average persons. The ice cream should be renamed "three-scoop sundae". It is, however, the clear choice for standard Thai within walking distance of Harvard Square.
(3)
Sarah M.
I have eaten here a couple times and always thought it was pretty good, but I ordered takeout yesterday and was fairly disappointed. I ordered my favorite - spicy eggplant w/ chicken, because I have no idea what Thai chefs do to eggplant, but it makes my knees wobble I love it so much. I've ordered this dish in several different restaurants and even the less amazing ones were pretty darn good, but this eggplant was too thinly sliced and undercooked - myuk. I was crushed. C r u s h e d. Each bite was a bummer. The rest of the dish was lovely - fresh veggies, flavorful sauce, but that's like saying the back up singers were great, but the star sucked. When the star - um er - eggplant - sucks, the whole show is ruined. I would give them another try, but won't order eggplant again, which actually means i might NOT give them another try b/c when I was Thai, its that knee-wobblin' eggplant I'm looking for.
(2)
anthony L.
This place is extremely average. I usually get the Drunken Noodles or the Pad Thai Country Style (the stuff I get at every thai place I go to). Their food is inconsistent, and often too oily. This doesn't keep me from going back though. The food is tasty, and the delivery option on their website (order online) is extremely convenient, though sometimes it takes a very long time for the delivery to arrive. This place is ok -- don't expect your socks to get knocked off.
(3)
Claire R.
I wish I could review their food, but I placed an order for delivery to my workplace an hour and 15 minutes ago. It's still not here, and no one has picked up my multiple calls to the restaurant. Will obviously not be ordering from here again.
(1)
A J.
The main reason why I order from Sugar and Spice is that you can order online from their website. That way you can specify what you want and how you want it without worrying about language barriers. The only downside is that most days its takes a while for them to actually deliver it. I usually get the steamed shumai and then either the ginger chicken or the pad thai. They are all good, but nothing special. The best thing I have eaten from there is gra prao chicken, but its got a little too much spice for me to eat a lot of it.
(3)
Sean M.
I really like the modern decor and the booths by the windows. The food leans towards the Americanized version of dishes and they only have the red chili sauce if you want to add some heat. I had the Tom Yum soup that was served with too much oil and lacked solid flavor on it's on. The shrimp in my soup were cooked just right. The Drunken Noodles were good but I did juice them a bit with the red stuff. The Thai ice coffee hit the spot. * Great location and nice room * Acceptable fascimlie of Thai * Market prices
(3)
Sarah R.
I go here mostly out of convenience. I can call up, place a takeout order, and take a leisurely stroll down Davenport St. so that I can avoid the yuppies with giant baby strollers, cabbies waiting for their next fare while jabbering on their cellies, and homeless guys trying to sell me Spare Change News milling about Porter Square. All this in record time. It's not the best.Thai.EVAR!!!11!!!, but it will do when I'm craving some pad Thai or some kind of crazy seafood dish with squid and skrimps and all that mishmash. One thing I like about their pad Thai: they don't totally cover it in fish sauce. Fish sauce is one of those ingredients that needs to be used sparingly; otherwise, your food smells like it could be in a soft-focus Summer's Eve commercial. Knowuddimean? The prices are--ehh, OK. Usually I end up getting some kind of seafood dish, so of course that's going to be more expensive, but when it comes to seafood I don't necessarily want bargain-basement prices. The dining room (which I've only eaten in once) is kind of cool and modern and colorful and whimsical. I ate on a plate shaped like a fish! Anyway, it's not the very best in Thai food, as stated before, but one could do much, much worse.
(3)
Arthur M.
Its so clean here. The curry is wonderful, a light touch but filling. I always feel good after eating it.
(5)
Rebecca K.
Sugar and Spice has good quality Thai food. I'll be the first to admit, I'm no Thai food expert. I rarely order anything other than Pad Thai (or "country pad thai as it seems to be frequently called in this part of the country) but I know when I like what I eat. And I liked what I had to eat here. The service was quick. The prices are good. The interior is well lit and decorated and clean. There's really nothing to complain about. However, there was also nothing to make me rant and rave and run back here immediately. In this case, my 3 stars are good. It's a solid bet for a place to grab a quick, affordable bite to eat. But it's also nothing especially fabulous.
(3)
Scott K.
Food can be hit-or-miss. Our standby faves are the country pad thai (spicier than regular pad thai); purple fried rice; and the crispy chicken basil. Get the tapioca pudding for dessert. It's important to note that if you call in a take-out order, the nice Thai women who work there will tell you to come in "15 to 20 minutes." This always translates into 30 to 45 minutes.
(3)
Elizabeth T.
I went in early for quick Pad Thai take out. The pad thai had a huge hair in it (which I know can happen anywhere but...) it was also VERY bland and dry. The shrimp was VERY good though.
(2)
Deva D.
I spent $50 on takeout tonight, most of which was fed to the dog. Everything we got was dry, which is hard to believe because we ordered the food driving from harvard square and arrived the the restaurant 5 minutes later. Chicken Satay- so dry the chicken was crumbly. shrimp tom yam - shrimp in SOUP was dry shrimp yellow curry- no flavor at all, except for the pineapple chunks but they speak for themselves pad thai- better at the mall food court drunken noodles - noodles were dry and all stuck together. thai rolls- tasted like they were cooked this morning and microwaved. i would never go back here, even if it was free. what a gigantic waste, blech.
(1)
Amanda L.
The one thing I got about this place is that looks can be deceiving. It looks like this place is more expensive than it really is, but looking at the menu, I didn't see anything over $10! Joe and I were dying (Scratch that, more like Joe was dying) after a morning of biking the Minuteman Bikeway. I think Joe might have actually come close to death trying to ride on Mass Ave., but that's for another time. Anyway, we needed sustenance, so we decided on some Thai food. The inside is really nice, and totally the opposite of every Thai place I've ever been to. If it wasn't for the Asian inspired cat on the wall, I wouldn't have thought this was an Asian place (well, except for the Asian waitresses I suppose). But I digress, onto the meal. I decided against my usual drink of Thai Iced Coffee and went with a coconut bubble tea. I really enjoyed it, especially the boba that they used. I hate it when the boba is hard, but these were nice and chewy, and the coconut was really delicious as well. For an appetizer we decided on the Thai pancake, and I really enjoyed it, however, I was a little disappointed that it was really only one pancake. The inside filling was chopped up nicely and the sauce went really well. I went with the Avocado curry. They should have called it the Chicken curry with avocado. I'm an avocado whore, so I was disappointed because there were literally three (small) slices of avocado. Don't call it Avocado Curry if there's hardly any avocado! Granted, the entire dish was tasty (and spicy to boot! I like it) but the dish could have been elevated a whole lot more if they used at least a half of an avocado. Good thing my dish was only $6.95 (approximately). The one thing that made me uncomfortable was the service. Maybe it was just our server, but I felt like they just wanted us in and out. Within 2 minutes of us being in the restaurant she asked us if we were ready to order. O_o I haven't even looked at the drinks menu! This continued for most of the dining experience, so it put me off for a bit. What was kinf of amusing was that they seemed to rush us, and yet it took a good while for our food to come out (at least that's what I thought, maybe it was because I was so hungry that it felt like forever). I won't run to come back to this place again, but I like the fact that it's cheap and still tasty (even if it's a bit lackluster)
(3)
Kelly C.
UPDATE: I've been hung up on 3 TIMES tonight while trying to order. this place has LOST MY BUSINESS FOREVER! Dont bother dealing with them. They don't know how to run a business. Now to find another thai place in the area.... I just moved to Porter and this was actually the first place I ate. Oh my how I love it. The excited chicken certainly got me excited! But, it is something to order there not take out-because if you order it there you get everything in a delicious taco salad shell that is amazing (but not when it is to go-it would just get soggy). I have had their food now a couple times in the few weeks I've been here-It is healthy, the veggies are always cooked just right so they still have a good fresh 'snap' to them (even in delivery!). I bow down to you, Sugar and Spice, and will continue to order there frequently!
(1)
Miriam L.
The ambiance here is great. Too bad the food isn't. I've eaten in and gotten takeout from Sugar & Spice. The food both times tasted just slightly off - not that it was spoiled, but that it was seasoned oddly. The delivery was cold. I wish I liked their food better, as the prices are excellent and I'm a grad student, but I'll spend a bit more and go to Tamarind House for better Thai food in the Porter area.
(2)
Kathleen P.
The food at Sugar and Spice is the Thai-restaurant equivalent of a dime-a-dozen greasy Chinese restaurant. Or maybe worse. I ordered the papaya salad and the 'country style' pad thai. Both dishes have a little chili pepper icon next to them on the menu, which is supposed to indicate that they are spicy. I love spicy food and have a pretty high tolerance for it, but the papaya salad was so spicy that it was unpleasant. On top of that, it didn't really have any flavor (or if it was there, it was covered by the spice). So with that under my belt, I was prepared for a very spicy pad thai entree. Except when it arrived, it was the blandest pad thai I've ever had. It was basically the equivalent of eating white rice with grease poured over it. Totally disgusting. All in all, it was a really disappointing eating experience.
(1)
B Y.
Two stars for the satay. Everything else was terrible. The red curry I ordered was obviously made with frozen vegetables. The dish wasn't filling either. Another dish came out served on a tostada, which made no sense. I spent a month in Thailand and I have to say that this place is the most inauthentic Thai restaurant I've been to in the US. Definitely not going back.
(2)
Steve K.
Service was slow. Found a long hair in my drink. Waitress cleared my food without asking and threw away my left overs (I watched it go into the trash). When I asked about the leftovers, she went out back for litterally a minute or a minute and a half and magically had my food packaged up again. Food was mediocore service was horrible, price would be good if any part of the place was worth going for...
(1)
Kathleen F.
This place is decent, but not anything to write home about. The staff is very attentive and friendly, and the food is good but not spectacular. Their menu is a bit boring and definitely needs some freshening up and a bit of an overhaul. My favorite dishes are the chicken satay salad as an app., and the Excited Chicken as a main. The Noodle soup dinner dishes are not good here and definitely lack flavor, so I would recommend avoiding those. Most of the other mains are pretty decent though.
(3)
Nadia A.
This restaurant is probably the best Thai for the money. The food is awesome. My favorites are the red curry and yellow curry. That said, I have ordered food for delivery and it always is terrible. I seriously think it's another restaurant that makes the food that's delivered to homes! I love eating at Sugar and Spice, but the three times I have ordered food for delivery, the experience has been very disappointing. So if you want to check this place out, I would recommend eating at the restaurant...it's fantastic!
(4)
Tasha L.
The Good: The pad thai is ok. The country style is well done. Maybe 7/10? The Shrimp Mermaid Soda Lemonade! It's cheap! And in a good location. The Bad: Spotty SLOW service. One time my friend's dish came like 20 minutes before mine. This after a LONG day at Canobie Lake Park. I had to tell her - " No, you can start eating really..I won't be offended' It drew comparisions to that classic 'win a meal with larry' episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Despite said amusement, I was ripping when my pad thai finally arrived. On the whole, service takes forever. Also- when I lived in Porter, I got take-out many times and never found it to the standard of the dine-in fare. The pad thai was cold, stuck together and looked as though it had been hanging around awhile. Plus it would be rarely ready upon pick-up. Am I nitpicking?? If you live in Porter Square, it's great but there are a LOT of better thai options around! Even the little hole in the wall places in Harvard Sq.
(3)
Kelley E.
Good food, and reasonably priced for Thai. I find their curry sauces to be really tasty and complex. And mm... green tea bubble tea. Their bubble teas are the smoothie type, not the authentic milk tea type. But that's fine by me. Service is not so great, mostly due to timing issues. They're really bad at having dishes come out at the same time. Or sometimes I don't get my bubble tea until halfway through the meal. But I've never had a really bad experience.
(4)
Sammy B.
Had a quick lunch here today and was impressed. Got a BasilTofu with rice lunch special, available with brown rice which is awesome. The meal was light and very flavorful without being too greasy. The decor was kind of funky, open and pleasant. Waitstaff was friendly and attentive. I'llbe sure to check this place out again for dinner when I have the time to enjoy an appetizer along with my meal.
(4)
Kaela V.
Probably my favorite Thai place in the area. Great value. Great service. I'm never disappointed.
(5)
Mike O.
Sugar and spice defined my college experience. This is the best Thai food in Boston. Everything on the menu is good, but a couple dishes really stand out. The green papaya salad is a great spicy and healthy way to start the meal. The sugar and spice noodles are great. They consist of perfectly cooked wide rice noodles topped with loads of chicken and vegetables. The pineapple fried rice is delicious. it includes pineapple, chicken, shrimp and vegetables. The pad thai is also great. The food here is great, and they deliver for when you don't feel like going out into the brutal Boston winter.
(5)
Tina D.
Came here yesterday with my brother and roomate. We were looking for something good that wouldn't require a reservation on a Friday night. The place is very small, but cute. If you don't look twice, you may miss it. I ordered the ginger chicken. It was very good, not spicy at all. The party was also pleased with their dishes. Wine and beer served only. Pass on the after dinner mints, they have some funny jelly in them.
(3)
S F.
This is a good thai place for a no-frills sit-down meal (Rod Dee nearby is really just for takeout/counter service). We had the Pad Thai Country Style (spicy) and Mango Curry. Both were good. They were out of the Avocado Curry. This isn't the best thai food I've ever had, but it's far from the worst. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Ankur A.
We ordered yellow curry chicken and Thai noodles. The food was okay, wouldn't say was the best thai I have had. Service was nice. Do try the ice tea, it's pretty decent.
(4)
Ali S.
Again, this is one of those "3.5 star places". Okay, wanna know why I rounded up to 4 stars and not down to 3? Good. The food is really good, but probably not 4-star food. However, for asian cuisine (*non-japanese asian cuisine) this place is really easy on the oils and fats. So many times I have been disappointed by an order of Thai because you can actually see pools of oil around my Drunken Noodles or the food has a really greasy heavy taste to it. Not this place. The BF and I used to go here pretty often so our picks are the Drunken Noodles, Basil Noodles, Curry Noodles, Fresh rolls, and (of course) thai roles. The atmosphere isn't that quaint, per se, but the booths are kinda cozy.
(4)
Erica S.
I love Thai food-- but Sugar and Spice just doesn't do it for me. I was waiting to review this place until I'd eaten here a couple more times. Now that I've been 3 times, I can honestly say that I find their food to be consistently mediocre. The food here is too greasy for me. Plus, I don't find the "spicy" dishes to be spicy at all. The soups can be on the bland side, and overall it's not super vegetarian friendly, considering it's Thai food. It's one of the only Thai places I've ever seen that doesn't have a vegetarian section on their menu. One thing it does have-- it's cheap. And the spicy eggplant entree is delicious. Other than that, I'd recommend Tamarind House right down the street. Better food, less greasy, and just as cheap.
(2)
Cindy W.
This is our most frequent delivery. It's not the most amazing Thai food I've ever had, but I'm quite fond of the drunken noodles. When you order online it's easy to change dishes to tofu instead of meat and sometimes they throw in a tapioca dessert.
(4)
K G.
First time here for me. Went with the family and we liked this restaurant for eating in. It's just big enough that if you get a corner round booth you can have a fairly private table. We ordered standard staples to get a good feel. The Pad Thai is pretty sweet and could be a touch hotter, but otherwise a nice version. The chicken satay is definitely well above average, with liberal nut and curry flavors with huge portions. A chicken massaman curry was quite flavorful, but also could be hotter for me. Combined with white rice, this one was decent. The lemonade was very good here as an option to the anti-soda crowd. The decor was ok, looking kind of like an IKEA advertisement to me for some reason. Service was friendly with frequent check-ins. I found the pricing to be a pretty good value. I will be back here sometime to try some other plates.
(3)
Jillian M.
This place is mediocre at best. I've gone there maybe 4 or 5 times because the location is pretty convenient for everyone. Every time I have gone (seriously, every time, this isn't like it happened once and I've just been judging them ever since, I swear) I have walked in the door, and stood by the hostess station while hostesses and servers walked around us, past us, everywhere but in front of us to greet and seat us. What is that about?? So by the time we sit to eat, I'm generally frustrated and then the food is just ok, wavering between cloyingly sweet and totally forgettable. I ask.... why would anyone go here when there are so many other good places in the area where the staff doesn't act as though you are imposing on them by eating in their restaurant?
(2)
Gazelle T.
I LOVE Thai and this is my favorite Thai restaurant. I get the same things every time because they're so good, but when I see what other tables are ordering I'm sometimes tempted to branch out... The garlic udon noodles are amazing, and their pad see iew is the best on a good night. They also have really delicious ginger ice cream. If we get two entrees it's less than $20, can't beat that!
(5)
Huan z.
They have chicken coconut soup & chicken hot and sour soup. Both are super delicious! Their waitresses are super friendly. They always make sure you got the best services. This is one of my favorite spots to go for chicken soup.
(4)
Ryan M.
I've been here a dozen or so times now, usually for lunch, and they have remained consistently good. Atmosphere is just enough weird to be cool. ...or just enough cool to be unusual. Lunch is way cheap and I very rarely finish what's on my plate. Try the Gra Prao. It doesn't look like much, but it's Gra-GREAT! Aha! ... Get a frozen lychee bubble tea, too.
(5)
Joan G.
FALSE ADVERTISING of prices. This place has a full menu posted on their website, and allows for online ordering. However, they do not honor the prices posted on their website and constantly charge more than advertised (even if you order/pay online, they will then call to say that the price is actually higher than advertised). The explanation is that the website just hasn't been updated yet, but this has been going on for more than a year. MA law prohibits false advertising of prices and bait & switch sales approaches. Shady and dishonest business practice.
(1)
Alia H.
This has been a popular lunch spot for me since I started working in the area. With every meal, I get a glass of plum wine because it just seems fitting for a spicy meal -- and I like mine spicy! My favorite menu item is the Gra Prao (replaced chicken with) tofu. It's made in this chili sauce -- so good! And the portion is perfect. I also like the Avocado Curry -- mmmm. Creamy! And the creaminess is balanced with the coolness of the creme fraiche drizzled on top. I guess that dish is only good when the avocados are ripe though... A special dessert surprise -- the sticky mango rice deliciousness. Whoa. If you are still hungry, get this -- or buy it for your date AND SHARE IT.
(4)
R. T.
Sugar and Spice is reliable for good, casual, affordable Thai. We love the avocado curry and the pineapple fried rice but for people who like spicy dishes, the soups are also great. The service is quick, which is great if you're looking to get in and out but can make you feel a little bit rushed if you're looking for a leisurely dinner. Good for takeout, too.
(4)
Rachel R.
Came in with a friend tonight when we weren't willing to wait in the bitter cold for Yume wo Katare and was pleasantly surprised! We split an order of the delightfully-named Royal Triangles, which were crispy pockets of rice noodle stuffed with chicken and veggies. They were perfectly fried and crunchy, if a bit poor on the filling-to-crispy-noodle ratio. I then tried the Moo Ma Now, "Thai-style fried pork" with cabbage, rice, and a spicy sauce made from hot peppers and ngoc cham. The pork was nice and crispy, almost like a katsu, and there was a generous portion of rice. The ngoc cham sauce was a little--funky? in terms of smell, and not like any ngoc cham-based sauce i've ever tried, so there may have been another ingredient I'm not super-familiar with, but it tasted wonderful! My friend had a tofu noodle soup that I didn't try, but it looked delicious as well and she ate the whole thing. The restaurant is small and very cute, with colorful walls and place settings. Service was prompt and friendly. I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Shirley E.
The food is great! Why only 3 stars? Bcz the service is terrible and if you're not melanin deficient it's out right rude. I love their food so I simply call in and pick up for takeout bcz almost every time I've sat down to dine in the staff ignores me or 'forgets' things I ask for but tends to the table next to me. "Why give them your money and continue to order?" You may ask... Bcz the prices are decent, the food is great, and the bubble tea is YUM!
(3)
Adam L.
What can I say, this place is probably one of the better thai restaurants in Boston/Cambridge area. I suggest getting the basil fried rice. You will not be disappointed with this choice. Not only do they give you a pretty good portion size, but its also one of tastiest basil fried rice i've had at a thai restaurant. All my friends got their own dishes, but kept on eating mine because it was that good. The rice is cooked at perfection with just enough flavoring. To make your experience even better, i suggest getting the crispy fried pork belly on top of the basil fried rice. The Crispy pork belly is crispy enough to wear it doesn't taste like an uncooked meat. It also taste very fresh. I guarantee that you will love this combination. I will definitely have to come back for the other things on the menu because they seem like they know how cook Thai food.
(4)
Chelly S.
Great food for a very reasonable price near Harvard law. The Bento box had all sorts of good stuff. The katsu chicken was great. My husband's seafood five spice soup was awesome.
(5)
Rachel L.
Came here for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. Found this place on Yelp, the pictures looked appetizing so off we came. We started with the flat noodles wrapping lettuce, meat and other things. Advertised as a whooping 3 chili symbol; but it disappointly not spicy at all. Not even a kick to it. My date got the Tom Yum soup. It looked really good and he seemed to have enjoyed it. I got the fish story, salmon with crispy eggplant with a teepee of rice. It was good, really wish the food was more spicy but regardless, it was good. Perhaps the next time we come, we'll try the spice aspect of the name.
(3)
Christine P.
I hope today was an off day for these folks. In the past I've had good experiences but this time, not so much. My friend asked if she could get a curry dish with mild spice and the waiter said yes. What came out was so spicy she had to send it back. The second batch was only slightly milder. Meanwhile, my dish was dripping in oil, and I had to ask twice for the crispy roll/triangle combo. To top it off, we ordered from the lunch menu but were charged dinner prices. (This was at noon.) With other great Thai places just a block away, it will be a while before I visit Sugar & Spice again.
(2)
Nicole B.
Sugar & Spice is a sweet Thai restaurant with a pleasant outdoor patio. I recommend eating outside during the warmer months since there are flower boxes surrounding the tables, umbrellas for shade, and fun colored light bulbs for nighttime. I ordered a green tea bubble tea that came out different than I expected. I thought it would be milky tea, but it was more of a frozen smoothy consistency. Generally my bubble tea was fine, but my boyfriend's had bits of ice within, making the drink not so enjoyable. My spicy eggplant dish with tofu was decent, but it could have had more heat. The "fish story" dish was huge and came with a healthy sized piece of salmon, fried eggplant, and salad. Overall, this is a good spot for a casual meal.
(3)
Derek B.
Went here for a lunch. Got the 3 chili pepper appetizer fully expecting to be crying and sweating. It had no spice to it. My date also got a 2 chili pepper "a fish story" and asked for extra spicy. Not remotely spicy. Maybe extra spicy was heard as X the spicy. Accidents happen. Had the Tom yum soup. It was really really good. Still no spice to it. I will have to return to get the spice part of the name I guess.
(3)
Bethany K.
I love this place! Great service and the good is amazing! I've had several dishes. Their curries are great. The prices are low!
(5)
Mary D.
Pad Thai was good. The Thai rolls were your run of the mill frozen and then fried spring roll. They didn't seem homemade. Thai ice tea was good. Fried honey bananas were okay. Service was slow but friendly. I might come back for pad Thai. Whole experience was OK.
(3)
Meryam B.
I came to Sugar & Spice for a solo lunch the first day I moved to Boston. I ordered off of the lunch specials menu (which had decent prices across the board) and got the "Virgin's Paradise" (or something creepy like that) which was basically stir fried veggies and soft tofu with brown rice. I thought the meal was okay in the taste and quality department, but nothing to write home about. I sat inside the restaurant though it did have outdoor seating on the sidewalk. The service was nice and the establishment (including the bathroom) seemed well kept.
(3)
Marjorie S.
Food is delicious!! I love their chicken Cashewnuts and PadThai. Price is excellent!!! Service is really good. The only low point is that it ts not a very clean place...
(5)
Kiki P.
FOOD: 3 STARS SERVICE: 4 STARS VALUE: 5 STARS Sugar and Spice is a Thai restaurant located right in the center of Porter Square. It is easily accessible and there is a decent amount of street parking available. I dined at this restaurant with a large party of about 18 people. It can be tough and frustrating to accommodate such a big group and the staff at Sugar and Spice did an excellent job keeping us all happy. When we arrived our table was ready and we were seated. It was a big long table which took up half of the dining room. The ambiance was nice and not too loud. We were able to have conversations comfortably without having to yell across the room. Drinks: They have boba tea/bubble tea which is rare for a nice restaurant. I have actually never seen boba at dine-in restaurants before. I had fresh squeezed lemonade with boba which was pretty tasty. The boba itself was okay and a little bit too mushy/overcooked. Appetizers: Somtum-Papaya Salad: shredded green papaya, carrots, tomatoes and shrimp tossed in chili lime and crushed nuts. The papaya salad was pretty good and reasonably priced. I hate which places charge $10-12 for a simple salad. Veggie Dumplings: These were not what I expected them to be. I thought they would have been served as your standard steamed dumplings. However they were mini circles of veggies. I would have preferred the regular steamed ones but these were not bad. My suggestion is to rename this dish because the name can be misleading. Shumai: Steamed shrimp dumpling. This is exactly what I think of when I picture a dumpling! Dinner: Drunken noodles: flat noodles with chicken and vegetables in hot basil sauce. The drunken noodles were a little disappointing. They were average. I was surprised that this is the most "popular" dish on the menu. Spicy hot basil fried rice: stir fried-rice with chicken, peppers, carrots, onions and basil leaves. This is a standard dish which I order at every Thai restaurant. This makes it easier for me to directly compare restaurants. I rate this dish 3 out of 5 stars. It had a pleasant flavor and aroma, but was not spicy at all. Thai chili is what really gives fried-rice a lovely authentic flavor, which was missing in this dish. Perhaps I should have asked for this dish to be extra spicy...maybe next time! Overall, I had a wonderful experience at Sugar and Spice. The food is average about 3 stars but the service is great. The VALUE is amazing with reasonable and affordable prices. For that reason, I would probably return here if I was in the Porter Square area.
(4)
Roxana W.
I used to like this restaurant many years ago and there food is quite good. I always order chicken pad thai. Unfortunately, last month I feel like I was completely conned out of my money. I went to this restaurant with my coworkers (7 of us in total) and this time ordered Chicken AND Shrimp pad thai. The waitress brings my plate of food and there is LITERALLY ONE SHRIMP in the pad thai. LITERALLY.ONE. I asked her if she told the chef that I had asked for chicken AND shrimp pad thai, and she said yes, that's what you have. I asked her why there was only ONE shrimp, and she said she would go ask the chef. She comes back 2 mins later and says that the Chef told her it was a large shrimp (It wasn't. It was NOT a jumbo shrimp that you see stuffed with something in a fancy restaurant, it was medium sized, if that). Since he put a "large" shrimp in my pad thai, it only comes with one. REALLY?!?! So I paid for ONE SHRIMP in my chicken AND shrimp pad thai? They charge you EXTRA for the ONE SHRIMP. DO NOT ORDER SHRIMP WITH YOUR PAD THAI. Instead, throw your money out the window. Thumbs down.
(2)
Emily V.
I really wanted to like this place. It was one of my first meals in Boston since the move, and it came recommended. My mom and I were there on a weekend night. We all know weekends can be busy, but we got in right away. A nice patio spot. It is a very cute patio: lights, plants, right on Mass Ave. My major complaint is with the wait time for our food. We got very simple dishes (green curry, pad thai) and waited for almost an hour. It was busy, but not packed as I had expected. What was worse, they brought out my entree almost 15 minutes before my mother's. That's just poor timing and awkward for everyone. As far as the food itself, it was mediocre. The curry was pretty good. Spicy, maybe overly so. The small salad that came with it was pitiful. The greens were wilted and it had no flavor. Maybe I should give it one more shot. But, I was not impressed.
(2)
Matt R.
Awesome thai at a great price
(4)
Connie Y.
This place is fantastic. It's a small, homely little place that has absolutely delicious Thai food at more than reasonable prices. I think I've been here like 2 or 3 times in the last 2 weeks. Thai food is my favorite cuisine and I've been too thai restaurants all over Boston. More than impressed with this place.
(5)
Andrew R.
Went here on a whim because the sign above the door looked decent. Had the "veggi" dumplings - asked the server if we could have them made spicier, as my friend and I were craving something spicy, and the server replied, "We can't add anything because they are already made." Strike one - please, don't call yourself authentic and serve pre-made food, and even if you must serve it, don't tell your customers! We had the dumplings anyway. Stretchy, bland, undercooked, and the "veggi" within looked like wilted spinach. Hmm. My friend and I split the country-style pad thai, as the server said that that was spicy. It came out extremely hot (temp-wise), but we poured in 2 whole bowls of the hot chili sauce and it still wasn't enough flavor or heat. The tofu in the pad thai was good, but the noodles and veggies were nothing special. However, the coconut smoothie (and probably all their smoothies) was exceptional, especially with the bubbles in it!
(2)
Tony K.
I order delivery all the time. I don't have much to say because all I ever order is Spicy Basil Fried Rice! GOOD!
(4)
Kelly N Z R.
I am enamored. I am still thinking about the (vegetarian) Tom Yum soup, Vegetable Dumplings, Banana in Coconut milk, and Mango with sweet sticky rice that I had there earlier this week. The menu does not appear vegetarian-friendly at first glance, BUT I was assured that almost anything can be made vegetarian, meat can be replaced with tofu, and the soup is made with veggie stock. The fare was cheap, the service was decent, and the food delicious. The food tasted fresh and absolutely delicious. This is clearly not a Fancy-Dinner-5-star place, but a Quick-Cheap-Good-5-star place. EDIT: I found the eggplant dishes to be undercooked and not at all tasty. They were very pleasant when I asked if it was alright to send it back, but then it was returned with no palpable difference. ::sigh::
(4)
Nida I.
My friend and I went there for lunch on a weekday and had a wonderful experience. We ordered the som tum as an appetizer (I always order that to gauge a place) and it was delicious. For entrees I had the rad nar and my friend got massaman curry with tofu. We were both very pleased with the quality and quantity of the food. Service was pleasant and attentive without being intrusive, and the decor of the restaurant is understated and nice. Would definitely go again!
(5)
Jennifer W.
I just moved here from San Francisco where I dined in many fabulous Thai restaurants. I live in Porter Square so I figured I would start with the closest Thai place first because I'm REALLY missing it! This will not be my regular Thai place. The food is excruciatingly mediocre and not worth a second visit. I tried three different dishes and they were all pretty unremarkable and didn't come anywhere close to what I'm used to. I didn't even save the left-overs; not worth the calories. I'm worried I won't be able to find what Ã'm looking for but I've only just begun my search! I gave them two stars because the online ordering system is great and my food was delivered on time, which is a good thing.
(2)
Virginia C.
Sugar and Spice is def a good/cheap place to grab some Thai food. I work across the street and get lunch the often. The tofu red curry is my favorite. Their soups are amazing as well. Almost everything I have had there is very good and I continue to go back. And they really are not that expensive compared to other Thai places in Cambridge, which is why I get lunch there about once a week or so. You can order online, which is a must for me personally. The only reason they get 4 stars and not 5 is that the service isn't up to par. It's actually sort of weird. If you go their and sit down the service will be wonderful. However if you go there for pick up they are rude. When ever I order take out I wait 45 minute before I walk over to grab my food. I always end up waiting al least another 20 minutes. Not only that the waitresses look at me like I have five heads when I tell them I am here to pick up and walk away. So I stand there thinking oh they are coming back with my food, when in actuality they just went to do something else. Now at first I though it was just me being judgment, but my coworker who get food from there often as well had the same complaints. However, this has never stopped me from going back. Bottom line - great food and decent service at good prices. Also they aren't usually busy, so if you plan on sitting down there is basically never a wait.
(4)
Stephanie F.
I'd give this place a 3.5, just because their bubble tea meets my standard. My boyfriend got the coconut bubble tea (which I recommend! very delicious) and I had the taro bubble tea, which is creamy. The bubbles are the sticky kind that are very chewy, if that suits your taste. As for the food -- for Thai food, it's so-so. Had the crispy duck, and a few curry dishes way back, but nothing to die for that made me want to come back over and over again. So -- if you're looking for a place to eat on a semi-cheap budget, you can go here. But don't expect too much.
(3)
j l.
This is not my favorite Thai place, but it's my favorite local quick take-out Thai place. I love love LOVE som tum (papaya salad) and theirs is my ideal. It's absolutely perfect and delicious. The other menu items leave a little to be desired. The pad thai is a little too oily and orange. The spicy basil fried rice is delicious but I feel like I have a salt hangover for many hours after eating it. I do like the spicy salmon and eggplant but would like it a whole lot more with brown rice... maybe next time. I also really enjoyed the bubble teas to go until I saw one being prepared. It is essentially a flavor powder (coconut, green tea, etc), ice, and a LOT of half and half. Ew... I'll make my own with actual coconut milk from now on. If you don't mind drinking cream, however, they are pretty tasty. Also wouldn't order the soups here. Some are bland, some are overly fishy. I'll stick to the som tum and occasional basil rice or spicy salmon. Or maybe I'll just start ordering two som tum salads from now on.
(3)
Maria V.
Where the hell else can you buy a Durian bubble tea in the Greater Boston area? [edit] I stand corrected, apparently you can find it in other places in the area. Thanks Tom! I learn something new every day around here ;) [/edit] The food here is solid -- not fantastic but pretty good. I did like their Drunken Noodles though, I'd say it's a stand-out dish on their menu. It's cheap as hell though, so when school's in and it's nighttime, it's crowded, so be prepared.
(4)
Alanna F.
We drove 2 1/2 hrs to this restaurant based upon reviews here on YELP. We were attending a concert at Tufts and wanted a good Thai place on the north side of the city. I could not have been happier with our experience. I may make the drive again someday with the sole purpose of eating here! We arrived at lunchtime and ordered 4 entrees.......Country Pad Thai, Mango Curry, Pineapple Fried Rice and House Special Noodles. It was all good and the Mango Curry was even better when I just had the leftovers, a day later! It all had just the right level of spice for me and all the dishes had perfectly blended flavors. Our server was very attentive and friendly and we finished the meal with the Fried Coconut Ice Cream. It was a very pretty presentation. Our total bill for all of that was $31. Who the heck can beat that???!!!!!
(5)
Peter N.
I used to live up in Davis Square, and every so often I would take the walk over to Sugar and Spice to have some *good* Thai. The staff are very friendly and attentive, and almost every time I've been there I've been well satisfied with the food as well. It can be crowded sometimes (rather understandably!) so it doesn't hurt to make reservations or place your order ahead. And do try the bubble tea!
(4)
Sara S.
They have really tasty drunken noodles (the perfect amount of spice, for me anyway) and mango with sticky rice! Took a little long to deliver (an hour) but I've never really minded that too much. Overall, a good price and good food, no Brown Sugar but that's a high standard. I will definitely order from them again.
(3)
Jordan V.
I really don't know how this place is still in business. Cheap eats? Please don't give them credit for that. All Thai food is cheap. But most Thai food is GOOD. I mean, I live in Union Square right up the block from Sweet Ginger, so I'm utterly spoiled. But Christ, I could (and do) make better Thai food than Sugar & Spice. It's not that hard! Their Tom Yum literally made me throw up once so I haven't gone back in years. My husband forgot, and picked up some takeout on the way home from work tonight. Drunken Noodle = a few sad vegetables with stuck-together noodles in a boring-ass sauce. Rad Na = big container of weird soup with vegs and three big ugly hunks of tofu floating in it, to pour over your plain noodles. The blandest thing I've ever tasted. Description was "exotic vegetables." Yeah, overcooked broccoli and carrots are pretty exotic. If I sound angry, it's because it sucked! I was hungry so I ate about half a serving, and now I have a stomachache. Boo, hiss.
(1)
Leon T.
I think that anyone that's ever heard of this place knows that Sugar & Spice is known for their cheap eats. For that reason along I think everyone should stop by at least once. The menu is pretty small, but it's diverse in what it has to offer. The food itself is surprisingly good. I wasn't expecting food of that quality for the price they were charging (the crispy pad thai is so fattening, but soooo good). The servers are always polite and attentive. The only thing that can be looked at in a negative way about the place is the small size. You might feel a little cramped up if you're there for dinner.
(4)
Beth E.
Two words: Excited chicken. Yes, that's the real name of the dish. I've been there a handful of times, and it's the thing I order every time I go. When my friend suggests going here, I tell myself I'm going to order something else, but by the time I get there, I'm feeling all excited again.
(4)
Luke P.
Well they deliver are fairly fast and the food is pretty good. Nothing amazing but if you add all those things up its a winner. Not my favorite Thai in Boston but worth a try.
(4)
J M.
Nice, modern look and atmosphere and the food is great for how inexpensive it is.
(5)
Trish F.
For the most part, I dig this restaurant. I've gotten take out from them probably more times than I've eaten in. Get a booth if you can, the side seating is a little too close for my taste. The waitstaff is pretty attentive (almost too attentive.. oy.. I was definitely very hydrated).A good friend of mine is a vegetarian and she seems to like their options. My favorite is probably the pineapple fried rice (a little bit of curry, chicken, shrimp, veggies) and the tofu teriyaki. Delivery is great. They've always come earlier than their projected time. They also do drink deliveries (thai iced tea, bubble tea) with food. Only had one awful experience. Must have been a new cashier/take out person.. but he had me waiting for half an hour because he failed to realize that my take out was behind him even after informing him of my name and order. FYI.. make sure to take both a lunch AND a dinner menu for take out. Prices and sometimes food items change...lunch is cheaper..etc. Oh and if you order online, you get a 10% discount.
(3)
Erik M.
I used to work around-the-alley from them. We were bummed that diner that served breakfast left - that is, until they parked behind our store (sort of illegally) and offered us shush-food. After that we were big fans. They have great Thai Iced-tea and pretty good standard thai fare. *ALSO* I get this confused with Spice & Rice A LOT! ... but this time I know this is the one in Porter (the other in Inmann). EDIT: I went from 5 stars to 1. Why? The food is still good. I waited TWO HOURS for delivery tonight. First they had no sticky rice, but didn't contact me. They were waiting for something (I couldn't understand because it was too noisy)... Then I waited another 45 minutes and called again. Something about the delivery car breaking down? I dunno. They offered 20% off and 15% next meal. It happens. OK. So finally two hours later it gets here, with two free thai ice teas (which I didn't really want, I was drinking wine) and handwritten on receipt - 15% off. Guess what receipt the delivery guy (#2, apparently) took back to the restaurant? The only reason I waited two hours is because I thought it would be a pain to cancel the payment on the purchase. I don't know if that reflects poorly on them, me, or my bank. ALSO: The food was cold. Update to my continuing story: I called to complain about the horrible experience. The woman who answered the phone was quite defensive and didn't really seem to get that I didn't get what was promised. After double checking that I was given the 20% off my meal she basically said, "OK BYE" until I got off the phone. I won't be ordering from Sugar and Spice in the future.
(1)
Jatin R.
Solid, good Thai food. My main issue is that all dishes, particularly the curries, are a bit too sweet for my taste. The Pad Thai county style is pretty good, as is the Drunken Noodles. Great for take out.
(4)
Ryan B.
I am a huge HUGE fan of Thai food and love trying new places and dishes. Sugar & Spice was my regular every week lunch place when I worked in Fresh Pond. Parking is not ideal but I always found a decent spot around lunch time. The service was always attentive and made recommendations when I asked. A co-worker had weird experience here once when he went to lunch alone and brought his laptop to work while he ate and they forbid him from using his laptop. In some ways I could understand but in others I was a bit confused... Over all great tasting food at a very good price. Recommend it to anyone just do not bring your laptop.
(4)
Anthony V.
...to update this review.... ive decided that my initial visit was the fluke. the service here is friendly but just so so slow. i recently called ahead a pad thai (which typically can take UP TO 3 minutes to make) and waited 30 minutes in the restaurant after calling ahead 15 minutes earlier and told that it would only be 15 minutes. the food is good but slow. i think there may be other thai places within walking distance that i will try.
(2)
Adam S.
I love Sugar and Spice. I come in to Sommerville from NYC every few weekends and I always make sure to visit S&S at least once while I am there. My favorites apps are re veggie spring rolls and veggie dumplings. My favorite main dishes are the Drunken Noodles and Garlic Udon Noodles.
(5)
Lesley K.
I'm being generous with stars, and maybe it's because I order ridiculously often (the delivery guy knows my dog) from Sugar and Spice because the only other Thai delivery in my area in Lemon Thai and they can't even wrap a summer roll to make it not look pregnant with shredded iceberg sooo.... I like my Thai on the lighter side, this way I can order takeout yet not consume 5,000 calories, so I always get the Green Papaya salad which is crunchy and spicy, and Summer Rolls, which don't fall apart when you lift them - so call me easily pleased. I have sampled the drunken noodles and pad thai and a few of the other sauce/noodle based entrees and they've been typical mediocre Thai takeout flavored which totally works for me. Have eaten in the restaurant once and it was truly unremarkable although the place itself is a step up from a normal delivery joint.
(4)
Alex Z.
My favorite Thai restaurant in the Boston area! Fast, friendly service, pretty cheap and tastes healthier than most Thai food I've had here (lots of veggies in many of the dishes). I love the drunken noodles, the summer roll, the yellow chicken curry, the garlic udon, and the pad thai country style (spicy!). Delivery time can be hit or miss, but service is always great in the restaurant.
(5)
joan l.
i've recently found out from one of the servers that the owner of Spice and Rice owns Sugar and Spice also. This place is GREAT! A lot of food on the menu I'm familiar with but the cod with lime sauce was to die for. there were too many ice on my lynchee but besides that everything was great. They have the corner booths that i love! the staff were very friendly, next time i'm in porter square, im definately there! no sushi though.
(5)
Claire S.
Friends of ours had been talking up that this was the best Thai place around so I was excited to go. Sadly I did not agree. The service was pretty mediocre and the food was boring and borderline gross. Everything had a thin sheen of grease on it. The steamed vegetarian dumplings had some kind of green vegetable in them, but clearly the vegetarian version was not the priority. My Sugar and spice noodles were okay, but also greasy, and while they are billed as coming with vegetables, there was very little beyond a thin coating of slimy cabbage. I've had better.
(2)
John F.
This place was alright.I went for lunch, and had the yellow curry. My only complaint is that the dish was a little lacking in the amout of sauce my food had, leaving me with some woefully uncovered rice. But the food itself was mighty tasty! And the dessert (sweet sticky rice with mango) was excellent, despite it not really being the right season for mangos. And the prices weren't bad, either, which is nice. The only real complaint is the service seemed kinda slow. And they brought our meals out quite far apart; my girlfriend was almost done with hers by the time I got my food! At any rate, this is some decent Thai food in the Porter Sq. area. If you feel the hunger, give it a shot!
(3)
Jamie A.
While I won't write them off for one bad evening, I will probably be hesitant to go back. When living across the street from the delicious Lemon Thai on Highland, it's disappointing that a jaunt out for Thai in a restaurant rather than takeout just isn't nearly as tasty. Spice & Rice in Inman is also much, much better than this place. With that said, I do want to point out that our waitress was incredibly nice. When my boy didn't like his dish AT ALL (...and I tasted it and it was horrid...and I'm one of the least picky people on the planet) she promptly brought out the menu for him to pick another meal. When we turned that down and ended up sharing my Pad Thai, she took his meal off of the bill. My Pad Thai (country style) was a little too sweet for my tastes and not at all spicy...and when I want something spicy, I need it to BURN.
(2)
Flora B.
There is only one place to go to listen to an early 90s medley of Bryan Adams, REO Speedwagon, and Eric Clapton while chowing down on scrumptious Avocado Curry and other inspired Thai food: Sugar and Spice, baby!
(4)
Sarah G.
This place is a 5-minute walk from my house, so whenever I have a craving for Thai red curry, I call them up and order some take-out. Quite honestly, their red curry is so good, I haven't gotten much else from them! The people are so friendly there, and it's definitely my go-to place in Porter for some last minute take-out.
(4)
Kylie S.
Wow! Maybe this is standard thai food for some but for me it is superior-- they will make any entree vegetarian which means I don't have to get the same dish every time. I had the radna noodle and the Tom Yum soup. The servings were really generous, the soup was spicy and the noodles were delicious. All for under $10 (lunch time.) I'm very psyched that I now live in walking distance of this place.
(5)
Tez C.
I'm Thai so I guess I have high expectations but my time at Sugar & Spice was pretty lackluster. Even though my friend had made reservations they made us wait 15 minutes before we got seated. I wanted to have some lemongrass tea but they said they were out; okay fine. And then I ordered the Crying Tiger, some grilled beef and sticky rice. While we're waiting the waitress tells me that they ran out of sticky rice. So then I say I'll have the Pineapple Fried Rice instead. The girl goes back and then another girl comes to tell me they grilled the beef already, should have told me there was no sticky rice in the first place, and then asked me whether I wanted white or brown rice. Feeling bad, since they knew I was Thai, I said white. But all around it was a horrendous experience. The food was average though the selection was more varied than a traditional Thai restaurant. Overall, if you need a fix, I would suggest getting take out.
(2)
Crystal S.
Sugar & Spice's number is in my cell phone address book. Is that enough of a review? ok, I'll explain. I love the 'country pad thai' and it's my staple, "I want to grab something on my way home and I don't feel like Porter Exchange" dish. Now, I can't explain why this 'country pad thai' is different from others, I honestly have no clue, I just know that I rarely REALLY love pad thai, it is usually just 'ok.' Here I am talking about take out/delivery but if you have the time, I highly recommend eating at this establishment. I like the big booths and big windows and they have yummy bubble tea! Score! ****ADDITION**** They also deliver the bubble tea too!! Yes! If you love bubble tea, like I do, you will realize the beauty of being able to have bubble tea delivered to your doorstep for a small fee. If you don't know bubble tea, well, it's almost like getting ice cream delivered to you!
(4)
Lila S.
Not impressed. I may be a little harsh with only 2 stars but seriously folks... First thing that really struck me was the portion size... even for take out size ...puny..I got the veggie Thai rolls and Red Chicken Curry/ The curry dishes are cheap ( around 6 bucks) but they charge extra $1.00=$1.75 for rice?? Always a bummer.The curry itself was good but the chicken was definitely left over scraps of dark meat... Always a bummer. I personally always order extra rice in the first place, but if your are trying to get a cheap lunch, forget about it. The Thai rolls were so stale, cold and definitely frozen for months before I took a single bite... they were tasteless and enough oil to give a lizard acne. I was still friggin starving afterwards! The delivery was slow, but it was the weekend, so I wont come down too hard on them for that. I think $14.00 + tip was wayy too much for lunch for 1. This place looks nice on the outside... its all just for show.
(2)
Z R.
Excellent, dependable Thai. Just stick to the basics (Pad Thai, Mango Curry, Veggie Dumplings), and you won't be disappointed. The portions are big enough so that you'll have enough left over for lunch tomorrow!
(5)
Julia F.
Seated by the door, I got a good look at my companion and the entry and not much else. It was fairly busy when we arrived. We sat down where it seem the single occupancy tables are usually located. I got an order of pad thai and a Sapporo. My friend got some chicken dish with brown rice (optional) and a Sapporo. We ate and chatted until we were done. The waitresses were attentive, but never missed or obnoxious. Perfect service. The space is a little smallbto have any kind of personal/private conversation- we got some raised eyebrows from dude sitting solo next table over. The food was good, and plentiful. I want to go back and try some other dishes next time.
(3)
Janine G.
I love pad thai but was very dissappointed...maybe it's me...but every other time I've ordered it, it has veggies and bits of peanut on top..this was just noodles with chicken (dry) and tofu (I didn't want shrimp) with a few not so fresh bean sprouts. it was lacking any real flavor. My SO got the udon noodles and didn't want spicy basil, so they suggested garlic sauce...very tasty. I will have to look at other reviews because I need my Pad thai fix!
(3)
Kim L.
This place is okay. When I first moved here, there was a lot of hubbub about Sugar and Spice, which definitely piqued my interest. Maybe it was hyped up too much, but I didn't think it was anything to get excited about. This place has a modern atmosphere and great service--the food just doesn't cut it for me. The pad thai has been consistently too sweet and too rubbery for me, and while I've eaten here (and ordered out from here) quite a few times, I just haven't had anything that has blown me away. The only thing I've had that comes close is the lemongrass chicken. Partial redemption: One of the few places where somtum (spicy papaya salad) is on the menu! Bottom line: I'd go to Lemon Thai first.
(2)
Sarah W.
I've tried a few times to give this place a chance, but I'm giving up. We had the fresh rolls which were small, and completely bland. Then I got the pad thai. On the menu it comes as shrimp and chicken but I'm a vegetarian so they said they would do veggies and tofu. What I received were 2 small pieces of tufu and one piece or broccoli along with a small amount of shredded carrots. A table nearby had the dish which included many pieces of chicken and 4-5 shrimp. We nicely voiced our disappointment only to be told the manager was not on site and didn't offer anything else, even a small plate of veggies and tofu to add would have been great. Aside from all that the sauce was gross and soaked into noodles. This place is not authentic or freshThai food at all.
(1)
Nadia S.
Excellent food. Fast service, cool atmosphere. I have never ordered take-out though.
(4)
J B.
Been several times and loved everything I've ordered (pad thais, curries, apps). The Masaman Curry is my favorite. Small, fresh looking place with some nice window booths. Service is ok- very quiet/reserved and doesn't pester you... but occasionally forgets to check in and refill drinks.
(4)
Larisa D.
I have been to Sugar @ Spice on three occasions and I have been very happy with the food and the the exemplary service on all of these times. The food "presentation" was very well done and the food itself was very fresh, tasty and cooked to perfection and the service was outstanding - the waiters and waitresses are extremely polite, kind and honest. My friend had left his phone at the restaurant and they had kept it for him. Also they are so good about understanding if you don't like things cooked a certain way and they give you excellent suggestions. I love the ambiance of the place, soft lighting and good energy - to top it all the bathrooms are always clean and smell good. All in all Sugar & Spice is my FAVORITE THAI restaurant, because of the excellent food and wonderful service. I hope it always stays in Porter Square and I hope it continues offering excellent service.
(5)
Andrew M.
I have to give them points for being relatively cheap, so 3.5 stars. I was happy with my avocado curry, although the contrast between the two sauces - one white, sweetish one on the avocado and then the standard curry sauce - was a bit weird. I've had the pad thai and the drunken noodles as takeout and they were fine though not special.
(4)
Mabel N.
Food was alright not too impressive. Lunch special is really cheap it was 6.95 for a Pad Thai or any other kinds of noodle soups or fried rice. Will probably go back when i am around the area.
(3)
Lauren E.
Delicious food, creative drinks, fun decor, and fair prices. I've been to Sugar & Spice twice now, and each time was really happy with my meal. I've gotten a couple of curry dishes and noodle dishes, as well as an appetizer. Everything was great. The smoothies are delicious, I wish I had time to try them all! Last time I got frozen thai tea, and was surprised to find that it was really finely blended, and tasted incredible. A good place for a quick lunch or dinner, comfortable to sit and talk.
(5)
Shuang C.
Purple fried rice was good, the chicken in there came on the side in its own sauce which was surprising. Pad thai was decent. Looking forward to going back since the portions were nice.
(4)
MJ H.
Bottom line: CHEAP EATS that are tasty. I ordered soup, rice, and an app. All were delicious... and my bill? $10. TEN DOLLARS. For dinner! Place was busy... service wasn't as slow as others have mentioned, and the waitress got everything right. The decor is cute, too. This place is close to home... I"ll definitely be going back.
(4)
Bailey Z.
Cheap and good Thai food never fails to satisfy me. Sugar & Spice is a restaurant that looks a lot more expensive than they actually are. I'm glad they didn't inflate their lunch prices. I also had reservations about this place because we were the only customers for lunch on a Friday at noon, but the meal turned out to be great. Their tom yum chicken soup is only $3 and warms you up real quick. I got the lemongrass chicken meal and I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly all our plates came out. We waited no longer than five minutes. Hopefully that is a result of an empty dining room and not sloppy cooking and reheating. The chicken was very flavorful and had that wonderful and familiar Thai flavor filled with scallions, lemongrass, basil and various other herbs and spices. I also tried some of their pad see ew, which falls a bit short in terms of the noodle texture and beef tenderness. Otherwise, this place hits the spot for good, cheap Thai food with fast service and clean looking interior.
(4)
Stefana B.
Absolutely the worst Pad Thai I have ever had. All I can say is that the noodles were dark and tasted like dirt. There was probably no peanut sauce at all. It wasn't just the Pad Thai though! I also ordered the "Vegetable Dumplings"... these were not dumplings at all. They were raw dough pancakes with some spinach in the middle. YUCK. One thing I will give them, the sauce for the dough pancakes was tasty! Seriously though, DO NOT GET THE PAD THAI.
(1)
Kyung Yeol S.
best of best thai foods ever!!!!!!!!
(5)
Anne W.
I've eaten here a couple times and I'll say that it's okay. I recently got the Pad Thai and was really disappointed though. I liked the option of having chicken and shrimp, but the dish was dry and the shrimp was unbelievably horrible: dry, tasteless and way overcooked. And it was a Friday night so I figured they'd at least have fresher ingredients for a busy weekend. If you're doing a price comparison, Rod Dee across the street is cheaper (about $0.50 on average), but they have pretty bad Pad Thai too. Go with a curry dish as those seem to be better.
(3)
Molly N.
I don't get all the super positive reviews--my trip here was very disappointing. All three of us eating had very, very subpar food. I believe that we had lemongrass chicken, mango chicken, and chicken massaman curry. All were bland, too sweet, and not very authentic. Also, my boyfriend specifically ordered his extra extra hot, and it didn't taste hot to even my very heat-sensitive grandmother. The rice that came with the dishes was dry and overdone. The music in the place was the radio, which I found odd for a place that tries in decor to be less casual than that. Finally, the food came out really awkwardly--two dishes at once, then the third about ten minutes later--considering we weren't eating family style. Meh.
(2)
Marissa A.
Definitely hit the spot. My friend and I went for lunch. I ordered the mango curry with brown rice - I wanted something on the sweeter side and it was definitely the right choice. Plus the prices are so reasonable. Service was pretty good - but what does it take to refill water? But overall, a delicious experience.
(4)
Kristen M.
Mmmm love love love the food here. Specifically anything that says CURRY (mango, red, yellow WHATEVER), I have had like 3 curry things and they have all been good. I also love a place that will basically substitute whatever type of meat/meat substitute you are thinking, so I put fried tofu on everything. Also all the appetizers are amazingly fried. I don't exactly remember which I have had but they have all involved something veggi and something friend. I DID get a funny look when I asked for a wine menu (noted: not that type of place). I have since learned to just call out a general type of wine, and it gets the job done. Man just writing this review makes me hungry.
(4)
Paula J.
Sugar & Spice is my default choice for Thai food. Not only because the food is tasty and the service is nice, but also because it's the closest thai restaurant from where I live... I like the yellow curry and red curry; the country style pad thai; and chiang mai noodle.... drunken noodle is also good.
(4)
K P.
This place was disappointing. The dishes were inauthentic and the menu failed to explain the dishes properly. I ordered the excited chicken and it was served to me beneath a stale and super-fried piece of bread. Also the portions were small and I felt like the waitress was trying to get me to pay extra to put more vegetables in my dish. Overall, i did not enjoy the food or the experience. I don't plan on going back.
(2)
Anthony R.
Pretty good Thai food served in a cool space for good prices. I can personally vouch for the tastiness of the drunken noodles and country style pad thai -- and of the several times I've been here nobody's ever been underwhelmed by the food. The caveat: service can be slow at times - I was there for lunch earlier today and the waitress was alarmingly slow to respond while I had to get back to work - but if you're not in a rush and want some good Thai eats for short money, Sugar & Spice is a good bet.
(3)
Cy N.
I made reservations the same day for a causal birthday dinner with 6 friends at 8pm the place is very casual. It was a mix of dates, groups of friends and i think i saw a family They sat us down right away. The service was great and pretty fast. Our waiter was very attentive. The food was good but nothing amazing and the portions were a good size. The restaurant was lively the entire time and it was clean. Id come back again. :)
(3)
Kelly M.
Hot and spicy; the only thing that could make it better is if were available via text and delivered to my office downtown via telepathy. Until then I will have to deal with just being happy with sugar & spice via takeout or a quick dinner date in the neighborhood. (spicy Thai basil; Awesome, if not totally authentic)
(4)
Thomas S.
Delicious, enjoyable, and cheap. I really like this place. I have no complaints. The food is good and reasonably priced and the service is excellent. (They also have a cash discount.) I always get the drunken noodles, which hits the spot. I've tried some other menu items, which are solid, but don't quite tick all the boxes.
(5)
Maia C.
It was better this time. I guess I just got the wrong thing last time. Sorry I dont remember what it was. Or what I got this last time I went. The bubble teas are yummy, I would go there just for that if I ever have cash on me. That is one the major negatives... they only take debit cards after $10. That is a bit high. Who uses cash.. grr.
(3)
Calli C.
The interior is much posher than the quality of food, which would be best suited to a take-out/delivery, linoleum tables and floors, paper napkins kind of place. We shared the fried tofu appetizer, which was more soggy than crisp, and so was difficult to pick up and to soak in the great peanut sauce that accompanies it. The pineapple fried rice needed to be drowned in soy sauce and ginger to give it flavor, but the Bangkok noodles were juicy and delish, with a good amount of tender beef. Great place to bring kids for dinner apparently, as we had at least four children under the age of ten sitting the tables next to us. Unfortunately, I like my Thai food without a side of tantrum. Service was relatively quick but pretty distant and uninterested, and we had to flag them down for hot sauce several times because they forgot the first time we asked. Moral of the story- Bring the kids! Or just order take-out.
(3)
nana t.
Yes please and thank you. This place hits the spot. I've gotten delivery and I've eaten at the restaurant - both great experiences! Country style pad thai is an A+. Seriously delish! Drunken noodles also a home run. The eggplant & chicken, not so much. The sauce was tasty, but the veggies were non-plus and I was hoping for those soft saucy eggplant pieces but without luck. The prices are reasonable and the food is good. I love thai food and I love this place.
(4)
Sean B.
I practice Tae kwon Do nearby, and have frequented S&S often. It's my Porter Square mainstay. I know I'll get a sizable, tasty dinner for cheap - $10-12 typically. Every now and then a drink order might get mixed up, or I might get white rice instead of brown rice, but if i was upset by something like that, I have bigger problems. I recommend the curry and seafood dishes - the seafood is probably the most expensive thing on the menu, but it's in the $10-15 range, which is probably the low end of most dinner places anywhere in the area!
(4)
Em C.
Between three and four stars- four stars for the avocado curry that costs $6.70 at lunchtime... three stars for the same dish that costs $11.70 for the same portion at dinner. No matter what they say, this place stays open because it's one of the best restaurants in Porter- affordable, consistently decent, and a local favorite. Hey, it's easier than cooking!
(4)
Spicy T.
I have eaten here before and thought so highly of this place prior to moving west coast. I thought I would never find another place as good as the Thai food here. Well, I was wrong. We ordered the following: Tom Yum soup, vegetable drunken noodles, crispy chicken, and sweet mango rice. The starter and main course was just OK. However, dessert was subpar- the sweet rice was underdone and not soft as it should have been. Since it's been a few years, I speculate there has been a change in the cooking staff? The waitstaff was friendly, but slow with handling the check. And soft drinks are 1.95 with no refills. And rice does not come with the meal, you have to order it separately. Not very generous.
(3)
Jason F.
surprising huge portions, and pretty tasty as well. i got the cashew chicken rice dish, and for 8 bucks i could bring home enough leftovers for lunch too. overall the staff was nice, and i would come back if i was in the area.
(4)
Anne W.
This is a pretty decent place for Thai food. The tom yum soup was good. I've had better pad thai than the country pad thai... the drunken noodles are pretty good though. Service is solid. I think it's a nice for casual get togethers. Unfortunately, I think the place looks like a bit of a chain. I am not so much of a fan of the bubble tea. I don't think they use fresh fruit.. it seems more like ice cream shake to me.
(3)
Peter A.
It is only 2 minutes from the Porter T stop. The food was excellent; I had the chicken mango curry and my fiancee had pad thai. They were both good, but there was a lot more of the mango curry (enough for two people). The prices are very reasonable for a Thai restaurant in Boston. We did order their california rolls (not the right name, but something like that) and they are essentially a bunch of iceberg lettuce. Probably not worth 5 bucks.
(4)
Andy M.
Perhaps my favorite Thai place in Cambridge! Reliable, generous servings, delicious, fast service. I'll be back.
(4)
Holly S.
I live close to Sugar & Spice so I dearly want to like it but I just don't and I have tried it 3 times. The first time, I went in for lunch and ordered the lunch size chicken pad thai. It was average but for the lunch price of $6.25 I was fine with it. = half fail I went in a few weeks later with my husband. He ordered the dinner size chicken pad thai that comes with shrimp and chicken. He had approximately 4-5 tiny bits of chicken and 1 1/2 small shrimp for $7.95. I ordered the same thing but didn't want any shrimp so I asked to have the shrimp substituted for more chicken. I got approximately 6-7 tiny bits of chicken. Basically it was a large plate of noodles. The overall taste was average- not great but certainly not bad. I just felt ripped off. We also ordered a summer roll appetizer for $5.50 that was filled with lettuce and a grand total of 3 tiny shrimp between the 2 rolls. = complete fail On the third and final visit, I went in and ordered a summer roll appetizer to go. Having been scammed already but desperately craving summer rolls, I asked them to add an extra order of shrimp for an extra $1 (normal lunch price is $4.95). I got a grand total of 4 tiny shrimp between the 2 rolls. Really? I know this place is off Mass Ave and their rent must be expensive but I think that when you explicitly pay extra for additional shrimp, you should get more than 1 additional tiny shrimp. = complete fail 2 1/2 fails out of 3 is not good enough for me. All in all, the food is average tasting and the prices are relatively cheap (for being off mass ave) but you will end up with a plate of noodles and iceberg lettuce and even I can make that at home. I'll be crossing the street and going to the other thai place from now on.
(2)
Jillian Y.
Having ordered from this place a number of times at work, I knew what I was getting into food-wise: middle-of-the-road greasy Thai food at a great price. Thus, upon hitting up the restaurant for the first time, I was even more pleased to learn that they also serve beer and at the perfect price: $3.95 a glass for Kirin or Sapporo (no Chang, sadly). And in a tall glass, too, just the way I like it. I've had the pad thai (3 greasy stars), the virgin garden (4 delightful ones), and the avocado and mango curries (4 each). I've also tasted some apps, and all are a solid 3 stars. The best thing about Sugar and Spice, of course, is the price: $8 for a heaping plate of whatever it is you're having, which for me equals out to about two meals. The price is right.
(3)
Mister Chub S.
I want to like Sugar and Spice, I do, but every time I get delivery I'm very disappointed. I got delivery the other day and the pad thai was greasy and bland and the drunken noodles were also very greasy and overdone. Strike 1 and 2. The tofu cashew dish was tasty and had lots of veggies and nuts and the mango curry was very good- definitely my favorite dish of the night. The curry was slightly spicy with a mild curry flavor and had chunks of ripe mango and lots of veggies. If you can eat at the restaurant, do it. It's nice inside and the food always tastes much better than when I get delivery.
(3)
Jessica B.
I can't believe this place only has 3.5 stars! It actually inspired me to start a yelp account today! (Something I've been wanting to do for a while) So yes, me and my boyfriend get delivery and take out from this spot about once a week and are NEVER disappointed! Top Items: Crying Tiger- grilled beef with sticky rice. Amazingly moist, melts in your mouth and the homemade sauce that comes with it gives it just the right amount of kick! Starts our meal off right every time! Drunken Noodle- a personal favorite, and this place does it right! (I like to add shrimp, personal preference) Pad Thai Country Style- the spicy version of Pad Thai but not too spicy, love it. Mango Curry- AMAZING! tried it for the first time last night. The mango was so full of flavor. The curry had a lil kick but not too much. I hear extra spicy is good as well. These are my favorites but we've tried new things there and are never disappointed. I do recommend pick up over delivery. Pick up in 15 minutes or delivery in 45. So, I guess this depends on how hungry you are!
(5)
Lindsay C.
Nom Nom Nom!!! I LOVE Sugar & Spice! So good! And can you say it enough...Super Cheap! Their curries are flavorful, their veggies are fresh and their bubble teas are yummy. Whenever I get a craving for Thai and don't mind battling the Cambridge traffic, bikers and walkers...this is my place!
(5)
Hubert H.
A real hit in north Cambridge area. Simply and plainly decorated, this establishment serves honest Thai food with minimal frills, at prices lower than what you might typically expect in these parts of town. I started with the Thai Surprise (or was it something else Surprise?), essentially a crepe with curried chicken wrapped inside. While the crepe and chicken didn't fuse together as well texturally as I would have liked, the flavors were solid, and the crepe itself was fun to eat. I then moved to the pad thai which was, true to name, balanced flavorfully between spicy and sugary, but not too much of one or the other. There are other curiosities on the menu that I look forward to trying.
(5)
Scott J.
I found this gem of a Thai restaurant courtesy of friends who lived in Porter Square. I like it so much that I've even eaten there alone and sometimes contemplate going to Porter just for lunch. My recommendation: Drunken Noodles. Ask for them extra spicy, if you're into that. I hear the bubble teas are good, too. I've never had a bad meal there. The servers are friendly and unassuming, they make the food fast, and it's a great location right near the Red Line and Commuter Rail.
(4)
Natural A.
Sugar & Spice ...and everything nice!!! Sugar & Spice is one of my favorites for a lunchtime meal. On occasion, I will go there for dinner as well. The thai rolls are yummy. They have the best chicken basil ever! Lunch is cheap and quick. But, most importantly they have this slushy drink "Lemon Ice" (I recommend it without bubble) that reminds me of a homemade slushy version of the limeade my mother used to make when I was growing up...it is to die for. Their menu is very similar to Spice & Rice. Spice & Rice has got an edge over them, because they have sushi. But, Sugar & Spice has an edge over Spice & Rice for their delicious slushies and smoothies.
(4)
Liz B.
I wasn't expecting much and those expectations were blown away. The food, especially for the price, was really good. About $3-4 less than my usual go to Thai spot, the food was pretty comparable (though my dining partner said he could have done with a few more bites of chicken in his curry). We started with the Tom Yum soup which I would skip the next time. It was overly spiced a little oily and just had some chicken and a couple of thinly sliced mushrooms. Then again, what was I expecting for $2.95? For dinner I had steamed veggies and tofu with a unrecognizable but rather yummy sauce. Good variety of vegetables but the portion could have been a bit larger. The serving of veggies in the Masraman (same price as mine) was about 50% more. Eh, not a biggie. There was more than enough wait staff for the rather slow Saturday night assuring that our water glasses were always full. Dinner took a little while to get out but it looked like they were doing a steady takeout business so that's most likely why. Good value, good food, good selection.
(4)
Lauren L.
I ordered their yellow curry for dinner one night and after carefully eating half I had the rest packed up (planning to eat the leftovers for lunch the next day). But on the walk home, all I could think about was the curry sitting in its styrofoam cage, calling out to me, whispering dirty things in my ear. I couldn't resist its siren song and once I got home, promptly zapped the leftovers in the microwave and ate all the remaining curry and rice, leaving me bloated, too full and somewhat gross feeling. BUT IT WAS WORTH IT. I dream about their yellow curry. This $8 curry is the one I think of when I crave curry. It's flavorful, rich (but not too oily), coconutty, full of veggies and chicken, and with just enough heat to add some interest. Everything else I've tried on the menu has been perfectly serviceable and tasty, but nothing compares to their yellow curry. When I'm in the mood for a noodle dish, I like their Drunken Noodles (spicy) and Pad See Yu (not spicy). Their drinks and appetizers are okay, nothing terribly special and I'd recommend staying away from the Asian fusion-y dishes like shumai, XO sauce and meat, etc. I've had both delivery from Sugar & Spice and also eaten in the restaurant and found both experiences to be worth repeating. The waitstaff is perfectly nice, prices are reasonable, delivery arrives fresh and hot, and the interior of the restaurant is clean and moderately hip. Moral of the story: go here and eat yellow curry, you can thank me later.
(4)
Diego M.
We had this for takeout and this may be the reason why it was subpar. my biggest complaint is that for thai food which is known for having complex flavors this food was very bland. The curry had no heat or any other flavor I could tell. One of the appetizers we had rated a 3 out of 5 chiles, I would have thought .25 chiles at best. In short, bland flavorless food. but the mango sticky rice was very good!
(2)
Griffin J.
Good thai and great value. Only had take-out, though, so can't speak to the dining experience.
(4)
Heather G.
stopped by for a last-minute meal with my boyfriend on the way to a party. Despite the fact that it was saturday night, they were able to accomodate us with no problem. The decor is laid back and casual, and it seemed like a popular place for friends to meet up and have a long meal. The ambiance could be described as "buzzing", as it was not loud, though there was consistent background noise of people chatting. As it was a very cold night, the waitress came by right away with water and steaming cups of delicious tea. The menu is extensive enough that there was a choice for every craving, but not so overwhelming that it had many pages of different types of asian food (a la Chilli Duck). The fare is standard thai, but though the prices are the same as takeout-thai, the quality of the food was a notch better, a good value in my book! Had the mango curry with chicken, and although it wasn't spicy (at all), it came out piping hot and the portion was large. It could have been two meals had we not been on our way to a party, so in the essence of not wasting food or toting around a takeout container all night, i stuffed it all in and was uncomfortably full afterwards (my own fault!). The chunks of mango were abundant, fresh (definitely weren't using the frozen bagged stuff), and ripe, and the chicken was good quality. They loaded the dish with fresh veggies and I was a happy girl. My dining companion got the thai country fried rice, which was a bit spicier than my dish was, but still not as spicy as we're used to with this type of dish. His rice was a bit mushy as well, and perhaps we just mis-ordered on this one. I will be back to try the avocado curry, for sure!
(4)
Sarah G.
I absolutely love Sugar and Spice. Here's why: 1. VERY cheap...$5.95 for a lunch special! Super delicious!! They also have lots of coupons....I know that there's one on the back of Shaw's receipts (Shaw's is very close to Sugar and Spice)...I think that this specific coupon saves like $2 or so. 2. Very T-accessible...I don't have a car in Boston and it's literally just off the T. Take the T to Porter Square and walk in the direction towards Arlington (not Harvard). You'll pass Shaw's and Dunkin Donuts and then you're right there. 3. The place is, well, cute! It's nice and cozy. Just a great place to catch up with friends! 4. I absolutely love their yellow chicken curry. Super delicious!!!!
(5)
Michelle K.
This place can be a tossup. Even though I am a happy meat eater, I appreciate that they will make any dish vegetarian upon request. LIke my vegetarian friends, I too would be sad with only 2 options at every restaurant. Back to specifics: I remember getting duck here a year ago and enjoying it immensely. However, this time I went with the Happy Couple, which was not as happy as I expected. It was kinda watery sweet-n-sour sauce and they provided more rice than actual main dish. Bad form! To their credit, I love love loved the taro smoothie that accompanied it and the appetizer me and my friend shared called the Lucky Surprise or something similar. Despite the 3star rating, I would go in just for the smoothies - they must put vanilla soft serve in there or something equally delicious. All in all, still a highlight of the Porter Square area.
(3)
Liz A.
This place is sub-par Thai. Got my standard drunken noodles and they were basically flavorless, and definitely not spicy. My friends have gotten noodle soups there and say it's pretty boring. The decor is trendy, the prices are okay, and the service is fast, but the food is just not great. There is much better Thai to be had around Cambridge.
(2)
Sara C.
Had a great, cheap lunch from this place. The wonton soup is very unique - not greasy as some had said. It had spice and watercress, a nice twist. The mango curry is as promised, very good. I'm with everyone else, I'd like more sauce and mango. Love it that I can order online.
(4)
Celeste G.
I'm not so sure about the food as I always eat at Spice & Rice BUT!! They have the tastiest frozen thai iced tea with bubbles...that i'm completely addicted to. YUM!!
(3)
Nathan R.
I've tried Sugar and Spice's take- out twice now, and both times have been rather disappointing. The Sugar part of their name rings true as the Phad Thai tended to be on the sweet side...unfortunately the spice side was not as apparent. Too bad. Prices are reasonable but the for what you get- not so much.
(2)
Matt N.
I went to Sugar & Spice last night with two friends, both from Southeast Asia. Since I am American, I wouldn't trust my opinion of the food as much as theirs. But, they were both pleasantly surprised with how good it was and naturally I also enjoyed the food. Sugar & Spice is a simple but nice place, where you don't have to wait for a table, and the wait for your food is not long either. It's not a place to linger, but rather a great spot for a quick meal enroute to the evening's other activities. We shared several dished - crispy pad thai, a papaya salad, basil chicken, and a beef dish (can't remember the name of it) - all of which were excellent. Best of all, we walked out of there with a bill of less than $40, which is pretty amazing for such good food.
(4)
N B.
I've been a fan of this place ever since they opened. Great, fresh, tasty dishes and friendly service. I typically get take out, but have dined in, too, and always been happy. I particularly love their summer rolls and Cheng Mai noodles... YUM.
(5)
Chris W.
For the money this place is tough to beat! Cheap Thai food that tastes good is right here. The atmosphere and setup inside is very warm and welcoming with a laid-back atmosphere. They also have deep fried ice cream which everyone should try at least once!
(4)
Melmoth K.
Two of us shared three appetizers and one main dish. Summer rolls and fried tofu were good/did the job. A mixed vegetable salad was really nicely prepared and presented and the coconut/peanut dressing that accompanied it was great. The fried rice was very good. However, every dish missed what I really like about Thai cuisine, which is the garnishing that gives each dish a distinctive freshness. This is pretty simple: lime wedges, fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, shredded fresh carrot, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, etc. The Pad Thai dish I saw on another table was a pile of gray noodles mixed with bits of gray chicken on a white plate. So although I liked the food, I was disappointed in the overall presentation and I left a little disappointed. The staff was good. The price was good. The interior is kind of contrived and clubby but fine.
(2)
Christina M.
Great food, friendly service! My boyfriend and I go here all the time and love the friendly vibe and timely service. Great Pad Thai and Fried Rice!!
(4)
Lindsey M.
Go and try the drunkin noodles. Prices were great, atmosphere cute and food tasty-- all in all no complaints :)
(5)
Adam M.
This is another one of those great value places. It's not the best Thai food in Boston, but it's very good, especially for the price. I've never had a problem with bad service. In fact, sometimes they can be too attentive. Try the drunken noodles; by far the best dish I've had there.
(4)
Eric S.
Ginger Chicken and the Pad-Thai are a favorite of mine; always cooked exceptionally (maybe I get lucky since other reviewers don't seem to have well cooked meals). And you can't really beat their gyoza for an app, and fried coconut ice cream for dessert either. I'd totally recommend it to anyone!
(4)
Anders R.
Good service, decent food, (drunken noodles were nice), well priced. 3.5 would be the rating - 4 stars would have been a stretch, need to see more fresh ingredient apps....
(3)
Savannah R.
Delicious Thai food! The rolls were amazing, and the portions on the entrees are generous. Perfect for leftovers next day at work! The soups are wonderful, and noodles are all wonderful. The bubble tea is really good here too! I had the green tea with boba as a frozen drink and it was amazing. The bad points, the atmosphere. I will only come back to order food to go because it was horrible! They have the lighting and the structures set up so great, and then they play 90's-like lovey music equipped with Jessica Simpson, Backstreet Boys, etc etc and today's versions I suppose. It really ruined the experience, it was just so awful. Not exactly the type of music I'd like to hear blaring over a Thai Roll. Wonderful staff though and very attentive so if you can move past the aching hearts of hormonal singers you'll have a great time. If not, just order the yummy food to go :)
(3)
Naitasia H.
So I came here as a belated dinner celebration for my 25th birthday as a treat from some guilty friends. As with several others, this restaurant was on my "to try" list for far too long. I was anticipating this dinner (even if the company was odd). As you have probably come to figure out, I am not a patient person. So Imagine my frustration at having to wait to be seated and in the rain no less. Their waiting are is very small and the place was crowded. But, this is Cambridge and space is at a premium so I can forgive that wholeheartedly (just check the weather before you go so you don't have to eat Pad Thai in wet boots). I've noticed more and more that the liquor license situation is pretty tricky so I was a little disappointed that the spirits were limited. However, their wine selection was pretty standard and just about anyone could decide on a glass so that is also forgivable. Depsite appearing to be clueless, the waitstaff followed the specific requests of my very picky friends to the letter. Much obliged!! As for the food. It was the best part of the night, which is a good thing. No, a great thing!! I make it my mission in life to eat Pad Thai everywhere I can and pick out the best of the best. This place definitely is in the top 10 and that makes this place A-Ok by me. Cheers to Sugar & Spice.
(4)
W A.
We went to Sugar & Spice twice for the last few months because of its location. The fist time, the food was below average for our taste (we ordered Pad Thai and Drunken noodles) and very poor service but we gave them another chance. We went there recently for dinner and got two fried rice dishes and they were just okay. Other Thai restaurants serve better Thai food with much much better service. When we paid the bill, somehow the waitress just assumed that she could just keep the change for tip and she went on doing something else. We found the place to be less than professional and will not recommend the place to anyone.
(1)
Alyssa N.
Yummy veggie gyoza and veggie dumplings. Average entrees. The coconut bubble tea was disappointing- like a pina colada with tapioca bubbles in the bottom. The problem was that when I kept sucking up ice chips with the thick straw. Decent prices. I'd go back again soon if I lived nearby. I liked the decor as well. Service was good, especially considering the large birthday party occupying the middle section of the restaurant. (Like 30+ people). I imagine that if I lived nearby I might go back more often. Cool decor and yummy apps make it worth at least one trip.
(3)
Liz L.
This is far from the most authentic Thai you'll ever have, but it's delicious anyhow, and cheap! They will make almost any entree vegetarian if you ask. My personal favorites are the Chang Mai noodles and the huge bowl of tofu noodle soup, the latter of which I often order delivered when I am sick. All their entree-sized noodle soups are just as huge as that one. The service has always been prompt and courteous in-house, and the delivery service has always come faster than their estimated time.
(4)
Rema A.
good Thai food, very tasty. fast and friendly service. my fiance and i got shrimp wraps for appetizers, a curry and noodle dish; all very good. they have quite a big selection of food and every thing's about $8-12. sweet! we went around 7pm and got the second to last table. it got even more crowded from then on out. it gets kinda loud so you have to raise your voice a bit, but the tables aren't that far apart, so we could totally hear the conversations to our left and right. oh well...still a great place if you're in the mood for thai!
(4)
Emily K.
delivery fail. yes, it's snowy and gross outside, but WHY DOES IT TAKE OVER AN HOUR to bring a dinner order? sad (AND HUNGRY) panda
(2)
Frank B.
This place is responsible for my new love for Thai food.We met a group of my sons college friends and parents for dinner.I think we ordered almost everything on the menu,lots of choices and tasting. All great,.Have been back several times,sometimes for takeout,mind you I live on the south shore. A little crowded but you expect that in Cambridge.
(4)
David R.
Excellent food. The Pad Thai was superb, and everything was deliciously spicy - more authentic and tasty than most Thai places in the US. Nice atmosphere as well and not too pricey! A winner!
(4)
Robo T.
This place is brilliant. The food is delicious and consistant, the decor and atmosphere are awesome and the service is wonderful. A few years ago I received an invite to their grand opening event and since then, I've been a dedicated customer.
(4)
D W.
This place is probably not authentic Thai, but does a few things pretty well for a good price. The Pad Thai's not so great but curries and peanut sauce dishes seem to be a specialty. Delivery seems to be much less tasty so I avoid that.
(4)
Melissa T.
This week marked my second visit to Sugar and Spice, and I was not disappointed either time. I love their selection of bubble tea, though I did not order any on my most recent visit (but I did the first time, and the tea was delicious). The staff was very accommodating; we had two people join our party a little late and they quickly brought over another small table to add to our large one. The space was a bit cramped, but it worked overall. I ordered the avocado curry. This dish was supposed to come with chicken, but they substituted tofu without any issue. The curry was excellent - just a bit spicy and with a bit of a creamy taste. They provided plenty of rice to sop up the extra sauce. I would have liked a tad more avocado, but overall, I enjoyed my dish. It was large enough that I had enough leftovers for lunch the next day. And the prices are very reasonable, especially considering the size of the dishes.
(4)
Scott M.
"Bangkok Noodles" kick the booty. "Excited Chicken," served in an edible corn shell, stirs my loins. "Drunken Noodles" is intoxicating. And "Avocado Curry Chicken" will have you doing the Meposian Dance of Joy. But that's not everything good at retro-cool, always tasty Sugar and Spice. The real treats are the special drinks and desserts! The Honey Dew Bubble Tea uses fresh dew, plump tapioca balls, and is dew-licious! It makes those powdery bubble teas found at pretender Thai places taste like lumpy sand. Likewise, the fried banana is incredibly scrumptious and so much more than a limp oily chiquita found elsewhere. These babies are covered in a crispy shell with whip cream and sugary syrup. My God, my mouth is watering just writing this! Only complaint: orders arrive in haphazard order meaning some will be served while others sit there drooling. Them's the breaks, I suppose... Go now!! Go often!!! Sugar and Spice rules the Mass Ave. Thai scene by a landslide.
(5)
Daniel N.
The food is good, and is served pretty quick. The poor rating is based on the service. Even with a good size staff, most of the waitresses still can't seem to keep up with the service. Out of about 5 waitresses, 1 will be taking orders, another will be serving, and 3 will be at the register chit chatting with each other. Every time I needed to get attention I'd have to keep my hand up and hope that some one would even pass a glance at my table. I don't always remember the service being like that, but I had to write about this recent disappointment.
(3)
John D.
This is a good place where you can take your sister, your parents or a date. I'm going to start writing this at the top of my reviews from now on - who a place is good for that you could bring. The food is definitely tasty, the prices really aren't bad, and the atmosphere is really nice as well.
(4)
Orina B.
I've been here four times but only at lunch so my review is based on that. This is a tiny little place with a nice layout -- @ 20 tables but they accommodate one person or groups. The kitchen is open and directly opposite the doorway as you enter. I'm not sure whether it's because of this or because of the lighting but the place has an "unclean" feel to it. The food has ranged from okay to excellent. The pad thai was too sweet with very little bits of chicken. The drunken noodles were better. I went in once in the mood for papaya salad and even though it wasn't a luncheon dish, the waitress suggested I could still order it. I did and that was delicous. (Maybe the secret is not ordering from the menu.) All that said, the service was fast and helpful. I'll be going back.
(4)
Stephanie R.
Loved the mango curry but forgot to order it spicy. Yummy thai tea. Excellent service, modern motif makes it a bit stark compared to most Thai restaurants I've been to. Hit the Tibetan shop a few doors down beforehand for trinkets or linens.
(4)
Scott M.
It looks like there are some mixed reviews about this place, but I have always appreciated that the people at Sugar & Spice are consistently friendly. That goes a long way in my book, especially since I'm not usually in the best mood after braving the Porter Square Shopping Center parking lot and/or Mass Ave. S&S is a nice place to sit down and relax with some yummy (yet, of course, not "authentic Thai") food. Oh, and they have great veggie options, and are very accommodating and aware of what "vegetarian" means. I suggest the veggie steamed gyoza and pineapple fried rice with tofu.
(4)
Anna F.
The price is right and the food is stellar. Even the decor is bright, colorful and pleasant. You can get by with $25 for two at dinner time (sans dessert) which is virtually unheard of for the quality. The portions are sizable, often enough to save for later snacking.
(4)
Steven M.
This place is great for Thai noodle dishes: pad thai, pad see you (which isn't on the menu, but they will serve anyway), etc. The spring rolls and triangular equivalents are always good too. I'm not so fond of the non-noodly dishes, though, but it's not like there's a shortage of restaurants in Cambridge.
(4)
Cynthia S.
I've had their scallops with veggies, pad see ew, and satay and loved them! I have a few vegetarian friends who love this place too. Their red bean frozen boba drink is frozen goodness. Do yourself a favor and get it.
(4)
alex l.
went there for the first time tonight and it was pretty packed for a monday night. I had the chicken massaman curry and my husband had the chicken pad prik king and both were SO tasty, we will definitely be going back!
(4)
Chanel R.
Several years ago I thought that this place was mediocre. I guess after Benjapons in Davis Sq. closed we started getting take-out from here (out of necessity but with low expectations). It is much better now. I am typically happy with everything that I order, table service is good and the people are nice. Delivery is pretty fast too.
(3)
Sarah S.
Yummm. Great pad thai. Delicious yellow coconut curry... and I don't even like curry. All the dishes I had were vegetarian, and they were not stingy with the veggies and tofu. Good peanut sauce.
(4)
jim b.
Small portions, but that is fine as the prices aren't high. It's ok, the food is rather bland really. Not bad, not good, just there.
(3)
S G.
Nope, I did not like how my food tasted,no flavor at all. At other tai places pad tai has a lot of vegetables and juicy,here it is dry and portion was small.
(2)
Anonymous P.
The name gets it half right. This is spiced-down food reminiscent of authentic Thai, which isn't to say it's always bad. Some dishes just don't work without the spices though. Take yum woon sen. S&S's version is flavored almost exclusively by lime juice and sugar. It's boring and cloying, desperately in need of funky fish sauce, more garlic, and how about some chilis? My advice: real Thai may take some time to get used to, but it's worth it. I recommend Tamarind House instead, or much better, a trip out to Dok Bua in Brookline. Update 6/13/07: This place sucks in my opinion. I think the food is bland, gloopy, and sloppy. Squid were rubbery and far from fresh. Bleck.
(2)
jennifer j.
Update. Okay, so I've now lived in Cambridge for four years (totally lost track of how many times I've been now), and this is still the restaurant by which I measure all other restaurants in the Boston area. It is fairly cheap and SO FREAKING DELICIOUS here. I'm too cheap to eat out too often, and most of the expensive places have disappointed, but Sugar & Spice never ever fails me. And their staff is super nice, too. Go if you haven't tried it! (And about it not being 'authentic,' I guess my taste buds prefer delicious over authentic, b/c we went to try Brown Sugar, known for its authentic Thai, and I still preferred Sugar & Spice.) This place is my favorite restaurant in Cambridge. Over the years, I've probably come here almost twenty times-- it's that consistently good. As expected, I've tried most of the menu by now, and pretty much everything has been great. (If you want a spicy pad thai, order it "country style," and you will definitely get that spice!) My favorites are the chicken swing (appetizer: thinly cut chicken strips with sticky rice balls-- yum), the tom kar (coconut) soup, the pad thai if I want something lighter and the chieng mai noodle (HUGE) if I want something more hearty (has a very thick broth/sauce, quite similar to the yellow curry sauce), their fried green tea ice cream and their frozen green tea (like a green tea milk shake-- I like it with boba). My friends like their avocado or mango curry dishes and the yellow curry. One could easily eat for $10, if you just drank water, but you can get a nice multi-course meal for under $20/person, which is great for what you're getting! A good place for a first date, a casual date, big groups (I've come for a few birthdays, and they are great with big groups)-- and take-out is good, too. Service is always very polite and prompt. What can I say? I love this place! :-) Here's a link to their menu: allmenus.com/menus/1306/…
(5)
JEM C.
The restaurant is cozy, yet modern. I ordered the flat noodles and my table ordered a few of the appetizers--everything was really tasty. My friend was disappointed with her tempura vegtable plate, but overall the price, ambiance and taste was good enough to go back!
(4)
Beth M.
this is my absolute favorite Thai restaurant...but it only gets 4 stars. why? well. my husband and i have been coming here for about 2 years, since we discovered it, and have been impressed again and again by the fantastic food (crying tiger is tops on his list, i love the cheng mei noodles) we actually come here almost every sunday and always look forward to the yumminess, as well as the cute decor and hot lemongrass tea. so based on that it should be a 5 star review, hands down. BUT. a few months ago, the service got kind of strange. my husband and i would experience about 10 minute time lapses between the deliveries of our entrees...we would be waited on by 2 or 3 different people...no water refills...things like that. it really threw us for a loop. we also sat enjoying our meals one night while at least 20 people waited in the 'lobby' area for their take-out, which was super super backed-up. not sure what was going on there. so there's that. but the food is so so good that we keep coming back, and kind of laugh at the strange service now...
(4)
Ed S.
A very good Thai place all around with a great location right in Porter Square. The food is greasy, but very tasty and at an excellent price - about $8 for an entree. It's nicely decorated inside and the wait staff is very nice. Soda drinkers beware, though: I was informed after being given two refills that the $1.75 listed on the menu is per glass, which is extreme in comparison to other restaurants in the area.
(4)
Gabby D.
I am so obsessed with Thai food and swear by my Spice in the NYC. But helloooooooo SUGAR & Spice! Travel Partner A, B, and Boston friend #2 (not to be confused with Boston friend #1 aka coworker) and I rolled in for some lunch post a quick TBell stop and some seeeeeeeeerious TJMaxx shopping. Alright, let me just list what we ordered: Papaya Salad, Country Phad Thai, Crazy Chicken crispy thing (that's not the real name), umm..and the Drunken Noodles (in NY language Drunk Man noodles). I couldn't get enough of the Drunken Noodles! Ooooooooooh giiiiiiiiiirl! Everything else, serivce...ambience...yeah yeah yeah. Although, the music sountrack (made by some creatively excellent sister restaurant down the way) was the best pop music sappy wonderfulness I've ever experienced. From Jessica Simpson/Nick Lachey (the collaboration and the solo albums both pre and post marriage) to Boys II Men to Soul 4 Real to Backstreet Boys to Mandy Moore. Excellent compliment while shoveling amazing eats into your mouth as fast as your chop sticks can allow. Meanwhile, FOOOOOOOD! Delicious! Delicious! Run! Go! Quickly!
(5)
boboo k.
Everything is Excellent.. My favorite menu is the Pad Thai Country and I also like the Sugar& Spice Shrimp Umm YuM YuM.. Let talk about dessert Oh my!!!!!! Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango so so GOOD....... Also the staff are very friendly and attentive,The food is tasty and the prices are good.
(5)
David S.
Dinner at Sugar & Spice was delicious. I'm not sure all of the items on the menu are typically Thai, but the food nonetheless is very good. I tried the chili and lime grilled salmon: the piece of fish was enormous (that's always nice!), tasted fresh, and the sauce/vegetables were very good. My friend also had the pad thai, which turned out to be all right (I guess it's hard for pad thai to be too much out of the ordinary). The service was also friendly and efficient. The venue is relatively casual, but certainly nice enough to bring a date. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Lalin A.
From outside, Sugar & Spice invites you. I was actually surprised to see that inside it was more like a college cafeteria. Nevertheless, food is not bad. Had chichen thai rolls, which were delicious and then I tried the XO beef-rice dish, which was just ordinary: meat was not soft, vegetables tasted better. Be careful with some of the spicy dishes as they can cause trouble! If you are looking for a laid back, cheap food, S&S is a place to go.
(3)
Joy H.
I wish I could give it more stars because the first couple of times I ate here the food was pretty decent and the location is convenient. But the last time I came I ordered a tom yum soup, and when I tasted it, it tasted almost like a pina colada. I'm pretty sure they accidentally used cream of coconut instead of coconut milk in there. I sent it back to the kitchen and told them that it was too sweet. When it came back, it tasted about the same. I even gave it a second sip to make sure, but it just tasted like hot pina colada. Gross. They tried to explain that "Americans" like the soup a little sweeter. And I get that, but this wasn't a little sweeter, this was frackin' PINA COLADA SOUP. Again, GROSS. Anyways, I can't give any more than 2 stars for a place that serves something this bad and can't admit that they made a mistake.
(2)
Greg L.
i order from there quite a bit. i can't speak to the ambience, i typically eat it in my cube (the ambience in my cube is nice, if a bit bland). the food is good, pretty standard thai fare in my opinion. but the service is awful. i tip fairly well and it always takes them at least an hour to get from porter square to central square. i'm not sure how. i keep comin back b/c i'm too lazy to look up another convenient thai place with online ordering.
(3)
Adam W.
We've never actually eaten in the restaurant, but I think we order out from Sugar & Spice at least once a week. The food is consistently good, and you can order online, which really takes the pressure off when you're ordering with a group of friends and consensus is nowhere in sight.
(4)
Patrick M.
Yum... mango curry, gyoza, pad thai... very dependable affordable Thai food in Porter Square. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, always crowded which is a good sign. Delicious any time I've been there, and the spicy dishes are legitimately pretty spicy which I like.
(4)
Abby F.
I love this place, and I've never had a bad meal there! Au contraire, everything has been tasty, like the ginger crisp chicken (not the actual name), the noodles, and the Thai tea is delicious. Service has always been polite and attentive, even when I went with a forgetful, fussy 80 year-old friend whom they treated very respectfully. The decor is lovely, just check out the window boxes and wonderful fresh flower arrangements, and prices are very reasonable for the quality.
(4)
Shine B.
I was so disappointed with this place. The Thai rolls were bland at best, the veggie dumplings were gummy and soggy. The fried rice was tasty but it seemed like it was filled with fat. Try Asia East - I like them much more.
(2)
Irene F.
I loved this place when I lived in Porter Square. The food was consistently great, and while the atmosphere was also fabulous, the take-out was good too. Service is great, food is great, and the lunch specials are at great prices! You can bring the fam, a date, or just yourself and you will enjoy it regardless!
(5)
Kiki B.
actually wasn't expecting to like this place as much as i did. they have great food, well-spiced, plus the portions are huge, which means more for lunch tomorrow! yay! nice booths, good timing, pleasant staff.
(4)
Food Bandicoot M.
BEST PINEAPPLE JUICE I"VE EVER HAD CAME FROM SPICE & RICE...and I order it at every meal. The royal triangles are bomb. Design is fabulous. Atmosphere is great. Try to get a booth. Food is absolutely beautiful, comes topped with hand cut flower decorations made out of carrots and etc. A great place to go on a date for sure! A new asset to inman square.
(5)
Elizabeth E.
Consistently good food with only moderately consistent service. Its a great local place in a fun and bright location. They have a selection of noodle dishes and a selection of rice dices and though its oh-so-boring, I'll have to say the Pad Thai is actually quite good. But the Thai Iced Tea is the best I've had outside of Thailand.
(3)
Jessica S.
The first time I went to Sugar & Spice I found the Pad Thai to be much too greasy. Afterward, I had heard good things from others and decided to try it again. I still found the Pad Thai to be much too greasy. I would not recommend Sugar & Spice, just go a little further down Mass Ave to Tamarind House. Much better pad thai! (Tamarind House also has good curry.)
(2)
Stu G.
Terrible food and service. I had the crispy Pad Thai. I will never again.
(1)
Mimi W.
As a local place for lunch, it's ok. It's quick and the decor is nice. Personally, I've gone to a lot better Thai places, but those places have also been more expensive. One thing that bugs me about the place is that they don't give you enough rice, which, combined with a salty entree can leave you very thirsty, not to mention kind of unsatisfied. I mean rice is like 5 cents a bowl, try to double up. The other thing that bugs is that I get the feeling that they use pretty much the same sauce on a lot of their dishes. The sauce is good, but gets old after a few visits.
(3)
Phil D.
I like the Drunken Noodles, but everything else is a bit hit-or-miss. It's not perfect, but I've definitely had worse (see Thai Hut, The). It's the best near Porter, though. For a change of pace, you can always try Tamarind House, which is further down Mass Ave, toward Harvard. They are a little more consistent.
(4)
Priya C.
This place is close to work for me, so sometimes we go here for lunch. Love the avocado curry with tofu as well as the pad thai. Need to try the mango curry. I like that you can get all the curries with tofu and not meat and you can ask for no fish sauce and they will actually listen to you! The food is tasty and the prices are good.
(4)
Lindsey W.
My friend and I were super hungry and ordered 4 entrees, loved all of them. Think the duck was my favorite but it's a tough call.
(4)
Rob J.
This place is a great value. I've ordered from them quite a few times and they are pretty consistent.
(4)
Patrick B.
There are a number of Thai places in the area or an easy drive away, yet it was still exciting when this one opened. The first few meals were terrific - it wasn't bland, Americanized Thai - you could taste the freshness of the ingredients and the spices. Unfortunately, more recent meals haven't been all that great. I still try it every now and again and the dining room is pleasant, but tend to favor Thai Kitchen a bit further down Mass Ave for takeout.
(3)
Kristin M.
This is a great local place for good, inexpensive Thai food. The appetizers and curry dishes are great. It's also one of the only places the Porter/Davis area that you can find fried ice cream. The coconut flavored one is my favorite. I definitely recommend checking this place out.
(4)
serra s.
I love this place. Its one of the few places I will go to alone sometimes just because I want the food so much. Their Pad Paradise is the best thing I've found in a long time. The prices are very low, too. Especially for lunch - $6-$8 /plate. I hardly ever go there for dinner, because why go when its expensive and busy when you get the exact same dish for cheap earlier!? the staff is also extremely friendly, and know you after only a couple visits.
(5)
Ramya V.
I lately feel in love with Thai food... This is a kewl place nice to dine and cheap though but service is not very friendly. During week days after 7 its crowded gotta wait to getta table. The color of food perks you up, I love both noodle and rice, but when it comes to fish nope I dont like the smell of it, its never cooked well although wonderfully presented. Interiors are well done and booths are wonderful and comfy than the tables, gotta mind stepping out of our tables or we will bang easily into someone. During afternoons its a great place to be, and you get so much food that we will hardly be able to finish off.
(3)
Laura A.
if you're looking for authentic, flavorful thai food, look elsewhere. this place has cute decor and healthy thai-inspired food, but is totally bland and uninteresting. if they didn't deliver to my apartment, i'd probably never eat there.
(3)
Etta M.
i started eating here soon after i moved to somerville and it has been a consistent favorite since. my favorites include: pineapple fried rice, pad thai, and lemon grass chicken. the decor is fun, the food comes quickly, but don't expect your food to come at the same time as your friends.
(4)
Stephanie W.
Nice funky atmosphere. Thai food, 50s-60s era decor. The restaurant is kind of small, which makes for cramped eating quarters, but the food is pretty good and the service is decent.
(3)
Joe b.
Delicious food! the atmosphere is very suave, and you'll feel classy when you sit under one of their uniquely designed lights. The price point is the only negative. While not too expensive it does ere on the side of classy. But really! check it out.
(4)
Jen and Tim S.
The food is great and the atmosphere is very cool. Great noodles, and definitely try dessert!!!
(4)
Aditya V.
Right near porter Sq T stop is this Thai Restaurant. The exteriors look very jazzy and inviting and alwasy made me think about going in which I finally did past weekend. First impression WOW so many people and line ( not bad considering saturday) and tables are too close. Some peopel might like teh lighting but I didn't like it and wasn't comfortable ( maybe ist was my jetlag and spending 4 weeks in Shanghai) so I might have to go back again to do justice. we were promtly greeted and seated which was nice. The waitress came to promtly and served water we were given a tight spot with no privacy for any conversations. THe menu has something for everyone and especially if your an vegetarian they will replace anything with Tofu. Ordered plum fine which at 4.50 a glass wasn 'tbad until I saw teh glass little small. Ordered Basil Fried rice wich wasn't bad except the rice was too "lumped" together and hard to eat. My friedn ordered Udon noodles with chicked which he said was excellent . The portions seemed ok. Also ordered was tom yum soup which was good. So over all the place wasn't bad. The serice isn't bad except for the person who servered us water was sloppy. If you leave near porter it should be tried atleast once.
(3)
Sarah C.
"...and everything nice" haha I'm such a dork... but really this place lives up to 'what it is'. For the second time, I SWEAR I never crave Thai! And again, I really just fell upon this place with some friends because there was a longer wait elsewhere (impatience sucks! Why the rush??!) Anyway, Sugar and Spice is known for being a steal, so I have heard. The atmosphere is actually really nice... very clean, dim bluish lighting, and somewhat romantic (but not so much where it would be odd to have dinner with a a friend or two...or more. They have larger tables available). We sat down immediately and were greeted promptly. The wine list is SO inexpensive ($5-$6 a glass $25 bottle range)... don't be prepared to be 'wowed' by it, but I promise you're not going to be utterly offended by it either. It kinda sucked we were not offered second glasses until our meals arrived... The food really IS very affordable... not gong over $15...and plenty of interesting apps. I ordered an app. salad to start for $5 and was served a salad PLATTER with eggs and two dressings (including peanut dressing yum)...what a waste though...too much. And my meal came out like 3 minutes later. Again, HUGE mega portions. My friends both ordered Pad Thai..one with chicken, the other with chicken and shrimp. They were very pleased. I ordered steamed cod with lime (ridiculous amounts of lime... although appropriate for the dish it was not balanced for my taste. And, the fish was WAY over cooked and dry...save for all the lime juice type sauce) So many people often think they are getting a huge value when they get a crap-load of food for not a lot of money (any fast food marketing schemes ring a bell?), When really, most of it often goes to waste anyway. how could I finish all that?? I brought it home because I felt guilty but I know I am not gong to finish it. Eh... I won't make it a point to go back... unless I'm in Porter Square with someone desperate for affordable Thai. Besides... I hate saying it, but seriously TOO much food (which is awesome for many :) )
(3)
Kay A.
Service was fast even though the restaurant was extremely busy. The food was extremely good especially for the price. The only problem was the service as soon as you finished they want your ass out of there. No wonder how everyone gets served so fast.
(4)
cassie p.
Was looking for Thai food, and Sugar and Spice was the first place we happened upon. I was skeptical because of the name, but was pleasantly surprised. We had Massaman Curry, Pad Kee Mao and Gyoza. Very good food, big servings, and we had a great waitress that was all smiles, but not in a fake or annoying way.
(4)
Joanna S.
so it's not the best thai food i've ever had, but it's a decent place with a decent price. the crunchy pad thai is really sweet. i would recommend the drunken noodles instead. good place to go for lunch.
(3)
L S.
This restaurant is really cute inside. The staff is very nice and the service is really great. Everyone that goes there always raves about it! I didn't really like what I ordered, but it was one of those let's try something different days and I learned my lesson.
(3)
Anna S.
First of all, the service is super efficient. There is also never any confusion when dealing with orders. There is a large variety of choices, including authentic thai cuisine and americanized versions. The setting is also very pleasent, with a nice modern theme. I suggest the basil chicken if you are in the mood for something spicey, and any one of their smoothies are delicious. Enjoy!
(5)
Hrishi D.
Great food! Great service! Really good authentic Thai cuisine. Recommended - must try
(5)
Sara B.
Delicious food, quick and friendly service. Tons of menu options without it being overwhelming. I'm a big fan of the massaman curry with chicken and also the chicken cashew dish! Lovely outdoor dining option on a nice day.
(5)
Less H.
Delicious. I was really happy with my Country Style Pad Thai, which is basically pad Thai with some heat. It wasn't too hot but just right for my weak North-Eastern palate. My friends were also very happy with their food. Price is inline with most of the Thai places I've been to, that is to say for about $10 you can get enough food for 2 or to have dinner and then breakfast the next AM. (If you are like me, your leftovers become breakfast.) If you go for the higher priced food you'll find large steaming bowls of spicy and sweet soup for around $15. These bowls are enough to feed 2 or to leave you uncomfortably full and rolling to the train. In short: delicious, tasty Thai food that will leave you full for not a lot of hurt in the wallet.
(4)
Aly L.
I really did not enjoy my pad thai, and I have never disliked any pad thai before. The noodles were a bizarre texture and it was generally lacking in flavor. I was incredibly disappointed.
(2)
Mike F.
Love this place! Go there often. Can be busy Fri and Sat night so we go early. Nice service and great food!
(5)
Claire G.
This is a great place to come and sit outside during the summer or warmer weather. They have really cute outdoor seating with pretty lights, which is great for people watching. Besides the location and ambiance, I also like their food. I ordered the Chicken Cashew Nuts. It came with a balanced amount of chicken, vegetables, and rice. It was really flavorful and I felt like I was eating a healthy dish because it was not greasy at all. I've also previously ordered the Chicken Pad Thai, which was average compared to other places I've been. Overall, I'm a fan and will definitely be back on nice summer nights to dine outdoors.
(4)
Michele H.
Food is good--I ordered the papaya salad and the Tom yum soup. The salad was crisp and refreshing, and the soup was very nicely spiced. My boyfriend's crispy noodles were the envy of all at the table. $5.75 glasses of Cabernet aren't bad at all. I'd almost give this pace a 3.5 for service, as we had reservations for 14, and one of our tables was still occupied by another party for a good 25 minutes past our start time. That aside, our server was attentive and helpful, and you can't beat sipping wine and eating papaya salad outside on a summer night.
(4)
Matt Q.
Sugar & Spice is close to one of my friend's place and we've come to rely on this place for a Thai dinner option that's a little nicer ambiance than Rod Dee across the street. Their Purple Fried Rice often gets ordered around the table. It has a wonderful mix of flavors both sweet and salty. The Pad See You is also great for those who like thick flat noodle dishes. If you like curry, I would also recommend their Panang Curry, which creamy, flavorful, and often tempts you to wipe your plate clean. If you're looking for some solid Thai food, at a decent price point, with a location that's comfortable for a sit down meal, this is the place for you.
(4)
Noah P.
This place is the best Thai around. Had the drunken noodles with chicken and it was very good.. miso soup was average. . Spring rolls were great. Nice atmosphere. Highly recommended
(5)
Court S.
My mom ordered dinner here and I was going out for dinner but I had a few bites of her takeout. Coconut bubble tea- 5 stars! So amazing. Can double as a dessert. Crab bites- 5 stars. Super tasty. Veggie spring rolls- 5 stars. Very good with sweet sauce. Everything was great.
(4)
Kayley P.
A friend and I popped in yesterday to have a quick meal. It was a lovely spring day and we sat outside. They really have paid attention to detail and have made the outside seating area feel like a retreat even thought it was on a busy street (and across from a construction site). The service was fast, the wait staff were just so sweet and kind. The food was delicious and definitely enough to fill you up. Reasonable prices and a great ambiance. I will be back!
(4)
Pia J.
The food came out quite quick, was so fresh & yummy. The flavors were very authentic. I recommend the crispy basil chicken, pineapple fried rice, massaman curry, Pork belly appetizer, spicy Shrimp salad. Polite, nice staff & Prices were very reasonable too. I plan to eat here often when I'm in the area for sure. Been here 3 more times on our trips to Boston, same great flavors every time. Love it.
(4)
O K.
Don't get take out or delivery- they half ass their to go orders (food is cold, dried out, not flavored the same as if sitting), and the people taking orders over the phone are incredibly rude. The delivery time has always taken over an hour so not really worth it. Better off dining in if anything. Their pad se ew is pretty decent.
(3)
Emily S.
Love this place. The Drunken Noodles are the best!
(4)
Esss E.
Attention Sugar & Spice Owners: It is April 22. That means it is time to take the Christmas ornaments and brown pine boughs out of your falling apart window boxes. I haven't eaten there since November, but I hope your food is fresher and better looking!
(3)
Zhichun Y.
This place is really good around Porter Square. Food here is really good and in large portion. The drunken noodle is great and so as the bubble tea smoothies. I have tried the green tea and mango ones and they are so good. Will definitely come back!
(4)
Tyler P.
Sugar and Spice in Porter Square is a great find. It has a really great atmosphere (I'm excited to check out the outdoor seating when it gets warm). The portions were good sized. We got three dishes and a couple orders of rice for four people and that was just the right amount. The drunken noodles, yellow curry, and excited chicken were all good choices!
(4)
Irina N.
Living in Brookline, I don't get out much to Porter Sq area but dinner with a friend brought us to Sugar & Spice. First of all, I loved the atmosphere and funky design, color and accessories of the place. Made me feel welcome and gave me a feel of being in Cambridge (or how cool I picture Cambridge to be). We ordered steamed shumai and that left us satisfied. The beer is $3.95 which is also very affordable comparing to Boston. However, the lost stars are due to my pad tai being soo sweet and soo sticky that I honestly didn't know if I could finish it. and here I thought, how could I go wrong with that! Two shrimp and not as much chicken as I was hoping for didn't help the situation. My friend ordered "drunken noodle" which has gotten great reviews and he seemed happy with it, although it was a bit spicy for his taste. I believe there were marks next to it indicating it but I suppose everyone's ability to handle spicy varies. We were approached to see if we were finished before we were. And we were never approached to see how everything was. It is unfortunate but the service was a little lacking. It was good to catch up with my friend whom i haven't seen in a while but now that I think about it, it was actually a long time before we were approached to order way in the beginning too. I would come again and try more dishes due to the funky space and good apps, affordable beer and high reviews.
(3)
Ronald J.
I so luv Thai food, It's my first time in Boston and luckily I found the right one. Spicy beef with basil is so good. It's delicious and have that perfect spicy Thai flavor. Staff is courteous too!! Nice little cozy place! price is reasonable!
(4)
Sofia G.
The BEST Thai food I've ever had! I don't go to any other Thai places since I tried Sugar&Spice. Personally recommendation: Gyozas, Royal Triangles, Crab Ragu, Drunken Noodles & Chicken Mango Curry.
(5)
Jasmine B.
Great restaurant with even better prices, especially for the serving size and quality. Vegetables are always fresh and tender. I've never had a bad meal here. Definitely try the chicken mango curry paired with a frozen bubble tea (I recommend the Thai iced tea). Don't be afraid to try something different, everything is fantastic!
(5)
Annie W.
i love rod dee. i love rod dee so much that i felt that going across the street to sugar and spice with a friend tonight felt like cheating on rod dee. don't worry, rod dee. i still love you. even if i have tasted your friend as well. sugar and spice is totally different from rod dee. rod dee's menu has about 10398023742953479782913 menu items, with about 20 more daily specials (am i lying? go there and find out) and little a la carte dessert and appetizer items sitting on the counter in case you weren't already drooling. but it is cash only. so have cash or use their ATM, mmk? sugar and spice takes cards and has maybe 50 items on its menu. the mainstays are there. the curries, the rad nah, the drunken noodles, some noodle soups. the restaurant smelled wonderful walking in. this is a sit down place, unlike the uber casual rod dee with no real waiter service (at rod dee, they help, they just don't wait on you, but you don't need that do you). the price point is similar, if not slightly more on some items (~$10-15/entree). i had their (jungle curry equivalent, i think), which was written into the menu as a 3 chilis coconut-free south thai curry, which was nice and spicy, and heavy on the chicken (it's cool, i ordered chicken, i just like more vegetables, too) -- but unlike other places at which i've had jungle curry, the curry is usually a lot more watery and goes over rice like a broth and EvilEvilEvil. this curry didn't kill me but my eyes watered a lot, which is okay because i'd just sweated my brains out (guess where?) nearby so why not carry on through the other orifices. it was tasty. the plate was awesome. super narrow super table-long entree plate with a wee bit of salad, some rice, and some entree. i told my friend, that's it, i'm sending all my plates to goodwill and buying only those from now on. my roommates will throw a fit. yes. i'm kidding. when i am. so sugar and spice, you're cool. stuff looks, tastes, and smells authentic (which is a lot to say given so many purported thai offerings in the area). when i don't have cash, i can turn to you. but rod dee still has my heart.
(4)
Jennifer N.
Been coming here for about two years..this place is by far one of my top 5 restaurants! Servers are insanely nice. Anything you order, you will love! Royal triangle, chicken satay, Thai eggrolls, Tom yum soup all serves as delicious appetizers that you should definitely consider ordering (most of the time I would order all!!) then for the main course, get anything! I tried a lot & none has yet to fail my expectation. Very casual & clean place as well. As for desert, I love the coconut icecream (I'm simply a coconut fan) but the others are really good too like the coconut sticky rice with mangos and Fried bananas. Taro & coconut are both my favorite bubble tea, simply delicious!
(5)
Chelsea W.
One thing I really like about this restaurant is how ridiculously fast the food comes out of the kitchen. I've gone twice, and the orders have arrived within 5-6 min which is crazy. Tried the pad thai and udon stir fry which were good. Portions were big too, and priced pretty well. Would stop by again.
(4)
Jennifer L.
I really like this place. It was my first time today and I ordered the Purple Fried Rice. The chicken was juicy and the fried rice was delicious. The Thai iced tea was great as well! I definitely want to come back to try the other dishes! The price is also very reasonable :)
(5)
Jane S.
My friend and I ordered the Steamed Shrimp Shumai ($4.95) appetizer to start. We got 7 pieces of really dry shumai that tasted like one of those frozen shumai you get from Costco. The fillings were pretty much absent and it was mostly the outer skin. The shumai was also bland and tasteless, even when it was literally dunked in the soy sauce. Our first entree was Gra Prao Chicken, ($9.95) spicy minced chicken in chili sauce. There was a bed of greasy, chili oil underneath which freaked me out a little. The white rice tasted a bit undercooked, and I couldn't really taste the chicken because it was minced so small. I would have liked more spices. The Pad Thai ($8.95), or stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, chicken, egg, peanuts, bean sprouts and scallions, is a must-dish at a Thai restaurant. The pad thai was sweeter than other pad thai I have had (indeed it reflects the name of the restaurant well!). There were only three medium-sized shrimps and bits of chicken. Usually the ground peanuts are served on the side, but this restaurant had it all mixed in the noodle already
(2)
Bella A.
I went here last Saturday evening with a friend that has been here a few times. For my first time coming here it could have been better. First off my glass of water was dirty with green stuff stuck to it so I asked for another. Secondly, my utensils were dirty so I quickly asked for some new ones. I ordered the drucken noodles which was amazing until I found hair on my piece of chicken. I told our server and she immediately apologized and gave me a whole new order. Despite all that happen that day, I will give them another try. Their customer service was great and the food was good as well. It could have been an off day for them.
(3)
Reetika J.
Went here for late lunch on a warm sunny day. They have great outdoor seating which is mostly why we picked them. Beer at $3.95 is pretty reasonable, and the food was really flavorful and authentic Thai. I recommend the pineapple fried rice, crispy basil chicken and moo yang BBQ pork. Great service too, very accommodating staff. Can't wait to try something else here!
(4)
Henry Z.
had team lunch there, ordered the crispy salmon noodle, good taste and nice ambiance. Will come back to try more.
(4)
Nancy S.
I went here last Sunday with some friends and my first impression was that it was rather small but nicely decorated and accommodating. I had never been there before and played it safe by ordering some Thai Iced Tea and Pad See You. Both were exactly what I expected. The Iced Tea had a bite of a bite (probably from orange blossom water) and the Pad See You was sweet and savory. I'd give it five stars if our food hadn't come out about five minutes after ordering. For the $7 I paid for lunch I don't expect gourmet food but the speediness makes me wonder if there aren't a few microwaves in the kitchen. Anyhow, good friends, good food at a very reasonable price. I'll definitely be returning.
(4)
George C.
We ordered delivery that took over an hour to arrive (an hour and twenty minutes). When it arrived, we learned that the soda (coke) that cost $1.75 was just a 12 oz can. For that price, we had assumed that it would be at least a 20 oz bottle. Outrageous. That is literally over a 400% markup from consumer prices, let alone restaurant prices. The food itself was just standard. We ordered Drunken Noodle and Pad Thai, which were normal sized. However, I found the Drunken Noodle to be almost entirely noodle and sauce, with remarkably few vegetables. I asked that the chicken be replaced with tofu. I do not know how much chicken they normally include, but I imagine it is more than the three pieces of tofu I had.
(1)
JT S.
Let me put it to you this way: If someone asked me if I wanted to have sex or go to Sugar and Spice... I would go to Sugar and Spice. Honestly, I have no idea why there are any reviews less than 5 stars. Seriously. One of the reasons I moved to Porter Square was for this restaurant. Everyone I take to it has a near orgasmic experience. The Tom Kar soup... omg. and the shumai. and the curries. omg im hungry just talking about it. This place is like one of my favorite restaurants of ALL TIME!
(5)
Kanin S.
"SPECTACULAR" I just went to Sugar&Spice on last Sound and it impressed me a lot !! my Mexican friend and I both ordered SUKHOTHAI NOODLES, rice noodle with shrimps, ground pork, fish ball, and tasty soup, since a waitress recommended us. The taste and the value are amazing, it's served in a super large bowl. The soup is not too hot or spicy to eat plus ingredients are so fresh. Another of my friend ordered drunken noodles and she also love it. Their service is good and the place is very clean. All employees are really friendly making that place so warm. We spent less than five mins waiting for our food...with the reasonable price. Because I have been to many Thai restaurant in Boston, I would say that this place is a little cheaper than others. I personally think this is the best Thai restaurant in Boston and I can't wait to go and try other food there...YUMMY ^^
(5)
Andy K.
Nice little thai place in the heart of a multi asian restaurant food area. They really went all out for their Valentines Day decorations. It was very pleasant and great to see that they are keeping up with the holiday spirit. My favorite dish is their duck noodle soup. Lots of subtle flavor in the soup and the duck was crispy. Great portion for the price. The waiters/waitresses were very friendly and service was fast.. almost felt like I was in a fast food restaurant. Overall, I've enjoyed my stay there. Would def go back whenever I am around the area.
(4)
Renee C.
We are new to the area, really like Thai food and received a gift card to Sugar and Spice. It was the best Thai I've ever had. Better than some others in the area (in our opinions). I loved the Oriental style beef and my husband really liked the Massaman curry. We also ordered Thai rolls and Chicken Satay as an appetizer, which I order at every Thai restaurant we eat. These were the best I've ever had. Besides the delicious food, the service is GREAT, and it's cheap :) Almost everything on the menu is under 10. Our whole meal (with 2 appetizers and 2 entrees) was $30. And we have enough for another whole meal at home :) GO HERE!!!
(5)
Maggie S.
I'm not big on writing reviews, but wanted to rate some deserving local favorites. Sugar & Spice is delicious, I don't think I've ever been disappointed. The interior is pretty low-key, but also nice and tastefully decorated. I usually opt for noodles, but their mango curry is fabulous.
(5)
Vanessa S.
Has this place changed ownership? It used to be really good. Everything is just really spicy now with no real flavor. Friends have said the same thing.
(2)
Michelle C.
I always want to write a review for sugar and spice, the service you receive there is like you owe them some money. Last time I ordered a take out, I asked them for chopsticks,and lady at front desk told it's only for dinning in. Then one day I was at the restaurant and asked for chopsticks and again the same lady told me it's only for takeout. Not going back there again.
(2)
David R.
For Cambridge, this is a pretty darn good Thai restaurant in terms of both quality of food and value. The ambiance and decor are thoroughly pleasant if you choose to dine in, and the delivery is expeditious if you're feeling lazy or it's raining. The quality of the food is quite high, and anyone familiar with Thai cuisine should find it generally faithful to the flavors that one would expect. Some of the best items include the Moo Yang appetizer and the Panang curry duck. The staff is also very friendly - I once stopped in to pick up a phone order and the hostess gave me a free Thai iced tea while I waited. Give this place a shot.
(4)
Kristina L.
Sugar & Spice is clean, somewhat modern, and the waiters are friendly. We were pleased that there were hooks for our jackets next to our booth...an added touch that I wish more restaurants had! The Tom Yum shrimp soup was flavorful, but watch out: it's wayyyy spicy! My nose started running within seconds of eating the first spoonful lol. The sausage appetizer was DELICIOUS and unique...I've never seen it on another Thai menu here OR in Connecticut. Either way, it was good. The Pad Thai was much better than at Chili Duck, but maybe a little skimpy on the peanut sauce? The Gra Prao chicken dish was good but not as tasty as the one at The Similans. For dessert we shared a bland Pina Colada bubble tea. I probably won't be trying their bubble tea again. I definitely wouldn't mind going back for the ambiance in a pinch, but I feel like there are so many other better options nearby for awesome Thai.
(3)
Abhijeet K.
Best Thai food I have had.My favorites are Panang curry with Chicken and Chicken and basil friend rice
(5)
Kelly D.
Wow! We have been coming here for years and have always enjoyed fresh well prepared food until today. All three of our favorite entrees were horrible and nothing resembled the food we are usually served. It was all bland, tastless and soggy. Not sure if there is a new chef in the kitchen but it will be a while before we go back. So sad!
(1)
Little Y.
Green curry with shrimp and jasmine rice is very very delicious!!! Really authentic Thai food!
(4)
C L.
I ordered pick-up, and the food was delicious (especially the Panang Curry) -- but I had to wait for 30 minutes in the restaurant after the pick-up time. I recommend giving them some lead time or calling in to make sure the food is ready before you go!
(3)
Holly S.
Delish Papaya salad! Also the GAO chicken dish was sooooo tasty, one downfall, pad thai tasted like just Lo mein :( so sad! The staff was attentive, a little too much if u ask me. But they were nice enough for sure! I'd go back but probably not for pad thai
(4)
Roxie D.
There are no words for how delicious the food is here. Every time I go in here, they are able to accommodate my myriad of food allergies and requests, there is rarely a wait, their food is incredibly fresh and well prepared, and there are tons of healthy options. Everything is awesome, but my faves are: Crying Tiger Veggie Tofu Soup Drunken Noodles Basil Fried Rice The Fresh Garden Rolls are soooooo good, they will make you weep Their delivery is absolutely incredible, too. Super fast, always accurate- and the one time the driver forgot something, I told him it wasn't a big deal and that I'd happily take an IOU for the next time I was in there. It was raining and I insisted he not worry about it- but 15 minutes later he'd driven all the way back to my place with the rest of my order :-) Love, love, love this restaurant!
(5)
John O.
Tom Yum soup with beef and vegetables on a cold day. Nuf said.
(4)
Lindsay M.
I have been to this place twice and it was delicious both times. then my husband and i ordered food from them through foodler . when we got it it was all greasy, cold, and gross. we ordered coconut custard and got some weird liquid substance with chunks of taro jelly in it. the vegetables were murdered and the tofu was so hard and cold it was completely inedible. yuck. we got a full refund through foodler thankfully. but, never again. really disappointed.
(1)
Susan K.
I been going to this place for years. Very consistent Thai food. Prices are very affordable. This place is never that crowded. I generally get Udon garlic noodles, but they also have a great chicken mango curry, pad Thai is good too. For apps I recommend the simply surprise, as well as the summer roll. My favorite part about this restaurant is their bubble teas. They are really bubble tea milkshakes. Yum, pina colada, mango, you can't go wrong. You must try the bubble tea. If you go in the summer time, they now have outdoor seating
(5)
Divie E.
Tried this place again (on account of the short delivery time and the short term memory of last time's disaster). Requested a special order based on a food allergy, and it wasn't upheld! Luckily, I caught it before eating too much. Good prices, good delivery, but bad outcome. Will remember not to try it again!
(1)
Tracy M.
I like to start with the good: the staff is always pleasant. The green salad is big and fresh. The curries are nice and if you ask for it spicy- you get it! The bad? The pad thai is greasy and salty. I could take one of these but both? No thank you. (For good pad thai, check out Lemon Thai in Somerville!)
(3)
Mrs F.
My husband and I are both very picky eaters. And we both absolutely LOVE this place for casual take-out!!! The food is yummy, ingredients are fresh, portions are perfect size, and a great value. Tried other thai spots in town, so far this one is the best.
(5)
L F.
Sugar & Spice is a cute, cheap place to go for Thai food. They offer a relaxing atmosphere and cheerful service. I was impressed that they had a selection of beer priced at less than $4 a bottle! (a bargain in the Boston area) I thought the food was ok. I have had tastier Thai in the past. I ordered a noodle soup with Tofu. It seemed to have an odd aftertaste. Based on the cost of the items on the menu and good service, I will definitely go back.
(3)
Mansi M.
Sugar & Spice is def a cheap and descent thai place in the cambridge area. We ordered 2 soups, papaya salad and 3 dishes for $40 for 4 people which is awesome. We had ordered for delivery in central sq and the food was a little cold but i don't blame them as it was sooo cold out that day. The food wasn't bad at all We ordered: Drunken noodles - The best Excited chicken - was good and spicy Hot basil fried rice - I have had better else where Papaya salad- too lemony Based on the cost of the items on the menu and descent food i could see myself ordering again
(3)
Sam S.
Pretty standard pad thai. Not great, not terrible. They paid attention to my details, though, like no green onions, which is a pretty big deal. The delivery was prompt as well!
(3)
Simon L.
Sugar & Spice and all things nice. Ya know, this place is solid. Good food, good enough that I have an online account to order by simply choosing my food and hitting deliver. That's Bad for my waist. But It's always good. Delivery is on time. Wednesday night, Tom Yum soup chicken, gyoza with meat - fried, white rice, duck choo chee and chicken red curry extra spicy. Vegetables fresh and crunchy, delicious and not too thick curry sauces. Excellent coriander, cumin, chili pepper and onions with maybe some ginger. Dumplings were delicious soft with thin casing while pan fried. Love the fresh mushrooms in the tom yum soup. Perfect spiciness. I ordered the chicken red curry extra spicy, know what? It came that way, unbelievable. I swear that, for some reason, they spiced it with black pepper - it was laced throughout the dish - not sure why instead of chilies. Either way remains a staple in the rotation. I have never eaten in the actual restaurant, only delivery. Always prompt and food delicious. Order here a lot.
(3)
Maria K.
best thai food in Cambridge! authentic, cheap, large portions and they recently added outdoor seating which is beautiful. all of the bubble teas, especially the honeydew and mango; they actually use real fruit for their fruity bubble teas. the service is always friendly and are very flexible when you want to substitute the proteins, or have it gluten free. sugar and spice is one of the few places that have amazing authentic thai food for a very affordable price!
(5)
bos f.
I dined here for lunch today in a group of 12. Service was prompt and attentive. Most dishes came on a single plate so there wasn't a lot of service required; however, the server contiually filled all the water glasses, and... was very accommodating (and without attitude) about providing separate checks. Really the service was superb, and the dining experienced enjoyed by all. I had yellow chicken curry and requested the dish extra spicy. The server returned to check as to whether I wanted to upgrade for (unbelievable) one dollar which provided two small spring rolls and a dumpling. Now that's pretty darn good! The curry was delicious, and you have a choice of white or brown rice, jasmine rice, or pad thai (not typically offered at other thai establishments In place of the rice and several people opted for the pad thai). If I had to identify a negative, it would be that I would like a few more vegetables in the dish. I tried the Thai Iced Tea- it was creamy and sweet. I would order the Yellow Curry again; but on next visit I might do a lunch box which is a popular choice. Lunch with tea and tip just under $15. This was my first visit, since way back when they first opened and my only experience was not great. Happy the group chose Sugar & Spice and I'll be putting it on my list when my taste buds are geared for thai.
(5)
Melissa B.
By far the best Drunken Noodles I have had. The lunch specials come with way too much food for a lot less money than anywhere else, entree, salad, & appetizer. Plus, the ambiance is very nice, much better than I would expect. The bar was very nice, but I don't indulge at lunch, just brunch. I just found my new Thai fix!
(5)
Michael C.
Food is solid (although a bit salty). But service is abysmal. We waited about ten minutes for the waiter to come by and take our order (even though the place was not not even close to being full). Then we waited another twenty to thirty minutes for the food to actually come. Halfway through my meal, my tea finally arrived. No one bothered to clear our plates until the very end. You might as well order take out from one of the other Thai establishments. You'd be more comfortable and it'd be much faster. The atmosphere is really nothing to rave about--a bit too dark even. Pass on this establishment until their service improves significantly.
(2)
Sarah S.
Not the most amazing ever, but a good, reliable Thai place, super convenient to Porter, and pretty quick (both for sit in and pick up). I like the Drunken Noodles.
(3)
Jeff M.
Pretty basic. With all the options in the basement of Lesley I do not think I will be back to Sugar & Spice.
(2)
Muckenfuss V.
LATER EDIT: When I originally reviewed this place, the dishes did not seem to have enough heat. After sweating through a few curry dishes, I take that back! Sugar and Spice offers serviceable food with outstanding service and presentation, but I am not sure where the "Spice" in their name got to. I've tried most of the curries, but only the green one could not be described as "mild"; the yellow lacks any spice at all. The interior has nice decor, and a very cleanly appearance. The availability of alcohol is a nice plus over other Thai places like Pepper Sky which have better food. I will definitely go back for weeknight dinners, but I did not think that the food was anything to rave about.
(3)
Chris S.
Great food. Great staff. Love this place. Not a big fan of their Pad Thai, but EVERYTHING else is *so* on-point.
(4)
Erin B.
I can't believe I've never reviewed this place. I eat here all the time. The service is always great...friendly, efficient and consistent. The food quality is good as well. Favorites are drunken noodles, steamed vegetable gyoza, thai rolls, and chieng mai noodle.
(4)
Edward H.
I ate here yesterday and enjoyed it. Would I go back? Hell yeah! Might even go back today. Cheap, delicious, and fast.
(5)
Derek W.
You know in a part of town that caters to a bunch of spoiled fucking college kids, this place does it right. I mean don't get me wrong, I hope someday if i'm lying on the operating table that my Dr graduates at the top of his Tufts class. Sorry have to take a shot at the whole scene in Porter and Davis square area. This place is simple, the portions are good sized the food is good and the service wasn't terrible when I went as some people have commented on. Granted I went on a weekday, but my overall experience was pleasant. The place doesn't have a clean feel to it, and that's one reason I'll keep it at 3 stars, I aint saying it's dirty, but maybe it's just the decor ? Regardless you get what you paid for and the menu is super affordable. I love thai and this place didn't dissapoint at all.....
(3)
S H.
I'm seriously addicted to their drunken noodles.
(4)
Michaela B.
THE BEST THAI FOOD I HAVE EVER TASTED!!!!!!!!!!!! 11/10 If you love Thai food don't go anywhere but here! The food has been brought over from Thailand and made better by the extraordinary cooks who are all full Thai. This is as real as it will get in the States!!! The service was spectacular as the food came out quickly and the waiters were attentive and gave there valued suggestions. We won't forget the drinks. My kids got shredded lemon ice, made with real lemons and cherries on top. And my wife and I had red wine that was also delicious. Everything was a celebration!
(5)
Madeleine H.
I have some serious respect for any restaurant that can successfully accomodate a group of ten walking in unannounced. Thai usually isn't my thing. Sugar and Spice didn't change my opinion, but I'd be lying through my teeth if I said I didn't enjoy what I ate there. The restaurant -- which couldn't have had more than 20 tables, unless there was a back room I couldn't see -- was already pretty full when we walked in. They seated us quickly and were very attentive to all of our various wishes. And the food was TASTY. Wish I could remember what I ate. Doesn't matter. It was all delicious and pretty inexpensive.
(4)
Jessie C.
Another restaurant i eat at regularly that I find I haven't reviewed yet. It's been awhile since i at on location here but we frequently get takeout. I normally get either the Pineapple fried rice (one of my favs!) or the Pad See Ew which is also decent but usually has too many kale (is that what it is?) stems in it? Not a bit fan of the bitter green but the noodles are good. Shoomai (sp?) is decent as well. Peanut sauce is killer. The delivery is usually faster than they say on the phone as well.
(3)
Lauren A.
I used to come here a whole lot when I lived in Porter Square, mostly because you can make two meals out of their entrees. The curries are great, especially the mango curry, which they can make vegan with tofu (though I get it with the chicken). I'm a wuss when it comes to spice, but they'll make it spicier if you ask. The soups are also particularly good, as is the sticky rice with mango and fried banana desserts. Trust your server when she tells you that you probably won't like something...I thought I could handle fish paste until I had the lovely couple. Also keep in mind that the tapioca pudding is bright green and contains corn. In short, good, cheap, filling Thai food. They also do bubble tea.
(4)
Chris L.
I've lived in Thailand and tried a lot of Thai places in the Boston area -- this place is this real deal! The Sukhothai noodles are amazing.
(5)
Molly C.
Not usually super crowded, which is nice compared with some of the restaurants in Davis. Cool decor. Some of their dishes are great, some are mediocre, and I once ordered a dish that smelled like wet dog, hence the three stars. It's very hit-or-miss; I recommend any of their curries or soups... the pad thai is mediocre (if you've got a craving it'll satisfy, but definitely not a slam dunk). On the plus side, you can place an order online, and they're generally very friendly and prompt with service. And the flower boxes outside are so cute! I walk by this place every day on the way home from work and those flowers always put me in a better mood.
(3)
Ana R.
I came here for a quick dinner and stayed for several hours. The Thai Iced Tea was just like I remember it from when I lived in Seattle and drank some every day. I had the meat gyoza and coconut soup - both delicious, though the soup was a lot sweeter than I remember it. My friend had the pad thai and the portion was huge. Prices were ok, and so was the service. We did stay a long time without hassle, which was nice.
(4)
Rhianna C.
I gave Sugar & Spice a try because it was on my way home from work and I had a coupon for $10 off. The experience I had there was OK. First impression: this place is WAY smaller than I thought it would be. The place was empty, so I'm not sure if they were being respectful of the fact that I was a solo diner reading some papers, but they pretty much left me alone for long periods of time-- ie, taking 15 min to come to the table after being seated, long times of no servers between courses, waiting for the check, etc. I'm willing to overlook that because I wasn't in a rush, nor was I particularly needy for anything. That being said, the staff I encountered was very nice and more than accommodating. The food was OK. I figured I'd keep it pretty basic since I wasn't sure what to expect. My appetizer was Thai Rolls, which were very delicious and I would definitely eat these again. My main course was Pad Thai and while it wasn't bad, the taste wasn't right. Same to be said for the Thai Ice Tea that I ordered-- way too sweet for my liking. If I find myself at Sugar & Spice again, I'd likely order something else. I didn't like that despite the place being empty they sat another sole diner pretty much on my lap at the table next to mine. This diner also had a server that was different from mine, but was very attentive to him. I think at one point, I had to ask his server to help find mine so I could pay my bill and get home. Overall, the place wasn't bad. I will likely go back and try again at some point, but I think I'd rather try some other places in Porter before coming back here unless I get a late-night craving for Thai Rolls.
(2)
Judy L.
Food was pretty good, but service was very slow. Thanks for the tips by the other yelpers, so I followed the recommendations and ordered the mango curry. I upgraded to shrimp with $1. (I assumed it was going to be shrimps in ADDITION to the chicken, but apparently not. They just replaces the chicken with the shrimps.) The curry came with a lot of vegetables, which I love. But it does not come with rice. Rice is $1.50. For dessert, I got fried ice cream. Two flavors were available: green tea and coconut. They were gigantic and delicious. :) They packed my leftover curry in a container meant more for non-soup dishes. And in a paper bag. So obviously, my curry leaked everywhere and by the time I got back, my container only had the remaining vegetables with no more curry. Sad times. I'd check and ask for a soup-container or something next time they box my leftover for me. I'd return.
(3)
Jamie G.
I have been craving Pad Thai like crazy the last few days, so I dropped by to grab dinner to go. Man, am I disappointed. I've had other dishes by them and enjoyed them well enough, but their Pad Thai is the blandest iteration of this dish that I've ever had. If you go to S&S, order something other than the Pad Thai.
(3)
Christian H.
And everything...delicious? After several visits, this place has always satisfied and hadn't ventured beyond "pretty solid" or "that place is pretty good." Until recently. Have you ever tried the lunch menu? This place makes you want to have lunch there everyday. They are sneaky like that. Offering a much more streamlined and smaller menu than the dinner selection, Sugar and Spice gives a great and satisfying dining experience. Lunch menus are great as they give the patron a snapshot and a taste of a much bigger selection being offered. The sausage appetizer was ordered first. These little guys were packed full of different flavors of delicious meat, creating a congress of comfy collectables for your eating pleasure. Three lunches were ordered. First, a salmon dish combined with a tangy sauce, AKA The Fish Story, created a delicious partnership. Not too bland or overpowering, it was super tasty. Next was the Basil Duck. This dish was cooked to a nice balance of crispiness and juiciness that purposefully caused repeat servings. Last was the Crispy Pad Thai which may or may have not been cooked with brown sugar. Whatever sweetness was added, along with nicely cooked shrimp, chicken and veggies, it was very satisfying, as it was like a party of ingredients where everyone was invited and got along just fine. Oh...And don't forget the bubble tea. The green tea, overflowing with an almost smoothy, frappey consistency was almost having a dessert, only furthering the notion that dessert before dinner is just fine. Even the atmosphere and staff is great at this place. Friendly, welcoming and above all, full of a relaxing ambiance, this place is a great restaurant in the heart of Porter Square. Sugar and Spice is everything nice, With its many Thai dishes served with rice. Many selections, either spicy or not, And the right amount of food, by no means a lot With flavors that will satisfy the buds of taste Come try a bit of everything and proceed with haste!
(5)
Seth H.
My friends and I arrived and waited quite a while before the staff acknowledged our existence and asked us if we wanted a table. Strike one. But once we were seated they were quite friendly. Unfortunately throughout the evening they didn't check in on us enough and didn't scan the room to see if anyone needed assistance. There were a few times when I felt like I needed a flare to get our waitresses attention as my arm waiving wasn't working. A big negative in my book. Buuuuut, the food was delicious so I'd 100% go back with the hope that the service will improve.
(3)
Sean J.
Sugar and Spice is one of the few restaurants I have been to recently where the food they serve you actually looks like the picture in the menu. I ordered the "Excited Chicken", which was not as spicy as advertised, but came in a delicious and crunchy bread bowl which definitely made the meal. The servers were very friendly and the service was swift. I would absolutely go back as I want to try their duck.
I have been here twice. the first time I got food o go and it was decent so I went back. The second time was not good. I found a bug in my water...enough said.
(1)
Audrey C.
Not bad- decent Thai food, but not the best I've had.
(3)
A C.
I've eaten at this restaurant for years. I must say it has gone down from what it used to be a few years ago. Passing by the kitchen to use the restaurant the cooks are mexican. They use so much sauce that a stir fry is always gooey and way too salty. I used to love an appetizer of a thinly sliced lightly grilled pork/beef pieces, but the last time I had it I simply could not finish, it was so salty my tongue could fall out. The drunken noodle is usually a safe bet in any Thai restaurant, but the quality has been very inconsistent lately. One week it would be ok, the next week it would be horrible. The rice noodle would be all crumbly and laced with fish sauce goo... The duck rice though has been surprisingly pleasant. One thing I do like, which ties me back to them on week day lunches is the online ordering, it's a breeze and I can pay with credit card. If it wasn't for this feature I would be going there much less.
(3)
Dinara E.
Very yummy! The soup was good, as were the curries. The appetizers were also delicious. This place is a must. I wish I remember what I had, but I do remember that the place was fun and I had a lot of good food with my friends.
(4)
Dana H.
This place has really fresh food. I took two out-of-town Asian foodies here and they gave it the thumbs up too. I love that they have an online ordering system, which makes take out super easy. The yum woon sen and the pork and fishball soup are excellent.
(4)
Tiff D.
Online delivery is awesome. No minimum $. But 45 mins? :-/ (I live 1/4 mile away!) Country Style Pad Thai. Extra Spicy. Large portion. Very flavorful chicken. Well cooked noodles. Not greasy sauce. BUT...not spicy AT ALL. I thought country pad thai was spicy?? And I did ask for it EXTRA SPICY. Overall, very good. Could use more heat and more peanuts.
(3)
Katie H.
The staff is always nice, and the inside looks clean and pretty. The food is decent, but the pad thai is a little greasy. There are better Thai places in Cambridge, but there are also much worse. My stomach feels fine after eating here, which is more than can be said about other Thai restaurants in the area.
(3)
Adam A.
Sugar & Spice makes me so sad. The service is nonchalant at best, and everything I've had from here is somewhere between bland and "saved from being bland only by being flavored with way too much of one thing" (sugar, soy sauce, or some kind of sweet sauce like old style New England sugary "duck sauce"). The drunken noodles were gummy and strangely sweet. Basil chicken was similarly overcooked, and bland. The "lovely couple" had overcooked chicken, in a sauce that basically just tasted like unadulterated soy sauce. In fact, it was so unappealing that when they took it away mostly untouched, I actually commented that it was very overcooked and it seemed like there had been a mistake with the amount of soy sauce. I rarely, if ever, complain about anything in a restaurant, and this reminded me why- they shrugged and dropped the bill on the table, no apology or further questions. After that, what had been perfunctory service became non-existent. It's like we ceased to exist, and they avoided all eye contact and the entire side of the dining room that we were on. No water refill, no queries about whether we wanted dessert. Luckily, Rod Dee is across the street, and slightly closer to our house! I can't say that all their food is great, but everything I've had there is miles better than the three things I tried at Sugar & Spice.
(1)
GN P.
The night starts off by me standing at the front desk starring at a woman starring at her desk for about 3 minutes. Not once did she even look at me to help our party be seated. I basically had to open my mouth and say "So should I sit myself anywhere?" First impression, oh boy, I hope it gets better than this. This particular day was about 95 outside and very humid/muggy. The front door was wide open letting it all in and there are not ceiling fans and the A/C was shut off. It was extremely hot in there and I asked if they could turn the A/C on. They spoke barely any English and all I could understand was the a/c was shut off a couple of hours ago. So I proceeded to fan myself with my menu that I refused to give up to the waitress. My party of four was seated at a small booth. The tallest person in my party was me and I'm 5' 7". Everyone's knees where touching the person seated across from them. quite uncomfortable. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best I've ever had either. Wait staff was tentative and prices were reasonable. Atmosphere was hip Overall, between the heat, lack of a greeting, seating arrangements and lack of making the customer comfortable, there just too many cons than pros to go back there again. Next!
(2)
Becky T.
I think this is officially my favorite Thai place in Cambridge. Went there the other night and loved the drunken noodles, pad Thai, salmon dish with spicy sauce (I forget the name, but you could get spicy or ginger and we got the spicy version) and tofu green curry. The noodles melted in your mouth and had wonderful flavor. The only minor criticism is the appetizer we ordered might have been the wrong dish. We ordered veggie dumplings and got the scallion pancake (I think). It was rather greasy and kind of small pieces for the price. The only other thing is that the plates for the curry and salmon were an awkward size -- big, long rectangles -- so it was a little hard to move the plates around the table to share dishes. Food was delicious overall and it has a nice ambiance! I will definitely be going there again.
(5)
Jenn B.
The food was delicious! I had the Pad Thai Country Style and I devoured the whole plate. I also had the Thai beer singha which I realllly enjoyed. My date had the drunken noodle which he said was really good! The place was small inside and the decor kind of dindgy, but the staff was really friendly and nice. The prices were great, my dish was only 7.95! I will defiantely be returning! I would give the place a 4.5/5 but thats not really a choice...
(4)
Jiyea C.
3.5 stars. Three housemates and I came to Sugar & Spice around 8pm on a Saturday night. About 1/3 of the tables were empty and we were relieved because it was getting a little late (we like to eat early) and wanted to eat without having to wait too long. We were seated promptly at a large table in the corner and were soon ready to order but we had to flag down a server for quite some time before our order was taken.They were very obliging in answering our very many questions and making the substitutes that my housemates wanted (noodles instead of rice, shrimp instead of chicken, etc). We skipped appetizers and went straight to entrees. I had the purple fried rice because I wanted to try the shrimp paste, and it was indeed very shrimpy and a tad on the salty side. I also thought the chicken would be mixed in the rice but it was separate and coated in a sweet sauce that was pretty good. I got to try the lovely couple and the hot basil fried rice. Both were very good, though I think the fried rice should have been spicier. I usually can't finish an entire dish when I order at a restaurant, but because I wasn't hungrier than usual and i was able to eat everything, I think the portions are a little smaller than normal. I love Thai dessert and so of course we had to have some. We decided to share the fried bananas and I was disappointed! All the fried bananas that I have tried were made with bananas tossed in batter and fried. However, this place rolls them in wrappers so they're like banana egg rolls! Disappointing! And service was pretty slow throughout the entire evening. Eh. Still, I love Thai and this place wasn't terrible. I'd come back.
(3)
Su R.
Sometimes I realize i haven't yet written a review of a place I love, as is the case here. Sugar and Spice is close to my home, reasonably priced, decorated lovely and the staff is attentive. My favorite dishes are the Lovely Couple and the Crying Tiger, and dessert wise, the fried bananas are to die for. It's not a huge place, but I've never had a problem getting seated. Trying to beat the dinner crowd is probably wise if you dont have a reservation. You get plenty of food here as well.
(5)
Jolene S.
Only okay: better Thai options in Boston. The country pad thai tastes good (not great) and comes in a reasonable portion (for ~$10 incl. tax + tip). But little flies turned me off. This place was highly recommended by Porter Sq/Somerville folks. Don't think I'd risk it again though.
(3)
Andy M.
Perhaps my favorite Thai place in Cambridge! Reliable, generous servings, delicious, fast service. I'll be back.
(4)
Natural A.
Sugar & Spice ...and everything nice!!! Sugar & Spice is one of my favorites for a lunchtime meal. On occasion, I will go there for dinner as well. The thai rolls are yummy. They have the best chicken basil ever! Lunch is cheap and quick. But, most importantly they have this slushy drink "Lemon Ice" (I recommend it without bubble) that reminds me of a homemade slushy version of the limeade my mother used to make when I was growing up...it is to die for. Their menu is very similar to Spice & Rice. Spice & Rice has got an edge over them, because they have sushi. But, Sugar & Spice has an edge over Spice & Rice for their delicious slushies and smoothies.
(4)
Nadia S.
Excellent food. Fast service, cool atmosphere. I have never ordered take-out though.
(4)
J B.
Been several times and loved everything I've ordered (pad thais, curries, apps). The Masaman Curry is my favorite. Small, fresh looking place with some nice window booths. Service is ok- very quiet/reserved and doesn't pester you... but occasionally forgets to check in and refill drinks.
(4)
Larisa D.
I have been to Sugar @ Spice on three occasions and I have been very happy with the food and the the exemplary service on all of these times. The food "presentation" was very well done and the food itself was very fresh, tasty and cooked to perfection and the service was outstanding - the waiters and waitresses are extremely polite, kind and honest. My friend had left his phone at the restaurant and they had kept it for him. Also they are so good about understanding if you don't like things cooked a certain way and they give you excellent suggestions. I love the ambiance of the place, soft lighting and good energy - to top it all the bathrooms are always clean and smell good. All in all Sugar & Spice is my FAVORITE THAI restaurant, because of the excellent food and wonderful service. I hope it always stays in Porter Square and I hope it continues offering excellent service.
(5)
Andrew M.
I have to give them points for being relatively cheap, so 3.5 stars. I was happy with my avocado curry, although the contrast between the two sauces - one white, sweetish one on the avocado and then the standard curry sauce - was a bit weird. I've had the pad thai and the drunken noodles as takeout and they were fine though not special.
(4)
Mabel N.
Food was alright not too impressive. Lunch special is really cheap it was 6.95 for a Pad Thai or any other kinds of noodle soups or fried rice. Will probably go back when i am around the area.
(3)
Lauren E.
Delicious food, creative drinks, fun decor, and fair prices. I've been to Sugar & Spice twice now, and each time was really happy with my meal. I've gotten a couple of curry dishes and noodle dishes, as well as an appetizer. Everything was great. The smoothies are delicious, I wish I had time to try them all! Last time I got frozen thai tea, and was surprised to find that it was really finely blended, and tasted incredible. A good place for a quick lunch or dinner, comfortable to sit and talk.
(5)
Shuang C.
Purple fried rice was good, the chicken in there came on the side in its own sauce which was surprising. Pad thai was decent. Looking forward to going back since the portions were nice.
(4)
MJ H.
Bottom line: CHEAP EATS that are tasty. I ordered soup, rice, and an app. All were delicious... and my bill? $10. TEN DOLLARS. For dinner! Place was busy... service wasn't as slow as others have mentioned, and the waitress got everything right. The decor is cute, too. This place is close to home... I"ll definitely be going back.
(4)
Bailey Z.
Cheap and good Thai food never fails to satisfy me. Sugar & Spice is a restaurant that looks a lot more expensive than they actually are. I'm glad they didn't inflate their lunch prices. I also had reservations about this place because we were the only customers for lunch on a Friday at noon, but the meal turned out to be great. Their tom yum chicken soup is only $3 and warms you up real quick. I got the lemongrass chicken meal and I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly all our plates came out. We waited no longer than five minutes. Hopefully that is a result of an empty dining room and not sloppy cooking and reheating. The chicken was very flavorful and had that wonderful and familiar Thai flavor filled with scallions, lemongrass, basil and various other herbs and spices. I also tried some of their pad see ew, which falls a bit short in terms of the noodle texture and beef tenderness. Otherwise, this place hits the spot for good, cheap Thai food with fast service and clean looking interior.
(4)
Stefana B.
Absolutely the worst Pad Thai I have ever had. All I can say is that the noodles were dark and tasted like dirt. There was probably no peanut sauce at all. It wasn't just the Pad Thai though! I also ordered the "Vegetable Dumplings"... these were not dumplings at all. They were raw dough pancakes with some spinach in the middle. YUCK. One thing I will give them, the sauce for the dough pancakes was tasty! Seriously though, DO NOT GET THE PAD THAI.
(1)
Doreen X.
Sugar & Spice is fairly standard Thai. Efficient: your order comes within 10 minutes since food is reheated rather than created from scratch. Sometimes, one portion of your meal will be ice cold, and the other scorching hot. Cheap: even at dinner, it's generally less than $10 for an entree. Substantive: single entree portions should suffice for 1.5 average persons. The ice cream should be renamed "three-scoop sundae". It is, however, the clear choice for standard Thai within walking distance of Harvard Square.
(3)
Sarah M.
I have eaten here a couple times and always thought it was pretty good, but I ordered takeout yesterday and was fairly disappointed. I ordered my favorite - spicy eggplant w/ chicken, because I have no idea what Thai chefs do to eggplant, but it makes my knees wobble I love it so much. I've ordered this dish in several different restaurants and even the less amazing ones were pretty darn good, but this eggplant was too thinly sliced and undercooked - myuk. I was crushed. C r u s h e d. Each bite was a bummer. The rest of the dish was lovely - fresh veggies, flavorful sauce, but that's like saying the back up singers were great, but the star sucked. When the star - um er - eggplant - sucks, the whole show is ruined. I would give them another try, but won't order eggplant again, which actually means i might NOT give them another try b/c when I was Thai, its that knee-wobblin' eggplant I'm looking for.
(2)
anthony L.
This place is extremely average. I usually get the Drunken Noodles or the Pad Thai Country Style (the stuff I get at every thai place I go to). Their food is inconsistent, and often too oily. This doesn't keep me from going back though. The food is tasty, and the delivery option on their website (order online) is extremely convenient, though sometimes it takes a very long time for the delivery to arrive. This place is ok -- don't expect your socks to get knocked off.
(3)
Claire R.
I wish I could review their food, but I placed an order for delivery to my workplace an hour and 15 minutes ago. It's still not here, and no one has picked up my multiple calls to the restaurant. Will obviously not be ordering from here again.
(1)
A J.
The main reason why I order from Sugar and Spice is that you can order online from their website. That way you can specify what you want and how you want it without worrying about language barriers. The only downside is that most days its takes a while for them to actually deliver it. I usually get the steamed shumai and then either the ginger chicken or the pad thai. They are all good, but nothing special. The best thing I have eaten from there is gra prao chicken, but its got a little too much spice for me to eat a lot of it.
(3)
Sean M.
I really like the modern decor and the booths by the windows. The food leans towards the Americanized version of dishes and they only have the red chili sauce if you want to add some heat. I had the Tom Yum soup that was served with too much oil and lacked solid flavor on it's on. The shrimp in my soup were cooked just right. The Drunken Noodles were good but I did juice them a bit with the red stuff. The Thai ice coffee hit the spot. * Great location and nice room * Acceptable fascimlie of Thai * Market prices
(3)
Sarah R.
I go here mostly out of convenience. I can call up, place a takeout order, and take a leisurely stroll down Davenport St. so that I can avoid the yuppies with giant baby strollers, cabbies waiting for their next fare while jabbering on their cellies, and homeless guys trying to sell me Spare Change News milling about Porter Square. All this in record time. It's not the best.Thai.EVAR!!!11!!!, but it will do when I'm craving some pad Thai or some kind of crazy seafood dish with squid and skrimps and all that mishmash. One thing I like about their pad Thai: they don't totally cover it in fish sauce. Fish sauce is one of those ingredients that needs to be used sparingly; otherwise, your food smells like it could be in a soft-focus Summer's Eve commercial. Knowuddimean? The prices are--ehh, OK. Usually I end up getting some kind of seafood dish, so of course that's going to be more expensive, but when it comes to seafood I don't necessarily want bargain-basement prices. The dining room (which I've only eaten in once) is kind of cool and modern and colorful and whimsical. I ate on a plate shaped like a fish! Anyway, it's not the very best in Thai food, as stated before, but one could do much, much worse.
(3)
Arthur M.
Its so clean here. The curry is wonderful, a light touch but filling. I always feel good after eating it.
(5)
Rebecca K.
Sugar and Spice has good quality Thai food. I'll be the first to admit, I'm no Thai food expert. I rarely order anything other than Pad Thai (or "country pad thai as it seems to be frequently called in this part of the country) but I know when I like what I eat. And I liked what I had to eat here. The service was quick. The prices are good. The interior is well lit and decorated and clean. There's really nothing to complain about. However, there was also nothing to make me rant and rave and run back here immediately. In this case, my 3 stars are good. It's a solid bet for a place to grab a quick, affordable bite to eat. But it's also nothing especially fabulous.
(3)
Scott K.
Food can be hit-or-miss. Our standby faves are the country pad thai (spicier than regular pad thai); purple fried rice; and the crispy chicken basil. Get the tapioca pudding for dessert. It's important to note that if you call in a take-out order, the nice Thai women who work there will tell you to come in "15 to 20 minutes." This always translates into 30 to 45 minutes.
(3)
Elizabeth T.
I went in early for quick Pad Thai take out. The pad thai had a huge hair in it (which I know can happen anywhere but...) it was also VERY bland and dry. The shrimp was VERY good though.
(2)
Deva D.
I spent $50 on takeout tonight, most of which was fed to the dog. Everything we got was dry, which is hard to believe because we ordered the food driving from harvard square and arrived the the restaurant 5 minutes later. Chicken Satay- so dry the chicken was crumbly. shrimp tom yam - shrimp in SOUP was dry shrimp yellow curry- no flavor at all, except for the pineapple chunks but they speak for themselves pad thai- better at the mall food court drunken noodles - noodles were dry and all stuck together. thai rolls- tasted like they were cooked this morning and microwaved. i would never go back here, even if it was free. what a gigantic waste, blech.
(1)
Amanda L.
The one thing I got about this place is that looks can be deceiving. It looks like this place is more expensive than it really is, but looking at the menu, I didn't see anything over $10! Joe and I were dying (Scratch that, more like Joe was dying) after a morning of biking the Minuteman Bikeway. I think Joe might have actually come close to death trying to ride on Mass Ave., but that's for another time. Anyway, we needed sustenance, so we decided on some Thai food. The inside is really nice, and totally the opposite of every Thai place I've ever been to. If it wasn't for the Asian inspired cat on the wall, I wouldn't have thought this was an Asian place (well, except for the Asian waitresses I suppose). But I digress, onto the meal. I decided against my usual drink of Thai Iced Coffee and went with a coconut bubble tea. I really enjoyed it, especially the boba that they used. I hate it when the boba is hard, but these were nice and chewy, and the coconut was really delicious as well. For an appetizer we decided on the Thai pancake, and I really enjoyed it, however, I was a little disappointed that it was really only one pancake. The inside filling was chopped up nicely and the sauce went really well. I went with the Avocado curry. They should have called it the Chicken curry with avocado. I'm an avocado whore, so I was disappointed because there were literally three (small) slices of avocado. Don't call it Avocado Curry if there's hardly any avocado! Granted, the entire dish was tasty (and spicy to boot! I like it) but the dish could have been elevated a whole lot more if they used at least a half of an avocado. Good thing my dish was only $6.95 (approximately). The one thing that made me uncomfortable was the service. Maybe it was just our server, but I felt like they just wanted us in and out. Within 2 minutes of us being in the restaurant she asked us if we were ready to order. O_o I haven't even looked at the drinks menu! This continued for most of the dining experience, so it put me off for a bit. What was kinf of amusing was that they seemed to rush us, and yet it took a good while for our food to come out (at least that's what I thought, maybe it was because I was so hungry that it felt like forever). I won't run to come back to this place again, but I like the fact that it's cheap and still tasty (even if it's a bit lackluster)
(3)
Kelly C.
UPDATE: I've been hung up on 3 TIMES tonight while trying to order. this place has LOST MY BUSINESS FOREVER! Dont bother dealing with them. They don't know how to run a business. Now to find another thai place in the area.... I just moved to Porter and this was actually the first place I ate. Oh my how I love it. The excited chicken certainly got me excited! But, it is something to order there not take out-because if you order it there you get everything in a delicious taco salad shell that is amazing (but not when it is to go-it would just get soggy). I have had their food now a couple times in the few weeks I've been here-It is healthy, the veggies are always cooked just right so they still have a good fresh 'snap' to them (even in delivery!). I bow down to you, Sugar and Spice, and will continue to order there frequently!
(1)
Miriam L.
The ambiance here is great. Too bad the food isn't. I've eaten in and gotten takeout from Sugar & Spice. The food both times tasted just slightly off - not that it was spoiled, but that it was seasoned oddly. The delivery was cold. I wish I liked their food better, as the prices are excellent and I'm a grad student, but I'll spend a bit more and go to Tamarind House for better Thai food in the Porter area.
(2)
Kathleen P.
The food at Sugar and Spice is the Thai-restaurant equivalent of a dime-a-dozen greasy Chinese restaurant. Or maybe worse. I ordered the papaya salad and the 'country style' pad thai. Both dishes have a little chili pepper icon next to them on the menu, which is supposed to indicate that they are spicy. I love spicy food and have a pretty high tolerance for it, but the papaya salad was so spicy that it was unpleasant. On top of that, it didn't really have any flavor (or if it was there, it was covered by the spice). So with that under my belt, I was prepared for a very spicy pad thai entree. Except when it arrived, it was the blandest pad thai I've ever had. It was basically the equivalent of eating white rice with grease poured over it. Totally disgusting. All in all, it was a really disappointing eating experience.
(1)
B Y.
Two stars for the satay. Everything else was terrible. The red curry I ordered was obviously made with frozen vegetables. The dish wasn't filling either. Another dish came out served on a tostada, which made no sense. I spent a month in Thailand and I have to say that this place is the most inauthentic Thai restaurant I've been to in the US. Definitely not going back.
(2)
Steve K.
Service was slow. Found a long hair in my drink. Waitress cleared my food without asking and threw away my left overs (I watched it go into the trash). When I asked about the leftovers, she went out back for litterally a minute or a minute and a half and magically had my food packaged up again. Food was mediocore service was horrible, price would be good if any part of the place was worth going for...
(1)
Kathleen F.
This place is decent, but not anything to write home about. The staff is very attentive and friendly, and the food is good but not spectacular. Their menu is a bit boring and definitely needs some freshening up and a bit of an overhaul. My favorite dishes are the chicken satay salad as an app., and the Excited Chicken as a main. The Noodle soup dinner dishes are not good here and definitely lack flavor, so I would recommend avoiding those. Most of the other mains are pretty decent though.
(3)
Nadia A.
This restaurant is probably the best Thai for the money. The food is awesome. My favorites are the red curry and yellow curry. That said, I have ordered food for delivery and it always is terrible. I seriously think it's another restaurant that makes the food that's delivered to homes! I love eating at Sugar and Spice, but the three times I have ordered food for delivery, the experience has been very disappointing. So if you want to check this place out, I would recommend eating at the restaurant...it's fantastic!
(4)
Akshay S.
Good Thai food. Awesome value for money.
(3)
S F.
This is a good thai place for a no-frills sit-down meal (Rod Dee nearby is really just for takeout/counter service). We had the Pad Thai Country Style (spicy) and Mango Curry. Both were good. They were out of the Avocado Curry. This isn't the best thai food I've ever had, but it's far from the worst. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Tasha L.
The Good: The pad thai is ok. The country style is well done. Maybe 7/10? The Shrimp Mermaid Soda Lemonade! It's cheap! And in a good location. The Bad: Spotty SLOW service. One time my friend's dish came like 20 minutes before mine. This after a LONG day at Canobie Lake Park. I had to tell her - " No, you can start eating really..I won't be offended' It drew comparisions to that classic 'win a meal with larry' episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Despite said amusement, I was ripping when my pad thai finally arrived. On the whole, service takes forever. Also- when I lived in Porter, I got take-out many times and never found it to the standard of the dine-in fare. The pad thai was cold, stuck together and looked as though it had been hanging around awhile. Plus it would be rarely ready upon pick-up. Am I nitpicking?? If you live in Porter Square, it's great but there are a LOT of better thai options around! Even the little hole in the wall places in Harvard Sq.
(3)
Kelley E.
Good food, and reasonably priced for Thai. I find their curry sauces to be really tasty and complex. And mm... green tea bubble tea. Their bubble teas are the smoothie type, not the authentic milk tea type. But that's fine by me. Service is not so great, mostly due to timing issues. They're really bad at having dishes come out at the same time. Or sometimes I don't get my bubble tea until halfway through the meal. But I've never had a really bad experience.
(4)
Sammy B.
Had a quick lunch here today and was impressed. Got a BasilTofu with rice lunch special, available with brown rice which is awesome. The meal was light and very flavorful without being too greasy. The decor was kind of funky, open and pleasant. Waitstaff was friendly and attentive. I'llbe sure to check this place out again for dinner when I have the time to enjoy an appetizer along with my meal.
(4)
Kaela V.
Probably my favorite Thai place in the area. Great value. Great service. I'm never disappointed.
(5)
Mike O.
Sugar and spice defined my college experience. This is the best Thai food in Boston. Everything on the menu is good, but a couple dishes really stand out. The green papaya salad is a great spicy and healthy way to start the meal. The sugar and spice noodles are great. They consist of perfectly cooked wide rice noodles topped with loads of chicken and vegetables. The pineapple fried rice is delicious. it includes pineapple, chicken, shrimp and vegetables. The pad thai is also great. The food here is great, and they deliver for when you don't feel like going out into the brutal Boston winter.
(5)
Tina D.
Came here yesterday with my brother and roomate. We were looking for something good that wouldn't require a reservation on a Friday night. The place is very small, but cute. If you don't look twice, you may miss it. I ordered the ginger chicken. It was very good, not spicy at all. The party was also pleased with their dishes. Wine and beer served only. Pass on the after dinner mints, they have some funny jelly in them.
(3)
Ankur A.
We ordered yellow curry chicken and Thai noodles. The food was okay, wouldn't say was the best thai I have had. Service was nice. Do try the ice tea, it's pretty decent.
(4)
Ali S.
Again, this is one of those "3.5 star places". Okay, wanna know why I rounded up to 4 stars and not down to 3? Good. The food is really good, but probably not 4-star food. However, for asian cuisine (*non-japanese asian cuisine) this place is really easy on the oils and fats. So many times I have been disappointed by an order of Thai because you can actually see pools of oil around my Drunken Noodles or the food has a really greasy heavy taste to it. Not this place. The BF and I used to go here pretty often so our picks are the Drunken Noodles, Basil Noodles, Curry Noodles, Fresh rolls, and (of course) thai roles. The atmosphere isn't that quaint, per se, but the booths are kinda cozy.
(4)
Erica S.
I love Thai food-- but Sugar and Spice just doesn't do it for me. I was waiting to review this place until I'd eaten here a couple more times. Now that I've been 3 times, I can honestly say that I find their food to be consistently mediocre. The food here is too greasy for me. Plus, I don't find the "spicy" dishes to be spicy at all. The soups can be on the bland side, and overall it's not super vegetarian friendly, considering it's Thai food. It's one of the only Thai places I've ever seen that doesn't have a vegetarian section on their menu. One thing it does have-- it's cheap. And the spicy eggplant entree is delicious. Other than that, I'd recommend Tamarind House right down the street. Better food, less greasy, and just as cheap.
(2)
Cindy W.
This is our most frequent delivery. It's not the most amazing Thai food I've ever had, but I'm quite fond of the drunken noodles. When you order online it's easy to change dishes to tofu instead of meat and sometimes they throw in a tapioca dessert.
(4)
K G.
First time here for me. Went with the family and we liked this restaurant for eating in. It's just big enough that if you get a corner round booth you can have a fairly private table. We ordered standard staples to get a good feel. The Pad Thai is pretty sweet and could be a touch hotter, but otherwise a nice version. The chicken satay is definitely well above average, with liberal nut and curry flavors with huge portions. A chicken massaman curry was quite flavorful, but also could be hotter for me. Combined with white rice, this one was decent. The lemonade was very good here as an option to the anti-soda crowd. The decor was ok, looking kind of like an IKEA advertisement to me for some reason. Service was friendly with frequent check-ins. I found the pricing to be a pretty good value. I will be back here sometime to try some other plates.
(3)
Jillian M.
This place is mediocre at best. I've gone there maybe 4 or 5 times because the location is pretty convenient for everyone. Every time I have gone (seriously, every time, this isn't like it happened once and I've just been judging them ever since, I swear) I have walked in the door, and stood by the hostess station while hostesses and servers walked around us, past us, everywhere but in front of us to greet and seat us. What is that about?? So by the time we sit to eat, I'm generally frustrated and then the food is just ok, wavering between cloyingly sweet and totally forgettable. I ask.... why would anyone go here when there are so many other good places in the area where the staff doesn't act as though you are imposing on them by eating in their restaurant?
(2)
Gazelle T.
I LOVE Thai and this is my favorite Thai restaurant. I get the same things every time because they're so good, but when I see what other tables are ordering I'm sometimes tempted to branch out... The garlic udon noodles are amazing, and their pad see iew is the best on a good night. They also have really delicious ginger ice cream. If we get two entrees it's less than $20, can't beat that!
(5)
Huan z.
They have chicken coconut soup & chicken hot and sour soup. Both are super delicious! Their waitresses are super friendly. They always make sure you got the best services. This is one of my favorite spots to go for chicken soup.
(4)
Ryan M.
I've been here a dozen or so times now, usually for lunch, and they have remained consistently good. Atmosphere is just enough weird to be cool. ...or just enough cool to be unusual. Lunch is way cheap and I very rarely finish what's on my plate. Try the Gra Prao. It doesn't look like much, but it's Gra-GREAT! Aha! ... Get a frozen lychee bubble tea, too.
(5)
Joan G.
FALSE ADVERTISING of prices. This place has a full menu posted on their website, and allows for online ordering. However, they do not honor the prices posted on their website and constantly charge more than advertised (even if you order/pay online, they will then call to say that the price is actually higher than advertised). The explanation is that the website just hasn't been updated yet, but this has been going on for more than a year. MA law prohibits false advertising of prices and bait & switch sales approaches. Shady and dishonest business practice.
(1)
Alia H.
This has been a popular lunch spot for me since I started working in the area. With every meal, I get a glass of plum wine because it just seems fitting for a spicy meal -- and I like mine spicy! My favorite menu item is the Gra Prao (replaced chicken with) tofu. It's made in this chili sauce -- so good! And the portion is perfect. I also like the Avocado Curry -- mmmm. Creamy! And the creaminess is balanced with the coolness of the creme fraiche drizzled on top. I guess that dish is only good when the avocados are ripe though... A special dessert surprise -- the sticky mango rice deliciousness. Whoa. If you are still hungry, get this -- or buy it for your date AND SHARE IT.
(4)
R. T.
Sugar and Spice is reliable for good, casual, affordable Thai. We love the avocado curry and the pineapple fried rice but for people who like spicy dishes, the soups are also great. The service is quick, which is great if you're looking to get in and out but can make you feel a little bit rushed if you're looking for a leisurely dinner. Good for takeout, too.
(4)
Matt R.
Awesome thai at a great price
(4)
Connie Y.
This place is fantastic. It's a small, homely little place that has absolutely delicious Thai food at more than reasonable prices. I think I've been here like 2 or 3 times in the last 2 weeks. Thai food is my favorite cuisine and I've been too thai restaurants all over Boston. More than impressed with this place.
(5)
Andrew R.
Went here on a whim because the sign above the door looked decent. Had the "veggi" dumplings - asked the server if we could have them made spicier, as my friend and I were craving something spicy, and the server replied, "We can't add anything because they are already made." Strike one - please, don't call yourself authentic and serve pre-made food, and even if you must serve it, don't tell your customers! We had the dumplings anyway. Stretchy, bland, undercooked, and the "veggi" within looked like wilted spinach. Hmm. My friend and I split the country-style pad thai, as the server said that that was spicy. It came out extremely hot (temp-wise), but we poured in 2 whole bowls of the hot chili sauce and it still wasn't enough flavor or heat. The tofu in the pad thai was good, but the noodles and veggies were nothing special. However, the coconut smoothie (and probably all their smoothies) was exceptional, especially with the bubbles in it!
(2)
Tony K.
I order delivery all the time. I don't have much to say because all I ever order is Spicy Basil Fried Rice! GOOD!
(4)
Leon T.
I think that anyone that's ever heard of this place knows that Sugar & Spice is known for their cheap eats. For that reason along I think everyone should stop by at least once. The menu is pretty small, but it's diverse in what it has to offer. The food itself is surprisingly good. I wasn't expecting food of that quality for the price they were charging (the crispy pad thai is so fattening, but soooo good). The servers are always polite and attentive. The only thing that can be looked at in a negative way about the place is the small size. You might feel a little cramped up if you're there for dinner.
(4)
Beth E.
Two words: Excited chicken. Yes, that's the real name of the dish. I've been there a handful of times, and it's the thing I order every time I go. When my friend suggests going here, I tell myself I'm going to order something else, but by the time I get there, I'm feeling all excited again.
(4)
Luke P.
Well they deliver are fairly fast and the food is pretty good. Nothing amazing but if you add all those things up its a winner. Not my favorite Thai in Boston but worth a try.
(4)
Erik M.
I used to work around-the-alley from them. We were bummed that diner that served breakfast left - that is, until they parked behind our store (sort of illegally) and offered us shush-food. After that we were big fans. They have great Thai Iced-tea and pretty good standard thai fare. *ALSO* I get this confused with Spice & Rice A LOT! ... but this time I know this is the one in Porter (the other in Inmann). EDIT: I went from 5 stars to 1. Why? The food is still good. I waited TWO HOURS for delivery tonight. First they had no sticky rice, but didn't contact me. They were waiting for something (I couldn't understand because it was too noisy)... Then I waited another 45 minutes and called again. Something about the delivery car breaking down? I dunno. They offered 20% off and 15% next meal. It happens. OK. So finally two hours later it gets here, with two free thai ice teas (which I didn't really want, I was drinking wine) and handwritten on receipt - 15% off. Guess what receipt the delivery guy (#2, apparently) took back to the restaurant? The only reason I waited two hours is because I thought it would be a pain to cancel the payment on the purchase. I don't know if that reflects poorly on them, me, or my bank. ALSO: The food was cold. Update to my continuing story: I called to complain about the horrible experience. The woman who answered the phone was quite defensive and didn't really seem to get that I didn't get what was promised. After double checking that I was given the 20% off my meal she basically said, "OK BYE" until I got off the phone. I won't be ordering from Sugar and Spice in the future.
(1)
Jatin R.
Solid, good Thai food. My main issue is that all dishes, particularly the curries, are a bit too sweet for my taste. The Pad Thai county style is pretty good, as is the Drunken Noodles. Great for take out.
(4)
Ryan B.
I am a huge HUGE fan of Thai food and love trying new places and dishes. Sugar & Spice was my regular every week lunch place when I worked in Fresh Pond. Parking is not ideal but I always found a decent spot around lunch time. The service was always attentive and made recommendations when I asked. A co-worker had weird experience here once when he went to lunch alone and brought his laptop to work while he ate and they forbid him from using his laptop. In some ways I could understand but in others I was a bit confused... Over all great tasting food at a very good price. Recommend it to anyone just do not bring your laptop.
(4)
Anthony V.
...to update this review.... ive decided that my initial visit was the fluke. the service here is friendly but just so so slow. i recently called ahead a pad thai (which typically can take UP TO 3 minutes to make) and waited 30 minutes in the restaurant after calling ahead 15 minutes earlier and told that it would only be 15 minutes. the food is good but slow. i think there may be other thai places within walking distance that i will try.
(2)
Adam S.
I love Sugar and Spice. I come in to Sommerville from NYC every few weekends and I always make sure to visit S&S at least once while I am there. My favorites apps are re veggie spring rolls and veggie dumplings. My favorite main dishes are the Drunken Noodles and Garlic Udon Noodles.
(5)
Lesley K.
I'm being generous with stars, and maybe it's because I order ridiculously often (the delivery guy knows my dog) from Sugar and Spice because the only other Thai delivery in my area in Lemon Thai and they can't even wrap a summer roll to make it not look pregnant with shredded iceberg sooo.... I like my Thai on the lighter side, this way I can order takeout yet not consume 5,000 calories, so I always get the Green Papaya salad which is crunchy and spicy, and Summer Rolls, which don't fall apart when you lift them - so call me easily pleased. I have sampled the drunken noodles and pad thai and a few of the other sauce/noodle based entrees and they've been typical mediocre Thai takeout flavored which totally works for me. Have eaten in the restaurant once and it was truly unremarkable although the place itself is a step up from a normal delivery joint.
(4)
Alex Z.
My favorite Thai restaurant in the Boston area! Fast, friendly service, pretty cheap and tastes healthier than most Thai food I've had here (lots of veggies in many of the dishes). I love the drunken noodles, the summer roll, the yellow chicken curry, the garlic udon, and the pad thai country style (spicy!). Delivery time can be hit or miss, but service is always great in the restaurant.
(5)
joan l.
i've recently found out from one of the servers that the owner of Spice and Rice owns Sugar and Spice also. This place is GREAT! A lot of food on the menu I'm familiar with but the cod with lime sauce was to die for. there were too many ice on my lynchee but besides that everything was great. They have the corner booths that i love! the staff were very friendly, next time i'm in porter square, im definately there! no sushi though.
(5)
Claire S.
Friends of ours had been talking up that this was the best Thai place around so I was excited to go. Sadly I did not agree. The service was pretty mediocre and the food was boring and borderline gross. Everything had a thin sheen of grease on it. The steamed vegetarian dumplings had some kind of green vegetable in them, but clearly the vegetarian version was not the priority. My Sugar and spice noodles were okay, but also greasy, and while they are billed as coming with vegetables, there was very little beyond a thin coating of slimy cabbage. I've had better.
(2)
John F.
This place was alright.I went for lunch, and had the yellow curry. My only complaint is that the dish was a little lacking in the amout of sauce my food had, leaving me with some woefully uncovered rice. But the food itself was mighty tasty! And the dessert (sweet sticky rice with mango) was excellent, despite it not really being the right season for mangos. And the prices weren't bad, either, which is nice. The only real complaint is the service seemed kinda slow. And they brought our meals out quite far apart; my girlfriend was almost done with hers by the time I got my food! At any rate, this is some decent Thai food in the Porter Sq. area. If you feel the hunger, give it a shot!
(3)
Sara S.
They have really tasty drunken noodles (the perfect amount of spice, for me anyway) and mango with sticky rice! Took a little long to deliver (an hour) but I've never really minded that too much. Overall, a good price and good food, no Brown Sugar but that's a high standard. I will definitely order from them again.
(3)
Jamie A.
While I won't write them off for one bad evening, I will probably be hesitant to go back. When living across the street from the delicious Lemon Thai on Highland, it's disappointing that a jaunt out for Thai in a restaurant rather than takeout just isn't nearly as tasty. Spice & Rice in Inman is also much, much better than this place. With that said, I do want to point out that our waitress was incredibly nice. When my boy didn't like his dish AT ALL (...and I tasted it and it was horrid...and I'm one of the least picky people on the planet) she promptly brought out the menu for him to pick another meal. When we turned that down and ended up sharing my Pad Thai, she took his meal off of the bill. My Pad Thai (country style) was a little too sweet for my tastes and not at all spicy...and when I want something spicy, I need it to BURN.
(2)
Flora B.
There is only one place to go to listen to an early 90s medley of Bryan Adams, REO Speedwagon, and Eric Clapton while chowing down on scrumptious Avocado Curry and other inspired Thai food: Sugar and Spice, baby!
(4)
Sarah G.
This place is a 5-minute walk from my house, so whenever I have a craving for Thai red curry, I call them up and order some take-out. Quite honestly, their red curry is so good, I haven't gotten much else from them! The people are so friendly there, and it's definitely my go-to place in Porter for some last minute take-out.
(4)
Kylie S.
Wow! Maybe this is standard thai food for some but for me it is superior-- they will make any entree vegetarian which means I don't have to get the same dish every time. I had the radna noodle and the Tom Yum soup. The servings were really generous, the soup was spicy and the noodles were delicious. All for under $10 (lunch time.) I'm very psyched that I now live in walking distance of this place.
(5)
Tez C.
I'm Thai so I guess I have high expectations but my time at Sugar & Spice was pretty lackluster. Even though my friend had made reservations they made us wait 15 minutes before we got seated. I wanted to have some lemongrass tea but they said they were out; okay fine. And then I ordered the Crying Tiger, some grilled beef and sticky rice. While we're waiting the waitress tells me that they ran out of sticky rice. So then I say I'll have the Pineapple Fried Rice instead. The girl goes back and then another girl comes to tell me they grilled the beef already, should have told me there was no sticky rice in the first place, and then asked me whether I wanted white or brown rice. Feeling bad, since they knew I was Thai, I said white. But all around it was a horrendous experience. The food was average though the selection was more varied than a traditional Thai restaurant. Overall, if you need a fix, I would suggest getting take out.
(2)
Crystal S.
Sugar & Spice's number is in my cell phone address book. Is that enough of a review? ok, I'll explain. I love the 'country pad thai' and it's my staple, "I want to grab something on my way home and I don't feel like Porter Exchange" dish. Now, I can't explain why this 'country pad thai' is different from others, I honestly have no clue, I just know that I rarely REALLY love pad thai, it is usually just 'ok.' Here I am talking about take out/delivery but if you have the time, I highly recommend eating at this establishment. I like the big booths and big windows and they have yummy bubble tea! Score! ****ADDITION**** They also deliver the bubble tea too!! Yes! If you love bubble tea, like I do, you will realize the beauty of being able to have bubble tea delivered to your doorstep for a small fee. If you don't know bubble tea, well, it's almost like getting ice cream delivered to you!
(4)
Lila S.
Not impressed. I may be a little harsh with only 2 stars but seriously folks... First thing that really struck me was the portion size... even for take out size ...puny..I got the veggie Thai rolls and Red Chicken Curry/ The curry dishes are cheap ( around 6 bucks) but they charge extra $1.00=$1.75 for rice?? Always a bummer.The curry itself was good but the chicken was definitely left over scraps of dark meat... Always a bummer. I personally always order extra rice in the first place, but if your are trying to get a cheap lunch, forget about it. The Thai rolls were so stale, cold and definitely frozen for months before I took a single bite... they were tasteless and enough oil to give a lizard acne. I was still friggin starving afterwards! The delivery was slow, but it was the weekend, so I wont come down too hard on them for that. I think $14.00 + tip was wayy too much for lunch for 1. This place looks nice on the outside... its all just for show.
(2)
Z R.
Excellent, dependable Thai. Just stick to the basics (Pad Thai, Mango Curry, Veggie Dumplings), and you won't be disappointed. The portions are big enough so that you'll have enough left over for lunch tomorrow!
(5)
Julia F.
Seated by the door, I got a good look at my companion and the entry and not much else. It was fairly busy when we arrived. We sat down where it seem the single occupancy tables are usually located. I got an order of pad thai and a Sapporo. My friend got some chicken dish with brown rice (optional) and a Sapporo. We ate and chatted until we were done. The waitresses were attentive, but never missed or obnoxious. Perfect service. The space is a little smallbto have any kind of personal/private conversation- we got some raised eyebrows from dude sitting solo next table over. The food was good, and plentiful. I want to go back and try some other dishes next time.
(3)
Janine G.
I love pad thai but was very dissappointed...maybe it's me...but every other time I've ordered it, it has veggies and bits of peanut on top..this was just noodles with chicken (dry) and tofu (I didn't want shrimp) with a few not so fresh bean sprouts. it was lacking any real flavor. My SO got the udon noodles and didn't want spicy basil, so they suggested garlic sauce...very tasty. I will have to look at other reviews because I need my Pad thai fix!
(3)
J M.
Nice, modern look and atmosphere and the food is great for how inexpensive it is.
(5)
Trish F.
For the most part, I dig this restaurant. I've gotten take out from them probably more times than I've eaten in. Get a booth if you can, the side seating is a little too close for my taste. The waitstaff is pretty attentive (almost too attentive.. oy.. I was definitely very hydrated).A good friend of mine is a vegetarian and she seems to like their options. My favorite is probably the pineapple fried rice (a little bit of curry, chicken, shrimp, veggies) and the tofu teriyaki. Delivery is great. They've always come earlier than their projected time. They also do drink deliveries (thai iced tea, bubble tea) with food. Only had one awful experience. Must have been a new cashier/take out person.. but he had me waiting for half an hour because he failed to realize that my take out was behind him even after informing him of my name and order. FYI.. make sure to take both a lunch AND a dinner menu for take out. Prices and sometimes food items change...lunch is cheaper..etc. Oh and if you order online, you get a 10% discount.
(3)
Kim L.
This place is okay. When I first moved here, there was a lot of hubbub about Sugar and Spice, which definitely piqued my interest. Maybe it was hyped up too much, but I didn't think it was anything to get excited about. This place has a modern atmosphere and great service--the food just doesn't cut it for me. The pad thai has been consistently too sweet and too rubbery for me, and while I've eaten here (and ordered out from here) quite a few times, I just haven't had anything that has blown me away. The only thing I've had that comes close is the lemongrass chicken. Partial redemption: One of the few places where somtum (spicy papaya salad) is on the menu! Bottom line: I'd go to Lemon Thai first.
(2)
Michelle K.
This place can be a tossup. Even though I am a happy meat eater, I appreciate that they will make any dish vegetarian upon request. LIke my vegetarian friends, I too would be sad with only 2 options at every restaurant. Back to specifics: I remember getting duck here a year ago and enjoying it immensely. However, this time I went with the Happy Couple, which was not as happy as I expected. It was kinda watery sweet-n-sour sauce and they provided more rice than actual main dish. Bad form! To their credit, I love love loved the taro smoothie that accompanied it and the appetizer me and my friend shared called the Lucky Surprise or something similar. Despite the 3star rating, I would go in just for the smoothies - they must put vanilla soft serve in there or something equally delicious. All in all, still a highlight of the Porter Square area.
(3)
Liz A.
This place is sub-par Thai. Got my standard drunken noodles and they were basically flavorless, and definitely not spicy. My friends have gotten noodle soups there and say it's pretty boring. The decor is trendy, the prices are okay, and the service is fast, but the food is just not great. There is much better Thai to be had around Cambridge.
(2)
Sara C.
Had a great, cheap lunch from this place. The wonton soup is very unique - not greasy as some had said. It had spice and watercress, a nice twist. The mango curry is as promised, very good. I'm with everyone else, I'd like more sauce and mango. Love it that I can order online.
(4)
Celeste G.
I'm not so sure about the food as I always eat at Spice & Rice BUT!! They have the tastiest frozen thai iced tea with bubbles...that i'm completely addicted to. YUM!!
(3)
Nathan R.
I've tried Sugar and Spice's take- out twice now, and both times have been rather disappointing. The Sugar part of their name rings true as the Phad Thai tended to be on the sweet side...unfortunately the spice side was not as apparent. Too bad. Prices are reasonable but the for what you get- not so much.
(2)
Matt N.
I went to Sugar & Spice last night with two friends, both from Southeast Asia. Since I am American, I wouldn't trust my opinion of the food as much as theirs. But, they were both pleasantly surprised with how good it was and naturally I also enjoyed the food. Sugar & Spice is a simple but nice place, where you don't have to wait for a table, and the wait for your food is not long either. It's not a place to linger, but rather a great spot for a quick meal enroute to the evening's other activities. We shared several dished - crispy pad thai, a papaya salad, basil chicken, and a beef dish (can't remember the name of it) - all of which were excellent. Best of all, we walked out of there with a bill of less than $40, which is pretty amazing for such good food.
(4)
N B.
I've been a fan of this place ever since they opened. Great, fresh, tasty dishes and friendly service. I typically get take out, but have dined in, too, and always been happy. I particularly love their summer rolls and Cheng Mai noodles... YUM.
(5)
Chris W.
For the money this place is tough to beat! Cheap Thai food that tastes good is right here. The atmosphere and setup inside is very warm and welcoming with a laid-back atmosphere. They also have deep fried ice cream which everyone should try at least once!
(4)
Melmoth K.
Two of us shared three appetizers and one main dish. Summer rolls and fried tofu were good/did the job. A mixed vegetable salad was really nicely prepared and presented and the coconut/peanut dressing that accompanied it was great. The fried rice was very good. However, every dish missed what I really like about Thai cuisine, which is the garnishing that gives each dish a distinctive freshness. This is pretty simple: lime wedges, fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, shredded fresh carrot, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, etc. The Pad Thai dish I saw on another table was a pile of gray noodles mixed with bits of gray chicken on a white plate. So although I liked the food, I was disappointed in the overall presentation and I left a little disappointed. The staff was good. The price was good. The interior is kind of contrived and clubby but fine.
(2)
Christina M.
Great food, friendly service! My boyfriend and I go here all the time and love the friendly vibe and timely service. Great Pad Thai and Fried Rice!!
(4)
Lindsey M.
Go and try the drunkin noodles. Prices were great, atmosphere cute and food tasty-- all in all no complaints :)
(5)
Adam M.
This is another one of those great value places. It's not the best Thai food in Boston, but it's very good, especially for the price. I've never had a problem with bad service. In fact, sometimes they can be too attentive. Try the drunken noodles; by far the best dish I've had there.
(4)
Eric S.
Ginger Chicken and the Pad-Thai are a favorite of mine; always cooked exceptionally (maybe I get lucky since other reviewers don't seem to have well cooked meals). And you can't really beat their gyoza for an app, and fried coconut ice cream for dessert either. I'd totally recommend it to anyone!
(4)
Anders R.
Good service, decent food, (drunken noodles were nice), well priced. 3.5 would be the rating - 4 stars would have been a stretch, need to see more fresh ingredient apps....
(3)
Savannah R.
Delicious Thai food! The rolls were amazing, and the portions on the entrees are generous. Perfect for leftovers next day at work! The soups are wonderful, and noodles are all wonderful. The bubble tea is really good here too! I had the green tea with boba as a frozen drink and it was amazing. The bad points, the atmosphere. I will only come back to order food to go because it was horrible! They have the lighting and the structures set up so great, and then they play 90's-like lovey music equipped with Jessica Simpson, Backstreet Boys, etc etc and today's versions I suppose. It really ruined the experience, it was just so awful. Not exactly the type of music I'd like to hear blaring over a Thai Roll. Wonderful staff though and very attentive so if you can move past the aching hearts of hormonal singers you'll have a great time. If not, just order the yummy food to go :)
(3)
Rema A.
good Thai food, very tasty. fast and friendly service. my fiance and i got shrimp wraps for appetizers, a curry and noodle dish; all very good. they have quite a big selection of food and every thing's about $8-12. sweet! we went around 7pm and got the second to last table. it got even more crowded from then on out. it gets kinda loud so you have to raise your voice a bit, but the tables aren't that far apart, so we could totally hear the conversations to our left and right. oh well...still a great place if you're in the mood for thai!
(4)
Emily K.
delivery fail. yes, it's snowy and gross outside, but WHY DOES IT TAKE OVER AN HOUR to bring a dinner order? sad (AND HUNGRY) panda
(2)
Naitasia H.
So I came here as a belated dinner celebration for my 25th birthday as a treat from some guilty friends. As with several others, this restaurant was on my "to try" list for far too long. I was anticipating this dinner (even if the company was odd). As you have probably come to figure out, I am not a patient person. So Imagine my frustration at having to wait to be seated and in the rain no less. Their waiting are is very small and the place was crowded. But, this is Cambridge and space is at a premium so I can forgive that wholeheartedly (just check the weather before you go so you don't have to eat Pad Thai in wet boots). I've noticed more and more that the liquor license situation is pretty tricky so I was a little disappointed that the spirits were limited. However, their wine selection was pretty standard and just about anyone could decide on a glass so that is also forgivable. Depsite appearing to be clueless, the waitstaff followed the specific requests of my very picky friends to the letter. Much obliged!! As for the food. It was the best part of the night, which is a good thing. No, a great thing!! I make it my mission in life to eat Pad Thai everywhere I can and pick out the best of the best. This place definitely is in the top 10 and that makes this place A-Ok by me. Cheers to Sugar & Spice.
(4)
W A.
We went to Sugar & Spice twice for the last few months because of its location. The fist time, the food was below average for our taste (we ordered Pad Thai and Drunken noodles) and very poor service but we gave them another chance. We went there recently for dinner and got two fried rice dishes and they were just okay. Other Thai restaurants serve better Thai food with much much better service. When we paid the bill, somehow the waitress just assumed that she could just keep the change for tip and she went on doing something else. We found the place to be less than professional and will not recommend the place to anyone.
(1)
Alyssa N.
Yummy veggie gyoza and veggie dumplings. Average entrees. The coconut bubble tea was disappointing- like a pina colada with tapioca bubbles in the bottom. The problem was that when I kept sucking up ice chips with the thick straw. Decent prices. I'd go back again soon if I lived nearby. I liked the decor as well. Service was good, especially considering the large birthday party occupying the middle section of the restaurant. (Like 30+ people). I imagine that if I lived nearby I might go back more often. Cool decor and yummy apps make it worth at least one trip.
(3)
Liz L.
This is far from the most authentic Thai you'll ever have, but it's delicious anyhow, and cheap! They will make almost any entree vegetarian if you ask. My personal favorites are the Chang Mai noodles and the huge bowl of tofu noodle soup, the latter of which I often order delivered when I am sick. All their entree-sized noodle soups are just as huge as that one. The service has always been prompt and courteous in-house, and the delivery service has always come faster than their estimated time.
(4)
Frank B.
This place is responsible for my new love for Thai food.We met a group of my sons college friends and parents for dinner.I think we ordered almost everything on the menu,lots of choices and tasting. All great,.Have been back several times,sometimes for takeout,mind you I live on the south shore. A little crowded but you expect that in Cambridge.
(4)
David R.
Excellent food. The Pad Thai was superb, and everything was deliciously spicy - more authentic and tasty than most Thai places in the US. Nice atmosphere as well and not too pricey! A winner!
(4)
Kelly N Z R.
I am enamored. I am still thinking about the (vegetarian) Tom Yum soup, Vegetable Dumplings, Banana in Coconut milk, and Mango with sweet sticky rice that I had there earlier this week. The menu does not appear vegetarian-friendly at first glance, BUT I was assured that almost anything can be made vegetarian, meat can be replaced with tofu, and the soup is made with veggie stock. The fare was cheap, the service was decent, and the food delicious. The food tasted fresh and absolutely delicious. This is clearly not a Fancy-Dinner-5-star place, but a Quick-Cheap-Good-5-star place. EDIT: I found the eggplant dishes to be undercooked and not at all tasty. They were very pleasant when I asked if it was alright to send it back, but then it was returned with no palpable difference. ::sigh::
(4)
Nida I.
My friend and I went there for lunch on a weekday and had a wonderful experience. We ordered the som tum as an appetizer (I always order that to gauge a place) and it was delicious. For entrees I had the rad nar and my friend got massaman curry with tofu. We were both very pleased with the quality and quantity of the food. Service was pleasant and attentive without being intrusive, and the decor of the restaurant is understated and nice. Would definitely go again!
(5)
Jennifer W.
I just moved here from San Francisco where I dined in many fabulous Thai restaurants. I live in Porter Square so I figured I would start with the closest Thai place first because I'm REALLY missing it! This will not be my regular Thai place. The food is excruciatingly mediocre and not worth a second visit. I tried three different dishes and they were all pretty unremarkable and didn't come anywhere close to what I'm used to. I didn't even save the left-overs; not worth the calories. I'm worried I won't be able to find what Ã'm looking for but I've only just begun my search! I gave them two stars because the online ordering system is great and my food was delivered on time, which is a good thing.
(2)
D W.
This place is probably not authentic Thai, but does a few things pretty well for a good price. The Pad Thai's not so great but curries and peanut sauce dishes seem to be a specialty. Delivery seems to be much less tasty so I avoid that.
(4)
Sarah S.
Yummm. Great pad thai. Delicious yellow coconut curry... and I don't even like curry. All the dishes I had were vegetarian, and they were not stingy with the veggies and tofu. Good peanut sauce.
(4)
Virginia C.
Sugar and Spice is def a good/cheap place to grab some Thai food. I work across the street and get lunch the often. The tofu red curry is my favorite. Their soups are amazing as well. Almost everything I have had there is very good and I continue to go back. And they really are not that expensive compared to other Thai places in Cambridge, which is why I get lunch there about once a week or so. You can order online, which is a must for me personally. The only reason they get 4 stars and not 5 is that the service isn't up to par. It's actually sort of weird. If you go their and sit down the service will be wonderful. However if you go there for pick up they are rude. When ever I order take out I wait 45 minute before I walk over to grab my food. I always end up waiting al least another 20 minutes. Not only that the waitresses look at me like I have five heads when I tell them I am here to pick up and walk away. So I stand there thinking oh they are coming back with my food, when in actuality they just went to do something else. Now at first I though it was just me being judgment, but my coworker who get food from there often as well had the same complaints. However, this has never stopped me from going back. Bottom line - great food and decent service at good prices. Also they aren't usually busy, so if you plan on sitting down there is basically never a wait.
(4)
Stephanie F.
I'd give this place a 3.5, just because their bubble tea meets my standard. My boyfriend got the coconut bubble tea (which I recommend! very delicious) and I had the taro bubble tea, which is creamy. The bubbles are the sticky kind that are very chewy, if that suits your taste. As for the food -- for Thai food, it's so-so. Had the crispy duck, and a few curry dishes way back, but nothing to die for that made me want to come back over and over again. So -- if you're looking for a place to eat on a semi-cheap budget, you can go here. But don't expect too much.
(3)
j l.
This is not my favorite Thai place, but it's my favorite local quick take-out Thai place. I love love LOVE som tum (papaya salad) and theirs is my ideal. It's absolutely perfect and delicious. The other menu items leave a little to be desired. The pad thai is a little too oily and orange. The spicy basil fried rice is delicious but I feel like I have a salt hangover for many hours after eating it. I do like the spicy salmon and eggplant but would like it a whole lot more with brown rice... maybe next time. I also really enjoyed the bubble teas to go until I saw one being prepared. It is essentially a flavor powder (coconut, green tea, etc), ice, and a LOT of half and half. Ew... I'll make my own with actual coconut milk from now on. If you don't mind drinking cream, however, they are pretty tasty. Also wouldn't order the soups here. Some are bland, some are overly fishy. I'll stick to the som tum and occasional basil rice or spicy salmon. Or maybe I'll just start ordering two som tum salads from now on.
(3)
Maria V.
Where the hell else can you buy a Durian bubble tea in the Greater Boston area? [edit] I stand corrected, apparently you can find it in other places in the area. Thanks Tom! I learn something new every day around here ;) [/edit] The food here is solid -- not fantastic but pretty good. I did like their Drunken Noodles though, I'd say it's a stand-out dish on their menu. It's cheap as hell though, so when school's in and it's nighttime, it's crowded, so be prepared.
(4)
Alanna F.
We drove 2 1/2 hrs to this restaurant based upon reviews here on YELP. We were attending a concert at Tufts and wanted a good Thai place on the north side of the city. I could not have been happier with our experience. I may make the drive again someday with the sole purpose of eating here! We arrived at lunchtime and ordered 4 entrees.......Country Pad Thai, Mango Curry, Pineapple Fried Rice and House Special Noodles. It was all good and the Mango Curry was even better when I just had the leftovers, a day later! It all had just the right level of spice for me and all the dishes had perfectly blended flavors. Our server was very attentive and friendly and we finished the meal with the Fried Coconut Ice Cream. It was a very pretty presentation. Our total bill for all of that was $31. Who the heck can beat that???!!!!!
(5)
Peter N.
I used to live up in Davis Square, and every so often I would take the walk over to Sugar and Spice to have some *good* Thai. The staff are very friendly and attentive, and almost every time I've been there I've been well satisfied with the food as well. It can be crowded sometimes (rather understandably!) so it doesn't hurt to make reservations or place your order ahead. And do try the bubble tea!
(4)
Jordan V.
I really don't know how this place is still in business. Cheap eats? Please don't give them credit for that. All Thai food is cheap. But most Thai food is GOOD. I mean, I live in Union Square right up the block from Sweet Ginger, so I'm utterly spoiled. But Christ, I could (and do) make better Thai food than Sugar & Spice. It's not that hard! Their Tom Yum literally made me throw up once so I haven't gone back in years. My husband forgot, and picked up some takeout on the way home from work tonight. Drunken Noodle = a few sad vegetables with stuck-together noodles in a boring-ass sauce. Rad Na = big container of weird soup with vegs and three big ugly hunks of tofu floating in it, to pour over your plain noodles. The blandest thing I've ever tasted. Description was "exotic vegetables." Yeah, overcooked broccoli and carrots are pretty exotic. If I sound angry, it's because it sucked! I was hungry so I ate about half a serving, and now I have a stomachache. Boo, hiss.
(1)
alex l.
went there for the first time tonight and it was pretty packed for a monday night. I had the chicken massaman curry and my husband had the chicken pad prik king and both were SO tasty, we will definitely be going back!
(4)
Chanel R.
Several years ago I thought that this place was mediocre. I guess after Benjapons in Davis Sq. closed we started getting take-out from here (out of necessity but with low expectations). It is much better now. I am typically happy with everything that I order, table service is good and the people are nice. Delivery is pretty fast too.
(3)
Robo T.
This place is brilliant. The food is delicious and consistant, the decor and atmosphere are awesome and the service is wonderful. A few years ago I received an invite to their grand opening event and since then, I've been a dedicated customer.
(4)
jim b.
Small portions, but that is fine as the prices aren't high. It's ok, the food is rather bland really. Not bad, not good, just there.
(3)
S G.
Nope, I did not like how my food tasted,no flavor at all. At other tai places pad tai has a lot of vegetables and juicy,here it is dry and portion was small.
(2)
Anonymous P.
The name gets it half right. This is spiced-down food reminiscent of authentic Thai, which isn't to say it's always bad. Some dishes just don't work without the spices though. Take yum woon sen. S&S's version is flavored almost exclusively by lime juice and sugar. It's boring and cloying, desperately in need of funky fish sauce, more garlic, and how about some chilis? My advice: real Thai may take some time to get used to, but it's worth it. I recommend Tamarind House instead, or much better, a trip out to Dok Bua in Brookline. Update 6/13/07: This place sucks in my opinion. I think the food is bland, gloopy, and sloppy. Squid were rubbery and far from fresh. Bleck.
(2)
jennifer j.
Update. Okay, so I've now lived in Cambridge for four years (totally lost track of how many times I've been now), and this is still the restaurant by which I measure all other restaurants in the Boston area. It is fairly cheap and SO FREAKING DELICIOUS here. I'm too cheap to eat out too often, and most of the expensive places have disappointed, but Sugar & Spice never ever fails me. And their staff is super nice, too. Go if you haven't tried it! (And about it not being 'authentic,' I guess my taste buds prefer delicious over authentic, b/c we went to try Brown Sugar, known for its authentic Thai, and I still preferred Sugar & Spice.) This place is my favorite restaurant in Cambridge. Over the years, I've probably come here almost twenty times-- it's that consistently good. As expected, I've tried most of the menu by now, and pretty much everything has been great. (If you want a spicy pad thai, order it "country style," and you will definitely get that spice!) My favorites are the chicken swing (appetizer: thinly cut chicken strips with sticky rice balls-- yum), the tom kar (coconut) soup, the pad thai if I want something lighter and the chieng mai noodle (HUGE) if I want something more hearty (has a very thick broth/sauce, quite similar to the yellow curry sauce), their fried green tea ice cream and their frozen green tea (like a green tea milk shake-- I like it with boba). My friends like their avocado or mango curry dishes and the yellow curry. One could easily eat for $10, if you just drank water, but you can get a nice multi-course meal for under $20/person, which is great for what you're getting! A good place for a first date, a casual date, big groups (I've come for a few birthdays, and they are great with big groups)-- and take-out is good, too. Service is always very polite and prompt. What can I say? I love this place! :-) Here's a link to their menu: allmenus.com/menus/1306/…
(5)
JEM C.
The restaurant is cozy, yet modern. I ordered the flat noodles and my table ordered a few of the appetizers--everything was really tasty. My friend was disappointed with her tempura vegtable plate, but overall the price, ambiance and taste was good enough to go back!
(4)
Beth M.
this is my absolute favorite Thai restaurant...but it only gets 4 stars. why? well. my husband and i have been coming here for about 2 years, since we discovered it, and have been impressed again and again by the fantastic food (crying tiger is tops on his list, i love the cheng mei noodles) we actually come here almost every sunday and always look forward to the yumminess, as well as the cute decor and hot lemongrass tea. so based on that it should be a 5 star review, hands down. BUT. a few months ago, the service got kind of strange. my husband and i would experience about 10 minute time lapses between the deliveries of our entrees...we would be waited on by 2 or 3 different people...no water refills...things like that. it really threw us for a loop. we also sat enjoying our meals one night while at least 20 people waited in the 'lobby' area for their take-out, which was super super backed-up. not sure what was going on there. so there's that. but the food is so so good that we keep coming back, and kind of laugh at the strange service now...
(4)
Ed S.
A very good Thai place all around with a great location right in Porter Square. The food is greasy, but very tasty and at an excellent price - about $8 for an entree. It's nicely decorated inside and the wait staff is very nice. Soda drinkers beware, though: I was informed after being given two refills that the $1.75 listed on the menu is per glass, which is extreme in comparison to other restaurants in the area.
(4)
Gabby D.
I am so obsessed with Thai food and swear by my Spice in the NYC. But helloooooooo SUGAR & Spice! Travel Partner A, B, and Boston friend #2 (not to be confused with Boston friend #1 aka coworker) and I rolled in for some lunch post a quick TBell stop and some seeeeeeeeerious TJMaxx shopping. Alright, let me just list what we ordered: Papaya Salad, Country Phad Thai, Crazy Chicken crispy thing (that's not the real name), umm..and the Drunken Noodles (in NY language Drunk Man noodles). I couldn't get enough of the Drunken Noodles! Ooooooooooh giiiiiiiiiirl! Everything else, serivce...ambience...yeah yeah yeah. Although, the music sountrack (made by some creatively excellent sister restaurant down the way) was the best pop music sappy wonderfulness I've ever experienced. From Jessica Simpson/Nick Lachey (the collaboration and the solo albums both pre and post marriage) to Boys II Men to Soul 4 Real to Backstreet Boys to Mandy Moore. Excellent compliment while shoveling amazing eats into your mouth as fast as your chop sticks can allow. Meanwhile, FOOOOOOOD! Delicious! Delicious! Run! Go! Quickly!
(5)
boboo k.
Everything is Excellent.. My favorite menu is the Pad Thai Country and I also like the Sugar& Spice Shrimp Umm YuM YuM.. Let talk about dessert Oh my!!!!!! Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango so so GOOD....... Also the staff are very friendly and attentive,The food is tasty and the prices are good.
(5)
David S.
Dinner at Sugar & Spice was delicious. I'm not sure all of the items on the menu are typically Thai, but the food nonetheless is very good. I tried the chili and lime grilled salmon: the piece of fish was enormous (that's always nice!), tasted fresh, and the sauce/vegetables were very good. My friend also had the pad thai, which turned out to be all right (I guess it's hard for pad thai to be too much out of the ordinary). The service was also friendly and efficient. The venue is relatively casual, but certainly nice enough to bring a date. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Lalin A.
From outside, Sugar & Spice invites you. I was actually surprised to see that inside it was more like a college cafeteria. Nevertheless, food is not bad. Had chichen thai rolls, which were delicious and then I tried the XO beef-rice dish, which was just ordinary: meat was not soft, vegetables tasted better. Be careful with some of the spicy dishes as they can cause trouble! If you are looking for a laid back, cheap food, S&S is a place to go.
(3)
Joy H.
I wish I could give it more stars because the first couple of times I ate here the food was pretty decent and the location is convenient. But the last time I came I ordered a tom yum soup, and when I tasted it, it tasted almost like a pina colada. I'm pretty sure they accidentally used cream of coconut instead of coconut milk in there. I sent it back to the kitchen and told them that it was too sweet. When it came back, it tasted about the same. I even gave it a second sip to make sure, but it just tasted like hot pina colada. Gross. They tried to explain that "Americans" like the soup a little sweeter. And I get that, but this wasn't a little sweeter, this was frackin' PINA COLADA SOUP. Again, GROSS. Anyways, I can't give any more than 2 stars for a place that serves something this bad and can't admit that they made a mistake.
(2)
Greg L.
i order from there quite a bit. i can't speak to the ambience, i typically eat it in my cube (the ambience in my cube is nice, if a bit bland). the food is good, pretty standard thai fare in my opinion. but the service is awful. i tip fairly well and it always takes them at least an hour to get from porter square to central square. i'm not sure how. i keep comin back b/c i'm too lazy to look up another convenient thai place with online ordering.
(3)
Adam W.
We've never actually eaten in the restaurant, but I think we order out from Sugar & Spice at least once a week. The food is consistently good, and you can order online, which really takes the pressure off when you're ordering with a group of friends and consensus is nowhere in sight.
(4)
Patrick M.
Yum... mango curry, gyoza, pad thai... very dependable affordable Thai food in Porter Square. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, always crowded which is a good sign. Delicious any time I've been there, and the spicy dishes are legitimately pretty spicy which I like.
(4)
Abby F.
I love this place, and I've never had a bad meal there! Au contraire, everything has been tasty, like the ginger crisp chicken (not the actual name), the noodles, and the Thai tea is delicious. Service has always been polite and attentive, even when I went with a forgetful, fussy 80 year-old friend whom they treated very respectfully. The decor is lovely, just check out the window boxes and wonderful fresh flower arrangements, and prices are very reasonable for the quality.
(4)
Shine B.
I was so disappointed with this place. The Thai rolls were bland at best, the veggie dumplings were gummy and soggy. The fried rice was tasty but it seemed like it was filled with fat. Try Asia East - I like them much more.
(2)
Irene F.
I loved this place when I lived in Porter Square. The food was consistently great, and while the atmosphere was also fabulous, the take-out was good too. Service is great, food is great, and the lunch specials are at great prices! You can bring the fam, a date, or just yourself and you will enjoy it regardless!
(5)
Kiki B.
actually wasn't expecting to like this place as much as i did. they have great food, well-spiced, plus the portions are huge, which means more for lunch tomorrow! yay! nice booths, good timing, pleasant staff.
(4)
Food Bandicoot M.
BEST PINEAPPLE JUICE I"VE EVER HAD CAME FROM SPICE & RICE...and I order it at every meal. The royal triangles are bomb. Design is fabulous. Atmosphere is great. Try to get a booth. Food is absolutely beautiful, comes topped with hand cut flower decorations made out of carrots and etc. A great place to go on a date for sure! A new asset to inman square.
(5)
Elizabeth E.
Consistently good food with only moderately consistent service. Its a great local place in a fun and bright location. They have a selection of noodle dishes and a selection of rice dices and though its oh-so-boring, I'll have to say the Pad Thai is actually quite good. But the Thai Iced Tea is the best I've had outside of Thailand.
(3)
Jessica S.
The first time I went to Sugar & Spice I found the Pad Thai to be much too greasy. Afterward, I had heard good things from others and decided to try it again. I still found the Pad Thai to be much too greasy. I would not recommend Sugar & Spice, just go a little further down Mass Ave to Tamarind House. Much better pad thai! (Tamarind House also has good curry.)
(2)
Stu G.
Terrible food and service. I had the crispy Pad Thai. I will never again.
(1)
Mimi W.
As a local place for lunch, it's ok. It's quick and the decor is nice. Personally, I've gone to a lot better Thai places, but those places have also been more expensive. One thing that bugs me about the place is that they don't give you enough rice, which, combined with a salty entree can leave you very thirsty, not to mention kind of unsatisfied. I mean rice is like 5 cents a bowl, try to double up. The other thing that bugs is that I get the feeling that they use pretty much the same sauce on a lot of their dishes. The sauce is good, but gets old after a few visits.
(3)
Phil D.
I like the Drunken Noodles, but everything else is a bit hit-or-miss. It's not perfect, but I've definitely had worse (see Thai Hut, The). It's the best near Porter, though. For a change of pace, you can always try Tamarind House, which is further down Mass Ave, toward Harvard. They are a little more consistent.
(4)
Priya C.
This place is close to work for me, so sometimes we go here for lunch. Love the avocado curry with tofu as well as the pad thai. Need to try the mango curry. I like that you can get all the curries with tofu and not meat and you can ask for no fish sauce and they will actually listen to you! The food is tasty and the prices are good.
(4)
Lindsey W.
My friend and I were super hungry and ordered 4 entrees, loved all of them. Think the duck was my favorite but it's a tough call.
(4)
Rob J.
This place is a great value. I've ordered from them quite a few times and they are pretty consistent.
(4)
Patrick B.
There are a number of Thai places in the area or an easy drive away, yet it was still exciting when this one opened. The first few meals were terrific - it wasn't bland, Americanized Thai - you could taste the freshness of the ingredients and the spices. Unfortunately, more recent meals haven't been all that great. I still try it every now and again and the dining room is pleasant, but tend to favor Thai Kitchen a bit further down Mass Ave for takeout.
(3)
Kristin M.
This is a great local place for good, inexpensive Thai food. The appetizers and curry dishes are great. It's also one of the only places the Porter/Davis area that you can find fried ice cream. The coconut flavored one is my favorite. I definitely recommend checking this place out.
(4)
serra s.
I love this place. Its one of the few places I will go to alone sometimes just because I want the food so much. Their Pad Paradise is the best thing I've found in a long time. The prices are very low, too. Especially for lunch - $6-$8 /plate. I hardly ever go there for dinner, because why go when its expensive and busy when you get the exact same dish for cheap earlier!? the staff is also extremely friendly, and know you after only a couple visits.
(5)
Ramya V.
I lately feel in love with Thai food... This is a kewl place nice to dine and cheap though but service is not very friendly. During week days after 7 its crowded gotta wait to getta table. The color of food perks you up, I love both noodle and rice, but when it comes to fish nope I dont like the smell of it, its never cooked well although wonderfully presented. Interiors are well done and booths are wonderful and comfy than the tables, gotta mind stepping out of our tables or we will bang easily into someone. During afternoons its a great place to be, and you get so much food that we will hardly be able to finish off.
(3)
Laura A.
if you're looking for authentic, flavorful thai food, look elsewhere. this place has cute decor and healthy thai-inspired food, but is totally bland and uninteresting. if they didn't deliver to my apartment, i'd probably never eat there.
(3)
Etta M.
i started eating here soon after i moved to somerville and it has been a consistent favorite since. my favorites include: pineapple fried rice, pad thai, and lemon grass chicken. the decor is fun, the food comes quickly, but don't expect your food to come at the same time as your friends.
(4)
Stephanie W.
Nice funky atmosphere. Thai food, 50s-60s era decor. The restaurant is kind of small, which makes for cramped eating quarters, but the food is pretty good and the service is decent.
(3)
Joe b.
Delicious food! the atmosphere is very suave, and you'll feel classy when you sit under one of their uniquely designed lights. The price point is the only negative. While not too expensive it does ere on the side of classy. But really! check it out.
(4)
Jen and Tim S.
The food is great and the atmosphere is very cool. Great noodles, and definitely try dessert!!!
(4)
Aditya V.
Right near porter Sq T stop is this Thai Restaurant. The exteriors look very jazzy and inviting and alwasy made me think about going in which I finally did past weekend. First impression WOW so many people and line ( not bad considering saturday) and tables are too close. Some peopel might like teh lighting but I didn't like it and wasn't comfortable ( maybe ist was my jetlag and spending 4 weeks in Shanghai) so I might have to go back again to do justice. we were promtly greeted and seated which was nice. The waitress came to promtly and served water we were given a tight spot with no privacy for any conversations. THe menu has something for everyone and especially if your an vegetarian they will replace anything with Tofu. Ordered plum fine which at 4.50 a glass wasn 'tbad until I saw teh glass little small. Ordered Basil Fried rice wich wasn't bad except the rice was too "lumped" together and hard to eat. My friedn ordered Udon noodles with chicked which he said was excellent . The portions seemed ok. Also ordered was tom yum soup which was good. So over all the place wasn't bad. The serice isn't bad except for the person who servered us water was sloppy. If you leave near porter it should be tried atleast once.
(3)
Sarah C.
"...and everything nice" haha I'm such a dork... but really this place lives up to 'what it is'. For the second time, I SWEAR I never crave Thai! And again, I really just fell upon this place with some friends because there was a longer wait elsewhere (impatience sucks! Why the rush??!) Anyway, Sugar and Spice is known for being a steal, so I have heard. The atmosphere is actually really nice... very clean, dim bluish lighting, and somewhat romantic (but not so much where it would be odd to have dinner with a a friend or two...or more. They have larger tables available). We sat down immediately and were greeted promptly. The wine list is SO inexpensive ($5-$6 a glass $25 bottle range)... don't be prepared to be 'wowed' by it, but I promise you're not going to be utterly offended by it either. It kinda sucked we were not offered second glasses until our meals arrived... The food really IS very affordable... not gong over $15...and plenty of interesting apps. I ordered an app. salad to start for $5 and was served a salad PLATTER with eggs and two dressings (including peanut dressing yum)...what a waste though...too much. And my meal came out like 3 minutes later. Again, HUGE mega portions. My friends both ordered Pad Thai..one with chicken, the other with chicken and shrimp. They were very pleased. I ordered steamed cod with lime (ridiculous amounts of lime... although appropriate for the dish it was not balanced for my taste. And, the fish was WAY over cooked and dry...save for all the lime juice type sauce) So many people often think they are getting a huge value when they get a crap-load of food for not a lot of money (any fast food marketing schemes ring a bell?), When really, most of it often goes to waste anyway. how could I finish all that?? I brought it home because I felt guilty but I know I am not gong to finish it. Eh... I won't make it a point to go back... unless I'm in Porter Square with someone desperate for affordable Thai. Besides... I hate saying it, but seriously TOO much food (which is awesome for many :) )
(3)
Kay A.
Service was fast even though the restaurant was extremely busy. The food was extremely good especially for the price. The only problem was the service as soon as you finished they want your ass out of there. No wonder how everyone gets served so fast.
(4)
cassie p.
Was looking for Thai food, and Sugar and Spice was the first place we happened upon. I was skeptical because of the name, but was pleasantly surprised. We had Massaman Curry, Pad Kee Mao and Gyoza. Very good food, big servings, and we had a great waitress that was all smiles, but not in a fake or annoying way.
(4)
Anna S.
First of all, the service is super efficient. There is also never any confusion when dealing with orders. There is a large variety of choices, including authentic thai cuisine and americanized versions. The setting is also very pleasent, with a nice modern theme. I suggest the basil chicken if you are in the mood for something spicey, and any one of their smoothies are delicious. Enjoy!
(5)
Melissa T.
This week marked my second visit to Sugar and Spice, and I was not disappointed either time. I love their selection of bubble tea, though I did not order any on my most recent visit (but I did the first time, and the tea was delicious). The staff was very accommodating; we had two people join our party a little late and they quickly brought over another small table to add to our large one. The space was a bit cramped, but it worked overall. I ordered the avocado curry. This dish was supposed to come with chicken, but they substituted tofu without any issue. The curry was excellent - just a bit spicy and with a bit of a creamy taste. They provided plenty of rice to sop up the extra sauce. I would have liked a tad more avocado, but overall, I enjoyed my dish. It was large enough that I had enough leftovers for lunch the next day. And the prices are very reasonable, especially considering the size of the dishes.
(4)
Scott M.
"Bangkok Noodles" kick the booty. "Excited Chicken," served in an edible corn shell, stirs my loins. "Drunken Noodles" is intoxicating. And "Avocado Curry Chicken" will have you doing the Meposian Dance of Joy. But that's not everything good at retro-cool, always tasty Sugar and Spice. The real treats are the special drinks and desserts! The Honey Dew Bubble Tea uses fresh dew, plump tapioca balls, and is dew-licious! It makes those powdery bubble teas found at pretender Thai places taste like lumpy sand. Likewise, the fried banana is incredibly scrumptious and so much more than a limp oily chiquita found elsewhere. These babies are covered in a crispy shell with whip cream and sugary syrup. My God, my mouth is watering just writing this! Only complaint: orders arrive in haphazard order meaning some will be served while others sit there drooling. Them's the breaks, I suppose... Go now!! Go often!!! Sugar and Spice rules the Mass Ave. Thai scene by a landslide.
(5)
Daniel N.
The food is good, and is served pretty quick. The poor rating is based on the service. Even with a good size staff, most of the waitresses still can't seem to keep up with the service. Out of about 5 waitresses, 1 will be taking orders, another will be serving, and 3 will be at the register chit chatting with each other. Every time I needed to get attention I'd have to keep my hand up and hope that some one would even pass a glance at my table. I don't always remember the service being like that, but I had to write about this recent disappointment.
(3)
John D.
This is a good place where you can take your sister, your parents or a date. I'm going to start writing this at the top of my reviews from now on - who a place is good for that you could bring. The food is definitely tasty, the prices really aren't bad, and the atmosphere is really nice as well.
(4)
Orina B.
I've been here four times but only at lunch so my review is based on that. This is a tiny little place with a nice layout -- @ 20 tables but they accommodate one person or groups. The kitchen is open and directly opposite the doorway as you enter. I'm not sure whether it's because of this or because of the lighting but the place has an "unclean" feel to it. The food has ranged from okay to excellent. The pad thai was too sweet with very little bits of chicken. The drunken noodles were better. I went in once in the mood for papaya salad and even though it wasn't a luncheon dish, the waitress suggested I could still order it. I did and that was delicous. (Maybe the secret is not ordering from the menu.) All that said, the service was fast and helpful. I'll be going back.
(4)
Stephanie R.
Loved the mango curry but forgot to order it spicy. Yummy thai tea. Excellent service, modern motif makes it a bit stark compared to most Thai restaurants I've been to. Hit the Tibetan shop a few doors down beforehand for trinkets or linens.
(4)
Scott M.
It looks like there are some mixed reviews about this place, but I have always appreciated that the people at Sugar & Spice are consistently friendly. That goes a long way in my book, especially since I'm not usually in the best mood after braving the Porter Square Shopping Center parking lot and/or Mass Ave. S&S is a nice place to sit down and relax with some yummy (yet, of course, not "authentic Thai") food. Oh, and they have great veggie options, and are very accommodating and aware of what "vegetarian" means. I suggest the veggie steamed gyoza and pineapple fried rice with tofu.
(4)
Anna F.
The price is right and the food is stellar. Even the decor is bright, colorful and pleasant. You can get by with $25 for two at dinner time (sans dessert) which is virtually unheard of for the quality. The portions are sizable, often enough to save for later snacking.
(4)
Steven M.
This place is great for Thai noodle dishes: pad thai, pad see you (which isn't on the menu, but they will serve anyway), etc. The spring rolls and triangular equivalents are always good too. I'm not so fond of the non-noodly dishes, though, but it's not like there's a shortage of restaurants in Cambridge.
(4)
Cynthia S.
I've had their scallops with veggies, pad see ew, and satay and loved them! I have a few vegetarian friends who love this place too. Their red bean frozen boba drink is frozen goodness. Do yourself a favor and get it.
(4)
Joanna S.
so it's not the best thai food i've ever had, but it's a decent place with a decent price. the crunchy pad thai is really sweet. i would recommend the drunken noodles instead. good place to go for lunch.
(3)
L S.
This restaurant is really cute inside. The staff is very nice and the service is really great. Everyone that goes there always raves about it! I didn't really like what I ordered, but it was one of those let's try something different days and I learned my lesson.
(3)
Maggie S.
I'm not big on writing reviews, but wanted to rate some deserving local favorites. Sugar & Spice is delicious, I don't think I've ever been disappointed. The interior is pretty low-key, but also nice and tastefully decorated. I usually opt for noodles, but their mango curry is fabulous.
(5)
Vanessa S.
Has this place changed ownership? It used to be really good. Everything is just really spicy now with no real flavor. Friends have said the same thing.
(2)
Michelle C.
I always want to write a review for sugar and spice, the service you receive there is like you owe them some money. Last time I ordered a take out, I asked them for chopsticks,and lady at front desk told it's only for dinning in. Then one day I was at the restaurant and asked for chopsticks and again the same lady told me it's only for takeout. Not going back there again.
(2)
David R.
For Cambridge, this is a pretty darn good Thai restaurant in terms of both quality of food and value. The ambiance and decor are thoroughly pleasant if you choose to dine in, and the delivery is expeditious if you're feeling lazy or it's raining. The quality of the food is quite high, and anyone familiar with Thai cuisine should find it generally faithful to the flavors that one would expect. Some of the best items include the Moo Yang appetizer and the Panang curry duck. The staff is also very friendly - I once stopped in to pick up a phone order and the hostess gave me a free Thai iced tea while I waited. Give this place a shot.
(4)
Kristina L.
Sugar & Spice is clean, somewhat modern, and the waiters are friendly. We were pleased that there were hooks for our jackets next to our booth...an added touch that I wish more restaurants had! The Tom Yum shrimp soup was flavorful, but watch out: it's wayyyy spicy! My nose started running within seconds of eating the first spoonful lol. The sausage appetizer was DELICIOUS and unique...I've never seen it on another Thai menu here OR in Connecticut. Either way, it was good. The Pad Thai was much better than at Chili Duck, but maybe a little skimpy on the peanut sauce? The Gra Prao chicken dish was good but not as tasty as the one at The Similans. For dessert we shared a bland Pina Colada bubble tea. I probably won't be trying their bubble tea again. I definitely wouldn't mind going back for the ambiance in a pinch, but I feel like there are so many other better options nearby for awesome Thai.
(3)
Abhijeet K.
Best Thai food I have had.My favorites are Panang curry with Chicken and Chicken and basil friend rice
(5)
Kelly D.
Wow! We have been coming here for years and have always enjoyed fresh well prepared food until today. All three of our favorite entrees were horrible and nothing resembled the food we are usually served. It was all bland, tastless and soggy. Not sure if there is a new chef in the kitchen but it will be a while before we go back. So sad!
(1)
Little Y.
Green curry with shrimp and jasmine rice is very very delicious!!! Really authentic Thai food!
(4)
C L.
I ordered pick-up, and the food was delicious (especially the Panang Curry) -- but I had to wait for 30 minutes in the restaurant after the pick-up time. I recommend giving them some lead time or calling in to make sure the food is ready before you go!
(3)
Lindsay M.
I have been to this place twice and it was delicious both times. then my husband and i ordered food from them through foodler . when we got it it was all greasy, cold, and gross. we ordered coconut custard and got some weird liquid substance with chunks of taro jelly in it. the vegetables were murdered and the tofu was so hard and cold it was completely inedible. yuck. we got a full refund through foodler thankfully. but, never again. really disappointed.
(1)
Susan K.
I been going to this place for years. Very consistent Thai food. Prices are very affordable. This place is never that crowded. I generally get Udon garlic noodles, but they also have a great chicken mango curry, pad Thai is good too. For apps I recommend the simply surprise, as well as the summer roll. My favorite part about this restaurant is their bubble teas. They are really bubble tea milkshakes. Yum, pina colada, mango, you can't go wrong. You must try the bubble tea. If you go in the summer time, they now have outdoor seating
(5)
Divie E.
Tried this place again (on account of the short delivery time and the short term memory of last time's disaster). Requested a special order based on a food allergy, and it wasn't upheld! Luckily, I caught it before eating too much. Good prices, good delivery, but bad outcome. Will remember not to try it again!
(1)
Tracy M.
I like to start with the good: the staff is always pleasant. The green salad is big and fresh. The curries are nice and if you ask for it spicy- you get it! The bad? The pad thai is greasy and salty. I could take one of these but both? No thank you. (For good pad thai, check out Lemon Thai in Somerville!)
(3)
Mrs F.
My husband and I are both very picky eaters. And we both absolutely LOVE this place for casual take-out!!! The food is yummy, ingredients are fresh, portions are perfect size, and a great value. Tried other thai spots in town, so far this one is the best.
(5)
L F.
Sugar & Spice is a cute, cheap place to go for Thai food. They offer a relaxing atmosphere and cheerful service. I was impressed that they had a selection of beer priced at less than $4 a bottle! (a bargain in the Boston area) I thought the food was ok. I have had tastier Thai in the past. I ordered a noodle soup with Tofu. It seemed to have an odd aftertaste. Based on the cost of the items on the menu and good service, I will definitely go back.
(3)
Mansi M.
Sugar & Spice is def a cheap and descent thai place in the cambridge area. We ordered 2 soups, papaya salad and 3 dishes for $40 for 4 people which is awesome. We had ordered for delivery in central sq and the food was a little cold but i don't blame them as it was sooo cold out that day. The food wasn't bad at all We ordered: Drunken noodles - The best Excited chicken - was good and spicy Hot basil fried rice - I have had better else where Papaya salad- too lemony Based on the cost of the items on the menu and descent food i could see myself ordering again
(3)
Sam S.
Pretty standard pad thai. Not great, not terrible. They paid attention to my details, though, like no green onions, which is a pretty big deal. The delivery was prompt as well!
(3)
Simon L.
Sugar & Spice and all things nice. Ya know, this place is solid. Good food, good enough that I have an online account to order by simply choosing my food and hitting deliver. That's Bad for my waist. But It's always good. Delivery is on time. Wednesday night, Tom Yum soup chicken, gyoza with meat - fried, white rice, duck choo chee and chicken red curry extra spicy. Vegetables fresh and crunchy, delicious and not too thick curry sauces. Excellent coriander, cumin, chili pepper and onions with maybe some ginger. Dumplings were delicious soft with thin casing while pan fried. Love the fresh mushrooms in the tom yum soup. Perfect spiciness. I ordered the chicken red curry extra spicy, know what? It came that way, unbelievable. I swear that, for some reason, they spiced it with black pepper - it was laced throughout the dish - not sure why instead of chilies. Either way remains a staple in the rotation. I have never eaten in the actual restaurant, only delivery. Always prompt and food delicious. Order here a lot.
(3)
Maria K.
best thai food in Cambridge! authentic, cheap, large portions and they recently added outdoor seating which is beautiful. all of the bubble teas, especially the honeydew and mango; they actually use real fruit for their fruity bubble teas. the service is always friendly and are very flexible when you want to substitute the proteins, or have it gluten free. sugar and spice is one of the few places that have amazing authentic thai food for a very affordable price!
(5)
Madeleine H.
I have some serious respect for any restaurant that can successfully accomodate a group of ten walking in unannounced. Thai usually isn't my thing. Sugar and Spice didn't change my opinion, but I'd be lying through my teeth if I said I didn't enjoy what I ate there. The restaurant -- which couldn't have had more than 20 tables, unless there was a back room I couldn't see -- was already pretty full when we walked in. They seated us quickly and were very attentive to all of our various wishes. And the food was TASTY. Wish I could remember what I ate. Doesn't matter. It was all delicious and pretty inexpensive.
(4)
bos f.
I dined here for lunch today in a group of 12. Service was prompt and attentive. Most dishes came on a single plate so there wasn't a lot of service required; however, the server contiually filled all the water glasses, and... was very accommodating (and without attitude) about providing separate checks. Really the service was superb, and the dining experienced enjoyed by all. I had yellow chicken curry and requested the dish extra spicy. The server returned to check as to whether I wanted to upgrade for (unbelievable) one dollar which provided two small spring rolls and a dumpling. Now that's pretty darn good! The curry was delicious, and you have a choice of white or brown rice, jasmine rice, or pad thai (not typically offered at other thai establishments In place of the rice and several people opted for the pad thai). If I had to identify a negative, it would be that I would like a few more vegetables in the dish. I tried the Thai Iced Tea- it was creamy and sweet. I would order the Yellow Curry again; but on next visit I might do a lunch box which is a popular choice. Lunch with tea and tip just under $15. This was my first visit, since way back when they first opened and my only experience was not great. Happy the group chose Sugar & Spice and I'll be putting it on my list when my taste buds are geared for thai.
(5)
Melissa B.
By far the best Drunken Noodles I have had. The lunch specials come with way too much food for a lot less money than anywhere else, entree, salad, & appetizer. Plus, the ambiance is very nice, much better than I would expect. The bar was very nice, but I don't indulge at lunch, just brunch. I just found my new Thai fix!
(5)
Michael C.
Food is solid (although a bit salty). But service is abysmal. We waited about ten minutes for the waiter to come by and take our order (even though the place was not not even close to being full). Then we waited another twenty to thirty minutes for the food to actually come. Halfway through my meal, my tea finally arrived. No one bothered to clear our plates until the very end. You might as well order take out from one of the other Thai establishments. You'd be more comfortable and it'd be much faster. The atmosphere is really nothing to rave about--a bit too dark even. Pass on this establishment until their service improves significantly.
(2)
Sarah S.
Not the most amazing ever, but a good, reliable Thai place, super convenient to Porter, and pretty quick (both for sit in and pick up). I like the Drunken Noodles.
(3)
Jeff M.
Pretty basic. With all the options in the basement of Lesley I do not think I will be back to Sugar & Spice.
(2)
Muckenfuss V.
LATER EDIT: When I originally reviewed this place, the dishes did not seem to have enough heat. After sweating through a few curry dishes, I take that back! Sugar and Spice offers serviceable food with outstanding service and presentation, but I am not sure where the "Spice" in their name got to. I've tried most of the curries, but only the green one could not be described as "mild"; the yellow lacks any spice at all. The interior has nice decor, and a very cleanly appearance. The availability of alcohol is a nice plus over other Thai places like Pepper Sky which have better food. I will definitely go back for weeknight dinners, but I did not think that the food was anything to rave about.
(3)
Chris S.
Great food. Great staff. Love this place. Not a big fan of their Pad Thai, but EVERYTHING else is *so* on-point.
(4)
Erin B.
I can't believe I've never reviewed this place. I eat here all the time. The service is always great...friendly, efficient and consistent. The food quality is good as well. Favorites are drunken noodles, steamed vegetable gyoza, thai rolls, and chieng mai noodle.
(4)
Edward H.
I ate here yesterday and enjoyed it. Would I go back? Hell yeah! Might even go back today. Cheap, delicious, and fast.
(5)
Derek W.
You know in a part of town that caters to a bunch of spoiled fucking college kids, this place does it right. I mean don't get me wrong, I hope someday if i'm lying on the operating table that my Dr graduates at the top of his Tufts class. Sorry have to take a shot at the whole scene in Porter and Davis square area. This place is simple, the portions are good sized the food is good and the service wasn't terrible when I went as some people have commented on. Granted I went on a weekday, but my overall experience was pleasant. The place doesn't have a clean feel to it, and that's one reason I'll keep it at 3 stars, I aint saying it's dirty, but maybe it's just the decor ? Regardless you get what you paid for and the menu is super affordable. I love thai and this place didn't dissapoint at all.....
(3)
S H.
I'm seriously addicted to their drunken noodles.
(4)
Michaela B.
THE BEST THAI FOOD I HAVE EVER TASTED!!!!!!!!!!!! 11/10 If you love Thai food don't go anywhere but here! The food has been brought over from Thailand and made better by the extraordinary cooks who are all full Thai. This is as real as it will get in the States!!! The service was spectacular as the food came out quickly and the waiters were attentive and gave there valued suggestions. We won't forget the drinks. My kids got shredded lemon ice, made with real lemons and cherries on top. And my wife and I had red wine that was also delicious. Everything was a celebration!
(5)
Jessie C.
Another restaurant i eat at regularly that I find I haven't reviewed yet. It's been awhile since i at on location here but we frequently get takeout. I normally get either the Pineapple fried rice (one of my favs!) or the Pad See Ew which is also decent but usually has too many kale (is that what it is?) stems in it? Not a bit fan of the bitter green but the noodles are good. Shoomai (sp?) is decent as well. Peanut sauce is killer. The delivery is usually faster than they say on the phone as well.
(3)
Lauren A.
I used to come here a whole lot when I lived in Porter Square, mostly because you can make two meals out of their entrees. The curries are great, especially the mango curry, which they can make vegan with tofu (though I get it with the chicken). I'm a wuss when it comes to spice, but they'll make it spicier if you ask. The soups are also particularly good, as is the sticky rice with mango and fried banana desserts. Trust your server when she tells you that you probably won't like something...I thought I could handle fish paste until I had the lovely couple. Also keep in mind that the tapioca pudding is bright green and contains corn. In short, good, cheap, filling Thai food. They also do bubble tea.
(4)
Chris L.
I've lived in Thailand and tried a lot of Thai places in the Boston area -- this place is this real deal! The Sukhothai noodles are amazing.
(5)
Rhianna C.
I gave Sugar & Spice a try because it was on my way home from work and I had a coupon for $10 off. The experience I had there was OK. First impression: this place is WAY smaller than I thought it would be. The place was empty, so I'm not sure if they were being respectful of the fact that I was a solo diner reading some papers, but they pretty much left me alone for long periods of time-- ie, taking 15 min to come to the table after being seated, long times of no servers between courses, waiting for the check, etc. I'm willing to overlook that because I wasn't in a rush, nor was I particularly needy for anything. That being said, the staff I encountered was very nice and more than accommodating. The food was OK. I figured I'd keep it pretty basic since I wasn't sure what to expect. My appetizer was Thai Rolls, which were very delicious and I would definitely eat these again. My main course was Pad Thai and while it wasn't bad, the taste wasn't right. Same to be said for the Thai Ice Tea that I ordered-- way too sweet for my liking. If I find myself at Sugar & Spice again, I'd likely order something else. I didn't like that despite the place being empty they sat another sole diner pretty much on my lap at the table next to mine. This diner also had a server that was different from mine, but was very attentive to him. I think at one point, I had to ask his server to help find mine so I could pay my bill and get home. Overall, the place wasn't bad. I will likely go back and try again at some point, but I think I'd rather try some other places in Porter before coming back here unless I get a late-night craving for Thai Rolls.
(2)
Judy L.
Food was pretty good, but service was very slow. Thanks for the tips by the other yelpers, so I followed the recommendations and ordered the mango curry. I upgraded to shrimp with $1. (I assumed it was going to be shrimps in ADDITION to the chicken, but apparently not. They just replaces the chicken with the shrimps.) The curry came with a lot of vegetables, which I love. But it does not come with rice. Rice is $1.50. For dessert, I got fried ice cream. Two flavors were available: green tea and coconut. They were gigantic and delicious. :) They packed my leftover curry in a container meant more for non-soup dishes. And in a paper bag. So obviously, my curry leaked everywhere and by the time I got back, my container only had the remaining vegetables with no more curry. Sad times. I'd check and ask for a soup-container or something next time they box my leftover for me. I'd return.
(3)
Christian H.
And everything...delicious? After several visits, this place has always satisfied and hadn't ventured beyond "pretty solid" or "that place is pretty good." Until recently. Have you ever tried the lunch menu? This place makes you want to have lunch there everyday. They are sneaky like that. Offering a much more streamlined and smaller menu than the dinner selection, Sugar and Spice gives a great and satisfying dining experience. Lunch menus are great as they give the patron a snapshot and a taste of a much bigger selection being offered. The sausage appetizer was ordered first. These little guys were packed full of different flavors of delicious meat, creating a congress of comfy collectables for your eating pleasure. Three lunches were ordered. First, a salmon dish combined with a tangy sauce, AKA The Fish Story, created a delicious partnership. Not too bland or overpowering, it was super tasty. Next was the Basil Duck. This dish was cooked to a nice balance of crispiness and juiciness that purposefully caused repeat servings. Last was the Crispy Pad Thai which may or may have not been cooked with brown sugar. Whatever sweetness was added, along with nicely cooked shrimp, chicken and veggies, it was very satisfying, as it was like a party of ingredients where everyone was invited and got along just fine. Oh...And don't forget the bubble tea. The green tea, overflowing with an almost smoothy, frappey consistency was almost having a dessert, only furthering the notion that dessert before dinner is just fine. Even the atmosphere and staff is great at this place. Friendly, welcoming and above all, full of a relaxing ambiance, this place is a great restaurant in the heart of Porter Square. Sugar and Spice is everything nice, With its many Thai dishes served with rice. Many selections, either spicy or not, And the right amount of food, by no means a lot With flavors that will satisfy the buds of taste Come try a bit of everything and proceed with haste!
(5)
Seth H.
My friends and I arrived and waited quite a while before the staff acknowledged our existence and asked us if we wanted a table. Strike one. But once we were seated they were quite friendly. Unfortunately throughout the evening they didn't check in on us enough and didn't scan the room to see if anyone needed assistance. There were a few times when I felt like I needed a flare to get our waitresses attention as my arm waiving wasn't working. A big negative in my book. Buuuuut, the food was delicious so I'd 100% go back with the hope that the service will improve.
(3)
Sean J.
Sugar and Spice is one of the few restaurants I have been to recently where the food they serve you actually looks like the picture in the menu. I ordered the "Excited Chicken", which was not as spicy as advertised, but came in a delicious and crunchy bread bowl which definitely made the meal. The servers were very friendly and the service was swift. I would absolutely go back as I want to try their duck.
(4)
Molly C.
Not usually super crowded, which is nice compared with some of the restaurants in Davis. Cool decor. Some of their dishes are great, some are mediocre, and I once ordered a dish that smelled like wet dog, hence the three stars. It's very hit-or-miss; I recommend any of their curries or soups... the pad thai is mediocre (if you've got a craving it'll satisfy, but definitely not a slam dunk). On the plus side, you can place an order online, and they're generally very friendly and prompt with service. And the flower boxes outside are so cute! I walk by this place every day on the way home from work and those flowers always put me in a better mood.
(3)
Ana R.
I came here for a quick dinner and stayed for several hours. The Thai Iced Tea was just like I remember it from when I lived in Seattle and drank some every day. I had the meat gyoza and coconut soup - both delicious, though the soup was a lot sweeter than I remember it. My friend had the pad thai and the portion was huge. Prices were ok, and so was the service. We did stay a long time without hassle, which was nice.
(4)
Jamie G.
I have been craving Pad Thai like crazy the last few days, so I dropped by to grab dinner to go. Man, am I disappointed. I've had other dishes by them and enjoyed them well enough, but their Pad Thai is the blandest iteration of this dish that I've ever had. If you go to S&S, order something other than the Pad Thai.
I have been here twice. the first time I got food o go and it was decent so I went back. The second time was not good. I found a bug in my water...enough said.
(1)
Audrey C.
Not bad- decent Thai food, but not the best I've had.
(3)
A C.
I've eaten at this restaurant for years. I must say it has gone down from what it used to be a few years ago. Passing by the kitchen to use the restaurant the cooks are mexican. They use so much sauce that a stir fry is always gooey and way too salty. I used to love an appetizer of a thinly sliced lightly grilled pork/beef pieces, but the last time I had it I simply could not finish, it was so salty my tongue could fall out. The drunken noodle is usually a safe bet in any Thai restaurant, but the quality has been very inconsistent lately. One week it would be ok, the next week it would be horrible. The rice noodle would be all crumbly and laced with fish sauce goo... The duck rice though has been surprisingly pleasant. One thing I do like, which ties me back to them on week day lunches is the online ordering, it's a breeze and I can pay with credit card. If it wasn't for this feature I would be going there much less.
(3)
Dinara E.
Very yummy! The soup was good, as were the curries. The appetizers were also delicious. This place is a must. I wish I remember what I had, but I do remember that the place was fun and I had a lot of good food with my friends.
(4)
Adam A.
Sugar & Spice makes me so sad. The service is nonchalant at best, and everything I've had from here is somewhere between bland and "saved from being bland only by being flavored with way too much of one thing" (sugar, soy sauce, or some kind of sweet sauce like old style New England sugary "duck sauce"). The drunken noodles were gummy and strangely sweet. Basil chicken was similarly overcooked, and bland. The "lovely couple" had overcooked chicken, in a sauce that basically just tasted like unadulterated soy sauce. In fact, it was so unappealing that when they took it away mostly untouched, I actually commented that it was very overcooked and it seemed like there had been a mistake with the amount of soy sauce. I rarely, if ever, complain about anything in a restaurant, and this reminded me why- they shrugged and dropped the bill on the table, no apology or further questions. After that, what had been perfunctory service became non-existent. It's like we ceased to exist, and they avoided all eye contact and the entire side of the dining room that we were on. No water refill, no queries about whether we wanted dessert. Luckily, Rod Dee is across the street, and slightly closer to our house! I can't say that all their food is great, but everything I've had there is miles better than the three things I tried at Sugar & Spice.
(1)
Jenn B.
The food was delicious! I had the Pad Thai Country Style and I devoured the whole plate. I also had the Thai beer singha which I realllly enjoyed. My date had the drunken noodle which he said was really good! The place was small inside and the decor kind of dindgy, but the staff was really friendly and nice. The prices were great, my dish was only 7.95! I will defiantely be returning! I would give the place a 4.5/5 but thats not really a choice...
(4)
GN P.
The night starts off by me standing at the front desk starring at a woman starring at her desk for about 3 minutes. Not once did she even look at me to help our party be seated. I basically had to open my mouth and say "So should I sit myself anywhere?" First impression, oh boy, I hope it gets better than this. This particular day was about 95 outside and very humid/muggy. The front door was wide open letting it all in and there are not ceiling fans and the A/C was shut off. It was extremely hot in there and I asked if they could turn the A/C on. They spoke barely any English and all I could understand was the a/c was shut off a couple of hours ago. So I proceeded to fan myself with my menu that I refused to give up to the waitress. My party of four was seated at a small booth. The tallest person in my party was me and I'm 5' 7". Everyone's knees where touching the person seated across from them. quite uncomfortable. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best I've ever had either. Wait staff was tentative and prices were reasonable. Atmosphere was hip Overall, between the heat, lack of a greeting, seating arrangements and lack of making the customer comfortable, there just too many cons than pros to go back there again. Next!
(2)
Becky T.
I think this is officially my favorite Thai place in Cambridge. Went there the other night and loved the drunken noodles, pad Thai, salmon dish with spicy sauce (I forget the name, but you could get spicy or ginger and we got the spicy version) and tofu green curry. The noodles melted in your mouth and had wonderful flavor. The only minor criticism is the appetizer we ordered might have been the wrong dish. We ordered veggie dumplings and got the scallion pancake (I think). It was rather greasy and kind of small pieces for the price. The only other thing is that the plates for the curry and salmon were an awkward size -- big, long rectangles -- so it was a little hard to move the plates around the table to share dishes. Food was delicious overall and it has a nice ambiance! I will definitely be going there again.
(5)
Dana H.
This place has really fresh food. I took two out-of-town Asian foodies here and they gave it the thumbs up too. I love that they have an online ordering system, which makes take out super easy. The yum woon sen and the pork and fishball soup are excellent.
(4)
Tiff D.
Online delivery is awesome. No minimum $. But 45 mins? :-/ (I live 1/4 mile away!) Country Style Pad Thai. Extra Spicy. Large portion. Very flavorful chicken. Well cooked noodles. Not greasy sauce. BUT...not spicy AT ALL. I thought country pad thai was spicy?? And I did ask for it EXTRA SPICY. Overall, very good. Could use more heat and more peanuts.
(3)
Katie H.
The staff is always nice, and the inside looks clean and pretty. The food is decent, but the pad thai is a little greasy. There are better Thai places in Cambridge, but there are also much worse. My stomach feels fine after eating here, which is more than can be said about other Thai restaurants in the area.
(3)
Jiyea C.
3.5 stars. Three housemates and I came to Sugar & Spice around 8pm on a Saturday night. About 1/3 of the tables were empty and we were relieved because it was getting a little late (we like to eat early) and wanted to eat without having to wait too long. We were seated promptly at a large table in the corner and were soon ready to order but we had to flag down a server for quite some time before our order was taken.They were very obliging in answering our very many questions and making the substitutes that my housemates wanted (noodles instead of rice, shrimp instead of chicken, etc). We skipped appetizers and went straight to entrees. I had the purple fried rice because I wanted to try the shrimp paste, and it was indeed very shrimpy and a tad on the salty side. I also thought the chicken would be mixed in the rice but it was separate and coated in a sweet sauce that was pretty good. I got to try the lovely couple and the hot basil fried rice. Both were very good, though I think the fried rice should have been spicier. I usually can't finish an entire dish when I order at a restaurant, but because I wasn't hungrier than usual and i was able to eat everything, I think the portions are a little smaller than normal. I love Thai dessert and so of course we had to have some. We decided to share the fried bananas and I was disappointed! All the fried bananas that I have tried were made with bananas tossed in batter and fried. However, this place rolls them in wrappers so they're like banana egg rolls! Disappointing! And service was pretty slow throughout the entire evening. Eh. Still, I love Thai and this place wasn't terrible. I'd come back.
(3)
Su R.
Sometimes I realize i haven't yet written a review of a place I love, as is the case here. Sugar and Spice is close to my home, reasonably priced, decorated lovely and the staff is attentive. My favorite dishes are the Lovely Couple and the Crying Tiger, and dessert wise, the fried bananas are to die for. It's not a huge place, but I've never had a problem getting seated. Trying to beat the dinner crowd is probably wise if you dont have a reservation. You get plenty of food here as well.
(5)
Jolene S.
Only okay: better Thai options in Boston. The country pad thai tastes good (not great) and comes in a reasonable portion (for ~$10 incl. tax + tip). But little flies turned me off. This place was highly recommended by Porter Sq/Somerville folks. Don't think I'd risk it again though.
(3)
Sarah W.
I've tried a few times to give this place a chance, but I'm giving up. We had the fresh rolls which were small, and completely bland. Then I got the pad thai. On the menu it comes as shrimp and chicken but I'm a vegetarian so they said they would do veggies and tofu. What I received were 2 small pieces of tufu and one piece or broccoli along with a small amount of shredded carrots. A table nearby had the dish which included many pieces of chicken and 4-5 shrimp. We nicely voiced our disappointment only to be told the manager was not on site and didn't offer anything else, even a small plate of veggies and tofu to add would have been great. Aside from all that the sauce was gross and soaked into noodles. This place is not authentic or freshThai food at all.
(1)
Holly S.
Delish Papaya salad! Also the GAO chicken dish was sooooo tasty, one downfall, pad thai tasted like just Lo mein :( so sad! The staff was attentive, a little too much if u ask me. But they were nice enough for sure! I'd go back but probably not for pad thai
(4)
Roxie D.
There are no words for how delicious the food is here. Every time I go in here, they are able to accommodate my myriad of food allergies and requests, there is rarely a wait, their food is incredibly fresh and well prepared, and there are tons of healthy options. Everything is awesome, but my faves are: Crying Tiger Veggie Tofu Soup Drunken Noodles Basil Fried Rice The Fresh Garden Rolls are soooooo good, they will make you weep Their delivery is absolutely incredible, too. Super fast, always accurate- and the one time the driver forgot something, I told him it wasn't a big deal and that I'd happily take an IOU for the next time I was in there. It was raining and I insisted he not worry about it- but 15 minutes later he'd driven all the way back to my place with the rest of my order :-) Love, love, love this restaurant!
(5)
John O.
Tom Yum soup with beef and vegetables on a cold day. Nuf said.
(4)
Kyung Yeol S.
best of best thai foods ever!!!!!!!!
(5)
Anne W.
I've eaten here a couple times and I'll say that it's okay. I recently got the Pad Thai and was really disappointed though. I liked the option of having chicken and shrimp, but the dish was dry and the shrimp was unbelievably horrible: dry, tasteless and way overcooked. And it was a Friday night so I figured they'd at least have fresher ingredients for a busy weekend. If you're doing a price comparison, Rod Dee across the street is cheaper (about $0.50 on average), but they have pretty bad Pad Thai too. Go with a curry dish as those seem to be better.
(3)
Molly N.
I don't get all the super positive reviews--my trip here was very disappointing. All three of us eating had very, very subpar food. I believe that we had lemongrass chicken, mango chicken, and chicken massaman curry. All were bland, too sweet, and not very authentic. Also, my boyfriend specifically ordered his extra extra hot, and it didn't taste hot to even my very heat-sensitive grandmother. The rice that came with the dishes was dry and overdone. The music in the place was the radio, which I found odd for a place that tries in decor to be less casual than that. Finally, the food came out really awkwardly--two dishes at once, then the third about ten minutes later--considering we weren't eating family style. Meh.
(2)
Marissa A.
Definitely hit the spot. My friend and I went for lunch. I ordered the mango curry with brown rice - I wanted something on the sweeter side and it was definitely the right choice. Plus the prices are so reasonable. Service was pretty good - but what does it take to refill water? But overall, a delicious experience.
(4)
Kristen M.
Mmmm love love love the food here. Specifically anything that says CURRY (mango, red, yellow WHATEVER), I have had like 3 curry things and they have all been good. I also love a place that will basically substitute whatever type of meat/meat substitute you are thinking, so I put fried tofu on everything. Also all the appetizers are amazingly fried. I don't exactly remember which I have had but they have all involved something veggi and something friend. I DID get a funny look when I asked for a wine menu (noted: not that type of place). I have since learned to just call out a general type of wine, and it gets the job done. Man just writing this review makes me hungry.
(4)
Paula J.
Sugar & Spice is my default choice for Thai food. Not only because the food is tasty and the service is nice, but also because it's the closest thai restaurant from where I live... I like the yellow curry and red curry; the country style pad thai; and chiang mai noodle.... drunken noodle is also good.
(4)
K P.
This place was disappointing. The dishes were inauthentic and the menu failed to explain the dishes properly. I ordered the excited chicken and it was served to me beneath a stale and super-fried piece of bread. Also the portions were small and I felt like the waitress was trying to get me to pay extra to put more vegetables in my dish. Overall, i did not enjoy the food or the experience. I don't plan on going back.
(2)
Anthony R.
Pretty good Thai food served in a cool space for good prices. I can personally vouch for the tastiness of the drunken noodles and country style pad thai -- and of the several times I've been here nobody's ever been underwhelmed by the food. The caveat: service can be slow at times - I was there for lunch earlier today and the waitress was alarmingly slow to respond while I had to get back to work - but if you're not in a rush and want some good Thai eats for short money, Sugar & Spice is a good bet.
(3)
Cy N.
I made reservations the same day for a causal birthday dinner with 6 friends at 8pm the place is very casual. It was a mix of dates, groups of friends and i think i saw a family They sat us down right away. The service was great and pretty fast. Our waiter was very attentive. The food was good but nothing amazing and the portions were a good size. The restaurant was lively the entire time and it was clean. Id come back again. :)
(3)
Kelly M.
Hot and spicy; the only thing that could make it better is if were available via text and delivered to my office downtown via telepathy. Until then I will have to deal with just being happy with sugar & spice via takeout or a quick dinner date in the neighborhood. (spicy Thai basil; Awesome, if not totally authentic)
(4)
Thomas S.
Delicious, enjoyable, and cheap. I really like this place. I have no complaints. The food is good and reasonably priced and the service is excellent. (They also have a cash discount.) I always get the drunken noodles, which hits the spot. I've tried some other menu items, which are solid, but don't quite tick all the boxes.
(5)
Maia C.
It was better this time. I guess I just got the wrong thing last time. Sorry I dont remember what it was. Or what I got this last time I went. The bubble teas are yummy, I would go there just for that if I ever have cash on me. That is one the major negatives... they only take debit cards after $10. That is a bit high. Who uses cash.. grr.
(3)
Calli C.
The interior is much posher than the quality of food, which would be best suited to a take-out/delivery, linoleum tables and floors, paper napkins kind of place. We shared the fried tofu appetizer, which was more soggy than crisp, and so was difficult to pick up and to soak in the great peanut sauce that accompanies it. The pineapple fried rice needed to be drowned in soy sauce and ginger to give it flavor, but the Bangkok noodles were juicy and delish, with a good amount of tender beef. Great place to bring kids for dinner apparently, as we had at least four children under the age of ten sitting the tables next to us. Unfortunately, I like my Thai food without a side of tantrum. Service was relatively quick but pretty distant and uninterested, and we had to flag them down for hot sauce several times because they forgot the first time we asked. Moral of the story- Bring the kids! Or just order take-out.
(3)
nana t.
Yes please and thank you. This place hits the spot. I've gotten delivery and I've eaten at the restaurant - both great experiences! Country style pad thai is an A+. Seriously delish! Drunken noodles also a home run. The eggplant & chicken, not so much. The sauce was tasty, but the veggies were non-plus and I was hoping for those soft saucy eggplant pieces but without luck. The prices are reasonable and the food is good. I love thai food and I love this place.
(4)
Sean B.
I practice Tae kwon Do nearby, and have frequented S&S often. It's my Porter Square mainstay. I know I'll get a sizable, tasty dinner for cheap - $10-12 typically. Every now and then a drink order might get mixed up, or I might get white rice instead of brown rice, but if i was upset by something like that, I have bigger problems. I recommend the curry and seafood dishes - the seafood is probably the most expensive thing on the menu, but it's in the $10-15 range, which is probably the low end of most dinner places anywhere in the area!
(4)
Em C.
Between three and four stars- four stars for the avocado curry that costs $6.70 at lunchtime... three stars for the same dish that costs $11.70 for the same portion at dinner. No matter what they say, this place stays open because it's one of the best restaurants in Porter- affordable, consistently decent, and a local favorite. Hey, it's easier than cooking!
(4)
Spicy T.
I have eaten here before and thought so highly of this place prior to moving west coast. I thought I would never find another place as good as the Thai food here. Well, I was wrong. We ordered the following: Tom Yum soup, vegetable drunken noodles, crispy chicken, and sweet mango rice. The starter and main course was just OK. However, dessert was subpar- the sweet rice was underdone and not soft as it should have been. Since it's been a few years, I speculate there has been a change in the cooking staff? The waitstaff was friendly, but slow with handling the check. And soft drinks are 1.95 with no refills. And rice does not come with the meal, you have to order it separately. Not very generous.
(3)
Jason F.
surprising huge portions, and pretty tasty as well. i got the cashew chicken rice dish, and for 8 bucks i could bring home enough leftovers for lunch too. overall the staff was nice, and i would come back if i was in the area.
(4)
Holly S.
I live close to Sugar & Spice so I dearly want to like it but I just don't and I have tried it 3 times. The first time, I went in for lunch and ordered the lunch size chicken pad thai. It was average but for the lunch price of $6.25 I was fine with it. = half fail I went in a few weeks later with my husband. He ordered the dinner size chicken pad thai that comes with shrimp and chicken. He had approximately 4-5 tiny bits of chicken and 1 1/2 small shrimp for $7.95. I ordered the same thing but didn't want any shrimp so I asked to have the shrimp substituted for more chicken. I got approximately 6-7 tiny bits of chicken. Basically it was a large plate of noodles. The overall taste was average- not great but certainly not bad. I just felt ripped off. We also ordered a summer roll appetizer for $5.50 that was filled with lettuce and a grand total of 3 tiny shrimp between the 2 rolls. = complete fail On the third and final visit, I went in and ordered a summer roll appetizer to go. Having been scammed already but desperately craving summer rolls, I asked them to add an extra order of shrimp for an extra $1 (normal lunch price is $4.95). I got a grand total of 4 tiny shrimp between the 2 rolls. Really? I know this place is off Mass Ave and their rent must be expensive but I think that when you explicitly pay extra for additional shrimp, you should get more than 1 additional tiny shrimp. = complete fail 2 1/2 fails out of 3 is not good enough for me. All in all, the food is average tasting and the prices are relatively cheap (for being off mass ave) but you will end up with a plate of noodles and iceberg lettuce and even I can make that at home. I'll be crossing the street and going to the other thai place from now on.
(2)
Jillian Y.
Having ordered from this place a number of times at work, I knew what I was getting into food-wise: middle-of-the-road greasy Thai food at a great price. Thus, upon hitting up the restaurant for the first time, I was even more pleased to learn that they also serve beer and at the perfect price: $3.95 a glass for Kirin or Sapporo (no Chang, sadly). And in a tall glass, too, just the way I like it. I've had the pad thai (3 greasy stars), the virgin garden (4 delightful ones), and the avocado and mango curries (4 each). I've also tasted some apps, and all are a solid 3 stars. The best thing about Sugar and Spice, of course, is the price: $8 for a heaping plate of whatever it is you're having, which for me equals out to about two meals. The price is right.
(3)
Mister Chub S.
I want to like Sugar and Spice, I do, but every time I get delivery I'm very disappointed. I got delivery the other day and the pad thai was greasy and bland and the drunken noodles were also very greasy and overdone. Strike 1 and 2. The tofu cashew dish was tasty and had lots of veggies and nuts and the mango curry was very good- definitely my favorite dish of the night. The curry was slightly spicy with a mild curry flavor and had chunks of ripe mango and lots of veggies. If you can eat at the restaurant, do it. It's nice inside and the food always tastes much better than when I get delivery.
(3)
Jessica B.
I can't believe this place only has 3.5 stars! It actually inspired me to start a yelp account today! (Something I've been wanting to do for a while) So yes, me and my boyfriend get delivery and take out from this spot about once a week and are NEVER disappointed! Top Items: Crying Tiger- grilled beef with sticky rice. Amazingly moist, melts in your mouth and the homemade sauce that comes with it gives it just the right amount of kick! Starts our meal off right every time! Drunken Noodle- a personal favorite, and this place does it right! (I like to add shrimp, personal preference) Pad Thai Country Style- the spicy version of Pad Thai but not too spicy, love it. Mango Curry- AMAZING! tried it for the first time last night. The mango was so full of flavor. The curry had a lil kick but not too much. I hear extra spicy is good as well. These are my favorites but we've tried new things there and are never disappointed. I do recommend pick up over delivery. Pick up in 15 minutes or delivery in 45. So, I guess this depends on how hungry you are!
(5)
Lindsay C.
Nom Nom Nom!!! I LOVE Sugar & Spice! So good! And can you say it enough...Super Cheap! Their curries are flavorful, their veggies are fresh and their bubble teas are yummy. Whenever I get a craving for Thai and don't mind battling the Cambridge traffic, bikers and walkers...this is my place!
(5)
Hubert H.
A real hit in north Cambridge area. Simply and plainly decorated, this establishment serves honest Thai food with minimal frills, at prices lower than what you might typically expect in these parts of town. I started with the Thai Surprise (or was it something else Surprise?), essentially a crepe with curried chicken wrapped inside. While the crepe and chicken didn't fuse together as well texturally as I would have liked, the flavors were solid, and the crepe itself was fun to eat. I then moved to the pad thai which was, true to name, balanced flavorfully between spicy and sugary, but not too much of one or the other. There are other curiosities on the menu that I look forward to trying.
(5)
Scott J.
I found this gem of a Thai restaurant courtesy of friends who lived in Porter Square. I like it so much that I've even eaten there alone and sometimes contemplate going to Porter just for lunch. My recommendation: Drunken Noodles. Ask for them extra spicy, if you're into that. I hear the bubble teas are good, too. I've never had a bad meal there. The servers are friendly and unassuming, they make the food fast, and it's a great location right near the Red Line and Commuter Rail.
(4)
Liz B.
I wasn't expecting much and those expectations were blown away. The food, especially for the price, was really good. About $3-4 less than my usual go to Thai spot, the food was pretty comparable (though my dining partner said he could have done with a few more bites of chicken in his curry). We started with the Tom Yum soup which I would skip the next time. It was overly spiced a little oily and just had some chicken and a couple of thinly sliced mushrooms. Then again, what was I expecting for $2.95? For dinner I had steamed veggies and tofu with a unrecognizable but rather yummy sauce. Good variety of vegetables but the portion could have been a bit larger. The serving of veggies in the Masraman (same price as mine) was about 50% more. Eh, not a biggie. There was more than enough wait staff for the rather slow Saturday night assuring that our water glasses were always full. Dinner took a little while to get out but it looked like they were doing a steady takeout business so that's most likely why. Good value, good food, good selection.
(4)
Lauren L.
I ordered their yellow curry for dinner one night and after carefully eating half I had the rest packed up (planning to eat the leftovers for lunch the next day). But on the walk home, all I could think about was the curry sitting in its styrofoam cage, calling out to me, whispering dirty things in my ear. I couldn't resist its siren song and once I got home, promptly zapped the leftovers in the microwave and ate all the remaining curry and rice, leaving me bloated, too full and somewhat gross feeling. BUT IT WAS WORTH IT. I dream about their yellow curry. This $8 curry is the one I think of when I crave curry. It's flavorful, rich (but not too oily), coconutty, full of veggies and chicken, and with just enough heat to add some interest. Everything else I've tried on the menu has been perfectly serviceable and tasty, but nothing compares to their yellow curry. When I'm in the mood for a noodle dish, I like their Drunken Noodles (spicy) and Pad See Yu (not spicy). Their drinks and appetizers are okay, nothing terribly special and I'd recommend staying away from the Asian fusion-y dishes like shumai, XO sauce and meat, etc. I've had both delivery from Sugar & Spice and also eaten in the restaurant and found both experiences to be worth repeating. The waitstaff is perfectly nice, prices are reasonable, delivery arrives fresh and hot, and the interior of the restaurant is clean and moderately hip. Moral of the story: go here and eat yellow curry, you can thank me later.
(4)
Diego M.
We had this for takeout and this may be the reason why it was subpar. my biggest complaint is that for thai food which is known for having complex flavors this food was very bland. The curry had no heat or any other flavor I could tell. One of the appetizers we had rated a 3 out of 5 chiles, I would have thought .25 chiles at best. In short, bland flavorless food. but the mango sticky rice was very good!
(2)
Griffin J.
Good thai and great value. Only had take-out, though, so can't speak to the dining experience.
(4)
Heather G.
stopped by for a last-minute meal with my boyfriend on the way to a party. Despite the fact that it was saturday night, they were able to accomodate us with no problem. The decor is laid back and casual, and it seemed like a popular place for friends to meet up and have a long meal. The ambiance could be described as "buzzing", as it was not loud, though there was consistent background noise of people chatting. As it was a very cold night, the waitress came by right away with water and steaming cups of delicious tea. The menu is extensive enough that there was a choice for every craving, but not so overwhelming that it had many pages of different types of asian food (a la Chilli Duck). The fare is standard thai, but though the prices are the same as takeout-thai, the quality of the food was a notch better, a good value in my book! Had the mango curry with chicken, and although it wasn't spicy (at all), it came out piping hot and the portion was large. It could have been two meals had we not been on our way to a party, so in the essence of not wasting food or toting around a takeout container all night, i stuffed it all in and was uncomfortably full afterwards (my own fault!). The chunks of mango were abundant, fresh (definitely weren't using the frozen bagged stuff), and ripe, and the chicken was good quality. They loaded the dish with fresh veggies and I was a happy girl. My dining companion got the thai country fried rice, which was a bit spicier than my dish was, but still not as spicy as we're used to with this type of dish. His rice was a bit mushy as well, and perhaps we just mis-ordered on this one. I will be back to try the avocado curry, for sure!
(4)
Sarah G.
I absolutely love Sugar and Spice. Here's why: 1. VERY cheap...$5.95 for a lunch special! Super delicious!! They also have lots of coupons....I know that there's one on the back of Shaw's receipts (Shaw's is very close to Sugar and Spice)...I think that this specific coupon saves like $2 or so. 2. Very T-accessible...I don't have a car in Boston and it's literally just off the T. Take the T to Porter Square and walk in the direction towards Arlington (not Harvard). You'll pass Shaw's and Dunkin Donuts and then you're right there. 3. The place is, well, cute! It's nice and cozy. Just a great place to catch up with friends! 4. I absolutely love their yellow chicken curry. Super delicious!!!!
(5)
Charlotte H.
Great service and great food! Perfect for group outings because the portions are large enough to share. The crispy chicken Thai rolls are awesome. I would advise that if you are ordering multiple dishes to share, ensure that the dishes sound different enough. Last time I was there, we ordered two beef dishes and the sauces tasted VERY similar. Lunch prices are really good.
(4)
Logan J.
for me, thai food is pretty difficult to mess up. if the flavors are all there, im pretty satisfied. this place gets a little higher rating though because they offer some other options that some places dont--like avocado curry, which is actually really tasty. the place isnt anything to write home about regarding atmosphere but its a place that ive been back too many times because it is consistently good.
(4)
Esther W.
My review is solely for the two dishes I always get here: Chiang Mai Noodles (Khao Soi) and the Papaya Salad (Som Tam). Both of these are the best I have had in the Thai restaurants I have been to in the Boston area. Actually, most Thai restaurants don't even have Khao Soi and when they do, it just tastes like plain yellow curry with noodles dumped in. But this one is the perfect combo of spices/curry/coconut milk, good consistency (not too thick, not too watery), perfectly cooked egg noodles (with crispy egg noodles on top), tender chicken and it's a HUGE portion so you can make it into two meals. I went to Chiang Mai over the summer and tasted several bowls of this dish and Sugar and Spice definitely come closest to the real deal. Other friends who have eaten this in Thailand also agree! And the same goes for the Papaya Salad. The sauce is fantastic without being too fishy and has the perfect kick of spiciness. It's so flavorful... yum! Again, it's the most authentic I've had in the area. I have tasted other folks' dishes here as well and honestly wasn't as impressed as I was with these two, which are my favorites and the only things I order here. So I can't speak to the rest of the food or the authenticity of it all, but I can definitely vouch for the khao soi and som tam! Go eat it! And wash it all down with a Singha.
(4)
Igor L.
Sugar & Spice may be not bad restaurant. BUT their delivery servies is Terrible! It seems like they delivered food to my from Thailand! They sad it will be at time but it was late for 1 hour and 47 minutes and as a result food was cold! I will NEVER call them again!
(1)
Tina K.
I always order from Sugar & Spice when I need a quick dinner, or in the mood for good Thai food. I usually get chicken Pad Thai or Drunken noodles or basil fried rice! I order take out and they give a pretty good portion of food--most of the time I can only finish half of the portion and save the other half for lunch the next day! If you want good, quick Thai food, and you're in the Porter Square area, this is the place to go!
(4)
james t.
Yay! I'm a fan is right. Not everything is amazing but they do a fantastic chicken noodle soup (which is amazing spicy) and their steamed shumai is great! My fiance has had their drunken noodle which she also likes very much. They have my phone/address on file as well as credit card number. This is a great time saver and makes for an easy phone call. I haven't had everything on the menu but what I have had I've enjoyed very much.
(4)
Desirae C.
Food is great. Decor is unique and fun. Staff are usually attentive (although you will sometimes spot them giggling together at an empty booth if business is slow). What makes this place 4 stars instead of 3 for me is the price for the quality of the food. It's very reasonable considering it's right in Porter square and close to the T. Lunch is an even better deal. If you're into Pad Thai - it's a great dish here. However, the crispy pad thai's noodles are wider and greasier than I prefer.
(4)
Zinah A.
This is probably my favorite Thai restaurant. Always consisten, yummy and affordable food. I particular love the simple surprise super delicious. The crispy chicken basil, and drunken noodles, the best I have ever had. Again, consistency in food, service and ambiance! Great deal!
(5)
Emily O.
I just moved back home to New York, and I shed a small tear every time I think of Sugar and Spice. Yes, it is THAT GOOD, and no, I haven't yet found a replacement yet (so sad!) Tom Yum is fabulously spicy, filled with mushroom chunks. The Papaya salad is also spicy, and a healthy but delicious starter. Chicken satay is a great appetizer, and the peanut sauce is wonderful. For my dumpling fans, try the shumai or meat gyoza. You won't be disappointed. My absolute favorite dish, the Sugar and Spice noodles, has superb flavor and nice texture. During our once-weekly visits, my boyfriend and I would fight over who got to order it. Pineapple fried rice is delicious and filled with surprises. Shrimp, pineapple chunks (canned! I know, but it's O.K.), and cayenne powder are responsible for the great flavor. Dip a spoonful in the sweet sauce. Smoothies are quite rich and decadent. There is a durian smoothie for the brave. Don't forget to add bubbles.
(5)
Marc L.
We ate here while visiting our college-age children. Our group was 7 people, and we dined at around 9 PM on a Friday night. The place was pretty full when we arrived, and we basically shut down the place, nobody there when we left. Food and service were excellent. We had eaten Thai the previous evening in Cambridge (9 Tastes) and liked Sugar & Spice better, and it is slightly less expensive here. Fresh, original interesting menu choices, plenty of vegetarian choices.
(4)
Kelly K.
I placed an order today to be delivered at 12:15 for a lunch meeting. The meeting started and ended before the food arrived at 1:00. This was my first time ordering lunch from Sugar & Spice for my business and unfortunately I think it will also be my last.
(1)
Kacy K.
I have eaten here so, so many times since moving to Greater Boston in January. For one, it's ridiculously close to my office and on my way home. For two, you can order online (takeout for lunch!). For three, they're speedy and cheap. For four, I've never gotten a bad meal here. The garlic udon noodles are my favorite thing on the menu-hands down. Followed by the Rad Na Flat Noodles. I like noodles, and these are always perfectly done-not slippery, not gummy, just right and not overwhelmed with excessive sauce (sorry-may have ruined some appetites right there with my lurid noodle descriptions.) I should note, however, that the Mee Grob Rad Na surprised me. "Crispy noodles" do not so closely resemble noodles, but are more like fried wonton strips. This menu item was not bad at all-just-well-a better concept than reality, I think. And the crispy duck here-UNBELIEVABLE. I was thinking of Sugar and Spice's crispy duck as I contemplated what my last meal on earth would be. It is just that delightful. If you like duck, of course.
(5)
Min L.
I'm sorry but there are just so many better places to go for Thai food in a one-mile radius (e.g. across the street). I have to agree with the person who said it's kind of like the Thai-version of greasy chinese food. The hot basil fried rice was bland and greasy (and not spicy at all). The crispy noodles on the Mee Grob Rad Na were not noodles but rather more like fried wonton sticks so we ended up scooping all the toppings over the basil fried rice & ditching the wonton sticks. It was a sad meal.
(2)
James L.
I have tried many Thai restaurants over the years and I didn't think any Thai place would replace my beloved Thai Taste Too, located in North Dartmouth, MA. Thai Taste Too has an official competitor now! Located a quarter of a mile from the Porter Square T-station in Cambridge, Sugar and Spice doesn't look like your average cultural Thai restaurant like you would expect. No paintings and old Thai dolls placed in and around the restaurant. When you first walk in, you will notice vibrant colors and a greeting from two or more people who works there. Service is great. I came in around 2:30pm with my girlfriend on a Saturday afternoon, lunch is served till 3:00pm. Not pushy at all and they will give you time to think about what you want to order. Through out the meal they requested is we would like some more water in a polite manor and asked us about the food quality, twice. Curry - We order the Mango curry (lunch $6.25). A sweet and spicy concoction. Normally, I would not order fruit flavored foods unless they were for drinks or deserts. I was shocked and amazed by it's flavor. Sweet and savory, with a perfect portion of green peppers, red peppers, unions, and mango served with rice on a elegant plate. This dish is well worth the try and would be a great starters dish for people who are new to Thai curry cuisine. Noodle - Pad Thai, Rich with flavor, the noodle portion was very generous and the piece of chicken is just at the right proportion (not large or tiny). Lunch meal for this dish is $6.25. There was a lack of peanuts in this dish compared to most Pad Thai's that I have tried, though that is no reason to dumb down the score for this dish. Rice - Ordered the Hot Basil Fried Rice dish (lunch $6.25). At first glance, this dish is huge for a lunch meal. The rice is served with two slices of cucumbers, two pieces of large shrimp and a tiny bowl of some sort of duck sauce. The sauce is not necessary, if you want to try the authentic flavor of this culture, then drop the sauce. The rice is perfectly seasoned with the correct amount of basil flavor and has a stunning aroma. The vegetables are not over cooked and has a crunch to their texture. This place is highly recommended for all who wish to dive into Thai cuisine for the first time. This is also a place for veterans of Thai food (this is my 8th place).
(5)
Lauren M.
I've never updated a review before, but I really have to. Am I the only one who has noticed the food quality going downhill? At the very least, they have started stuffing their spring rolls and veggie dumplings with some sort of unidentifiable vegetable-like matter instead of fresh vegetables. Honestly, it's gross. I used to love this place (hence the previous five star review), and the drunken noodles with tofu are still decent so I don't want to dock more than two stars, but the bad appetizers are unacceptable.
(3)
Tamas S.
Meh. The shrimp in the chili shrimp is awesome. The rest is okay. Ambiance is good, but not cozy which is fine for a restaurant such as this. A friend and i sat at the first booth on the right and it was drafty. Service was pretty good. Friend asked for Pad Thai with no fish sauce but reported to me that it tasted "fishy". I think for the price i could get better Thai food someplace else.
(3)
Angie G.
I enjoyed the food here but wasn't terribly impressed. I felt the space was incredibly crowded and the service was surprisingly slow. I'd still go back and give them a second try, but like I said, I just wasn't terribly impressed by the service or space.
(3)
Erin M.
I like Sugar and Spice as a relaxed place to meet with friends for dinner. If you are lucky you will get one of the round booths, which are very nice for conversation. I've been here many times and have never been disappointed with the food. I agree with other reviews that it is fairly standard Thai fare... which I find delicious. Last night I had the Avocado Curry, which had very nice ripe avocados on it and good spices. Also, I had enough for two more meals left over! This means it's very affordable to go here. Food comes fast as well. The waitresses (we had at least three) were a little strange and one of them kept tripping and nearly spilled some soup on my friend. However, I figure the service is on par with most restaurants of this price level, so it doesn't bother me. One of the best dinner options in Porter, for sure.
(4)
Christina M.
I've had a good relationship with Sugar & Spice for many years now. The staff is so friendly, the place itself has cool ambience, and the food is really yummy. Plus, if you go for lunch, the prices are ridiculously cheap. My favorite dishes are the Tom Kar soup, avocado curry, mango curry, yellow curry, pad thai, and house fried rice. I've also tried some of their specialty drinks (i.e.: Thai iced tea), and desserts (i.e.: fried ice cream), and I've never been disappointed. I've had good Thai food at other restaurants, but I keep coming back here because it's my favorite!
(4)
Te R.
we went to sugar and spice for a friend's bd party. i ordered a thai dish that i missed. three-flavored fish. it was supposed to be fried whole or half fish and sauce made of fresh chili and fish sauce and thai spices. but what i got was fish as in fish and chips and the sauce as in sweet chili sauce that you can find in a supermarket. ok i put aside and tasted it. it was ... bad. the fish seemed like a frozen fish and chips and the sauce was way too sweet. then we ordered the fried icecream, and it was also bad. the crust didn't stay with the icecream, and the icecream didn't seem like it was homemade as advertised in the menu. sigh... other people on my table seemed to be happy about what they got though... oh the decor was pretty good though, but i don't really care about that.
(2)
Julia C.
i went to boarding school that was located near the thailand border, and enjoyed a large selection of authentic thai, as well as indian food where i went to high school. so i am oh so horrendously picky and snotty (to the annoyance of many friends) about curry that even after three years' diligent searching i still refused to acknowledge any curry that was deemed to be good enough. this was until i tried sugar and spice's mango curry with chicken at an event at my school that S&S catered. this is the only curry in america that i crave. mmmm. this is what i crave after a long day's work. the other great curry love that i have in the united states is the green chicken curry at the pad thai restaurant in waterville, ME. so totally worth the trip :P
(5)
Erich W.
Best Thai in Cambridge/Somerville area, hands down. That said, they can be a little inconsistent dish by dish. So we stick with their consistently good staples: Chieng Mai Noodle * Avocado Curry * Massaman Curry Drunken Noodles * the very best items
(4)
Anne W.
This is a pretty decent place for Thai food. The tom yum soup was good. I've had better pad thai than the country pad thai... the drunken noodles are pretty good though. Service is solid. I think it's a nice for casual get togethers. Unfortunately, I think the place looks like a bit of a chain. I am not so much of a fan of the bubble tea. I don't think they use fresh fruit.. it seems more like ice cream shake to me.
(3)
Peter A.
It is only 2 minutes from the Porter T stop. The food was excellent; I had the chicken mango curry and my fiancee had pad thai. They were both good, but there was a lot more of the mango curry (enough for two people). The prices are very reasonable for a Thai restaurant in Boston. We did order their california rolls (not the right name, but something like that) and they are essentially a bunch of iceberg lettuce. Probably not worth 5 bucks.
(4)
L M.
Yum. I was craving Thai when the family and I were staying in Boston, this place was pretty close to our hotel and it had a charming look so we decided to check it out, glad we did. It was pretty good! The servers were very friendly, the prices were reasonable and the Thai iced tea was very genuine and fresh. The food took quite a while to come out, and the place was far from packed, it was a little salty and slightly lacking on spices, but overall it was very good. I give them a 4 star because of slow service (could have just been an off day) and over salting.
(4)
James B.
Sugar and Spice.. This place is all about the Thai, and believe me, the Thai is GOOD!! As always, my go to dish was the Drunken Noodles, HMMMMMM-HMMMM-Good! My wifey, went for the Pad Thai, and was in mid-gastrogasm the entire time.. Mass Ave, Sugar and Spice, yes, go there.
(5)
Imran G.
Its Sunday night, Memorial Day weekend, and my wife and I are starving. We've got a Thai food craving and we're in Porter Square. A Tale of Two Thai Restaurants. One has patio seating on a beautiful Sunday evening, the other doesn't... What a delightful evening featuring a breezy sunset coupled with some flavorful and well-spiced Thai food. My wife ordered the green curry with beef, and I went with something that I use as a benchmark for thai restaurants, drunken chicken noodles. I'll start with the benchmark, drunken chicken noodles with extra chicken ($2 extra). For me, it was a bit too sweet, but I suppose we are at "Sugar and Spice". In retrospect, I could have asked for it to be more spicy, so I won't take away too much from that. I asked for some hot sauce and that patched things up a bit. Still, the food was a bit cold when I got it, but other than that the flavors are all there and the chicken doesn't have the weird texture that most Thai restaurants have. The real eye opener though was the green curry chicken. Its not something I generally like, and when my wife wants to order curries at Thai restaurants I'm not particularly excited. See, I'm Indian, and I tend to like curries the Indian way. But, this green curry was something else. It had a really unique flavor with a delayed heat that is quite difficult to describe. I'll probably have to make another trip to figure it out, but this dish alone makes the place worthy of a return. Service was great. There's a particular Thai restaurant in Central Square that we used to frequent that didn't have great service. Hence, I'm a little apprehensive of Thai places. To my surprise though, our water was topped off frequently enough to keep our spiced tongues in check. We didn't have to wait too long for anything, and the servers were fairly attentive. If my drunken noodles were warmer or slightly spicier, then it'd be a perfect 5-stars.
(4)
Lisa B.
Wow! First time here. Visiting from California but I'm a native Bostonian. This place is amazing. Everything was fresh, well seasoned and creatively Plated. Awesome service. Will come back again!
(5)
Bonnie C.
Sugar & Spice is probably one the few Thai restaurants that I actually like because they have really good pad see ew. It was pretty empty when I came here and the restaurant is super spacious. So I got here and the waitress was seating us at a booth, but I noticed there were circle booths that looked really cool and asked her if we can sit there. With annoyance, she was like "no" and rolled her eyes at me. I was so caught off guard by this. Ok, I know it's annoying when customers requests where they want to sit because I am a hostess myself, but it's only annoying if they request to sit elsewhere AFTER you've seated them. But we were just walking to our table and asked. This waitress was rude to us throughout our entire meal. In fact, she ended up asking another waitress so serve us because she made it pretty obvious that she didn't like us. We were seated at a booth across from the cashier and noticed her talking to another waitress and looking at us with dirty looks. I am not even exaggerating. At this point, I wasn't even bothered by her because I am only here to enjoy my lunch with my girlfriends. So here's my point: THE SERVICE IS AWFUL HERE. It's not going to stop me from coming back though because my pad see ew with duck was SO good. I think it's definitely one of the best pad see ews I have ever had. My friends ordered a bento box and it was really good too. I can't wait to be back for the food. However, if service continues to be crappy, I definitely won't be back. So 3 stars for the food and 0 stars for the service.
(3)
Fancypants X.
4.25 stars Consistently well-made & comforting Thai dishes makes Sugar & Spice one of my favorite Asian restaurants in Cambridge. I wasn't much for Thai food before finding this Porter a square eatery, but now I've gone through half the menu & love the strong, spicy flavors of the cuisine. I've tried: -- sticky rice & mango: best I've had! I think I've ordered this dessert every single time I've visited. -- tom yum soup: salty, sour, spicy, & satisfying -- crispy basil chicken: lightly fried, plenty of basil -- gra prao chicken: amazing chili sauce -- excited chicken: tender chicken breast, veggies, & a bit of crunch from cashews. Presented in a crisp, puffed shell -- crispy pad thai: probably my least favorite item I've tried, but still better than the pad Thai I've had in SF -- sticky rice: love the tiny bamboo container -- Thai rolls: nice & crispy Lovely outdoor seating for when the weather's cooperative. Wait staff tend to leave customers alone after delivering food to the table (most likely because half of the patrons are students doing homework), but they're lingering about, just make eye contact should you need anything!
(4)
Gary C.
I knew we were in trouble when we sat down and the order telephone kept ringing and nobody picked it up. Babies screaming, old Madonna tune on the scratchy speaker, mismatched chairs, worn off table top, flies buzzing across my face. Then the order came. Went from bad to worse. If a Thai restaurant can't do Pad Thai, then everything else is suspect. This restaurant can't do Pad Thai. It was covered in a sickly sweet sauce. Two shrimp. Correct, two. I think there might have been some chicken but it was cleverly disguised as shoe leather so I can't be sure. I think the majority of the good reviews come from students who have been living on pizza for two years and all of a sudden realize they can't eat another slice. Thai food to the rescue.
(1)
Kevin J.
Food: 3.5 Stars Service: 3.5 Stars We came for dinner in the summer. The place has interesting decor, they have a very lighthearted atmosphere outside and also patio seating when the weather is good. I ordered the Hor Mok and my girlfriend ordered the Pad Kee Mao with veggies. First thing to note is that portions are huge for certain dishes, particularly for the noodle dishes. My girlfriend definitely liked her Pad Kee Mao, it had a hint of spice, used a variety of vegetables which she liked and it was very filling. So the Hor Mok was described in the menu as basically a rice dish within a coconut. I wasn't expected a super fresh coconut or anything, but I was hoping that there would be a lot of flavor inside the rice at least. Unfortunately, I felt the rice was really quite bland and there was no coconut flavor in it. Also when looking at the sides of the coconut on the inside, they were purple! I wasn't impressed. Though service wasn't terrible, we found the servers wouldn't really go around to check on the guests, they would just congregate around the cashier. It's probably one of the better thai places around porter square but I'd probably have to recommend Rod Dee over Sugar and Spice.
(4)
Thunderwoman R.
My 1st and only visit to this restaurant. I actually got sick afterwards. Also the waitress asked me after my meal "Did you leave a tip?" She also had the nerve to ask me how much did I leave her!!!!! Not going there ever again. Nice atmosphere is what attracted me in the first place I like their outdoor and seating area. BTW scroll down reviews and read Bonnie's review. I agree with her service is awful!
(1)
Vivian C.
Sugar & Spice is located the next block over from Yume Wo Katare, a super-short walk over from the Porter Square T stop. They are located on a corner and have taken over the edge of the sidewalk for their own outdoor patio seating. Given the current season, they've thrown themselves all in, and have decorated their dining space with pumpkins and skulls to herald the approach of Halloween. Eager to please, they came by several times to take our order before we were quite ready. Finally though we were all there and we had decided, and we thus started with the Crab Rangoon $6.95, which arrived 5 bundles to an order, hot and crisp and cheesy. I opted for the Thai Iced Tea $2.95, which was a nice cooling treat. Though a bit disappointing in presentation (what purple???), the Purple Fried Rice $10.95 Thai fried rice with shrimp paste, chicken, shredded mango, and egg turned out to be rather tasty and soft. Pad See You $9.95 (Flat rice noodles, chicken, egg and mixed vegetables) was as good as expected. The Panang Curry $11.95 pork requested mild (Richer, sweeter,creamier, and more full of herbs than the red or green curry) was too hot for my taste, yet came with a cooling side salad. Virgin Garden $9.95 (Flavorful steamed or fried tofu with mixed vegetables) with a 50 cent brown rice surcharge, was a melange of crisp vegetables. Tastewise, however, my votes went to the noodle dish and the Purple rice. As we were dining family style, we played Tetris with the entree plates, which though interestingly shaped, were heavy and difficult to fit in the remaining table space. Lesson learned - If you want something mild, don't order the Penang curry; their base is already spicy, so it can't be made truly mild.
(4)
Janet H.
Sugar. Spice. And everything nice. These were the ingredients chosen to create the perfect Thai dish. But the restaurant accidentally added TOO MUCH of an EXTRA INGREDIENT to the concoction.... PEPPERS. In my attempt to make this review "punny," the food here was pretty good, although a bit too spicy for my liking. My go-to Thai dish always Pad Thai (so white washed, I know) and green curry. I noticed the green curry was labeled with 3 red chili peppers indicating how spicy it is... so I requested to make it milder. But man, with one bite, my mouth was on FIRE! Luckily, I had a thai iced tea to alleviate the S&M spice, but whew! Felt like the devil was in my mouth. I ended up not eating close to half of the green curry because I couldn't handle it. Not sure if it's related, but a few hours later, I broke out in some rashes/hives on my neck... which has never happened to me. Is it possibly from the food being too spicy? Coincidence? Anyway, I highly recommend the pad thai. It's on the sweeter side, which I like. What makes Thai food so delicious for me is its adventurous combination of salty, spicy, and sweetness. The pad thai had a pretty good balance of those three flavors. The green curry, on the hand, was questionable. Too spicy for me, even when I requested less spice! The thai iced tea was a nice surprise -- it was more like an icee, which is pretty neat. A bit too sweet for my liking, though. 3.5 stars.
(3)
Andrew Q.
I came to Sugar & Spice at a weird hour (think 3pm) for snacks, hoping to stay hungry enough for dinner. Big mistake. Every bite I ate of my Thai rolls made my mouth water. I wanted to order an entree and just pig out. The real plus of this place is how unique-tasting their dishes are. I've had way too many generic-tasting Thai meals to the point where they all blend together, almost like Chinese fast-food joints. I can remember the flavor at Sugar & Spice. It's worth noting that the restaurant was on the small side and awkwardly laid out in addition. While I haven't experienced it myself, I can imagine there being a wait here.
(4)
Tuli S.
The food is pretty good/consistent here. The first time I came I ordered the Hor Mok. It was served in a whole coconut with an orchid on top :). I loved the presentation! Inside the coconut was a curry with salmon and lots of veggie with rice on the side. My friend ordered the country style pad thai (I haven't seen it on the online menu lately). I LOVED the pad thai. Most places don't have the country style pad thai on the menu so every time I visited since 2011/2012 I've ordered it. I haven't been back this year so I'm not sure if they still have it. Service was good and it's cheap. ^_^
(4)
Steve X.
This place hits the spot. I mean just look at the name. Literally the right amount of Sugar and Spice, and everything nice. My taste glands water thinking about this place. I'm in no way from thailand and know about thai food, but I know what good food is. This place has super great rice dishes. I definitely recommend the Basil Fried Rice or the Pork Belly with Rice. I mean just about every dish has it's own unique taste, and you will be craving more after you finish. The only reason is because the portions are quite small for the price. That's the only critique id give because you will not be very full. But the food here, definitely some of the best dishes i've had, the rice is flawless.
(4)
Karis O.
I highly suggest just ordering a bunch of stuff and sharing with whoever you're with because the food is really that great! You'll want to try as many dishes as possible. Crispy fried duck, prepare to battle your friends Hunger Games style for this stuff. Totally crispy and terrible for your body. The texture in my opinion needs a little getting used to, it's really chewy. But you'll get there, plus the special sauce is really good. Purple Fried Rice. There's like, one purple thing on there so the name threw me off. However, sidenote, do NOT eat the tiny red pepper things as they may or may not burn your mouth off. But there's shredded mango so that kind of makes up for it. Chicken Udon Noodle with basil. Hall-ay-loo-yah. Highly recommend this one!
(4)
Alexander S.
This place is great! Love the drunken noodle and the spring rolls. I order delivery and go to the restaurant and it is great either way. Service is good. One of my favorite Thai places. Literally cannot eat drunken noodles at other restaurants because it is never as good. Highly recommend!
(5)
April M.
It's the best Thai restaurant in Boston. The favor is really same as Thailand. I love this place. If you want to try real Thai food or flavor, you must to come to Sugar and Spices!!!!
(5)
Seokyeong L.
It is real Thai food!!!!!!!!!!! I like this place the most! The owner is kind and food is amazing :)
(5)
Holly W.
Amazing service. amazing Thai. New bubble tea is amazing Sammy was so pleasant at the front and gave me new tea to try while I waited :)
(5)
Matt L.
They have a pretty nice Thai Ice Tea here. Other things which are good are the curries, and the noddles. In general, it can be a little bit pricy, but the ambiance of the restaurant is quite nice, and the delivery staff is always great.
(4)
Katie M.
I went here once the other night and really enjoyed my experience! I have a habit of ordering pad see you at thai restaurants as a baseline judge since it's one of my favorite dishes, and it was excellent here! We also had a summer roll appetizer and it was very refreshing in the hot weather. Most of the entrees were $8-10, and they did have a drink menu. Overall paid around $19 for a shared appetizer, an entree, and a beer. The outdoor seating area is very nice - they have nice little string lights over the tables and small wooden dividers covered in plants to separate the dining area from Mass Ave. Would definitely go again!
(5)
Rachel R.
Came in with a friend tonight when we weren't willing to wait in the bitter cold for Yume wo Katare and was pleasantly surprised! We split an order of the delightfully-named Royal Triangles, which were crispy pockets of rice noodle stuffed with chicken and veggies. They were perfectly fried and crunchy, if a bit poor on the filling-to-crispy-noodle ratio. I then tried the Moo Ma Now, "Thai-style fried pork" with cabbage, rice, and a spicy sauce made from hot peppers and ngoc cham. The pork was nice and crispy, almost like a katsu, and there was a generous portion of rice. The ngoc cham sauce was a little--funky? in terms of smell, and not like any ngoc cham-based sauce i've ever tried, so there may have been another ingredient I'm not super-familiar with, but it tasted wonderful! My friend had a tofu noodle soup that I didn't try, but it looked delicious as well and she ate the whole thing. The restaurant is small and very cute, with colorful walls and place settings. Service was prompt and friendly. I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Shirley E.
The food is great! Why only 3 stars? Bcz the service is terrible and if you're not melanin deficient it's out right rude. I love their food so I simply call in and pick up for takeout bcz almost every time I've sat down to dine in the staff ignores me or 'forgets' things I ask for but tends to the table next to me. "Why give them your money and continue to order?" You may ask... Bcz the prices are decent, the food is great, and the bubble tea is YUM!
(3)
Adam L.
What can I say, this place is probably one of the better thai restaurants in Boston/Cambridge area. I suggest getting the basil fried rice. You will not be disappointed with this choice. Not only do they give you a pretty good portion size, but its also one of tastiest basil fried rice i've had at a thai restaurant. All my friends got their own dishes, but kept on eating mine because it was that good. The rice is cooked at perfection with just enough flavoring. To make your experience even better, i suggest getting the crispy fried pork belly on top of the basil fried rice. The Crispy pork belly is crispy enough to wear it doesn't taste like an uncooked meat. It also taste very fresh. I guarantee that you will love this combination. I will definitely have to come back for the other things on the menu because they seem like they know how cook Thai food.
(4)
Chelly S.
Great food for a very reasonable price near Harvard law. The Bento box had all sorts of good stuff. The katsu chicken was great. My husband's seafood five spice soup was awesome.
(5)
Rachel L.
Came here for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. Found this place on Yelp, the pictures looked appetizing so off we came. We started with the flat noodles wrapping lettuce, meat and other things. Advertised as a whooping 3 chili symbol; but it disappointly not spicy at all. Not even a kick to it. My date got the Tom Yum soup. It looked really good and he seemed to have enjoyed it. I got the fish story, salmon with crispy eggplant with a teepee of rice. It was good, really wish the food was more spicy but regardless, it was good. Perhaps the next time we come, we'll try the spice aspect of the name.
(3)
Christine P.
I hope today was an off day for these folks. In the past I've had good experiences but this time, not so much. My friend asked if she could get a curry dish with mild spice and the waiter said yes. What came out was so spicy she had to send it back. The second batch was only slightly milder. Meanwhile, my dish was dripping in oil, and I had to ask twice for the crispy roll/triangle combo. To top it off, we ordered from the lunch menu but were charged dinner prices. (This was at noon.) With other great Thai places just a block away, it will be a while before I visit Sugar & Spice again.
(2)
Nicole B.
Sugar & Spice is a sweet Thai restaurant with a pleasant outdoor patio. I recommend eating outside during the warmer months since there are flower boxes surrounding the tables, umbrellas for shade, and fun colored light bulbs for nighttime. I ordered a green tea bubble tea that came out different than I expected. I thought it would be milky tea, but it was more of a frozen smoothy consistency. Generally my bubble tea was fine, but my boyfriend's had bits of ice within, making the drink not so enjoyable. My spicy eggplant dish with tofu was decent, but it could have had more heat. The "fish story" dish was huge and came with a healthy sized piece of salmon, fried eggplant, and salad. Overall, this is a good spot for a casual meal.
(3)
Derek B.
Went here for a lunch. Got the 3 chili pepper appetizer fully expecting to be crying and sweating. It had no spice to it. My date also got a 2 chili pepper "a fish story" and asked for extra spicy. Not remotely spicy. Maybe extra spicy was heard as X the spicy. Accidents happen. Had the Tom yum soup. It was really really good. Still no spice to it. I will have to return to get the spice part of the name I guess.
(3)
Bethany K.
I love this place! Great service and the good is amazing! I've had several dishes. Their curries are great. The prices are low!
(5)
Mary D.
Pad Thai was good. The Thai rolls were your run of the mill frozen and then fried spring roll. They didn't seem homemade. Thai ice tea was good. Fried honey bananas were okay. Service was slow but friendly. I might come back for pad Thai. Whole experience was OK.
(3)
Meryam B.
I came to Sugar & Spice for a solo lunch the first day I moved to Boston. I ordered off of the lunch specials menu (which had decent prices across the board) and got the "Virgin's Paradise" (or something creepy like that) which was basically stir fried veggies and soft tofu with brown rice. I thought the meal was okay in the taste and quality department, but nothing to write home about. I sat inside the restaurant though it did have outdoor seating on the sidewalk. The service was nice and the establishment (including the bathroom) seemed well kept.
(3)
Marjorie S.
Food is delicious!! I love their chicken Cashewnuts and PadThai. Price is excellent!!! Service is really good. The only low point is that it ts not a very clean place...
(5)
Kiki P.
FOOD: 3 STARS SERVICE: 4 STARS VALUE: 5 STARS Sugar and Spice is a Thai restaurant located right in the center of Porter Square. It is easily accessible and there is a decent amount of street parking available. I dined at this restaurant with a large party of about 18 people. It can be tough and frustrating to accommodate such a big group and the staff at Sugar and Spice did an excellent job keeping us all happy. When we arrived our table was ready and we were seated. It was a big long table which took up half of the dining room. The ambiance was nice and not too loud. We were able to have conversations comfortably without having to yell across the room. Drinks: They have boba tea/bubble tea which is rare for a nice restaurant. I have actually never seen boba at dine-in restaurants before. I had fresh squeezed lemonade with boba which was pretty tasty. The boba itself was okay and a little bit too mushy/overcooked. Appetizers: Somtum-Papaya Salad: shredded green papaya, carrots, tomatoes and shrimp tossed in chili lime and crushed nuts. The papaya salad was pretty good and reasonably priced. I hate which places charge $10-12 for a simple salad. Veggie Dumplings: These were not what I expected them to be. I thought they would have been served as your standard steamed dumplings. However they were mini circles of veggies. I would have preferred the regular steamed ones but these were not bad. My suggestion is to rename this dish because the name can be misleading. Shumai: Steamed shrimp dumpling. This is exactly what I think of when I picture a dumpling! Dinner: Drunken noodles: flat noodles with chicken and vegetables in hot basil sauce. The drunken noodles were a little disappointing. They were average. I was surprised that this is the most "popular" dish on the menu. Spicy hot basil fried rice: stir fried-rice with chicken, peppers, carrots, onions and basil leaves. This is a standard dish which I order at every Thai restaurant. This makes it easier for me to directly compare restaurants. I rate this dish 3 out of 5 stars. It had a pleasant flavor and aroma, but was not spicy at all. Thai chili is what really gives fried-rice a lovely authentic flavor, which was missing in this dish. Perhaps I should have asked for this dish to be extra spicy...maybe next time! Overall, I had a wonderful experience at Sugar and Spice. The food is average about 3 stars but the service is great. The VALUE is amazing with reasonable and affordable prices. For that reason, I would probably return here if I was in the Porter Square area.
(4)
Roxana W.
I used to like this restaurant many years ago and there food is quite good. I always order chicken pad thai. Unfortunately, last month I feel like I was completely conned out of my money. I went to this restaurant with my coworkers (7 of us in total) and this time ordered Chicken AND Shrimp pad thai. The waitress brings my plate of food and there is LITERALLY ONE SHRIMP in the pad thai. LITERALLY.ONE. I asked her if she told the chef that I had asked for chicken AND shrimp pad thai, and she said yes, that's what you have. I asked her why there was only ONE shrimp, and she said she would go ask the chef. She comes back 2 mins later and says that the Chef told her it was a large shrimp (It wasn't. It was NOT a jumbo shrimp that you see stuffed with something in a fancy restaurant, it was medium sized, if that). Since he put a "large" shrimp in my pad thai, it only comes with one. REALLY?!?! So I paid for ONE SHRIMP in my chicken AND shrimp pad thai? They charge you EXTRA for the ONE SHRIMP. DO NOT ORDER SHRIMP WITH YOUR PAD THAI. Instead, throw your money out the window. Thumbs down.
(2)
Emily V.
I really wanted to like this place. It was one of my first meals in Boston since the move, and it came recommended. My mom and I were there on a weekend night. We all know weekends can be busy, but we got in right away. A nice patio spot. It is a very cute patio: lights, plants, right on Mass Ave. My major complaint is with the wait time for our food. We got very simple dishes (green curry, pad thai) and waited for almost an hour. It was busy, but not packed as I had expected. What was worse, they brought out my entree almost 15 minutes before my mother's. That's just poor timing and awkward for everyone. As far as the food itself, it was mediocre. The curry was pretty good. Spicy, maybe overly so. The small salad that came with it was pitiful. The greens were wilted and it had no flavor. Maybe I should give it one more shot. But, I was not impressed.
(2)
Hrishi D.
Great food! Great service! Really good authentic Thai cuisine. Recommended - must try
(5)
Sara B.
Delicious food, quick and friendly service. Tons of menu options without it being overwhelming. I'm a big fan of the massaman curry with chicken and also the chicken cashew dish! Lovely outdoor dining option on a nice day.
(5)
Less H.
Delicious. I was really happy with my Country Style Pad Thai, which is basically pad Thai with some heat. It wasn't too hot but just right for my weak North-Eastern palate. My friends were also very happy with their food. Price is inline with most of the Thai places I've been to, that is to say for about $10 you can get enough food for 2 or to have dinner and then breakfast the next AM. (If you are like me, your leftovers become breakfast.) If you go for the higher priced food you'll find large steaming bowls of spicy and sweet soup for around $15. These bowls are enough to feed 2 or to leave you uncomfortably full and rolling to the train. In short: delicious, tasty Thai food that will leave you full for not a lot of hurt in the wallet.
(4)
Aly L.
I really did not enjoy my pad thai, and I have never disliked any pad thai before. The noodles were a bizarre texture and it was generally lacking in flavor. I was incredibly disappointed.
(2)
Mike F.
Love this place! Go there often. Can be busy Fri and Sat night so we go early. Nice service and great food!
(5)
Claire G.
This is a great place to come and sit outside during the summer or warmer weather. They have really cute outdoor seating with pretty lights, which is great for people watching. Besides the location and ambiance, I also like their food. I ordered the Chicken Cashew Nuts. It came with a balanced amount of chicken, vegetables, and rice. It was really flavorful and I felt like I was eating a healthy dish because it was not greasy at all. I've also previously ordered the Chicken Pad Thai, which was average compared to other places I've been. Overall, I'm a fan and will definitely be back on nice summer nights to dine outdoors.
(4)
Michele H.
Food is good--I ordered the papaya salad and the Tom yum soup. The salad was crisp and refreshing, and the soup was very nicely spiced. My boyfriend's crispy noodles were the envy of all at the table. $5.75 glasses of Cabernet aren't bad at all. I'd almost give this pace a 3.5 for service, as we had reservations for 14, and one of our tables was still occupied by another party for a good 25 minutes past our start time. That aside, our server was attentive and helpful, and you can't beat sipping wine and eating papaya salad outside on a summer night.
(4)
Matt Q.
Sugar & Spice is close to one of my friend's place and we've come to rely on this place for a Thai dinner option that's a little nicer ambiance than Rod Dee across the street. Their Purple Fried Rice often gets ordered around the table. It has a wonderful mix of flavors both sweet and salty. The Pad See You is also great for those who like thick flat noodle dishes. If you like curry, I would also recommend their Panang Curry, which creamy, flavorful, and often tempts you to wipe your plate clean. If you're looking for some solid Thai food, at a decent price point, with a location that's comfortable for a sit down meal, this is the place for you.
(4)
Noah P.
This place is the best Thai around. Had the drunken noodles with chicken and it was very good.. miso soup was average. . Spring rolls were great. Nice atmosphere. Highly recommended
(5)
Court S.
My mom ordered dinner here and I was going out for dinner but I had a few bites of her takeout. Coconut bubble tea- 5 stars! So amazing. Can double as a dessert. Crab bites- 5 stars. Super tasty. Veggie spring rolls- 5 stars. Very good with sweet sauce. Everything was great.
(4)
Kayley P.
A friend and I popped in yesterday to have a quick meal. It was a lovely spring day and we sat outside. They really have paid attention to detail and have made the outside seating area feel like a retreat even thought it was on a busy street (and across from a construction site). The service was fast, the wait staff were just so sweet and kind. The food was delicious and definitely enough to fill you up. Reasonable prices and a great ambiance. I will be back!
(4)
Pia J.
The food came out quite quick, was so fresh & yummy. The flavors were very authentic. I recommend the crispy basil chicken, pineapple fried rice, massaman curry, Pork belly appetizer, spicy Shrimp salad. Polite, nice staff & Prices were very reasonable too. I plan to eat here often when I'm in the area for sure. Been here 3 more times on our trips to Boston, same great flavors every time. Love it.
(4)
O K.
Don't get take out or delivery- they half ass their to go orders (food is cold, dried out, not flavored the same as if sitting), and the people taking orders over the phone are incredibly rude. The delivery time has always taken over an hour so not really worth it. Better off dining in if anything. Their pad se ew is pretty decent.
(3)
Emily S.
Love this place. The Drunken Noodles are the best!
(4)
Esss E.
Attention Sugar & Spice Owners: It is April 22. That means it is time to take the Christmas ornaments and brown pine boughs out of your falling apart window boxes. I haven't eaten there since November, but I hope your food is fresher and better looking!
(3)
Zhichun Y.
This place is really good around Porter Square. Food here is really good and in large portion. The drunken noodle is great and so as the bubble tea smoothies. I have tried the green tea and mango ones and they are so good. Will definitely come back!
(4)
Tyler P.
Sugar and Spice in Porter Square is a great find. It has a really great atmosphere (I'm excited to check out the outdoor seating when it gets warm). The portions were good sized. We got three dishes and a couple orders of rice for four people and that was just the right amount. The drunken noodles, yellow curry, and excited chicken were all good choices!
(4)
Irina N.
Living in Brookline, I don't get out much to Porter Sq area but dinner with a friend brought us to Sugar & Spice. First of all, I loved the atmosphere and funky design, color and accessories of the place. Made me feel welcome and gave me a feel of being in Cambridge (or how cool I picture Cambridge to be). We ordered steamed shumai and that left us satisfied. The beer is $3.95 which is also very affordable comparing to Boston. However, the lost stars are due to my pad tai being soo sweet and soo sticky that I honestly didn't know if I could finish it. and here I thought, how could I go wrong with that! Two shrimp and not as much chicken as I was hoping for didn't help the situation. My friend ordered "drunken noodle" which has gotten great reviews and he seemed happy with it, although it was a bit spicy for his taste. I believe there were marks next to it indicating it but I suppose everyone's ability to handle spicy varies. We were approached to see if we were finished before we were. And we were never approached to see how everything was. It is unfortunate but the service was a little lacking. It was good to catch up with my friend whom i haven't seen in a while but now that I think about it, it was actually a long time before we were approached to order way in the beginning too. I would come again and try more dishes due to the funky space and good apps, affordable beer and high reviews.
(3)
Ronald J.
I so luv Thai food, It's my first time in Boston and luckily I found the right one. Spicy beef with basil is so good. It's delicious and have that perfect spicy Thai flavor. Staff is courteous too!! Nice little cozy place! price is reasonable!
(4)
Sofia G.
The BEST Thai food I've ever had! I don't go to any other Thai places since I tried Sugar&Spice. Personally recommendation: Gyozas, Royal Triangles, Crab Ragu, Drunken Noodles & Chicken Mango Curry.
(5)
Annie W.
i love rod dee. i love rod dee so much that i felt that going across the street to sugar and spice with a friend tonight felt like cheating on rod dee. don't worry, rod dee. i still love you. even if i have tasted your friend as well. sugar and spice is totally different from rod dee. rod dee's menu has about 10398023742953479782913 menu items, with about 20 more daily specials (am i lying? go there and find out) and little a la carte dessert and appetizer items sitting on the counter in case you weren't already drooling. but it is cash only. so have cash or use their ATM, mmk? sugar and spice takes cards and has maybe 50 items on its menu. the mainstays are there. the curries, the rad nah, the drunken noodles, some noodle soups. the restaurant smelled wonderful walking in. this is a sit down place, unlike the uber casual rod dee with no real waiter service (at rod dee, they help, they just don't wait on you, but you don't need that do you). the price point is similar, if not slightly more on some items (~$10-15/entree). i had their (jungle curry equivalent, i think), which was written into the menu as a 3 chilis coconut-free south thai curry, which was nice and spicy, and heavy on the chicken (it's cool, i ordered chicken, i just like more vegetables, too) -- but unlike other places at which i've had jungle curry, the curry is usually a lot more watery and goes over rice like a broth and EvilEvilEvil. this curry didn't kill me but my eyes watered a lot, which is okay because i'd just sweated my brains out (guess where?) nearby so why not carry on through the other orifices. it was tasty. the plate was awesome. super narrow super table-long entree plate with a wee bit of salad, some rice, and some entree. i told my friend, that's it, i'm sending all my plates to goodwill and buying only those from now on. my roommates will throw a fit. yes. i'm kidding. when i am. so sugar and spice, you're cool. stuff looks, tastes, and smells authentic (which is a lot to say given so many purported thai offerings in the area). when i don't have cash, i can turn to you. but rod dee still has my heart.
(4)
Jennifer N.
Been coming here for about two years..this place is by far one of my top 5 restaurants! Servers are insanely nice. Anything you order, you will love! Royal triangle, chicken satay, Thai eggrolls, Tom yum soup all serves as delicious appetizers that you should definitely consider ordering (most of the time I would order all!!) then for the main course, get anything! I tried a lot & none has yet to fail my expectation. Very casual & clean place as well. As for desert, I love the coconut icecream (I'm simply a coconut fan) but the others are really good too like the coconut sticky rice with mangos and Fried bananas. Taro & coconut are both my favorite bubble tea, simply delicious!
(5)
Chelsea W.
One thing I really like about this restaurant is how ridiculously fast the food comes out of the kitchen. I've gone twice, and the orders have arrived within 5-6 min which is crazy. Tried the pad thai and udon stir fry which were good. Portions were big too, and priced pretty well. Would stop by again.
(4)
Jennifer L.
I really like this place. It was my first time today and I ordered the Purple Fried Rice. The chicken was juicy and the fried rice was delicious. The Thai iced tea was great as well! I definitely want to come back to try the other dishes! The price is also very reasonable :)
(5)
Jasmine B.
Great restaurant with even better prices, especially for the serving size and quality. Vegetables are always fresh and tender. I've never had a bad meal here. Definitely try the chicken mango curry paired with a frozen bubble tea (I recommend the Thai iced tea). Don't be afraid to try something different, everything is fantastic!
(5)
Jane S.
My friend and I ordered the Steamed Shrimp Shumai ($4.95) appetizer to start. We got 7 pieces of really dry shumai that tasted like one of those frozen shumai you get from Costco. The fillings were pretty much absent and it was mostly the outer skin. The shumai was also bland and tasteless, even when it was literally dunked in the soy sauce. Our first entree was Gra Prao Chicken, ($9.95) spicy minced chicken in chili sauce. There was a bed of greasy, chili oil underneath which freaked me out a little. The white rice tasted a bit undercooked, and I couldn't really taste the chicken because it was minced so small. I would have liked more spices. The Pad Thai ($8.95), or stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, chicken, egg, peanuts, bean sprouts and scallions, is a must-dish at a Thai restaurant. The pad thai was sweeter than other pad thai I have had (indeed it reflects the name of the restaurant well!). There were only three medium-sized shrimps and bits of chicken. Usually the ground peanuts are served on the side, but this restaurant had it all mixed in the noodle already
(2)
Bella A.
I went here last Saturday evening with a friend that has been here a few times. For my first time coming here it could have been better. First off my glass of water was dirty with green stuff stuck to it so I asked for another. Secondly, my utensils were dirty so I quickly asked for some new ones. I ordered the drucken noodles which was amazing until I found hair on my piece of chicken. I told our server and she immediately apologized and gave me a whole new order. Despite all that happen that day, I will give them another try. Their customer service was great and the food was good as well. It could have been an off day for them.
(3)
Reetika J.
Went here for late lunch on a warm sunny day. They have great outdoor seating which is mostly why we picked them. Beer at $3.95 is pretty reasonable, and the food was really flavorful and authentic Thai. I recommend the pineapple fried rice, crispy basil chicken and moo yang BBQ pork. Great service too, very accommodating staff. Can't wait to try something else here!
(4)
Henry Z.
had team lunch there, ordered the crispy salmon noodle, good taste and nice ambiance. Will come back to try more.
(4)
Nancy S.
I went here last Sunday with some friends and my first impression was that it was rather small but nicely decorated and accommodating. I had never been there before and played it safe by ordering some Thai Iced Tea and Pad See You. Both were exactly what I expected. The Iced Tea had a bite of a bite (probably from orange blossom water) and the Pad See You was sweet and savory. I'd give it five stars if our food hadn't come out about five minutes after ordering. For the $7 I paid for lunch I don't expect gourmet food but the speediness makes me wonder if there aren't a few microwaves in the kitchen. Anyhow, good friends, good food at a very reasonable price. I'll definitely be returning.
(4)
George C.
We ordered delivery that took over an hour to arrive (an hour and twenty minutes). When it arrived, we learned that the soda (coke) that cost $1.75 was just a 12 oz can. For that price, we had assumed that it would be at least a 20 oz bottle. Outrageous. That is literally over a 400% markup from consumer prices, let alone restaurant prices. The food itself was just standard. We ordered Drunken Noodle and Pad Thai, which were normal sized. However, I found the Drunken Noodle to be almost entirely noodle and sauce, with remarkably few vegetables. I asked that the chicken be replaced with tofu. I do not know how much chicken they normally include, but I imagine it is more than the three pieces of tofu I had.
(1)
JT S.
Let me put it to you this way: If someone asked me if I wanted to have sex or go to Sugar and Spice... I would go to Sugar and Spice. Honestly, I have no idea why there are any reviews less than 5 stars. Seriously. One of the reasons I moved to Porter Square was for this restaurant. Everyone I take to it has a near orgasmic experience. The Tom Kar soup... omg. and the shumai. and the curries. omg im hungry just talking about it. This place is like one of my favorite restaurants of ALL TIME!
(5)
Kanin S.
"SPECTACULAR" I just went to Sugar&Spice on last Sound and it impressed me a lot !! my Mexican friend and I both ordered SUKHOTHAI NOODLES, rice noodle with shrimps, ground pork, fish ball, and tasty soup, since a waitress recommended us. The taste and the value are amazing, it's served in a super large bowl. The soup is not too hot or spicy to eat plus ingredients are so fresh. Another of my friend ordered drunken noodles and she also love it. Their service is good and the place is very clean. All employees are really friendly making that place so warm. We spent less than five mins waiting for our food...with the reasonable price. Because I have been to many Thai restaurant in Boston, I would say that this place is a little cheaper than others. I personally think this is the best Thai restaurant in Boston and I can't wait to go and try other food there...YUMMY ^^
(5)
Andy K.
Nice little thai place in the heart of a multi asian restaurant food area. They really went all out for their Valentines Day decorations. It was very pleasant and great to see that they are keeping up with the holiday spirit. My favorite dish is their duck noodle soup. Lots of subtle flavor in the soup and the duck was crispy. Great portion for the price. The waiters/waitresses were very friendly and service was fast.. almost felt like I was in a fast food restaurant. Overall, I've enjoyed my stay there. Would def go back whenever I am around the area.
(4)
Renee C.
We are new to the area, really like Thai food and received a gift card to Sugar and Spice. It was the best Thai I've ever had. Better than some others in the area (in our opinions). I loved the Oriental style beef and my husband really liked the Massaman curry. We also ordered Thai rolls and Chicken Satay as an appetizer, which I order at every Thai restaurant we eat. These were the best I've ever had. Besides the delicious food, the service is GREAT, and it's cheap :) Almost everything on the menu is under 10. Our whole meal (with 2 appetizers and 2 entrees) was $30. And we have enough for another whole meal at home :) GO HERE!!!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Charlotte H.
Great service and great food! Perfect for group outings because the portions are large enough to share. The crispy chicken Thai rolls are awesome. I would advise that if you are ordering multiple dishes to share, ensure that the dishes sound different enough. Last time I was there, we ordered two beef dishes and the sauces tasted VERY similar. Lunch prices are really good.
(4)Logan J.
for me, thai food is pretty difficult to mess up. if the flavors are all there, im pretty satisfied. this place gets a little higher rating though because they offer some other options that some places dont--like avocado curry, which is actually really tasty. the place isnt anything to write home about regarding atmosphere but its a place that ive been back too many times because it is consistently good.
(4)Akshay S.
Good Thai food. Awesome value for money.
(3)Esther W.
My review is solely for the two dishes I always get here: Chiang Mai Noodles (Khao Soi) and the Papaya Salad (Som Tam). Both of these are the best I have had in the Thai restaurants I have been to in the Boston area. Actually, most Thai restaurants don't even have Khao Soi and when they do, it just tastes like plain yellow curry with noodles dumped in. But this one is the perfect combo of spices/curry/coconut milk, good consistency (not too thick, not too watery), perfectly cooked egg noodles (with crispy egg noodles on top), tender chicken and it's a HUGE portion so you can make it into two meals. I went to Chiang Mai over the summer and tasted several bowls of this dish and Sugar and Spice definitely come closest to the real deal. Other friends who have eaten this in Thailand also agree! And the same goes for the Papaya Salad. The sauce is fantastic without being too fishy and has the perfect kick of spiciness. It's so flavorful... yum! Again, it's the most authentic I've had in the area. I have tasted other folks' dishes here as well and honestly wasn't as impressed as I was with these two, which are my favorites and the only things I order here. So I can't speak to the rest of the food or the authenticity of it all, but I can definitely vouch for the khao soi and som tam! Go eat it! And wash it all down with a Singha.
(4)Igor L.
Sugar & Spice may be not bad restaurant. BUT their delivery servies is Terrible! It seems like they delivered food to my from Thailand! They sad it will be at time but it was late for 1 hour and 47 minutes and as a result food was cold! I will NEVER call them again!
(1)Tina K.
I always order from Sugar & Spice when I need a quick dinner, or in the mood for good Thai food. I usually get chicken Pad Thai or Drunken noodles or basil fried rice! I order take out and they give a pretty good portion of food--most of the time I can only finish half of the portion and save the other half for lunch the next day! If you want good, quick Thai food, and you're in the Porter Square area, this is the place to go!
(4)james t.
Yay! I'm a fan is right. Not everything is amazing but they do a fantastic chicken noodle soup (which is amazing spicy) and their steamed shumai is great! My fiance has had their drunken noodle which she also likes very much. They have my phone/address on file as well as credit card number. This is a great time saver and makes for an easy phone call. I haven't had everything on the menu but what I have had I've enjoyed very much.
(4)Desirae C.
Food is great. Decor is unique and fun. Staff are usually attentive (although you will sometimes spot them giggling together at an empty booth if business is slow). What makes this place 4 stars instead of 3 for me is the price for the quality of the food. It's very reasonable considering it's right in Porter square and close to the T. Lunch is an even better deal. If you're into Pad Thai - it's a great dish here. However, the crispy pad thai's noodles are wider and greasier than I prefer.
(4)Zinah A.
This is probably my favorite Thai restaurant. Always consisten, yummy and affordable food. I particular love the simple surprise super delicious. The crispy chicken basil, and drunken noodles, the best I have ever had. Again, consistency in food, service and ambiance! Great deal!
(5)Emily O.
I just moved back home to New York, and I shed a small tear every time I think of Sugar and Spice. Yes, it is THAT GOOD, and no, I haven't yet found a replacement yet (so sad!) Tom Yum is fabulously spicy, filled with mushroom chunks. The Papaya salad is also spicy, and a healthy but delicious starter. Chicken satay is a great appetizer, and the peanut sauce is wonderful. For my dumpling fans, try the shumai or meat gyoza. You won't be disappointed. My absolute favorite dish, the Sugar and Spice noodles, has superb flavor and nice texture. During our once-weekly visits, my boyfriend and I would fight over who got to order it. Pineapple fried rice is delicious and filled with surprises. Shrimp, pineapple chunks (canned! I know, but it's O.K.), and cayenne powder are responsible for the great flavor. Dip a spoonful in the sweet sauce. Smoothies are quite rich and decadent. There is a durian smoothie for the brave. Don't forget to add bubbles.
(5)Marc L.
We ate here while visiting our college-age children. Our group was 7 people, and we dined at around 9 PM on a Friday night. The place was pretty full when we arrived, and we basically shut down the place, nobody there when we left. Food and service were excellent. We had eaten Thai the previous evening in Cambridge (9 Tastes) and liked Sugar & Spice better, and it is slightly less expensive here. Fresh, original interesting menu choices, plenty of vegetarian choices.
(4)Kelly K.
I placed an order today to be delivered at 12:15 for a lunch meeting. The meeting started and ended before the food arrived at 1:00. This was my first time ordering lunch from Sugar & Spice for my business and unfortunately I think it will also be my last.
(1)Kacy K.
I have eaten here so, so many times since moving to Greater Boston in January. For one, it's ridiculously close to my office and on my way home. For two, you can order online (takeout for lunch!). For three, they're speedy and cheap. For four, I've never gotten a bad meal here. The garlic udon noodles are my favorite thing on the menu-hands down. Followed by the Rad Na Flat Noodles. I like noodles, and these are always perfectly done-not slippery, not gummy, just right and not overwhelmed with excessive sauce (sorry-may have ruined some appetites right there with my lurid noodle descriptions.) I should note, however, that the Mee Grob Rad Na surprised me. "Crispy noodles" do not so closely resemble noodles, but are more like fried wonton strips. This menu item was not bad at all-just-well-a better concept than reality, I think. And the crispy duck here-UNBELIEVABLE. I was thinking of Sugar and Spice's crispy duck as I contemplated what my last meal on earth would be. It is just that delightful. If you like duck, of course.
(5)Min L.
I'm sorry but there are just so many better places to go for Thai food in a one-mile radius (e.g. across the street). I have to agree with the person who said it's kind of like the Thai-version of greasy chinese food. The hot basil fried rice was bland and greasy (and not spicy at all). The crispy noodles on the Mee Grob Rad Na were not noodles but rather more like fried wonton sticks so we ended up scooping all the toppings over the basil fried rice & ditching the wonton sticks. It was a sad meal.
(2)James L.
I have tried many Thai restaurants over the years and I didn't think any Thai place would replace my beloved Thai Taste Too, located in North Dartmouth, MA. Thai Taste Too has an official competitor now! Located a quarter of a mile from the Porter Square T-station in Cambridge, Sugar and Spice doesn't look like your average cultural Thai restaurant like you would expect. No paintings and old Thai dolls placed in and around the restaurant. When you first walk in, you will notice vibrant colors and a greeting from two or more people who works there. Service is great. I came in around 2:30pm with my girlfriend on a Saturday afternoon, lunch is served till 3:00pm. Not pushy at all and they will give you time to think about what you want to order. Through out the meal they requested is we would like some more water in a polite manor and asked us about the food quality, twice. Curry - We order the Mango curry (lunch $6.25). A sweet and spicy concoction. Normally, I would not order fruit flavored foods unless they were for drinks or deserts. I was shocked and amazed by it's flavor. Sweet and savory, with a perfect portion of green peppers, red peppers, unions, and mango served with rice on a elegant plate. This dish is well worth the try and would be a great starters dish for people who are new to Thai curry cuisine. Noodle - Pad Thai, Rich with flavor, the noodle portion was very generous and the piece of chicken is just at the right proportion (not large or tiny). Lunch meal for this dish is $6.25. There was a lack of peanuts in this dish compared to most Pad Thai's that I have tried, though that is no reason to dumb down the score for this dish. Rice - Ordered the Hot Basil Fried Rice dish (lunch $6.25). At first glance, this dish is huge for a lunch meal. The rice is served with two slices of cucumbers, two pieces of large shrimp and a tiny bowl of some sort of duck sauce. The sauce is not necessary, if you want to try the authentic flavor of this culture, then drop the sauce. The rice is perfectly seasoned with the correct amount of basil flavor and has a stunning aroma. The vegetables are not over cooked and has a crunch to their texture. This place is highly recommended for all who wish to dive into Thai cuisine for the first time. This is also a place for veterans of Thai food (this is my 8th place).
(5)Lauren M.
I've never updated a review before, but I really have to. Am I the only one who has noticed the food quality going downhill? At the very least, they have started stuffing their spring rolls and veggie dumplings with some sort of unidentifiable vegetable-like matter instead of fresh vegetables. Honestly, it's gross. I used to love this place (hence the previous five star review), and the drunken noodles with tofu are still decent so I don't want to dock more than two stars, but the bad appetizers are unacceptable.
(3)L M.
Yum. I was craving Thai when the family and I were staying in Boston, this place was pretty close to our hotel and it had a charming look so we decided to check it out, glad we did. It was pretty good! The servers were very friendly, the prices were reasonable and the Thai iced tea was very genuine and fresh. The food took quite a while to come out, and the place was far from packed, it was a little salty and slightly lacking on spices, but overall it was very good. I give them a 4 star because of slow service (could have just been an off day) and over salting.
(4)James B.
Sugar and Spice.. This place is all about the Thai, and believe me, the Thai is GOOD!! As always, my go to dish was the Drunken Noodles, HMMMMMM-HMMMM-Good! My wifey, went for the Pad Thai, and was in mid-gastrogasm the entire time.. Mass Ave, Sugar and Spice, yes, go there.
(5)Imran G.
Its Sunday night, Memorial Day weekend, and my wife and I are starving. We've got a Thai food craving and we're in Porter Square. A Tale of Two Thai Restaurants. One has patio seating on a beautiful Sunday evening, the other doesn't... What a delightful evening featuring a breezy sunset coupled with some flavorful and well-spiced Thai food. My wife ordered the green curry with beef, and I went with something that I use as a benchmark for thai restaurants, drunken chicken noodles. I'll start with the benchmark, drunken chicken noodles with extra chicken ($2 extra). For me, it was a bit too sweet, but I suppose we are at "Sugar and Spice". In retrospect, I could have asked for it to be more spicy, so I won't take away too much from that. I asked for some hot sauce and that patched things up a bit. Still, the food was a bit cold when I got it, but other than that the flavors are all there and the chicken doesn't have the weird texture that most Thai restaurants have. The real eye opener though was the green curry chicken. Its not something I generally like, and when my wife wants to order curries at Thai restaurants I'm not particularly excited. See, I'm Indian, and I tend to like curries the Indian way. But, this green curry was something else. It had a really unique flavor with a delayed heat that is quite difficult to describe. I'll probably have to make another trip to figure it out, but this dish alone makes the place worthy of a return. Service was great. There's a particular Thai restaurant in Central Square that we used to frequent that didn't have great service. Hence, I'm a little apprehensive of Thai places. To my surprise though, our water was topped off frequently enough to keep our spiced tongues in check. We didn't have to wait too long for anything, and the servers were fairly attentive. If my drunken noodles were warmer or slightly spicier, then it'd be a perfect 5-stars.
(4)Lisa B.
Wow! First time here. Visiting from California but I'm a native Bostonian. This place is amazing. Everything was fresh, well seasoned and creatively Plated. Awesome service. Will come back again!
(5)Bonnie C.
Sugar & Spice is probably one the few Thai restaurants that I actually like because they have really good pad see ew. It was pretty empty when I came here and the restaurant is super spacious. So I got here and the waitress was seating us at a booth, but I noticed there were circle booths that looked really cool and asked her if we can sit there. With annoyance, she was like "no" and rolled her eyes at me. I was so caught off guard by this. Ok, I know it's annoying when customers requests where they want to sit because I am a hostess myself, but it's only annoying if they request to sit elsewhere AFTER you've seated them. But we were just walking to our table and asked. This waitress was rude to us throughout our entire meal. In fact, she ended up asking another waitress so serve us because she made it pretty obvious that she didn't like us. We were seated at a booth across from the cashier and noticed her talking to another waitress and looking at us with dirty looks. I am not even exaggerating. At this point, I wasn't even bothered by her because I am only here to enjoy my lunch with my girlfriends. So here's my point: THE SERVICE IS AWFUL HERE. It's not going to stop me from coming back though because my pad see ew with duck was SO good. I think it's definitely one of the best pad see ews I have ever had. My friends ordered a bento box and it was really good too. I can't wait to be back for the food. However, if service continues to be crappy, I definitely won't be back. So 3 stars for the food and 0 stars for the service.
(3)Fancypants X.
4.25 stars Consistently well-made & comforting Thai dishes makes Sugar & Spice one of my favorite Asian restaurants in Cambridge. I wasn't much for Thai food before finding this Porter a square eatery, but now I've gone through half the menu & love the strong, spicy flavors of the cuisine. I've tried: -- sticky rice & mango: best I've had! I think I've ordered this dessert every single time I've visited. -- tom yum soup: salty, sour, spicy, & satisfying -- crispy basil chicken: lightly fried, plenty of basil -- gra prao chicken: amazing chili sauce -- excited chicken: tender chicken breast, veggies, & a bit of crunch from cashews. Presented in a crisp, puffed shell -- crispy pad thai: probably my least favorite item I've tried, but still better than the pad Thai I've had in SF -- sticky rice: love the tiny bamboo container -- Thai rolls: nice & crispy Lovely outdoor seating for when the weather's cooperative. Wait staff tend to leave customers alone after delivering food to the table (most likely because half of the patrons are students doing homework), but they're lingering about, just make eye contact should you need anything!
(4)Gary C.
I knew we were in trouble when we sat down and the order telephone kept ringing and nobody picked it up. Babies screaming, old Madonna tune on the scratchy speaker, mismatched chairs, worn off table top, flies buzzing across my face. Then the order came. Went from bad to worse. If a Thai restaurant can't do Pad Thai, then everything else is suspect. This restaurant can't do Pad Thai. It was covered in a sickly sweet sauce. Two shrimp. Correct, two. I think there might have been some chicken but it was cleverly disguised as shoe leather so I can't be sure. I think the majority of the good reviews come from students who have been living on pizza for two years and all of a sudden realize they can't eat another slice. Thai food to the rescue.
(1)Kevin J.
Food: 3.5 Stars Service: 3.5 Stars We came for dinner in the summer. The place has interesting decor, they have a very lighthearted atmosphere outside and also patio seating when the weather is good. I ordered the Hor Mok and my girlfriend ordered the Pad Kee Mao with veggies. First thing to note is that portions are huge for certain dishes, particularly for the noodle dishes. My girlfriend definitely liked her Pad Kee Mao, it had a hint of spice, used a variety of vegetables which she liked and it was very filling. So the Hor Mok was described in the menu as basically a rice dish within a coconut. I wasn't expected a super fresh coconut or anything, but I was hoping that there would be a lot of flavor inside the rice at least. Unfortunately, I felt the rice was really quite bland and there was no coconut flavor in it. Also when looking at the sides of the coconut on the inside, they were purple! I wasn't impressed. Though service wasn't terrible, we found the servers wouldn't really go around to check on the guests, they would just congregate around the cashier. It's probably one of the better thai places around porter square but I'd probably have to recommend Rod Dee over Sugar and Spice.
(4)Thunderwoman R.
My 1st and only visit to this restaurant. I actually got sick afterwards. Also the waitress asked me after my meal "Did you leave a tip?" She also had the nerve to ask me how much did I leave her!!!!! Not going there ever again. Nice atmosphere is what attracted me in the first place I like their outdoor and seating area. BTW scroll down reviews and read Bonnie's review. I agree with her service is awful!
(1)Vivian C.
Sugar & Spice is located the next block over from Yume Wo Katare, a super-short walk over from the Porter Square T stop. They are located on a corner and have taken over the edge of the sidewalk for their own outdoor patio seating. Given the current season, they've thrown themselves all in, and have decorated their dining space with pumpkins and skulls to herald the approach of Halloween. Eager to please, they came by several times to take our order before we were quite ready. Finally though we were all there and we had decided, and we thus started with the Crab Rangoon $6.95, which arrived 5 bundles to an order, hot and crisp and cheesy. I opted for the Thai Iced Tea $2.95, which was a nice cooling treat. Though a bit disappointing in presentation (what purple???), the Purple Fried Rice $10.95 Thai fried rice with shrimp paste, chicken, shredded mango, and egg turned out to be rather tasty and soft. Pad See You $9.95 (Flat rice noodles, chicken, egg and mixed vegetables) was as good as expected. The Panang Curry $11.95 pork requested mild (Richer, sweeter,creamier, and more full of herbs than the red or green curry) was too hot for my taste, yet came with a cooling side salad. Virgin Garden $9.95 (Flavorful steamed or fried tofu with mixed vegetables) with a 50 cent brown rice surcharge, was a melange of crisp vegetables. Tastewise, however, my votes went to the noodle dish and the Purple rice. As we were dining family style, we played Tetris with the entree plates, which though interestingly shaped, were heavy and difficult to fit in the remaining table space. Lesson learned - If you want something mild, don't order the Penang curry; their base is already spicy, so it can't be made truly mild.
(4)Janet H.
Sugar. Spice. And everything nice. These were the ingredients chosen to create the perfect Thai dish. But the restaurant accidentally added TOO MUCH of an EXTRA INGREDIENT to the concoction.... PEPPERS. In my attempt to make this review "punny," the food here was pretty good, although a bit too spicy for my liking. My go-to Thai dish always Pad Thai (so white washed, I know) and green curry. I noticed the green curry was labeled with 3 red chili peppers indicating how spicy it is... so I requested to make it milder. But man, with one bite, my mouth was on FIRE! Luckily, I had a thai iced tea to alleviate the S&M spice, but whew! Felt like the devil was in my mouth. I ended up not eating close to half of the green curry because I couldn't handle it. Not sure if it's related, but a few hours later, I broke out in some rashes/hives on my neck... which has never happened to me. Is it possibly from the food being too spicy? Coincidence? Anyway, I highly recommend the pad thai. It's on the sweeter side, which I like. What makes Thai food so delicious for me is its adventurous combination of salty, spicy, and sweetness. The pad thai had a pretty good balance of those three flavors. The green curry, on the hand, was questionable. Too spicy for me, even when I requested less spice! The thai iced tea was a nice surprise -- it was more like an icee, which is pretty neat. A bit too sweet for my liking, though. 3.5 stars.
(3)Andrew Q.
I came to Sugar & Spice at a weird hour (think 3pm) for snacks, hoping to stay hungry enough for dinner. Big mistake. Every bite I ate of my Thai rolls made my mouth water. I wanted to order an entree and just pig out. The real plus of this place is how unique-tasting their dishes are. I've had way too many generic-tasting Thai meals to the point where they all blend together, almost like Chinese fast-food joints. I can remember the flavor at Sugar & Spice. It's worth noting that the restaurant was on the small side and awkwardly laid out in addition. While I haven't experienced it myself, I can imagine there being a wait here.
(4)Tuli S.
The food is pretty good/consistent here. The first time I came I ordered the Hor Mok. It was served in a whole coconut with an orchid on top :). I loved the presentation! Inside the coconut was a curry with salmon and lots of veggie with rice on the side. My friend ordered the country style pad thai (I haven't seen it on the online menu lately). I LOVED the pad thai. Most places don't have the country style pad thai on the menu so every time I visited since 2011/2012 I've ordered it. I haven't been back this year so I'm not sure if they still have it. Service was good and it's cheap. ^_^
(4)Steve X.
This place hits the spot. I mean just look at the name. Literally the right amount of Sugar and Spice, and everything nice. My taste glands water thinking about this place. I'm in no way from thailand and know about thai food, but I know what good food is. This place has super great rice dishes. I definitely recommend the Basil Fried Rice or the Pork Belly with Rice. I mean just about every dish has it's own unique taste, and you will be craving more after you finish. The only reason is because the portions are quite small for the price. That's the only critique id give because you will not be very full. But the food here, definitely some of the best dishes i've had, the rice is flawless.
(4)Karis O.
I highly suggest just ordering a bunch of stuff and sharing with whoever you're with because the food is really that great! You'll want to try as many dishes as possible. Crispy fried duck, prepare to battle your friends Hunger Games style for this stuff. Totally crispy and terrible for your body. The texture in my opinion needs a little getting used to, it's really chewy. But you'll get there, plus the special sauce is really good. Purple Fried Rice. There's like, one purple thing on there so the name threw me off. However, sidenote, do NOT eat the tiny red pepper things as they may or may not burn your mouth off. But there's shredded mango so that kind of makes up for it. Chicken Udon Noodle with basil. Hall-ay-loo-yah. Highly recommend this one!
(4)Alexander S.
This place is great! Love the drunken noodle and the spring rolls. I order delivery and go to the restaurant and it is great either way. Service is good. One of my favorite Thai places. Literally cannot eat drunken noodles at other restaurants because it is never as good. Highly recommend!
(5)April M.
It's the best Thai restaurant in Boston. The favor is really same as Thailand. I love this place. If you want to try real Thai food or flavor, you must to come to Sugar and Spices!!!!
(5)Seokyeong L.
It is real Thai food!!!!!!!!!!! I like this place the most! The owner is kind and food is amazing :)
(5)Holly W.
Amazing service. amazing Thai. New bubble tea is amazing Sammy was so pleasant at the front and gave me new tea to try while I waited :)
(5)Matt L.
They have a pretty nice Thai Ice Tea here. Other things which are good are the curries, and the noddles. In general, it can be a little bit pricy, but the ambiance of the restaurant is quite nice, and the delivery staff is always great.
(4)Katie M.
I went here once the other night and really enjoyed my experience! I have a habit of ordering pad see you at thai restaurants as a baseline judge since it's one of my favorite dishes, and it was excellent here! We also had a summer roll appetizer and it was very refreshing in the hot weather. Most of the entrees were $8-10, and they did have a drink menu. Overall paid around $19 for a shared appetizer, an entree, and a beer. The outdoor seating area is very nice - they have nice little string lights over the tables and small wooden dividers covered in plants to separate the dining area from Mass Ave. Would definitely go again!
(5)Tamas S.
Meh. The shrimp in the chili shrimp is awesome. The rest is okay. Ambiance is good, but not cozy which is fine for a restaurant such as this. A friend and i sat at the first booth on the right and it was drafty. Service was pretty good. Friend asked for Pad Thai with no fish sauce but reported to me that it tasted "fishy". I think for the price i could get better Thai food someplace else.
(3)Angie G.
I enjoyed the food here but wasn't terribly impressed. I felt the space was incredibly crowded and the service was surprisingly slow. I'd still go back and give them a second try, but like I said, I just wasn't terribly impressed by the service or space.
(3)Erin M.
I like Sugar and Spice as a relaxed place to meet with friends for dinner. If you are lucky you will get one of the round booths, which are very nice for conversation. I've been here many times and have never been disappointed with the food. I agree with other reviews that it is fairly standard Thai fare... which I find delicious. Last night I had the Avocado Curry, which had very nice ripe avocados on it and good spices. Also, I had enough for two more meals left over! This means it's very affordable to go here. Food comes fast as well. The waitresses (we had at least three) were a little strange and one of them kept tripping and nearly spilled some soup on my friend. However, I figure the service is on par with most restaurants of this price level, so it doesn't bother me. One of the best dinner options in Porter, for sure.
(4)Christina M.
I've had a good relationship with Sugar & Spice for many years now. The staff is so friendly, the place itself has cool ambience, and the food is really yummy. Plus, if you go for lunch, the prices are ridiculously cheap. My favorite dishes are the Tom Kar soup, avocado curry, mango curry, yellow curry, pad thai, and house fried rice. I've also tried some of their specialty drinks (i.e.: Thai iced tea), and desserts (i.e.: fried ice cream), and I've never been disappointed. I've had good Thai food at other restaurants, but I keep coming back here because it's my favorite!
(4)Te R.
we went to sugar and spice for a friend's bd party. i ordered a thai dish that i missed. three-flavored fish. it was supposed to be fried whole or half fish and sauce made of fresh chili and fish sauce and thai spices. but what i got was fish as in fish and chips and the sauce as in sweet chili sauce that you can find in a supermarket. ok i put aside and tasted it. it was ... bad. the fish seemed like a frozen fish and chips and the sauce was way too sweet. then we ordered the fried icecream, and it was also bad. the crust didn't stay with the icecream, and the icecream didn't seem like it was homemade as advertised in the menu. sigh... other people on my table seemed to be happy about what they got though... oh the decor was pretty good though, but i don't really care about that.
(2)Julia C.
i went to boarding school that was located near the thailand border, and enjoyed a large selection of authentic thai, as well as indian food where i went to high school. so i am oh so horrendously picky and snotty (to the annoyance of many friends) about curry that even after three years' diligent searching i still refused to acknowledge any curry that was deemed to be good enough. this was until i tried sugar and spice's mango curry with chicken at an event at my school that S&S catered. this is the only curry in america that i crave. mmmm. this is what i crave after a long day's work. the other great curry love that i have in the united states is the green chicken curry at the pad thai restaurant in waterville, ME. so totally worth the trip :P
(5)Erich W.
Best Thai in Cambridge/Somerville area, hands down. That said, they can be a little inconsistent dish by dish. So we stick with their consistently good staples: Chieng Mai Noodle * Avocado Curry * Massaman Curry Drunken Noodles * the very best items
(4)Doreen X.
Sugar & Spice is fairly standard Thai. Efficient: your order comes within 10 minutes since food is reheated rather than created from scratch. Sometimes, one portion of your meal will be ice cold, and the other scorching hot. Cheap: even at dinner, it's generally less than $10 for an entree. Substantive: single entree portions should suffice for 1.5 average persons. The ice cream should be renamed "three-scoop sundae". It is, however, the clear choice for standard Thai within walking distance of Harvard Square.
(3)Sarah M.
I have eaten here a couple times and always thought it was pretty good, but I ordered takeout yesterday and was fairly disappointed. I ordered my favorite - spicy eggplant w/ chicken, because I have no idea what Thai chefs do to eggplant, but it makes my knees wobble I love it so much. I've ordered this dish in several different restaurants and even the less amazing ones were pretty darn good, but this eggplant was too thinly sliced and undercooked - myuk. I was crushed. C r u s h e d. Each bite was a bummer. The rest of the dish was lovely - fresh veggies, flavorful sauce, but that's like saying the back up singers were great, but the star sucked. When the star - um er - eggplant - sucks, the whole show is ruined. I would give them another try, but won't order eggplant again, which actually means i might NOT give them another try b/c when I was Thai, its that knee-wobblin' eggplant I'm looking for.
(2)anthony L.
This place is extremely average. I usually get the Drunken Noodles or the Pad Thai Country Style (the stuff I get at every thai place I go to). Their food is inconsistent, and often too oily. This doesn't keep me from going back though. The food is tasty, and the delivery option on their website (order online) is extremely convenient, though sometimes it takes a very long time for the delivery to arrive. This place is ok -- don't expect your socks to get knocked off.
(3)Claire R.
I wish I could review their food, but I placed an order for delivery to my workplace an hour and 15 minutes ago. It's still not here, and no one has picked up my multiple calls to the restaurant. Will obviously not be ordering from here again.
(1)A J.
The main reason why I order from Sugar and Spice is that you can order online from their website. That way you can specify what you want and how you want it without worrying about language barriers. The only downside is that most days its takes a while for them to actually deliver it. I usually get the steamed shumai and then either the ginger chicken or the pad thai. They are all good, but nothing special. The best thing I have eaten from there is gra prao chicken, but its got a little too much spice for me to eat a lot of it.
(3)Sean M.
I really like the modern decor and the booths by the windows. The food leans towards the Americanized version of dishes and they only have the red chili sauce if you want to add some heat. I had the Tom Yum soup that was served with too much oil and lacked solid flavor on it's on. The shrimp in my soup were cooked just right. The Drunken Noodles were good but I did juice them a bit with the red stuff. The Thai ice coffee hit the spot. * Great location and nice room * Acceptable fascimlie of Thai * Market prices
(3)Sarah R.
I go here mostly out of convenience. I can call up, place a takeout order, and take a leisurely stroll down Davenport St. so that I can avoid the yuppies with giant baby strollers, cabbies waiting for their next fare while jabbering on their cellies, and homeless guys trying to sell me Spare Change News milling about Porter Square. All this in record time. It's not the best.Thai.EVAR!!!11!!!, but it will do when I'm craving some pad Thai or some kind of crazy seafood dish with squid and skrimps and all that mishmash. One thing I like about their pad Thai: they don't totally cover it in fish sauce. Fish sauce is one of those ingredients that needs to be used sparingly; otherwise, your food smells like it could be in a soft-focus Summer's Eve commercial. Knowuddimean? The prices are--ehh, OK. Usually I end up getting some kind of seafood dish, so of course that's going to be more expensive, but when it comes to seafood I don't necessarily want bargain-basement prices. The dining room (which I've only eaten in once) is kind of cool and modern and colorful and whimsical. I ate on a plate shaped like a fish! Anyway, it's not the very best in Thai food, as stated before, but one could do much, much worse.
(3)Arthur M.
Its so clean here. The curry is wonderful, a light touch but filling. I always feel good after eating it.
(5)Rebecca K.
Sugar and Spice has good quality Thai food. I'll be the first to admit, I'm no Thai food expert. I rarely order anything other than Pad Thai (or "country pad thai as it seems to be frequently called in this part of the country) but I know when I like what I eat. And I liked what I had to eat here. The service was quick. The prices are good. The interior is well lit and decorated and clean. There's really nothing to complain about. However, there was also nothing to make me rant and rave and run back here immediately. In this case, my 3 stars are good. It's a solid bet for a place to grab a quick, affordable bite to eat. But it's also nothing especially fabulous.
(3)Scott K.
Food can be hit-or-miss. Our standby faves are the country pad thai (spicier than regular pad thai); purple fried rice; and the crispy chicken basil. Get the tapioca pudding for dessert. It's important to note that if you call in a take-out order, the nice Thai women who work there will tell you to come in "15 to 20 minutes." This always translates into 30 to 45 minutes.
(3)Elizabeth T.
I went in early for quick Pad Thai take out. The pad thai had a huge hair in it (which I know can happen anywhere but...) it was also VERY bland and dry. The shrimp was VERY good though.
(2)Deva D.
I spent $50 on takeout tonight, most of which was fed to the dog. Everything we got was dry, which is hard to believe because we ordered the food driving from harvard square and arrived the the restaurant 5 minutes later. Chicken Satay- so dry the chicken was crumbly. shrimp tom yam - shrimp in SOUP was dry shrimp yellow curry- no flavor at all, except for the pineapple chunks but they speak for themselves pad thai- better at the mall food court drunken noodles - noodles were dry and all stuck together. thai rolls- tasted like they were cooked this morning and microwaved. i would never go back here, even if it was free. what a gigantic waste, blech.
(1)Amanda L.
The one thing I got about this place is that looks can be deceiving. It looks like this place is more expensive than it really is, but looking at the menu, I didn't see anything over $10! Joe and I were dying (Scratch that, more like Joe was dying) after a morning of biking the Minuteman Bikeway. I think Joe might have actually come close to death trying to ride on Mass Ave., but that's for another time. Anyway, we needed sustenance, so we decided on some Thai food. The inside is really nice, and totally the opposite of every Thai place I've ever been to. If it wasn't for the Asian inspired cat on the wall, I wouldn't have thought this was an Asian place (well, except for the Asian waitresses I suppose). But I digress, onto the meal. I decided against my usual drink of Thai Iced Coffee and went with a coconut bubble tea. I really enjoyed it, especially the boba that they used. I hate it when the boba is hard, but these were nice and chewy, and the coconut was really delicious as well. For an appetizer we decided on the Thai pancake, and I really enjoyed it, however, I was a little disappointed that it was really only one pancake. The inside filling was chopped up nicely and the sauce went really well. I went with the Avocado curry. They should have called it the Chicken curry with avocado. I'm an avocado whore, so I was disappointed because there were literally three (small) slices of avocado. Don't call it Avocado Curry if there's hardly any avocado! Granted, the entire dish was tasty (and spicy to boot! I like it) but the dish could have been elevated a whole lot more if they used at least a half of an avocado. Good thing my dish was only $6.95 (approximately). The one thing that made me uncomfortable was the service. Maybe it was just our server, but I felt like they just wanted us in and out. Within 2 minutes of us being in the restaurant she asked us if we were ready to order. O_o I haven't even looked at the drinks menu! This continued for most of the dining experience, so it put me off for a bit. What was kinf of amusing was that they seemed to rush us, and yet it took a good while for our food to come out (at least that's what I thought, maybe it was because I was so hungry that it felt like forever). I won't run to come back to this place again, but I like the fact that it's cheap and still tasty (even if it's a bit lackluster)
(3)Kelly C.
UPDATE: I've been hung up on 3 TIMES tonight while trying to order. this place has LOST MY BUSINESS FOREVER! Dont bother dealing with them. They don't know how to run a business. Now to find another thai place in the area.... I just moved to Porter and this was actually the first place I ate. Oh my how I love it. The excited chicken certainly got me excited! But, it is something to order there not take out-because if you order it there you get everything in a delicious taco salad shell that is amazing (but not when it is to go-it would just get soggy). I have had their food now a couple times in the few weeks I've been here-It is healthy, the veggies are always cooked just right so they still have a good fresh 'snap' to them (even in delivery!). I bow down to you, Sugar and Spice, and will continue to order there frequently!
(1)Miriam L.
The ambiance here is great. Too bad the food isn't. I've eaten in and gotten takeout from Sugar & Spice. The food both times tasted just slightly off - not that it was spoiled, but that it was seasoned oddly. The delivery was cold. I wish I liked their food better, as the prices are excellent and I'm a grad student, but I'll spend a bit more and go to Tamarind House for better Thai food in the Porter area.
(2)Kathleen P.
The food at Sugar and Spice is the Thai-restaurant equivalent of a dime-a-dozen greasy Chinese restaurant. Or maybe worse. I ordered the papaya salad and the 'country style' pad thai. Both dishes have a little chili pepper icon next to them on the menu, which is supposed to indicate that they are spicy. I love spicy food and have a pretty high tolerance for it, but the papaya salad was so spicy that it was unpleasant. On top of that, it didn't really have any flavor (or if it was there, it was covered by the spice). So with that under my belt, I was prepared for a very spicy pad thai entree. Except when it arrived, it was the blandest pad thai I've ever had. It was basically the equivalent of eating white rice with grease poured over it. Totally disgusting. All in all, it was a really disappointing eating experience.
(1)B Y.
Two stars for the satay. Everything else was terrible. The red curry I ordered was obviously made with frozen vegetables. The dish wasn't filling either. Another dish came out served on a tostada, which made no sense. I spent a month in Thailand and I have to say that this place is the most inauthentic Thai restaurant I've been to in the US. Definitely not going back.
(2)Steve K.
Service was slow. Found a long hair in my drink. Waitress cleared my food without asking and threw away my left overs (I watched it go into the trash). When I asked about the leftovers, she went out back for litterally a minute or a minute and a half and magically had my food packaged up again. Food was mediocore service was horrible, price would be good if any part of the place was worth going for...
(1)Kathleen F.
This place is decent, but not anything to write home about. The staff is very attentive and friendly, and the food is good but not spectacular. Their menu is a bit boring and definitely needs some freshening up and a bit of an overhaul. My favorite dishes are the chicken satay salad as an app., and the Excited Chicken as a main. The Noodle soup dinner dishes are not good here and definitely lack flavor, so I would recommend avoiding those. Most of the other mains are pretty decent though.
(3)Nadia A.
This restaurant is probably the best Thai for the money. The food is awesome. My favorites are the red curry and yellow curry. That said, I have ordered food for delivery and it always is terrible. I seriously think it's another restaurant that makes the food that's delivered to homes! I love eating at Sugar and Spice, but the three times I have ordered food for delivery, the experience has been very disappointing. So if you want to check this place out, I would recommend eating at the restaurant...it's fantastic!
(4)Tasha L.
The Good: The pad thai is ok. The country style is well done. Maybe 7/10? The Shrimp Mermaid Soda Lemonade! It's cheap! And in a good location. The Bad: Spotty SLOW service. One time my friend's dish came like 20 minutes before mine. This after a LONG day at Canobie Lake Park. I had to tell her - " No, you can start eating really..I won't be offended' It drew comparisions to that classic 'win a meal with larry' episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Despite said amusement, I was ripping when my pad thai finally arrived. On the whole, service takes forever. Also- when I lived in Porter, I got take-out many times and never found it to the standard of the dine-in fare. The pad thai was cold, stuck together and looked as though it had been hanging around awhile. Plus it would be rarely ready upon pick-up. Am I nitpicking?? If you live in Porter Square, it's great but there are a LOT of better thai options around! Even the little hole in the wall places in Harvard Sq.
(3)Kelley E.
Good food, and reasonably priced for Thai. I find their curry sauces to be really tasty and complex. And mm... green tea bubble tea. Their bubble teas are the smoothie type, not the authentic milk tea type. But that's fine by me. Service is not so great, mostly due to timing issues. They're really bad at having dishes come out at the same time. Or sometimes I don't get my bubble tea until halfway through the meal. But I've never had a really bad experience.
(4)Sammy B.
Had a quick lunch here today and was impressed. Got a BasilTofu with rice lunch special, available with brown rice which is awesome. The meal was light and very flavorful without being too greasy. The decor was kind of funky, open and pleasant. Waitstaff was friendly and attentive. I'llbe sure to check this place out again for dinner when I have the time to enjoy an appetizer along with my meal.
(4)Kaela V.
Probably my favorite Thai place in the area. Great value. Great service. I'm never disappointed.
(5)Mike O.
Sugar and spice defined my college experience. This is the best Thai food in Boston. Everything on the menu is good, but a couple dishes really stand out. The green papaya salad is a great spicy and healthy way to start the meal. The sugar and spice noodles are great. They consist of perfectly cooked wide rice noodles topped with loads of chicken and vegetables. The pineapple fried rice is delicious. it includes pineapple, chicken, shrimp and vegetables. The pad thai is also great. The food here is great, and they deliver for when you don't feel like going out into the brutal Boston winter.
(5)Tina D.
Came here yesterday with my brother and roomate. We were looking for something good that wouldn't require a reservation on a Friday night. The place is very small, but cute. If you don't look twice, you may miss it. I ordered the ginger chicken. It was very good, not spicy at all. The party was also pleased with their dishes. Wine and beer served only. Pass on the after dinner mints, they have some funny jelly in them.
(3)S F.
This is a good thai place for a no-frills sit-down meal (Rod Dee nearby is really just for takeout/counter service). We had the Pad Thai Country Style (spicy) and Mango Curry. Both were good. They were out of the Avocado Curry. This isn't the best thai food I've ever had, but it's far from the worst. I would definitely go back.
(4)Ankur A.
We ordered yellow curry chicken and Thai noodles. The food was okay, wouldn't say was the best thai I have had. Service was nice. Do try the ice tea, it's pretty decent.
(4)Ali S.
Again, this is one of those "3.5 star places". Okay, wanna know why I rounded up to 4 stars and not down to 3? Good. The food is really good, but probably not 4-star food. However, for asian cuisine (*non-japanese asian cuisine) this place is really easy on the oils and fats. So many times I have been disappointed by an order of Thai because you can actually see pools of oil around my Drunken Noodles or the food has a really greasy heavy taste to it. Not this place. The BF and I used to go here pretty often so our picks are the Drunken Noodles, Basil Noodles, Curry Noodles, Fresh rolls, and (of course) thai roles. The atmosphere isn't that quaint, per se, but the booths are kinda cozy.
(4)Erica S.
I love Thai food-- but Sugar and Spice just doesn't do it for me. I was waiting to review this place until I'd eaten here a couple more times. Now that I've been 3 times, I can honestly say that I find their food to be consistently mediocre. The food here is too greasy for me. Plus, I don't find the "spicy" dishes to be spicy at all. The soups can be on the bland side, and overall it's not super vegetarian friendly, considering it's Thai food. It's one of the only Thai places I've ever seen that doesn't have a vegetarian section on their menu. One thing it does have-- it's cheap. And the spicy eggplant entree is delicious. Other than that, I'd recommend Tamarind House right down the street. Better food, less greasy, and just as cheap.
(2)Cindy W.
This is our most frequent delivery. It's not the most amazing Thai food I've ever had, but I'm quite fond of the drunken noodles. When you order online it's easy to change dishes to tofu instead of meat and sometimes they throw in a tapioca dessert.
(4)K G.
First time here for me. Went with the family and we liked this restaurant for eating in. It's just big enough that if you get a corner round booth you can have a fairly private table. We ordered standard staples to get a good feel. The Pad Thai is pretty sweet and could be a touch hotter, but otherwise a nice version. The chicken satay is definitely well above average, with liberal nut and curry flavors with huge portions. A chicken massaman curry was quite flavorful, but also could be hotter for me. Combined with white rice, this one was decent. The lemonade was very good here as an option to the anti-soda crowd. The decor was ok, looking kind of like an IKEA advertisement to me for some reason. Service was friendly with frequent check-ins. I found the pricing to be a pretty good value. I will be back here sometime to try some other plates.
(3)Jillian M.
This place is mediocre at best. I've gone there maybe 4 or 5 times because the location is pretty convenient for everyone. Every time I have gone (seriously, every time, this isn't like it happened once and I've just been judging them ever since, I swear) I have walked in the door, and stood by the hostess station while hostesses and servers walked around us, past us, everywhere but in front of us to greet and seat us. What is that about?? So by the time we sit to eat, I'm generally frustrated and then the food is just ok, wavering between cloyingly sweet and totally forgettable. I ask.... why would anyone go here when there are so many other good places in the area where the staff doesn't act as though you are imposing on them by eating in their restaurant?
(2)Gazelle T.
I LOVE Thai and this is my favorite Thai restaurant. I get the same things every time because they're so good, but when I see what other tables are ordering I'm sometimes tempted to branch out... The garlic udon noodles are amazing, and their pad see iew is the best on a good night. They also have really delicious ginger ice cream. If we get two entrees it's less than $20, can't beat that!
(5)Huan z.
They have chicken coconut soup & chicken hot and sour soup. Both are super delicious! Their waitresses are super friendly. They always make sure you got the best services. This is one of my favorite spots to go for chicken soup.
(4)Ryan M.
I've been here a dozen or so times now, usually for lunch, and they have remained consistently good. Atmosphere is just enough weird to be cool. ...or just enough cool to be unusual. Lunch is way cheap and I very rarely finish what's on my plate. Try the Gra Prao. It doesn't look like much, but it's Gra-GREAT! Aha! ... Get a frozen lychee bubble tea, too.
(5)Joan G.
FALSE ADVERTISING of prices. This place has a full menu posted on their website, and allows for online ordering. However, they do not honor the prices posted on their website and constantly charge more than advertised (even if you order/pay online, they will then call to say that the price is actually higher than advertised). The explanation is that the website just hasn't been updated yet, but this has been going on for more than a year. MA law prohibits false advertising of prices and bait & switch sales approaches. Shady and dishonest business practice.
(1)Alia H.
This has been a popular lunch spot for me since I started working in the area. With every meal, I get a glass of plum wine because it just seems fitting for a spicy meal -- and I like mine spicy! My favorite menu item is the Gra Prao (replaced chicken with) tofu. It's made in this chili sauce -- so good! And the portion is perfect. I also like the Avocado Curry -- mmmm. Creamy! And the creaminess is balanced with the coolness of the creme fraiche drizzled on top. I guess that dish is only good when the avocados are ripe though... A special dessert surprise -- the sticky mango rice deliciousness. Whoa. If you are still hungry, get this -- or buy it for your date AND SHARE IT.
(4)R. T.
Sugar and Spice is reliable for good, casual, affordable Thai. We love the avocado curry and the pineapple fried rice but for people who like spicy dishes, the soups are also great. The service is quick, which is great if you're looking to get in and out but can make you feel a little bit rushed if you're looking for a leisurely dinner. Good for takeout, too.
(4)Rachel R.
Came in with a friend tonight when we weren't willing to wait in the bitter cold for Yume wo Katare and was pleasantly surprised! We split an order of the delightfully-named Royal Triangles, which were crispy pockets of rice noodle stuffed with chicken and veggies. They were perfectly fried and crunchy, if a bit poor on the filling-to-crispy-noodle ratio. I then tried the Moo Ma Now, "Thai-style fried pork" with cabbage, rice, and a spicy sauce made from hot peppers and ngoc cham. The pork was nice and crispy, almost like a katsu, and there was a generous portion of rice. The ngoc cham sauce was a little--funky? in terms of smell, and not like any ngoc cham-based sauce i've ever tried, so there may have been another ingredient I'm not super-familiar with, but it tasted wonderful! My friend had a tofu noodle soup that I didn't try, but it looked delicious as well and she ate the whole thing. The restaurant is small and very cute, with colorful walls and place settings. Service was prompt and friendly. I'll definitely be back!
(4)Shirley E.
The food is great! Why only 3 stars? Bcz the service is terrible and if you're not melanin deficient it's out right rude. I love their food so I simply call in and pick up for takeout bcz almost every time I've sat down to dine in the staff ignores me or 'forgets' things I ask for but tends to the table next to me. "Why give them your money and continue to order?" You may ask... Bcz the prices are decent, the food is great, and the bubble tea is YUM!
(3)Adam L.
What can I say, this place is probably one of the better thai restaurants in Boston/Cambridge area. I suggest getting the basil fried rice. You will not be disappointed with this choice. Not only do they give you a pretty good portion size, but its also one of tastiest basil fried rice i've had at a thai restaurant. All my friends got their own dishes, but kept on eating mine because it was that good. The rice is cooked at perfection with just enough flavoring. To make your experience even better, i suggest getting the crispy fried pork belly on top of the basil fried rice. The Crispy pork belly is crispy enough to wear it doesn't taste like an uncooked meat. It also taste very fresh. I guarantee that you will love this combination. I will definitely have to come back for the other things on the menu because they seem like they know how cook Thai food.
(4)Chelly S.
Great food for a very reasonable price near Harvard law. The Bento box had all sorts of good stuff. The katsu chicken was great. My husband's seafood five spice soup was awesome.
(5)Rachel L.
Came here for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. Found this place on Yelp, the pictures looked appetizing so off we came. We started with the flat noodles wrapping lettuce, meat and other things. Advertised as a whooping 3 chili symbol; but it disappointly not spicy at all. Not even a kick to it. My date got the Tom Yum soup. It looked really good and he seemed to have enjoyed it. I got the fish story, salmon with crispy eggplant with a teepee of rice. It was good, really wish the food was more spicy but regardless, it was good. Perhaps the next time we come, we'll try the spice aspect of the name.
(3)Christine P.
I hope today was an off day for these folks. In the past I've had good experiences but this time, not so much. My friend asked if she could get a curry dish with mild spice and the waiter said yes. What came out was so spicy she had to send it back. The second batch was only slightly milder. Meanwhile, my dish was dripping in oil, and I had to ask twice for the crispy roll/triangle combo. To top it off, we ordered from the lunch menu but were charged dinner prices. (This was at noon.) With other great Thai places just a block away, it will be a while before I visit Sugar & Spice again.
(2)Nicole B.
Sugar & Spice is a sweet Thai restaurant with a pleasant outdoor patio. I recommend eating outside during the warmer months since there are flower boxes surrounding the tables, umbrellas for shade, and fun colored light bulbs for nighttime. I ordered a green tea bubble tea that came out different than I expected. I thought it would be milky tea, but it was more of a frozen smoothy consistency. Generally my bubble tea was fine, but my boyfriend's had bits of ice within, making the drink not so enjoyable. My spicy eggplant dish with tofu was decent, but it could have had more heat. The "fish story" dish was huge and came with a healthy sized piece of salmon, fried eggplant, and salad. Overall, this is a good spot for a casual meal.
(3)Derek B.
Went here for a lunch. Got the 3 chili pepper appetizer fully expecting to be crying and sweating. It had no spice to it. My date also got a 2 chili pepper "a fish story" and asked for extra spicy. Not remotely spicy. Maybe extra spicy was heard as X the spicy. Accidents happen. Had the Tom yum soup. It was really really good. Still no spice to it. I will have to return to get the spice part of the name I guess.
(3)Bethany K.
I love this place! Great service and the good is amazing! I've had several dishes. Their curries are great. The prices are low!
(5)Mary D.
Pad Thai was good. The Thai rolls were your run of the mill frozen and then fried spring roll. They didn't seem homemade. Thai ice tea was good. Fried honey bananas were okay. Service was slow but friendly. I might come back for pad Thai. Whole experience was OK.
(3)Meryam B.
I came to Sugar & Spice for a solo lunch the first day I moved to Boston. I ordered off of the lunch specials menu (which had decent prices across the board) and got the "Virgin's Paradise" (or something creepy like that) which was basically stir fried veggies and soft tofu with brown rice. I thought the meal was okay in the taste and quality department, but nothing to write home about. I sat inside the restaurant though it did have outdoor seating on the sidewalk. The service was nice and the establishment (including the bathroom) seemed well kept.
(3)Marjorie S.
Food is delicious!! I love their chicken Cashewnuts and PadThai. Price is excellent!!! Service is really good. The only low point is that it ts not a very clean place...
(5)Kiki P.
FOOD: 3 STARS SERVICE: 4 STARS VALUE: 5 STARS Sugar and Spice is a Thai restaurant located right in the center of Porter Square. It is easily accessible and there is a decent amount of street parking available. I dined at this restaurant with a large party of about 18 people. It can be tough and frustrating to accommodate such a big group and the staff at Sugar and Spice did an excellent job keeping us all happy. When we arrived our table was ready and we were seated. It was a big long table which took up half of the dining room. The ambiance was nice and not too loud. We were able to have conversations comfortably without having to yell across the room. Drinks: They have boba tea/bubble tea which is rare for a nice restaurant. I have actually never seen boba at dine-in restaurants before. I had fresh squeezed lemonade with boba which was pretty tasty. The boba itself was okay and a little bit too mushy/overcooked. Appetizers: Somtum-Papaya Salad: shredded green papaya, carrots, tomatoes and shrimp tossed in chili lime and crushed nuts. The papaya salad was pretty good and reasonably priced. I hate which places charge $10-12 for a simple salad. Veggie Dumplings: These were not what I expected them to be. I thought they would have been served as your standard steamed dumplings. However they were mini circles of veggies. I would have preferred the regular steamed ones but these were not bad. My suggestion is to rename this dish because the name can be misleading. Shumai: Steamed shrimp dumpling. This is exactly what I think of when I picture a dumpling! Dinner: Drunken noodles: flat noodles with chicken and vegetables in hot basil sauce. The drunken noodles were a little disappointing. They were average. I was surprised that this is the most "popular" dish on the menu. Spicy hot basil fried rice: stir fried-rice with chicken, peppers, carrots, onions and basil leaves. This is a standard dish which I order at every Thai restaurant. This makes it easier for me to directly compare restaurants. I rate this dish 3 out of 5 stars. It had a pleasant flavor and aroma, but was not spicy at all. Thai chili is what really gives fried-rice a lovely authentic flavor, which was missing in this dish. Perhaps I should have asked for this dish to be extra spicy...maybe next time! Overall, I had a wonderful experience at Sugar and Spice. The food is average about 3 stars but the service is great. The VALUE is amazing with reasonable and affordable prices. For that reason, I would probably return here if I was in the Porter Square area.
(4)Roxana W.
I used to like this restaurant many years ago and there food is quite good. I always order chicken pad thai. Unfortunately, last month I feel like I was completely conned out of my money. I went to this restaurant with my coworkers (7 of us in total) and this time ordered Chicken AND Shrimp pad thai. The waitress brings my plate of food and there is LITERALLY ONE SHRIMP in the pad thai. LITERALLY.ONE. I asked her if she told the chef that I had asked for chicken AND shrimp pad thai, and she said yes, that's what you have. I asked her why there was only ONE shrimp, and she said she would go ask the chef. She comes back 2 mins later and says that the Chef told her it was a large shrimp (It wasn't. It was NOT a jumbo shrimp that you see stuffed with something in a fancy restaurant, it was medium sized, if that). Since he put a "large" shrimp in my pad thai, it only comes with one. REALLY?!?! So I paid for ONE SHRIMP in my chicken AND shrimp pad thai? They charge you EXTRA for the ONE SHRIMP. DO NOT ORDER SHRIMP WITH YOUR PAD THAI. Instead, throw your money out the window. Thumbs down.
(2)Emily V.
I really wanted to like this place. It was one of my first meals in Boston since the move, and it came recommended. My mom and I were there on a weekend night. We all know weekends can be busy, but we got in right away. A nice patio spot. It is a very cute patio: lights, plants, right on Mass Ave. My major complaint is with the wait time for our food. We got very simple dishes (green curry, pad thai) and waited for almost an hour. It was busy, but not packed as I had expected. What was worse, they brought out my entree almost 15 minutes before my mother's. That's just poor timing and awkward for everyone. As far as the food itself, it was mediocre. The curry was pretty good. Spicy, maybe overly so. The small salad that came with it was pitiful. The greens were wilted and it had no flavor. Maybe I should give it one more shot. But, I was not impressed.
(2)Matt R.
Awesome thai at a great price
(4)Connie Y.
This place is fantastic. It's a small, homely little place that has absolutely delicious Thai food at more than reasonable prices. I think I've been here like 2 or 3 times in the last 2 weeks. Thai food is my favorite cuisine and I've been too thai restaurants all over Boston. More than impressed with this place.
(5)Andrew R.
Went here on a whim because the sign above the door looked decent. Had the "veggi" dumplings - asked the server if we could have them made spicier, as my friend and I were craving something spicy, and the server replied, "We can't add anything because they are already made." Strike one - please, don't call yourself authentic and serve pre-made food, and even if you must serve it, don't tell your customers! We had the dumplings anyway. Stretchy, bland, undercooked, and the "veggi" within looked like wilted spinach. Hmm. My friend and I split the country-style pad thai, as the server said that that was spicy. It came out extremely hot (temp-wise), but we poured in 2 whole bowls of the hot chili sauce and it still wasn't enough flavor or heat. The tofu in the pad thai was good, but the noodles and veggies were nothing special. However, the coconut smoothie (and probably all their smoothies) was exceptional, especially with the bubbles in it!
(2)Tony K.
I order delivery all the time. I don't have much to say because all I ever order is Spicy Basil Fried Rice! GOOD!
(4)Kelly N Z R.
I am enamored. I am still thinking about the (vegetarian) Tom Yum soup, Vegetable Dumplings, Banana in Coconut milk, and Mango with sweet sticky rice that I had there earlier this week. The menu does not appear vegetarian-friendly at first glance, BUT I was assured that almost anything can be made vegetarian, meat can be replaced with tofu, and the soup is made with veggie stock. The fare was cheap, the service was decent, and the food delicious. The food tasted fresh and absolutely delicious. This is clearly not a Fancy-Dinner-5-star place, but a Quick-Cheap-Good-5-star place. EDIT: I found the eggplant dishes to be undercooked and not at all tasty. They were very pleasant when I asked if it was alright to send it back, but then it was returned with no palpable difference. ::sigh::
(4)Nida I.
My friend and I went there for lunch on a weekday and had a wonderful experience. We ordered the som tum as an appetizer (I always order that to gauge a place) and it was delicious. For entrees I had the rad nar and my friend got massaman curry with tofu. We were both very pleased with the quality and quantity of the food. Service was pleasant and attentive without being intrusive, and the decor of the restaurant is understated and nice. Would definitely go again!
(5)Jennifer W.
I just moved here from San Francisco where I dined in many fabulous Thai restaurants. I live in Porter Square so I figured I would start with the closest Thai place first because I'm REALLY missing it! This will not be my regular Thai place. The food is excruciatingly mediocre and not worth a second visit. I tried three different dishes and they were all pretty unremarkable and didn't come anywhere close to what I'm used to. I didn't even save the left-overs; not worth the calories. I'm worried I won't be able to find what Ã'm looking for but I've only just begun my search! I gave them two stars because the online ordering system is great and my food was delivered on time, which is a good thing.
(2)Virginia C.
Sugar and Spice is def a good/cheap place to grab some Thai food. I work across the street and get lunch the often. The tofu red curry is my favorite. Their soups are amazing as well. Almost everything I have had there is very good and I continue to go back. And they really are not that expensive compared to other Thai places in Cambridge, which is why I get lunch there about once a week or so. You can order online, which is a must for me personally. The only reason they get 4 stars and not 5 is that the service isn't up to par. It's actually sort of weird. If you go their and sit down the service will be wonderful. However if you go there for pick up they are rude. When ever I order take out I wait 45 minute before I walk over to grab my food. I always end up waiting al least another 20 minutes. Not only that the waitresses look at me like I have five heads when I tell them I am here to pick up and walk away. So I stand there thinking oh they are coming back with my food, when in actuality they just went to do something else. Now at first I though it was just me being judgment, but my coworker who get food from there often as well had the same complaints. However, this has never stopped me from going back. Bottom line - great food and decent service at good prices. Also they aren't usually busy, so if you plan on sitting down there is basically never a wait.
(4)Stephanie F.
I'd give this place a 3.5, just because their bubble tea meets my standard. My boyfriend got the coconut bubble tea (which I recommend! very delicious) and I had the taro bubble tea, which is creamy. The bubbles are the sticky kind that are very chewy, if that suits your taste. As for the food -- for Thai food, it's so-so. Had the crispy duck, and a few curry dishes way back, but nothing to die for that made me want to come back over and over again. So -- if you're looking for a place to eat on a semi-cheap budget, you can go here. But don't expect too much.
(3)j l.
This is not my favorite Thai place, but it's my favorite local quick take-out Thai place. I love love LOVE som tum (papaya salad) and theirs is my ideal. It's absolutely perfect and delicious. The other menu items leave a little to be desired. The pad thai is a little too oily and orange. The spicy basil fried rice is delicious but I feel like I have a salt hangover for many hours after eating it. I do like the spicy salmon and eggplant but would like it a whole lot more with brown rice... maybe next time. I also really enjoyed the bubble teas to go until I saw one being prepared. It is essentially a flavor powder (coconut, green tea, etc), ice, and a LOT of half and half. Ew... I'll make my own with actual coconut milk from now on. If you don't mind drinking cream, however, they are pretty tasty. Also wouldn't order the soups here. Some are bland, some are overly fishy. I'll stick to the som tum and occasional basil rice or spicy salmon. Or maybe I'll just start ordering two som tum salads from now on.
(3)Maria V.
Where the hell else can you buy a Durian bubble tea in the Greater Boston area? [edit] I stand corrected, apparently you can find it in other places in the area. Thanks Tom! I learn something new every day around here ;) [/edit] The food here is solid -- not fantastic but pretty good. I did like their Drunken Noodles though, I'd say it's a stand-out dish on their menu. It's cheap as hell though, so when school's in and it's nighttime, it's crowded, so be prepared.
(4)Alanna F.
We drove 2 1/2 hrs to this restaurant based upon reviews here on YELP. We were attending a concert at Tufts and wanted a good Thai place on the north side of the city. I could not have been happier with our experience. I may make the drive again someday with the sole purpose of eating here! We arrived at lunchtime and ordered 4 entrees.......Country Pad Thai, Mango Curry, Pineapple Fried Rice and House Special Noodles. It was all good and the Mango Curry was even better when I just had the leftovers, a day later! It all had just the right level of spice for me and all the dishes had perfectly blended flavors. Our server was very attentive and friendly and we finished the meal with the Fried Coconut Ice Cream. It was a very pretty presentation. Our total bill for all of that was $31. Who the heck can beat that???!!!!!
(5)Peter N.
I used to live up in Davis Square, and every so often I would take the walk over to Sugar and Spice to have some *good* Thai. The staff are very friendly and attentive, and almost every time I've been there I've been well satisfied with the food as well. It can be crowded sometimes (rather understandably!) so it doesn't hurt to make reservations or place your order ahead. And do try the bubble tea!
(4)Sara S.
They have really tasty drunken noodles (the perfect amount of spice, for me anyway) and mango with sticky rice! Took a little long to deliver (an hour) but I've never really minded that too much. Overall, a good price and good food, no Brown Sugar but that's a high standard. I will definitely order from them again.
(3)Jordan V.
I really don't know how this place is still in business. Cheap eats? Please don't give them credit for that. All Thai food is cheap. But most Thai food is GOOD. I mean, I live in Union Square right up the block from Sweet Ginger, so I'm utterly spoiled. But Christ, I could (and do) make better Thai food than Sugar & Spice. It's not that hard! Their Tom Yum literally made me throw up once so I haven't gone back in years. My husband forgot, and picked up some takeout on the way home from work tonight. Drunken Noodle = a few sad vegetables with stuck-together noodles in a boring-ass sauce. Rad Na = big container of weird soup with vegs and three big ugly hunks of tofu floating in it, to pour over your plain noodles. The blandest thing I've ever tasted. Description was "exotic vegetables." Yeah, overcooked broccoli and carrots are pretty exotic. If I sound angry, it's because it sucked! I was hungry so I ate about half a serving, and now I have a stomachache. Boo, hiss.
(1)Leon T.
I think that anyone that's ever heard of this place knows that Sugar & Spice is known for their cheap eats. For that reason along I think everyone should stop by at least once. The menu is pretty small, but it's diverse in what it has to offer. The food itself is surprisingly good. I wasn't expecting food of that quality for the price they were charging (the crispy pad thai is so fattening, but soooo good). The servers are always polite and attentive. The only thing that can be looked at in a negative way about the place is the small size. You might feel a little cramped up if you're there for dinner.
(4)Beth E.
Two words: Excited chicken. Yes, that's the real name of the dish. I've been there a handful of times, and it's the thing I order every time I go. When my friend suggests going here, I tell myself I'm going to order something else, but by the time I get there, I'm feeling all excited again.
(4)Luke P.
Well they deliver are fairly fast and the food is pretty good. Nothing amazing but if you add all those things up its a winner. Not my favorite Thai in Boston but worth a try.
(4)J M.
Nice, modern look and atmosphere and the food is great for how inexpensive it is.
(5)Trish F.
For the most part, I dig this restaurant. I've gotten take out from them probably more times than I've eaten in. Get a booth if you can, the side seating is a little too close for my taste. The waitstaff is pretty attentive (almost too attentive.. oy.. I was definitely very hydrated).A good friend of mine is a vegetarian and she seems to like their options. My favorite is probably the pineapple fried rice (a little bit of curry, chicken, shrimp, veggies) and the tofu teriyaki. Delivery is great. They've always come earlier than their projected time. They also do drink deliveries (thai iced tea, bubble tea) with food. Only had one awful experience. Must have been a new cashier/take out person.. but he had me waiting for half an hour because he failed to realize that my take out was behind him even after informing him of my name and order. FYI.. make sure to take both a lunch AND a dinner menu for take out. Prices and sometimes food items change...lunch is cheaper..etc. Oh and if you order online, you get a 10% discount.
(3)Erik M.
I used to work around-the-alley from them. We were bummed that diner that served breakfast left - that is, until they parked behind our store (sort of illegally) and offered us shush-food. After that we were big fans. They have great Thai Iced-tea and pretty good standard thai fare. *ALSO* I get this confused with Spice & Rice A LOT! ... but this time I know this is the one in Porter (the other in Inmann). EDIT: I went from 5 stars to 1. Why? The food is still good. I waited TWO HOURS for delivery tonight. First they had no sticky rice, but didn't contact me. They were waiting for something (I couldn't understand because it was too noisy)... Then I waited another 45 minutes and called again. Something about the delivery car breaking down? I dunno. They offered 20% off and 15% next meal. It happens. OK. So finally two hours later it gets here, with two free thai ice teas (which I didn't really want, I was drinking wine) and handwritten on receipt - 15% off. Guess what receipt the delivery guy (#2, apparently) took back to the restaurant? The only reason I waited two hours is because I thought it would be a pain to cancel the payment on the purchase. I don't know if that reflects poorly on them, me, or my bank. ALSO: The food was cold. Update to my continuing story: I called to complain about the horrible experience. The woman who answered the phone was quite defensive and didn't really seem to get that I didn't get what was promised. After double checking that I was given the 20% off my meal she basically said, "OK BYE" until I got off the phone. I won't be ordering from Sugar and Spice in the future.
(1)Jatin R.
Solid, good Thai food. My main issue is that all dishes, particularly the curries, are a bit too sweet for my taste. The Pad Thai county style is pretty good, as is the Drunken Noodles. Great for take out.
(4)Ryan B.
I am a huge HUGE fan of Thai food and love trying new places and dishes. Sugar & Spice was my regular every week lunch place when I worked in Fresh Pond. Parking is not ideal but I always found a decent spot around lunch time. The service was always attentive and made recommendations when I asked. A co-worker had weird experience here once when he went to lunch alone and brought his laptop to work while he ate and they forbid him from using his laptop. In some ways I could understand but in others I was a bit confused... Over all great tasting food at a very good price. Recommend it to anyone just do not bring your laptop.
(4)Anthony V.
...to update this review.... ive decided that my initial visit was the fluke. the service here is friendly but just so so slow. i recently called ahead a pad thai (which typically can take UP TO 3 minutes to make) and waited 30 minutes in the restaurant after calling ahead 15 minutes earlier and told that it would only be 15 minutes. the food is good but slow. i think there may be other thai places within walking distance that i will try.
(2)Adam S.
I love Sugar and Spice. I come in to Sommerville from NYC every few weekends and I always make sure to visit S&S at least once while I am there. My favorites apps are re veggie spring rolls and veggie dumplings. My favorite main dishes are the Drunken Noodles and Garlic Udon Noodles.
(5)Lesley K.
I'm being generous with stars, and maybe it's because I order ridiculously often (the delivery guy knows my dog) from Sugar and Spice because the only other Thai delivery in my area in Lemon Thai and they can't even wrap a summer roll to make it not look pregnant with shredded iceberg sooo.... I like my Thai on the lighter side, this way I can order takeout yet not consume 5,000 calories, so I always get the Green Papaya salad which is crunchy and spicy, and Summer Rolls, which don't fall apart when you lift them - so call me easily pleased. I have sampled the drunken noodles and pad thai and a few of the other sauce/noodle based entrees and they've been typical mediocre Thai takeout flavored which totally works for me. Have eaten in the restaurant once and it was truly unremarkable although the place itself is a step up from a normal delivery joint.
(4)Alex Z.
My favorite Thai restaurant in the Boston area! Fast, friendly service, pretty cheap and tastes healthier than most Thai food I've had here (lots of veggies in many of the dishes). I love the drunken noodles, the summer roll, the yellow chicken curry, the garlic udon, and the pad thai country style (spicy!). Delivery time can be hit or miss, but service is always great in the restaurant.
(5)joan l.
i've recently found out from one of the servers that the owner of Spice and Rice owns Sugar and Spice also. This place is GREAT! A lot of food on the menu I'm familiar with but the cod with lime sauce was to die for. there were too many ice on my lynchee but besides that everything was great. They have the corner booths that i love! the staff were very friendly, next time i'm in porter square, im definately there! no sushi though.
(5)Claire S.
Friends of ours had been talking up that this was the best Thai place around so I was excited to go. Sadly I did not agree. The service was pretty mediocre and the food was boring and borderline gross. Everything had a thin sheen of grease on it. The steamed vegetarian dumplings had some kind of green vegetable in them, but clearly the vegetarian version was not the priority. My Sugar and spice noodles were okay, but also greasy, and while they are billed as coming with vegetables, there was very little beyond a thin coating of slimy cabbage. I've had better.
(2)John F.
This place was alright.I went for lunch, and had the yellow curry. My only complaint is that the dish was a little lacking in the amout of sauce my food had, leaving me with some woefully uncovered rice. But the food itself was mighty tasty! And the dessert (sweet sticky rice with mango) was excellent, despite it not really being the right season for mangos. And the prices weren't bad, either, which is nice. The only real complaint is the service seemed kinda slow. And they brought our meals out quite far apart; my girlfriend was almost done with hers by the time I got my food! At any rate, this is some decent Thai food in the Porter Sq. area. If you feel the hunger, give it a shot!
(3)Jamie A.
While I won't write them off for one bad evening, I will probably be hesitant to go back. When living across the street from the delicious Lemon Thai on Highland, it's disappointing that a jaunt out for Thai in a restaurant rather than takeout just isn't nearly as tasty. Spice & Rice in Inman is also much, much better than this place. With that said, I do want to point out that our waitress was incredibly nice. When my boy didn't like his dish AT ALL (...and I tasted it and it was horrid...and I'm one of the least picky people on the planet) she promptly brought out the menu for him to pick another meal. When we turned that down and ended up sharing my Pad Thai, she took his meal off of the bill. My Pad Thai (country style) was a little too sweet for my tastes and not at all spicy...and when I want something spicy, I need it to BURN.
(2)Flora B.
There is only one place to go to listen to an early 90s medley of Bryan Adams, REO Speedwagon, and Eric Clapton while chowing down on scrumptious Avocado Curry and other inspired Thai food: Sugar and Spice, baby!
(4)Sarah G.
This place is a 5-minute walk from my house, so whenever I have a craving for Thai red curry, I call them up and order some take-out. Quite honestly, their red curry is so good, I haven't gotten much else from them! The people are so friendly there, and it's definitely my go-to place in Porter for some last minute take-out.
(4)Kylie S.
Wow! Maybe this is standard thai food for some but for me it is superior-- they will make any entree vegetarian which means I don't have to get the same dish every time. I had the radna noodle and the Tom Yum soup. The servings were really generous, the soup was spicy and the noodles were delicious. All for under $10 (lunch time.) I'm very psyched that I now live in walking distance of this place.
(5)Tez C.
I'm Thai so I guess I have high expectations but my time at Sugar & Spice was pretty lackluster. Even though my friend had made reservations they made us wait 15 minutes before we got seated. I wanted to have some lemongrass tea but they said they were out; okay fine. And then I ordered the Crying Tiger, some grilled beef and sticky rice. While we're waiting the waitress tells me that they ran out of sticky rice. So then I say I'll have the Pineapple Fried Rice instead. The girl goes back and then another girl comes to tell me they grilled the beef already, should have told me there was no sticky rice in the first place, and then asked me whether I wanted white or brown rice. Feeling bad, since they knew I was Thai, I said white. But all around it was a horrendous experience. The food was average though the selection was more varied than a traditional Thai restaurant. Overall, if you need a fix, I would suggest getting take out.
(2)Crystal S.
Sugar & Spice's number is in my cell phone address book. Is that enough of a review? ok, I'll explain. I love the 'country pad thai' and it's my staple, "I want to grab something on my way home and I don't feel like Porter Exchange" dish. Now, I can't explain why this 'country pad thai' is different from others, I honestly have no clue, I just know that I rarely REALLY love pad thai, it is usually just 'ok.' Here I am talking about take out/delivery but if you have the time, I highly recommend eating at this establishment. I like the big booths and big windows and they have yummy bubble tea! Score! ****ADDITION**** They also deliver the bubble tea too!! Yes! If you love bubble tea, like I do, you will realize the beauty of being able to have bubble tea delivered to your doorstep for a small fee. If you don't know bubble tea, well, it's almost like getting ice cream delivered to you!
(4)Lila S.
Not impressed. I may be a little harsh with only 2 stars but seriously folks... First thing that really struck me was the portion size... even for take out size ...puny..I got the veggie Thai rolls and Red Chicken Curry/ The curry dishes are cheap ( around 6 bucks) but they charge extra $1.00=$1.75 for rice?? Always a bummer.The curry itself was good but the chicken was definitely left over scraps of dark meat... Always a bummer. I personally always order extra rice in the first place, but if your are trying to get a cheap lunch, forget about it. The Thai rolls were so stale, cold and definitely frozen for months before I took a single bite... they were tasteless and enough oil to give a lizard acne. I was still friggin starving afterwards! The delivery was slow, but it was the weekend, so I wont come down too hard on them for that. I think $14.00 + tip was wayy too much for lunch for 1. This place looks nice on the outside... its all just for show.
(2)Z R.
Excellent, dependable Thai. Just stick to the basics (Pad Thai, Mango Curry, Veggie Dumplings), and you won't be disappointed. The portions are big enough so that you'll have enough left over for lunch tomorrow!
(5)Julia F.
Seated by the door, I got a good look at my companion and the entry and not much else. It was fairly busy when we arrived. We sat down where it seem the single occupancy tables are usually located. I got an order of pad thai and a Sapporo. My friend got some chicken dish with brown rice (optional) and a Sapporo. We ate and chatted until we were done. The waitresses were attentive, but never missed or obnoxious. Perfect service. The space is a little smallbto have any kind of personal/private conversation- we got some raised eyebrows from dude sitting solo next table over. The food was good, and plentiful. I want to go back and try some other dishes next time.
(3)Janine G.
I love pad thai but was very dissappointed...maybe it's me...but every other time I've ordered it, it has veggies and bits of peanut on top..this was just noodles with chicken (dry) and tofu (I didn't want shrimp) with a few not so fresh bean sprouts. it was lacking any real flavor. My SO got the udon noodles and didn't want spicy basil, so they suggested garlic sauce...very tasty. I will have to look at other reviews because I need my Pad thai fix!
(3)Kim L.
This place is okay. When I first moved here, there was a lot of hubbub about Sugar and Spice, which definitely piqued my interest. Maybe it was hyped up too much, but I didn't think it was anything to get excited about. This place has a modern atmosphere and great service--the food just doesn't cut it for me. The pad thai has been consistently too sweet and too rubbery for me, and while I've eaten here (and ordered out from here) quite a few times, I just haven't had anything that has blown me away. The only thing I've had that comes close is the lemongrass chicken. Partial redemption: One of the few places where somtum (spicy papaya salad) is on the menu! Bottom line: I'd go to Lemon Thai first.
(2)Sarah W.
I've tried a few times to give this place a chance, but I'm giving up. We had the fresh rolls which were small, and completely bland. Then I got the pad thai. On the menu it comes as shrimp and chicken but I'm a vegetarian so they said they would do veggies and tofu. What I received were 2 small pieces of tufu and one piece or broccoli along with a small amount of shredded carrots. A table nearby had the dish which included many pieces of chicken and 4-5 shrimp. We nicely voiced our disappointment only to be told the manager was not on site and didn't offer anything else, even a small plate of veggies and tofu to add would have been great. Aside from all that the sauce was gross and soaked into noodles. This place is not authentic or freshThai food at all.
(1)Nadia S.
Excellent food. Fast service, cool atmosphere. I have never ordered take-out though.
(4)J B.
Been several times and loved everything I've ordered (pad thais, curries, apps). The Masaman Curry is my favorite. Small, fresh looking place with some nice window booths. Service is ok- very quiet/reserved and doesn't pester you... but occasionally forgets to check in and refill drinks.
(4)Larisa D.
I have been to Sugar @ Spice on three occasions and I have been very happy with the food and the the exemplary service on all of these times. The food "presentation" was very well done and the food itself was very fresh, tasty and cooked to perfection and the service was outstanding - the waiters and waitresses are extremely polite, kind and honest. My friend had left his phone at the restaurant and they had kept it for him. Also they are so good about understanding if you don't like things cooked a certain way and they give you excellent suggestions. I love the ambiance of the place, soft lighting and good energy - to top it all the bathrooms are always clean and smell good. All in all Sugar & Spice is my FAVORITE THAI restaurant, because of the excellent food and wonderful service. I hope it always stays in Porter Square and I hope it continues offering excellent service.
(5)Andrew M.
I have to give them points for being relatively cheap, so 3.5 stars. I was happy with my avocado curry, although the contrast between the two sauces - one white, sweetish one on the avocado and then the standard curry sauce - was a bit weird. I've had the pad thai and the drunken noodles as takeout and they were fine though not special.
(4)Mabel N.
Food was alright not too impressive. Lunch special is really cheap it was 6.95 for a Pad Thai or any other kinds of noodle soups or fried rice. Will probably go back when i am around the area.
(3)Lauren E.
Delicious food, creative drinks, fun decor, and fair prices. I've been to Sugar & Spice twice now, and each time was really happy with my meal. I've gotten a couple of curry dishes and noodle dishes, as well as an appetizer. Everything was great. The smoothies are delicious, I wish I had time to try them all! Last time I got frozen thai tea, and was surprised to find that it was really finely blended, and tasted incredible. A good place for a quick lunch or dinner, comfortable to sit and talk.
(5)Shuang C.
Purple fried rice was good, the chicken in there came on the side in its own sauce which was surprising. Pad thai was decent. Looking forward to going back since the portions were nice.
(4)MJ H.
Bottom line: CHEAP EATS that are tasty. I ordered soup, rice, and an app. All were delicious... and my bill? $10. TEN DOLLARS. For dinner! Place was busy... service wasn't as slow as others have mentioned, and the waitress got everything right. The decor is cute, too. This place is close to home... I"ll definitely be going back.
(4)Bailey Z.
Cheap and good Thai food never fails to satisfy me. Sugar & Spice is a restaurant that looks a lot more expensive than they actually are. I'm glad they didn't inflate their lunch prices. I also had reservations about this place because we were the only customers for lunch on a Friday at noon, but the meal turned out to be great. Their tom yum chicken soup is only $3 and warms you up real quick. I got the lemongrass chicken meal and I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly all our plates came out. We waited no longer than five minutes. Hopefully that is a result of an empty dining room and not sloppy cooking and reheating. The chicken was very flavorful and had that wonderful and familiar Thai flavor filled with scallions, lemongrass, basil and various other herbs and spices. I also tried some of their pad see ew, which falls a bit short in terms of the noodle texture and beef tenderness. Otherwise, this place hits the spot for good, cheap Thai food with fast service and clean looking interior.
(4)Stefana B.
Absolutely the worst Pad Thai I have ever had. All I can say is that the noodles were dark and tasted like dirt. There was probably no peanut sauce at all. It wasn't just the Pad Thai though! I also ordered the "Vegetable Dumplings"... these were not dumplings at all. They were raw dough pancakes with some spinach in the middle. YUCK. One thing I will give them, the sauce for the dough pancakes was tasty! Seriously though, DO NOT GET THE PAD THAI.
(1)Kyung Yeol S.
best of best thai foods ever!!!!!!!!
(5)Anne W.
I've eaten here a couple times and I'll say that it's okay. I recently got the Pad Thai and was really disappointed though. I liked the option of having chicken and shrimp, but the dish was dry and the shrimp was unbelievably horrible: dry, tasteless and way overcooked. And it was a Friday night so I figured they'd at least have fresher ingredients for a busy weekend. If you're doing a price comparison, Rod Dee across the street is cheaper (about $0.50 on average), but they have pretty bad Pad Thai too. Go with a curry dish as those seem to be better.
(3)Molly N.
I don't get all the super positive reviews--my trip here was very disappointing. All three of us eating had very, very subpar food. I believe that we had lemongrass chicken, mango chicken, and chicken massaman curry. All were bland, too sweet, and not very authentic. Also, my boyfriend specifically ordered his extra extra hot, and it didn't taste hot to even my very heat-sensitive grandmother. The rice that came with the dishes was dry and overdone. The music in the place was the radio, which I found odd for a place that tries in decor to be less casual than that. Finally, the food came out really awkwardly--two dishes at once, then the third about ten minutes later--considering we weren't eating family style. Meh.
(2)Marissa A.
Definitely hit the spot. My friend and I went for lunch. I ordered the mango curry with brown rice - I wanted something on the sweeter side and it was definitely the right choice. Plus the prices are so reasonable. Service was pretty good - but what does it take to refill water? But overall, a delicious experience.
(4)Kristen M.
Mmmm love love love the food here. Specifically anything that says CURRY (mango, red, yellow WHATEVER), I have had like 3 curry things and they have all been good. I also love a place that will basically substitute whatever type of meat/meat substitute you are thinking, so I put fried tofu on everything. Also all the appetizers are amazingly fried. I don't exactly remember which I have had but they have all involved something veggi and something friend. I DID get a funny look when I asked for a wine menu (noted: not that type of place). I have since learned to just call out a general type of wine, and it gets the job done. Man just writing this review makes me hungry.
(4)Paula J.
Sugar & Spice is my default choice for Thai food. Not only because the food is tasty and the service is nice, but also because it's the closest thai restaurant from where I live... I like the yellow curry and red curry; the country style pad thai; and chiang mai noodle.... drunken noodle is also good.
(4)K P.
This place was disappointing. The dishes were inauthentic and the menu failed to explain the dishes properly. I ordered the excited chicken and it was served to me beneath a stale and super-fried piece of bread. Also the portions were small and I felt like the waitress was trying to get me to pay extra to put more vegetables in my dish. Overall, i did not enjoy the food or the experience. I don't plan on going back.
(2)Anthony R.
Pretty good Thai food served in a cool space for good prices. I can personally vouch for the tastiness of the drunken noodles and country style pad thai -- and of the several times I've been here nobody's ever been underwhelmed by the food. The caveat: service can be slow at times - I was there for lunch earlier today and the waitress was alarmingly slow to respond while I had to get back to work - but if you're not in a rush and want some good Thai eats for short money, Sugar & Spice is a good bet.
(3)Cy N.
I made reservations the same day for a causal birthday dinner with 6 friends at 8pm the place is very casual. It was a mix of dates, groups of friends and i think i saw a family They sat us down right away. The service was great and pretty fast. Our waiter was very attentive. The food was good but nothing amazing and the portions were a good size. The restaurant was lively the entire time and it was clean. Id come back again. :)
(3)Kelly M.
Hot and spicy; the only thing that could make it better is if were available via text and delivered to my office downtown via telepathy. Until then I will have to deal with just being happy with sugar & spice via takeout or a quick dinner date in the neighborhood. (spicy Thai basil; Awesome, if not totally authentic)
(4)Thomas S.
Delicious, enjoyable, and cheap. I really like this place. I have no complaints. The food is good and reasonably priced and the service is excellent. (They also have a cash discount.) I always get the drunken noodles, which hits the spot. I've tried some other menu items, which are solid, but don't quite tick all the boxes.
(5)Maia C.
It was better this time. I guess I just got the wrong thing last time. Sorry I dont remember what it was. Or what I got this last time I went. The bubble teas are yummy, I would go there just for that if I ever have cash on me. That is one the major negatives... they only take debit cards after $10. That is a bit high. Who uses cash.. grr.
(3)Calli C.
The interior is much posher than the quality of food, which would be best suited to a take-out/delivery, linoleum tables and floors, paper napkins kind of place. We shared the fried tofu appetizer, which was more soggy than crisp, and so was difficult to pick up and to soak in the great peanut sauce that accompanies it. The pineapple fried rice needed to be drowned in soy sauce and ginger to give it flavor, but the Bangkok noodles were juicy and delish, with a good amount of tender beef. Great place to bring kids for dinner apparently, as we had at least four children under the age of ten sitting the tables next to us. Unfortunately, I like my Thai food without a side of tantrum. Service was relatively quick but pretty distant and uninterested, and we had to flag them down for hot sauce several times because they forgot the first time we asked. Moral of the story- Bring the kids! Or just order take-out.
(3)nana t.
Yes please and thank you. This place hits the spot. I've gotten delivery and I've eaten at the restaurant - both great experiences! Country style pad thai is an A+. Seriously delish! Drunken noodles also a home run. The eggplant & chicken, not so much. The sauce was tasty, but the veggies were non-plus and I was hoping for those soft saucy eggplant pieces but without luck. The prices are reasonable and the food is good. I love thai food and I love this place.
(4)Sean B.
I practice Tae kwon Do nearby, and have frequented S&S often. It's my Porter Square mainstay. I know I'll get a sizable, tasty dinner for cheap - $10-12 typically. Every now and then a drink order might get mixed up, or I might get white rice instead of brown rice, but if i was upset by something like that, I have bigger problems. I recommend the curry and seafood dishes - the seafood is probably the most expensive thing on the menu, but it's in the $10-15 range, which is probably the low end of most dinner places anywhere in the area!
(4)Em C.
Between three and four stars- four stars for the avocado curry that costs $6.70 at lunchtime... three stars for the same dish that costs $11.70 for the same portion at dinner. No matter what they say, this place stays open because it's one of the best restaurants in Porter- affordable, consistently decent, and a local favorite. Hey, it's easier than cooking!
(4)Spicy T.
I have eaten here before and thought so highly of this place prior to moving west coast. I thought I would never find another place as good as the Thai food here. Well, I was wrong. We ordered the following: Tom Yum soup, vegetable drunken noodles, crispy chicken, and sweet mango rice. The starter and main course was just OK. However, dessert was subpar- the sweet rice was underdone and not soft as it should have been. Since it's been a few years, I speculate there has been a change in the cooking staff? The waitstaff was friendly, but slow with handling the check. And soft drinks are 1.95 with no refills. And rice does not come with the meal, you have to order it separately. Not very generous.
(3)Jason F.
surprising huge portions, and pretty tasty as well. i got the cashew chicken rice dish, and for 8 bucks i could bring home enough leftovers for lunch too. overall the staff was nice, and i would come back if i was in the area.
(4)Anne W.
This is a pretty decent place for Thai food. The tom yum soup was good. I've had better pad thai than the country pad thai... the drunken noodles are pretty good though. Service is solid. I think it's a nice for casual get togethers. Unfortunately, I think the place looks like a bit of a chain. I am not so much of a fan of the bubble tea. I don't think they use fresh fruit.. it seems more like ice cream shake to me.
(3)Peter A.
It is only 2 minutes from the Porter T stop. The food was excellent; I had the chicken mango curry and my fiancee had pad thai. They were both good, but there was a lot more of the mango curry (enough for two people). The prices are very reasonable for a Thai restaurant in Boston. We did order their california rolls (not the right name, but something like that) and they are essentially a bunch of iceberg lettuce. Probably not worth 5 bucks.
(4)Andy M.
Perhaps my favorite Thai place in Cambridge! Reliable, generous servings, delicious, fast service. I'll be back.
(4)Holly S.
I live close to Sugar & Spice so I dearly want to like it but I just don't and I have tried it 3 times. The first time, I went in for lunch and ordered the lunch size chicken pad thai. It was average but for the lunch price of $6.25 I was fine with it. = half fail I went in a few weeks later with my husband. He ordered the dinner size chicken pad thai that comes with shrimp and chicken. He had approximately 4-5 tiny bits of chicken and 1 1/2 small shrimp for $7.95. I ordered the same thing but didn't want any shrimp so I asked to have the shrimp substituted for more chicken. I got approximately 6-7 tiny bits of chicken. Basically it was a large plate of noodles. The overall taste was average- not great but certainly not bad. I just felt ripped off. We also ordered a summer roll appetizer for $5.50 that was filled with lettuce and a grand total of 3 tiny shrimp between the 2 rolls. = complete fail On the third and final visit, I went in and ordered a summer roll appetizer to go. Having been scammed already but desperately craving summer rolls, I asked them to add an extra order of shrimp for an extra $1 (normal lunch price is $4.95). I got a grand total of 4 tiny shrimp between the 2 rolls. Really? I know this place is off Mass Ave and their rent must be expensive but I think that when you explicitly pay extra for additional shrimp, you should get more than 1 additional tiny shrimp. = complete fail 2 1/2 fails out of 3 is not good enough for me. All in all, the food is average tasting and the prices are relatively cheap (for being off mass ave) but you will end up with a plate of noodles and iceberg lettuce and even I can make that at home. I'll be crossing the street and going to the other thai place from now on.
(2)Jillian Y.
Having ordered from this place a number of times at work, I knew what I was getting into food-wise: middle-of-the-road greasy Thai food at a great price. Thus, upon hitting up the restaurant for the first time, I was even more pleased to learn that they also serve beer and at the perfect price: $3.95 a glass for Kirin or Sapporo (no Chang, sadly). And in a tall glass, too, just the way I like it. I've had the pad thai (3 greasy stars), the virgin garden (4 delightful ones), and the avocado and mango curries (4 each). I've also tasted some apps, and all are a solid 3 stars. The best thing about Sugar and Spice, of course, is the price: $8 for a heaping plate of whatever it is you're having, which for me equals out to about two meals. The price is right.
(3)Mister Chub S.
I want to like Sugar and Spice, I do, but every time I get delivery I'm very disappointed. I got delivery the other day and the pad thai was greasy and bland and the drunken noodles were also very greasy and overdone. Strike 1 and 2. The tofu cashew dish was tasty and had lots of veggies and nuts and the mango curry was very good- definitely my favorite dish of the night. The curry was slightly spicy with a mild curry flavor and had chunks of ripe mango and lots of veggies. If you can eat at the restaurant, do it. It's nice inside and the food always tastes much better than when I get delivery.
(3)Jessica B.
I can't believe this place only has 3.5 stars! It actually inspired me to start a yelp account today! (Something I've been wanting to do for a while) So yes, me and my boyfriend get delivery and take out from this spot about once a week and are NEVER disappointed! Top Items: Crying Tiger- grilled beef with sticky rice. Amazingly moist, melts in your mouth and the homemade sauce that comes with it gives it just the right amount of kick! Starts our meal off right every time! Drunken Noodle- a personal favorite, and this place does it right! (I like to add shrimp, personal preference) Pad Thai Country Style- the spicy version of Pad Thai but not too spicy, love it. Mango Curry- AMAZING! tried it for the first time last night. The mango was so full of flavor. The curry had a lil kick but not too much. I hear extra spicy is good as well. These are my favorites but we've tried new things there and are never disappointed. I do recommend pick up over delivery. Pick up in 15 minutes or delivery in 45. So, I guess this depends on how hungry you are!
(5)Lindsay C.
Nom Nom Nom!!! I LOVE Sugar & Spice! So good! And can you say it enough...Super Cheap! Their curries are flavorful, their veggies are fresh and their bubble teas are yummy. Whenever I get a craving for Thai and don't mind battling the Cambridge traffic, bikers and walkers...this is my place!
(5)Hubert H.
A real hit in north Cambridge area. Simply and plainly decorated, this establishment serves honest Thai food with minimal frills, at prices lower than what you might typically expect in these parts of town. I started with the Thai Surprise (or was it something else Surprise?), essentially a crepe with curried chicken wrapped inside. While the crepe and chicken didn't fuse together as well texturally as I would have liked, the flavors were solid, and the crepe itself was fun to eat. I then moved to the pad thai which was, true to name, balanced flavorfully between spicy and sugary, but not too much of one or the other. There are other curiosities on the menu that I look forward to trying.
(5)Scott J.
I found this gem of a Thai restaurant courtesy of friends who lived in Porter Square. I like it so much that I've even eaten there alone and sometimes contemplate going to Porter just for lunch. My recommendation: Drunken Noodles. Ask for them extra spicy, if you're into that. I hear the bubble teas are good, too. I've never had a bad meal there. The servers are friendly and unassuming, they make the food fast, and it's a great location right near the Red Line and Commuter Rail.
(4)Natural A.
Sugar & Spice ...and everything nice!!! Sugar & Spice is one of my favorites for a lunchtime meal. On occasion, I will go there for dinner as well. The thai rolls are yummy. They have the best chicken basil ever! Lunch is cheap and quick. But, most importantly they have this slushy drink "Lemon Ice" (I recommend it without bubble) that reminds me of a homemade slushy version of the limeade my mother used to make when I was growing up...it is to die for. Their menu is very similar to Spice & Rice. Spice & Rice has got an edge over them, because they have sushi. But, Sugar & Spice has an edge over Spice & Rice for their delicious slushies and smoothies.
(4)Liz B.
I wasn't expecting much and those expectations were blown away. The food, especially for the price, was really good. About $3-4 less than my usual go to Thai spot, the food was pretty comparable (though my dining partner said he could have done with a few more bites of chicken in his curry). We started with the Tom Yum soup which I would skip the next time. It was overly spiced a little oily and just had some chicken and a couple of thinly sliced mushrooms. Then again, what was I expecting for $2.95? For dinner I had steamed veggies and tofu with a unrecognizable but rather yummy sauce. Good variety of vegetables but the portion could have been a bit larger. The serving of veggies in the Masraman (same price as mine) was about 50% more. Eh, not a biggie. There was more than enough wait staff for the rather slow Saturday night assuring that our water glasses were always full. Dinner took a little while to get out but it looked like they were doing a steady takeout business so that's most likely why. Good value, good food, good selection.
(4)Lauren L.
I ordered their yellow curry for dinner one night and after carefully eating half I had the rest packed up (planning to eat the leftovers for lunch the next day). But on the walk home, all I could think about was the curry sitting in its styrofoam cage, calling out to me, whispering dirty things in my ear. I couldn't resist its siren song and once I got home, promptly zapped the leftovers in the microwave and ate all the remaining curry and rice, leaving me bloated, too full and somewhat gross feeling. BUT IT WAS WORTH IT. I dream about their yellow curry. This $8 curry is the one I think of when I crave curry. It's flavorful, rich (but not too oily), coconutty, full of veggies and chicken, and with just enough heat to add some interest. Everything else I've tried on the menu has been perfectly serviceable and tasty, but nothing compares to their yellow curry. When I'm in the mood for a noodle dish, I like their Drunken Noodles (spicy) and Pad See Yu (not spicy). Their drinks and appetizers are okay, nothing terribly special and I'd recommend staying away from the Asian fusion-y dishes like shumai, XO sauce and meat, etc. I've had both delivery from Sugar & Spice and also eaten in the restaurant and found both experiences to be worth repeating. The waitstaff is perfectly nice, prices are reasonable, delivery arrives fresh and hot, and the interior of the restaurant is clean and moderately hip. Moral of the story: go here and eat yellow curry, you can thank me later.
(4)Diego M.
We had this for takeout and this may be the reason why it was subpar. my biggest complaint is that for thai food which is known for having complex flavors this food was very bland. The curry had no heat or any other flavor I could tell. One of the appetizers we had rated a 3 out of 5 chiles, I would have thought .25 chiles at best. In short, bland flavorless food. but the mango sticky rice was very good!
(2)Griffin J.
Good thai and great value. Only had take-out, though, so can't speak to the dining experience.
(4)Heather G.
stopped by for a last-minute meal with my boyfriend on the way to a party. Despite the fact that it was saturday night, they were able to accomodate us with no problem. The decor is laid back and casual, and it seemed like a popular place for friends to meet up and have a long meal. The ambiance could be described as "buzzing", as it was not loud, though there was consistent background noise of people chatting. As it was a very cold night, the waitress came by right away with water and steaming cups of delicious tea. The menu is extensive enough that there was a choice for every craving, but not so overwhelming that it had many pages of different types of asian food (a la Chilli Duck). The fare is standard thai, but though the prices are the same as takeout-thai, the quality of the food was a notch better, a good value in my book! Had the mango curry with chicken, and although it wasn't spicy (at all), it came out piping hot and the portion was large. It could have been two meals had we not been on our way to a party, so in the essence of not wasting food or toting around a takeout container all night, i stuffed it all in and was uncomfortably full afterwards (my own fault!). The chunks of mango were abundant, fresh (definitely weren't using the frozen bagged stuff), and ripe, and the chicken was good quality. They loaded the dish with fresh veggies and I was a happy girl. My dining companion got the thai country fried rice, which was a bit spicier than my dish was, but still not as spicy as we're used to with this type of dish. His rice was a bit mushy as well, and perhaps we just mis-ordered on this one. I will be back to try the avocado curry, for sure!
(4)Sarah G.
I absolutely love Sugar and Spice. Here's why: 1. VERY cheap...$5.95 for a lunch special! Super delicious!! They also have lots of coupons....I know that there's one on the back of Shaw's receipts (Shaw's is very close to Sugar and Spice)...I think that this specific coupon saves like $2 or so. 2. Very T-accessible...I don't have a car in Boston and it's literally just off the T. Take the T to Porter Square and walk in the direction towards Arlington (not Harvard). You'll pass Shaw's and Dunkin Donuts and then you're right there. 3. The place is, well, cute! It's nice and cozy. Just a great place to catch up with friends! 4. I absolutely love their yellow chicken curry. Super delicious!!!!
(5)Michelle K.
This place can be a tossup. Even though I am a happy meat eater, I appreciate that they will make any dish vegetarian upon request. LIke my vegetarian friends, I too would be sad with only 2 options at every restaurant. Back to specifics: I remember getting duck here a year ago and enjoying it immensely. However, this time I went with the Happy Couple, which was not as happy as I expected. It was kinda watery sweet-n-sour sauce and they provided more rice than actual main dish. Bad form! To their credit, I love love loved the taro smoothie that accompanied it and the appetizer me and my friend shared called the Lucky Surprise or something similar. Despite the 3star rating, I would go in just for the smoothies - they must put vanilla soft serve in there or something equally delicious. All in all, still a highlight of the Porter Square area.
(3)Liz A.
This place is sub-par Thai. Got my standard drunken noodles and they were basically flavorless, and definitely not spicy. My friends have gotten noodle soups there and say it's pretty boring. The decor is trendy, the prices are okay, and the service is fast, but the food is just not great. There is much better Thai to be had around Cambridge.
(2)Sara C.
Had a great, cheap lunch from this place. The wonton soup is very unique - not greasy as some had said. It had spice and watercress, a nice twist. The mango curry is as promised, very good. I'm with everyone else, I'd like more sauce and mango. Love it that I can order online.
(4)Celeste G.
I'm not so sure about the food as I always eat at Spice & Rice BUT!! They have the tastiest frozen thai iced tea with bubbles...that i'm completely addicted to. YUM!!
(3)Nathan R.
I've tried Sugar and Spice's take- out twice now, and both times have been rather disappointing. The Sugar part of their name rings true as the Phad Thai tended to be on the sweet side...unfortunately the spice side was not as apparent. Too bad. Prices are reasonable but the for what you get- not so much.
(2)Matt N.
I went to Sugar & Spice last night with two friends, both from Southeast Asia. Since I am American, I wouldn't trust my opinion of the food as much as theirs. But, they were both pleasantly surprised with how good it was and naturally I also enjoyed the food. Sugar & Spice is a simple but nice place, where you don't have to wait for a table, and the wait for your food is not long either. It's not a place to linger, but rather a great spot for a quick meal enroute to the evening's other activities. We shared several dished - crispy pad thai, a papaya salad, basil chicken, and a beef dish (can't remember the name of it) - all of which were excellent. Best of all, we walked out of there with a bill of less than $40, which is pretty amazing for such good food.
(4)N B.
I've been a fan of this place ever since they opened. Great, fresh, tasty dishes and friendly service. I typically get take out, but have dined in, too, and always been happy. I particularly love their summer rolls and Cheng Mai noodles... YUM.
(5)Chris W.
For the money this place is tough to beat! Cheap Thai food that tastes good is right here. The atmosphere and setup inside is very warm and welcoming with a laid-back atmosphere. They also have deep fried ice cream which everyone should try at least once!
(4)Melmoth K.
Two of us shared three appetizers and one main dish. Summer rolls and fried tofu were good/did the job. A mixed vegetable salad was really nicely prepared and presented and the coconut/peanut dressing that accompanied it was great. The fried rice was very good. However, every dish missed what I really like about Thai cuisine, which is the garnishing that gives each dish a distinctive freshness. This is pretty simple: lime wedges, fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, shredded fresh carrot, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, etc. The Pad Thai dish I saw on another table was a pile of gray noodles mixed with bits of gray chicken on a white plate. So although I liked the food, I was disappointed in the overall presentation and I left a little disappointed. The staff was good. The price was good. The interior is kind of contrived and clubby but fine.
(2)Christina M.
Great food, friendly service! My boyfriend and I go here all the time and love the friendly vibe and timely service. Great Pad Thai and Fried Rice!!
(4)Lindsey M.
Go and try the drunkin noodles. Prices were great, atmosphere cute and food tasty-- all in all no complaints :)
(5)Adam M.
This is another one of those great value places. It's not the best Thai food in Boston, but it's very good, especially for the price. I've never had a problem with bad service. In fact, sometimes they can be too attentive. Try the drunken noodles; by far the best dish I've had there.
(4)Eric S.
Ginger Chicken and the Pad-Thai are a favorite of mine; always cooked exceptionally (maybe I get lucky since other reviewers don't seem to have well cooked meals). And you can't really beat their gyoza for an app, and fried coconut ice cream for dessert either. I'd totally recommend it to anyone!
(4)Anders R.
Good service, decent food, (drunken noodles were nice), well priced. 3.5 would be the rating - 4 stars would have been a stretch, need to see more fresh ingredient apps....
(3)Savannah R.
Delicious Thai food! The rolls were amazing, and the portions on the entrees are generous. Perfect for leftovers next day at work! The soups are wonderful, and noodles are all wonderful. The bubble tea is really good here too! I had the green tea with boba as a frozen drink and it was amazing. The bad points, the atmosphere. I will only come back to order food to go because it was horrible! They have the lighting and the structures set up so great, and then they play 90's-like lovey music equipped with Jessica Simpson, Backstreet Boys, etc etc and today's versions I suppose. It really ruined the experience, it was just so awful. Not exactly the type of music I'd like to hear blaring over a Thai Roll. Wonderful staff though and very attentive so if you can move past the aching hearts of hormonal singers you'll have a great time. If not, just order the yummy food to go :)
(3)Naitasia H.
So I came here as a belated dinner celebration for my 25th birthday as a treat from some guilty friends. As with several others, this restaurant was on my "to try" list for far too long. I was anticipating this dinner (even if the company was odd). As you have probably come to figure out, I am not a patient person. So Imagine my frustration at having to wait to be seated and in the rain no less. Their waiting are is very small and the place was crowded. But, this is Cambridge and space is at a premium so I can forgive that wholeheartedly (just check the weather before you go so you don't have to eat Pad Thai in wet boots). I've noticed more and more that the liquor license situation is pretty tricky so I was a little disappointed that the spirits were limited. However, their wine selection was pretty standard and just about anyone could decide on a glass so that is also forgivable. Depsite appearing to be clueless, the waitstaff followed the specific requests of my very picky friends to the letter. Much obliged!! As for the food. It was the best part of the night, which is a good thing. No, a great thing!! I make it my mission in life to eat Pad Thai everywhere I can and pick out the best of the best. This place definitely is in the top 10 and that makes this place A-Ok by me. Cheers to Sugar & Spice.
(4)W A.
We went to Sugar & Spice twice for the last few months because of its location. The fist time, the food was below average for our taste (we ordered Pad Thai and Drunken noodles) and very poor service but we gave them another chance. We went there recently for dinner and got two fried rice dishes and they were just okay. Other Thai restaurants serve better Thai food with much much better service. When we paid the bill, somehow the waitress just assumed that she could just keep the change for tip and she went on doing something else. We found the place to be less than professional and will not recommend the place to anyone.
(1)Alyssa N.
Yummy veggie gyoza and veggie dumplings. Average entrees. The coconut bubble tea was disappointing- like a pina colada with tapioca bubbles in the bottom. The problem was that when I kept sucking up ice chips with the thick straw. Decent prices. I'd go back again soon if I lived nearby. I liked the decor as well. Service was good, especially considering the large birthday party occupying the middle section of the restaurant. (Like 30+ people). I imagine that if I lived nearby I might go back more often. Cool decor and yummy apps make it worth at least one trip.
(3)Liz L.
This is far from the most authentic Thai you'll ever have, but it's delicious anyhow, and cheap! They will make almost any entree vegetarian if you ask. My personal favorites are the Chang Mai noodles and the huge bowl of tofu noodle soup, the latter of which I often order delivered when I am sick. All their entree-sized noodle soups are just as huge as that one. The service has always been prompt and courteous in-house, and the delivery service has always come faster than their estimated time.
(4)Rema A.
good Thai food, very tasty. fast and friendly service. my fiance and i got shrimp wraps for appetizers, a curry and noodle dish; all very good. they have quite a big selection of food and every thing's about $8-12. sweet! we went around 7pm and got the second to last table. it got even more crowded from then on out. it gets kinda loud so you have to raise your voice a bit, but the tables aren't that far apart, so we could totally hear the conversations to our left and right. oh well...still a great place if you're in the mood for thai!
(4)Emily K.
delivery fail. yes, it's snowy and gross outside, but WHY DOES IT TAKE OVER AN HOUR to bring a dinner order? sad (AND HUNGRY) panda
(2)Frank B.
This place is responsible for my new love for Thai food.We met a group of my sons college friends and parents for dinner.I think we ordered almost everything on the menu,lots of choices and tasting. All great,.Have been back several times,sometimes for takeout,mind you I live on the south shore. A little crowded but you expect that in Cambridge.
(4)David R.
Excellent food. The Pad Thai was superb, and everything was deliciously spicy - more authentic and tasty than most Thai places in the US. Nice atmosphere as well and not too pricey! A winner!
(4)Robo T.
This place is brilliant. The food is delicious and consistant, the decor and atmosphere are awesome and the service is wonderful. A few years ago I received an invite to their grand opening event and since then, I've been a dedicated customer.
(4)D W.
This place is probably not authentic Thai, but does a few things pretty well for a good price. The Pad Thai's not so great but curries and peanut sauce dishes seem to be a specialty. Delivery seems to be much less tasty so I avoid that.
(4)Melissa T.
This week marked my second visit to Sugar and Spice, and I was not disappointed either time. I love their selection of bubble tea, though I did not order any on my most recent visit (but I did the first time, and the tea was delicious). The staff was very accommodating; we had two people join our party a little late and they quickly brought over another small table to add to our large one. The space was a bit cramped, but it worked overall. I ordered the avocado curry. This dish was supposed to come with chicken, but they substituted tofu without any issue. The curry was excellent - just a bit spicy and with a bit of a creamy taste. They provided plenty of rice to sop up the extra sauce. I would have liked a tad more avocado, but overall, I enjoyed my dish. It was large enough that I had enough leftovers for lunch the next day. And the prices are very reasonable, especially considering the size of the dishes.
(4)Scott M.
"Bangkok Noodles" kick the booty. "Excited Chicken," served in an edible corn shell, stirs my loins. "Drunken Noodles" is intoxicating. And "Avocado Curry Chicken" will have you doing the Meposian Dance of Joy. But that's not everything good at retro-cool, always tasty Sugar and Spice. The real treats are the special drinks and desserts! The Honey Dew Bubble Tea uses fresh dew, plump tapioca balls, and is dew-licious! It makes those powdery bubble teas found at pretender Thai places taste like lumpy sand. Likewise, the fried banana is incredibly scrumptious and so much more than a limp oily chiquita found elsewhere. These babies are covered in a crispy shell with whip cream and sugary syrup. My God, my mouth is watering just writing this! Only complaint: orders arrive in haphazard order meaning some will be served while others sit there drooling. Them's the breaks, I suppose... Go now!! Go often!!! Sugar and Spice rules the Mass Ave. Thai scene by a landslide.
(5)Daniel N.
The food is good, and is served pretty quick. The poor rating is based on the service. Even with a good size staff, most of the waitresses still can't seem to keep up with the service. Out of about 5 waitresses, 1 will be taking orders, another will be serving, and 3 will be at the register chit chatting with each other. Every time I needed to get attention I'd have to keep my hand up and hope that some one would even pass a glance at my table. I don't always remember the service being like that, but I had to write about this recent disappointment.
(3)John D.
This is a good place where you can take your sister, your parents or a date. I'm going to start writing this at the top of my reviews from now on - who a place is good for that you could bring. The food is definitely tasty, the prices really aren't bad, and the atmosphere is really nice as well.
(4)Orina B.
I've been here four times but only at lunch so my review is based on that. This is a tiny little place with a nice layout -- @ 20 tables but they accommodate one person or groups. The kitchen is open and directly opposite the doorway as you enter. I'm not sure whether it's because of this or because of the lighting but the place has an "unclean" feel to it. The food has ranged from okay to excellent. The pad thai was too sweet with very little bits of chicken. The drunken noodles were better. I went in once in the mood for papaya salad and even though it wasn't a luncheon dish, the waitress suggested I could still order it. I did and that was delicous. (Maybe the secret is not ordering from the menu.) All that said, the service was fast and helpful. I'll be going back.
(4)Stephanie R.
Loved the mango curry but forgot to order it spicy. Yummy thai tea. Excellent service, modern motif makes it a bit stark compared to most Thai restaurants I've been to. Hit the Tibetan shop a few doors down beforehand for trinkets or linens.
(4)Scott M.
It looks like there are some mixed reviews about this place, but I have always appreciated that the people at Sugar & Spice are consistently friendly. That goes a long way in my book, especially since I'm not usually in the best mood after braving the Porter Square Shopping Center parking lot and/or Mass Ave. S&S is a nice place to sit down and relax with some yummy (yet, of course, not "authentic Thai") food. Oh, and they have great veggie options, and are very accommodating and aware of what "vegetarian" means. I suggest the veggie steamed gyoza and pineapple fried rice with tofu.
(4)Anna F.
The price is right and the food is stellar. Even the decor is bright, colorful and pleasant. You can get by with $25 for two at dinner time (sans dessert) which is virtually unheard of for the quality. The portions are sizable, often enough to save for later snacking.
(4)Steven M.
This place is great for Thai noodle dishes: pad thai, pad see you (which isn't on the menu, but they will serve anyway), etc. The spring rolls and triangular equivalents are always good too. I'm not so fond of the non-noodly dishes, though, but it's not like there's a shortage of restaurants in Cambridge.
(4)Cynthia S.
I've had their scallops with veggies, pad see ew, and satay and loved them! I have a few vegetarian friends who love this place too. Their red bean frozen boba drink is frozen goodness. Do yourself a favor and get it.
(4)alex l.
went there for the first time tonight and it was pretty packed for a monday night. I had the chicken massaman curry and my husband had the chicken pad prik king and both were SO tasty, we will definitely be going back!
(4)Chanel R.
Several years ago I thought that this place was mediocre. I guess after Benjapons in Davis Sq. closed we started getting take-out from here (out of necessity but with low expectations). It is much better now. I am typically happy with everything that I order, table service is good and the people are nice. Delivery is pretty fast too.
(3)Sarah S.
Yummm. Great pad thai. Delicious yellow coconut curry... and I don't even like curry. All the dishes I had were vegetarian, and they were not stingy with the veggies and tofu. Good peanut sauce.
(4)jim b.
Small portions, but that is fine as the prices aren't high. It's ok, the food is rather bland really. Not bad, not good, just there.
(3)S G.
Nope, I did not like how my food tasted,no flavor at all. At other tai places pad tai has a lot of vegetables and juicy,here it is dry and portion was small.
(2)Anonymous P.
The name gets it half right. This is spiced-down food reminiscent of authentic Thai, which isn't to say it's always bad. Some dishes just don't work without the spices though. Take yum woon sen. S&S's version is flavored almost exclusively by lime juice and sugar. It's boring and cloying, desperately in need of funky fish sauce, more garlic, and how about some chilis? My advice: real Thai may take some time to get used to, but it's worth it. I recommend Tamarind House instead, or much better, a trip out to Dok Bua in Brookline. Update 6/13/07: This place sucks in my opinion. I think the food is bland, gloopy, and sloppy. Squid were rubbery and far from fresh. Bleck.
(2)jennifer j.
Update. Okay, so I've now lived in Cambridge for four years (totally lost track of how many times I've been now), and this is still the restaurant by which I measure all other restaurants in the Boston area. It is fairly cheap and SO FREAKING DELICIOUS here. I'm too cheap to eat out too often, and most of the expensive places have disappointed, but Sugar & Spice never ever fails me. And their staff is super nice, too. Go if you haven't tried it! (And about it not being 'authentic,' I guess my taste buds prefer delicious over authentic, b/c we went to try Brown Sugar, known for its authentic Thai, and I still preferred Sugar & Spice.) This place is my favorite restaurant in Cambridge. Over the years, I've probably come here almost twenty times-- it's that consistently good. As expected, I've tried most of the menu by now, and pretty much everything has been great. (If you want a spicy pad thai, order it "country style," and you will definitely get that spice!) My favorites are the chicken swing (appetizer: thinly cut chicken strips with sticky rice balls-- yum), the tom kar (coconut) soup, the pad thai if I want something lighter and the chieng mai noodle (HUGE) if I want something more hearty (has a very thick broth/sauce, quite similar to the yellow curry sauce), their fried green tea ice cream and their frozen green tea (like a green tea milk shake-- I like it with boba). My friends like their avocado or mango curry dishes and the yellow curry. One could easily eat for $10, if you just drank water, but you can get a nice multi-course meal for under $20/person, which is great for what you're getting! A good place for a first date, a casual date, big groups (I've come for a few birthdays, and they are great with big groups)-- and take-out is good, too. Service is always very polite and prompt. What can I say? I love this place! :-) Here's a link to their menu: allmenus.com/menus/1306/…
(5)JEM C.
The restaurant is cozy, yet modern. I ordered the flat noodles and my table ordered a few of the appetizers--everything was really tasty. My friend was disappointed with her tempura vegtable plate, but overall the price, ambiance and taste was good enough to go back!
(4)Beth M.
this is my absolute favorite Thai restaurant...but it only gets 4 stars. why? well. my husband and i have been coming here for about 2 years, since we discovered it, and have been impressed again and again by the fantastic food (crying tiger is tops on his list, i love the cheng mei noodles) we actually come here almost every sunday and always look forward to the yumminess, as well as the cute decor and hot lemongrass tea. so based on that it should be a 5 star review, hands down. BUT. a few months ago, the service got kind of strange. my husband and i would experience about 10 minute time lapses between the deliveries of our entrees...we would be waited on by 2 or 3 different people...no water refills...things like that. it really threw us for a loop. we also sat enjoying our meals one night while at least 20 people waited in the 'lobby' area for their take-out, which was super super backed-up. not sure what was going on there. so there's that. but the food is so so good that we keep coming back, and kind of laugh at the strange service now...
(4)Ed S.
A very good Thai place all around with a great location right in Porter Square. The food is greasy, but very tasty and at an excellent price - about $8 for an entree. It's nicely decorated inside and the wait staff is very nice. Soda drinkers beware, though: I was informed after being given two refills that the $1.75 listed on the menu is per glass, which is extreme in comparison to other restaurants in the area.
(4)Gabby D.
I am so obsessed with Thai food and swear by my Spice in the NYC. But helloooooooo SUGAR & Spice! Travel Partner A, B, and Boston friend #2 (not to be confused with Boston friend #1 aka coworker) and I rolled in for some lunch post a quick TBell stop and some seeeeeeeeerious TJMaxx shopping. Alright, let me just list what we ordered: Papaya Salad, Country Phad Thai, Crazy Chicken crispy thing (that's not the real name), umm..and the Drunken Noodles (in NY language Drunk Man noodles). I couldn't get enough of the Drunken Noodles! Ooooooooooh giiiiiiiiiirl! Everything else, serivce...ambience...yeah yeah yeah. Although, the music sountrack (made by some creatively excellent sister restaurant down the way) was the best pop music sappy wonderfulness I've ever experienced. From Jessica Simpson/Nick Lachey (the collaboration and the solo albums both pre and post marriage) to Boys II Men to Soul 4 Real to Backstreet Boys to Mandy Moore. Excellent compliment while shoveling amazing eats into your mouth as fast as your chop sticks can allow. Meanwhile, FOOOOOOOD! Delicious! Delicious! Run! Go! Quickly!
(5)boboo k.
Everything is Excellent.. My favorite menu is the Pad Thai Country and I also like the Sugar& Spice Shrimp Umm YuM YuM.. Let talk about dessert Oh my!!!!!! Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango so so GOOD....... Also the staff are very friendly and attentive,The food is tasty and the prices are good.
(5)David S.
Dinner at Sugar & Spice was delicious. I'm not sure all of the items on the menu are typically Thai, but the food nonetheless is very good. I tried the chili and lime grilled salmon: the piece of fish was enormous (that's always nice!), tasted fresh, and the sauce/vegetables were very good. My friend also had the pad thai, which turned out to be all right (I guess it's hard for pad thai to be too much out of the ordinary). The service was also friendly and efficient. The venue is relatively casual, but certainly nice enough to bring a date. I will definitely go back.
(4)Lalin A.
From outside, Sugar & Spice invites you. I was actually surprised to see that inside it was more like a college cafeteria. Nevertheless, food is not bad. Had chichen thai rolls, which were delicious and then I tried the XO beef-rice dish, which was just ordinary: meat was not soft, vegetables tasted better. Be careful with some of the spicy dishes as they can cause trouble! If you are looking for a laid back, cheap food, S&S is a place to go.
(3)Joy H.
I wish I could give it more stars because the first couple of times I ate here the food was pretty decent and the location is convenient. But the last time I came I ordered a tom yum soup, and when I tasted it, it tasted almost like a pina colada. I'm pretty sure they accidentally used cream of coconut instead of coconut milk in there. I sent it back to the kitchen and told them that it was too sweet. When it came back, it tasted about the same. I even gave it a second sip to make sure, but it just tasted like hot pina colada. Gross. They tried to explain that "Americans" like the soup a little sweeter. And I get that, but this wasn't a little sweeter, this was frackin' PINA COLADA SOUP. Again, GROSS. Anyways, I can't give any more than 2 stars for a place that serves something this bad and can't admit that they made a mistake.
(2)Greg L.
i order from there quite a bit. i can't speak to the ambience, i typically eat it in my cube (the ambience in my cube is nice, if a bit bland). the food is good, pretty standard thai fare in my opinion. but the service is awful. i tip fairly well and it always takes them at least an hour to get from porter square to central square. i'm not sure how. i keep comin back b/c i'm too lazy to look up another convenient thai place with online ordering.
(3)Adam W.
We've never actually eaten in the restaurant, but I think we order out from Sugar & Spice at least once a week. The food is consistently good, and you can order online, which really takes the pressure off when you're ordering with a group of friends and consensus is nowhere in sight.
(4)Patrick M.
Yum... mango curry, gyoza, pad thai... very dependable affordable Thai food in Porter Square. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, always crowded which is a good sign. Delicious any time I've been there, and the spicy dishes are legitimately pretty spicy which I like.
(4)Abby F.
I love this place, and I've never had a bad meal there! Au contraire, everything has been tasty, like the ginger crisp chicken (not the actual name), the noodles, and the Thai tea is delicious. Service has always been polite and attentive, even when I went with a forgetful, fussy 80 year-old friend whom they treated very respectfully. The decor is lovely, just check out the window boxes and wonderful fresh flower arrangements, and prices are very reasonable for the quality.
(4)Shine B.
I was so disappointed with this place. The Thai rolls were bland at best, the veggie dumplings were gummy and soggy. The fried rice was tasty but it seemed like it was filled with fat. Try Asia East - I like them much more.
(2)Irene F.
I loved this place when I lived in Porter Square. The food was consistently great, and while the atmosphere was also fabulous, the take-out was good too. Service is great, food is great, and the lunch specials are at great prices! You can bring the fam, a date, or just yourself and you will enjoy it regardless!
(5)Kiki B.
actually wasn't expecting to like this place as much as i did. they have great food, well-spiced, plus the portions are huge, which means more for lunch tomorrow! yay! nice booths, good timing, pleasant staff.
(4)Food Bandicoot M.
BEST PINEAPPLE JUICE I"VE EVER HAD CAME FROM SPICE & RICE...and I order it at every meal. The royal triangles are bomb. Design is fabulous. Atmosphere is great. Try to get a booth. Food is absolutely beautiful, comes topped with hand cut flower decorations made out of carrots and etc. A great place to go on a date for sure! A new asset to inman square.
(5)Elizabeth E.
Consistently good food with only moderately consistent service. Its a great local place in a fun and bright location. They have a selection of noodle dishes and a selection of rice dices and though its oh-so-boring, I'll have to say the Pad Thai is actually quite good. But the Thai Iced Tea is the best I've had outside of Thailand.
(3)Jessica S.
The first time I went to Sugar & Spice I found the Pad Thai to be much too greasy. Afterward, I had heard good things from others and decided to try it again. I still found the Pad Thai to be much too greasy. I would not recommend Sugar & Spice, just go a little further down Mass Ave to Tamarind House. Much better pad thai! (Tamarind House also has good curry.)
(2)Stu G.
Terrible food and service. I had the crispy Pad Thai. I will never again.
(1)Mimi W.
As a local place for lunch, it's ok. It's quick and the decor is nice. Personally, I've gone to a lot better Thai places, but those places have also been more expensive. One thing that bugs me about the place is that they don't give you enough rice, which, combined with a salty entree can leave you very thirsty, not to mention kind of unsatisfied. I mean rice is like 5 cents a bowl, try to double up. The other thing that bugs is that I get the feeling that they use pretty much the same sauce on a lot of their dishes. The sauce is good, but gets old after a few visits.
(3)Phil D.
I like the Drunken Noodles, but everything else is a bit hit-or-miss. It's not perfect, but I've definitely had worse (see Thai Hut, The). It's the best near Porter, though. For a change of pace, you can always try Tamarind House, which is further down Mass Ave, toward Harvard. They are a little more consistent.
(4)Priya C.
This place is close to work for me, so sometimes we go here for lunch. Love the avocado curry with tofu as well as the pad thai. Need to try the mango curry. I like that you can get all the curries with tofu and not meat and you can ask for no fish sauce and they will actually listen to you! The food is tasty and the prices are good.
(4)Lindsey W.
My friend and I were super hungry and ordered 4 entrees, loved all of them. Think the duck was my favorite but it's a tough call.
(4)Rob J.
This place is a great value. I've ordered from them quite a few times and they are pretty consistent.
(4)Patrick B.
There are a number of Thai places in the area or an easy drive away, yet it was still exciting when this one opened. The first few meals were terrific - it wasn't bland, Americanized Thai - you could taste the freshness of the ingredients and the spices. Unfortunately, more recent meals haven't been all that great. I still try it every now and again and the dining room is pleasant, but tend to favor Thai Kitchen a bit further down Mass Ave for takeout.
(3)Kristin M.
This is a great local place for good, inexpensive Thai food. The appetizers and curry dishes are great. It's also one of the only places the Porter/Davis area that you can find fried ice cream. The coconut flavored one is my favorite. I definitely recommend checking this place out.
(4)serra s.
I love this place. Its one of the few places I will go to alone sometimes just because I want the food so much. Their Pad Paradise is the best thing I've found in a long time. The prices are very low, too. Especially for lunch - $6-$8 /plate. I hardly ever go there for dinner, because why go when its expensive and busy when you get the exact same dish for cheap earlier!? the staff is also extremely friendly, and know you after only a couple visits.
(5)Ramya V.
I lately feel in love with Thai food... This is a kewl place nice to dine and cheap though but service is not very friendly. During week days after 7 its crowded gotta wait to getta table. The color of food perks you up, I love both noodle and rice, but when it comes to fish nope I dont like the smell of it, its never cooked well although wonderfully presented. Interiors are well done and booths are wonderful and comfy than the tables, gotta mind stepping out of our tables or we will bang easily into someone. During afternoons its a great place to be, and you get so much food that we will hardly be able to finish off.
(3)Laura A.
if you're looking for authentic, flavorful thai food, look elsewhere. this place has cute decor and healthy thai-inspired food, but is totally bland and uninteresting. if they didn't deliver to my apartment, i'd probably never eat there.
(3)Etta M.
i started eating here soon after i moved to somerville and it has been a consistent favorite since. my favorites include: pineapple fried rice, pad thai, and lemon grass chicken. the decor is fun, the food comes quickly, but don't expect your food to come at the same time as your friends.
(4)Stephanie W.
Nice funky atmosphere. Thai food, 50s-60s era decor. The restaurant is kind of small, which makes for cramped eating quarters, but the food is pretty good and the service is decent.
(3)Joe b.
Delicious food! the atmosphere is very suave, and you'll feel classy when you sit under one of their uniquely designed lights. The price point is the only negative. While not too expensive it does ere on the side of classy. But really! check it out.
(4)Jen and Tim S.
The food is great and the atmosphere is very cool. Great noodles, and definitely try dessert!!!
(4)Aditya V.
Right near porter Sq T stop is this Thai Restaurant. The exteriors look very jazzy and inviting and alwasy made me think about going in which I finally did past weekend. First impression WOW so many people and line ( not bad considering saturday) and tables are too close. Some peopel might like teh lighting but I didn't like it and wasn't comfortable ( maybe ist was my jetlag and spending 4 weeks in Shanghai) so I might have to go back again to do justice. we were promtly greeted and seated which was nice. The waitress came to promtly and served water we were given a tight spot with no privacy for any conversations. THe menu has something for everyone and especially if your an vegetarian they will replace anything with Tofu. Ordered plum fine which at 4.50 a glass wasn 'tbad until I saw teh glass little small. Ordered Basil Fried rice wich wasn't bad except the rice was too "lumped" together and hard to eat. My friedn ordered Udon noodles with chicked which he said was excellent . The portions seemed ok. Also ordered was tom yum soup which was good. So over all the place wasn't bad. The serice isn't bad except for the person who servered us water was sloppy. If you leave near porter it should be tried atleast once.
(3)Sarah C.
"...and everything nice" haha I'm such a dork... but really this place lives up to 'what it is'. For the second time, I SWEAR I never crave Thai! And again, I really just fell upon this place with some friends because there was a longer wait elsewhere (impatience sucks! Why the rush??!) Anyway, Sugar and Spice is known for being a steal, so I have heard. The atmosphere is actually really nice... very clean, dim bluish lighting, and somewhat romantic (but not so much where it would be odd to have dinner with a a friend or two...or more. They have larger tables available). We sat down immediately and were greeted promptly. The wine list is SO inexpensive ($5-$6 a glass $25 bottle range)... don't be prepared to be 'wowed' by it, but I promise you're not going to be utterly offended by it either. It kinda sucked we were not offered second glasses until our meals arrived... The food really IS very affordable... not gong over $15...and plenty of interesting apps. I ordered an app. salad to start for $5 and was served a salad PLATTER with eggs and two dressings (including peanut dressing yum)...what a waste though...too much. And my meal came out like 3 minutes later. Again, HUGE mega portions. My friends both ordered Pad Thai..one with chicken, the other with chicken and shrimp. They were very pleased. I ordered steamed cod with lime (ridiculous amounts of lime... although appropriate for the dish it was not balanced for my taste. And, the fish was WAY over cooked and dry...save for all the lime juice type sauce) So many people often think they are getting a huge value when they get a crap-load of food for not a lot of money (any fast food marketing schemes ring a bell?), When really, most of it often goes to waste anyway. how could I finish all that?? I brought it home because I felt guilty but I know I am not gong to finish it. Eh... I won't make it a point to go back... unless I'm in Porter Square with someone desperate for affordable Thai. Besides... I hate saying it, but seriously TOO much food (which is awesome for many :) )
(3)Kay A.
Service was fast even though the restaurant was extremely busy. The food was extremely good especially for the price. The only problem was the service as soon as you finished they want your ass out of there. No wonder how everyone gets served so fast.
(4)cassie p.
Was looking for Thai food, and Sugar and Spice was the first place we happened upon. I was skeptical because of the name, but was pleasantly surprised. We had Massaman Curry, Pad Kee Mao and Gyoza. Very good food, big servings, and we had a great waitress that was all smiles, but not in a fake or annoying way.
(4)Joanna S.
so it's not the best thai food i've ever had, but it's a decent place with a decent price. the crunchy pad thai is really sweet. i would recommend the drunken noodles instead. good place to go for lunch.
(3)L S.
This restaurant is really cute inside. The staff is very nice and the service is really great. Everyone that goes there always raves about it! I didn't really like what I ordered, but it was one of those let's try something different days and I learned my lesson.
(3)Anna S.
First of all, the service is super efficient. There is also never any confusion when dealing with orders. There is a large variety of choices, including authentic thai cuisine and americanized versions. The setting is also very pleasent, with a nice modern theme. I suggest the basil chicken if you are in the mood for something spicey, and any one of their smoothies are delicious. Enjoy!
(5)Hrishi D.
Great food! Great service! Really good authentic Thai cuisine. Recommended - must try
(5)Sara B.
Delicious food, quick and friendly service. Tons of menu options without it being overwhelming. I'm a big fan of the massaman curry with chicken and also the chicken cashew dish! Lovely outdoor dining option on a nice day.
(5)Less H.
Delicious. I was really happy with my Country Style Pad Thai, which is basically pad Thai with some heat. It wasn't too hot but just right for my weak North-Eastern palate. My friends were also very happy with their food. Price is inline with most of the Thai places I've been to, that is to say for about $10 you can get enough food for 2 or to have dinner and then breakfast the next AM. (If you are like me, your leftovers become breakfast.) If you go for the higher priced food you'll find large steaming bowls of spicy and sweet soup for around $15. These bowls are enough to feed 2 or to leave you uncomfortably full and rolling to the train. In short: delicious, tasty Thai food that will leave you full for not a lot of hurt in the wallet.
(4)Aly L.
I really did not enjoy my pad thai, and I have never disliked any pad thai before. The noodles were a bizarre texture and it was generally lacking in flavor. I was incredibly disappointed.
(2)Mike F.
Love this place! Go there often. Can be busy Fri and Sat night so we go early. Nice service and great food!
(5)Claire G.
This is a great place to come and sit outside during the summer or warmer weather. They have really cute outdoor seating with pretty lights, which is great for people watching. Besides the location and ambiance, I also like their food. I ordered the Chicken Cashew Nuts. It came with a balanced amount of chicken, vegetables, and rice. It was really flavorful and I felt like I was eating a healthy dish because it was not greasy at all. I've also previously ordered the Chicken Pad Thai, which was average compared to other places I've been. Overall, I'm a fan and will definitely be back on nice summer nights to dine outdoors.
(4)Michele H.
Food is good--I ordered the papaya salad and the Tom yum soup. The salad was crisp and refreshing, and the soup was very nicely spiced. My boyfriend's crispy noodles were the envy of all at the table. $5.75 glasses of Cabernet aren't bad at all. I'd almost give this pace a 3.5 for service, as we had reservations for 14, and one of our tables was still occupied by another party for a good 25 minutes past our start time. That aside, our server was attentive and helpful, and you can't beat sipping wine and eating papaya salad outside on a summer night.
(4)Matt Q.
Sugar & Spice is close to one of my friend's place and we've come to rely on this place for a Thai dinner option that's a little nicer ambiance than Rod Dee across the street. Their Purple Fried Rice often gets ordered around the table. It has a wonderful mix of flavors both sweet and salty. The Pad See You is also great for those who like thick flat noodle dishes. If you like curry, I would also recommend their Panang Curry, which creamy, flavorful, and often tempts you to wipe your plate clean. If you're looking for some solid Thai food, at a decent price point, with a location that's comfortable for a sit down meal, this is the place for you.
(4)Noah P.
This place is the best Thai around. Had the drunken noodles with chicken and it was very good.. miso soup was average. . Spring rolls were great. Nice atmosphere. Highly recommended
(5)Court S.
My mom ordered dinner here and I was going out for dinner but I had a few bites of her takeout. Coconut bubble tea- 5 stars! So amazing. Can double as a dessert. Crab bites- 5 stars. Super tasty. Veggie spring rolls- 5 stars. Very good with sweet sauce. Everything was great.
(4)Kayley P.
A friend and I popped in yesterday to have a quick meal. It was a lovely spring day and we sat outside. They really have paid attention to detail and have made the outside seating area feel like a retreat even thought it was on a busy street (and across from a construction site). The service was fast, the wait staff were just so sweet and kind. The food was delicious and definitely enough to fill you up. Reasonable prices and a great ambiance. I will be back!
(4)Pia J.
The food came out quite quick, was so fresh & yummy. The flavors were very authentic. I recommend the crispy basil chicken, pineapple fried rice, massaman curry, Pork belly appetizer, spicy Shrimp salad. Polite, nice staff & Prices were very reasonable too. I plan to eat here often when I'm in the area for sure. Been here 3 more times on our trips to Boston, same great flavors every time. Love it.
(4)O K.
Don't get take out or delivery- they half ass their to go orders (food is cold, dried out, not flavored the same as if sitting), and the people taking orders over the phone are incredibly rude. The delivery time has always taken over an hour so not really worth it. Better off dining in if anything. Their pad se ew is pretty decent.
(3)Emily S.
Love this place. The Drunken Noodles are the best!
(4)Esss E.
Attention Sugar & Spice Owners: It is April 22. That means it is time to take the Christmas ornaments and brown pine boughs out of your falling apart window boxes. I haven't eaten there since November, but I hope your food is fresher and better looking!
(3)Zhichun Y.
This place is really good around Porter Square. Food here is really good and in large portion. The drunken noodle is great and so as the bubble tea smoothies. I have tried the green tea and mango ones and they are so good. Will definitely come back!
(4)Tyler P.
Sugar and Spice in Porter Square is a great find. It has a really great atmosphere (I'm excited to check out the outdoor seating when it gets warm). The portions were good sized. We got three dishes and a couple orders of rice for four people and that was just the right amount. The drunken noodles, yellow curry, and excited chicken were all good choices!
(4)Irina N.
Living in Brookline, I don't get out much to Porter Sq area but dinner with a friend brought us to Sugar & Spice. First of all, I loved the atmosphere and funky design, color and accessories of the place. Made me feel welcome and gave me a feel of being in Cambridge (or how cool I picture Cambridge to be). We ordered steamed shumai and that left us satisfied. The beer is $3.95 which is also very affordable comparing to Boston. However, the lost stars are due to my pad tai being soo sweet and soo sticky that I honestly didn't know if I could finish it. and here I thought, how could I go wrong with that! Two shrimp and not as much chicken as I was hoping for didn't help the situation. My friend ordered "drunken noodle" which has gotten great reviews and he seemed happy with it, although it was a bit spicy for his taste. I believe there were marks next to it indicating it but I suppose everyone's ability to handle spicy varies. We were approached to see if we were finished before we were. And we were never approached to see how everything was. It is unfortunate but the service was a little lacking. It was good to catch up with my friend whom i haven't seen in a while but now that I think about it, it was actually a long time before we were approached to order way in the beginning too. I would come again and try more dishes due to the funky space and good apps, affordable beer and high reviews.
(3)Ronald J.
I so luv Thai food, It's my first time in Boston and luckily I found the right one. Spicy beef with basil is so good. It's delicious and have that perfect spicy Thai flavor. Staff is courteous too!! Nice little cozy place! price is reasonable!
(4)Sofia G.
The BEST Thai food I've ever had! I don't go to any other Thai places since I tried Sugar&Spice. Personally recommendation: Gyozas, Royal Triangles, Crab Ragu, Drunken Noodles & Chicken Mango Curry.
(5)Jasmine B.
Great restaurant with even better prices, especially for the serving size and quality. Vegetables are always fresh and tender. I've never had a bad meal here. Definitely try the chicken mango curry paired with a frozen bubble tea (I recommend the Thai iced tea). Don't be afraid to try something different, everything is fantastic!
(5)Annie W.
i love rod dee. i love rod dee so much that i felt that going across the street to sugar and spice with a friend tonight felt like cheating on rod dee. don't worry, rod dee. i still love you. even if i have tasted your friend as well. sugar and spice is totally different from rod dee. rod dee's menu has about 10398023742953479782913 menu items, with about 20 more daily specials (am i lying? go there and find out) and little a la carte dessert and appetizer items sitting on the counter in case you weren't already drooling. but it is cash only. so have cash or use their ATM, mmk? sugar and spice takes cards and has maybe 50 items on its menu. the mainstays are there. the curries, the rad nah, the drunken noodles, some noodle soups. the restaurant smelled wonderful walking in. this is a sit down place, unlike the uber casual rod dee with no real waiter service (at rod dee, they help, they just don't wait on you, but you don't need that do you). the price point is similar, if not slightly more on some items (~$10-15/entree). i had their (jungle curry equivalent, i think), which was written into the menu as a 3 chilis coconut-free south thai curry, which was nice and spicy, and heavy on the chicken (it's cool, i ordered chicken, i just like more vegetables, too) -- but unlike other places at which i've had jungle curry, the curry is usually a lot more watery and goes over rice like a broth and EvilEvilEvil. this curry didn't kill me but my eyes watered a lot, which is okay because i'd just sweated my brains out (guess where?) nearby so why not carry on through the other orifices. it was tasty. the plate was awesome. super narrow super table-long entree plate with a wee bit of salad, some rice, and some entree. i told my friend, that's it, i'm sending all my plates to goodwill and buying only those from now on. my roommates will throw a fit. yes. i'm kidding. when i am. so sugar and spice, you're cool. stuff looks, tastes, and smells authentic (which is a lot to say given so many purported thai offerings in the area). when i don't have cash, i can turn to you. but rod dee still has my heart.
(4)Jennifer N.
Been coming here for about two years..this place is by far one of my top 5 restaurants! Servers are insanely nice. Anything you order, you will love! Royal triangle, chicken satay, Thai eggrolls, Tom yum soup all serves as delicious appetizers that you should definitely consider ordering (most of the time I would order all!!) then for the main course, get anything! I tried a lot & none has yet to fail my expectation. Very casual & clean place as well. As for desert, I love the coconut icecream (I'm simply a coconut fan) but the others are really good too like the coconut sticky rice with mangos and Fried bananas. Taro & coconut are both my favorite bubble tea, simply delicious!
(5)Chelsea W.
One thing I really like about this restaurant is how ridiculously fast the food comes out of the kitchen. I've gone twice, and the orders have arrived within 5-6 min which is crazy. Tried the pad thai and udon stir fry which were good. Portions were big too, and priced pretty well. Would stop by again.
(4)Jennifer L.
I really like this place. It was my first time today and I ordered the Purple Fried Rice. The chicken was juicy and the fried rice was delicious. The Thai iced tea was great as well! I definitely want to come back to try the other dishes! The price is also very reasonable :)
(5)Jane S.
My friend and I ordered the Steamed Shrimp Shumai ($4.95) appetizer to start. We got 7 pieces of really dry shumai that tasted like one of those frozen shumai you get from Costco. The fillings were pretty much absent and it was mostly the outer skin. The shumai was also bland and tasteless, even when it was literally dunked in the soy sauce. Our first entree was Gra Prao Chicken, ($9.95) spicy minced chicken in chili sauce. There was a bed of greasy, chili oil underneath which freaked me out a little. The white rice tasted a bit undercooked, and I couldn't really taste the chicken because it was minced so small. I would have liked more spices. The Pad Thai ($8.95), or stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, chicken, egg, peanuts, bean sprouts and scallions, is a must-dish at a Thai restaurant. The pad thai was sweeter than other pad thai I have had (indeed it reflects the name of the restaurant well!). There were only three medium-sized shrimps and bits of chicken. Usually the ground peanuts are served on the side, but this restaurant had it all mixed in the noodle already
(2)Bella A.
I went here last Saturday evening with a friend that has been here a few times. For my first time coming here it could have been better. First off my glass of water was dirty with green stuff stuck to it so I asked for another. Secondly, my utensils were dirty so I quickly asked for some new ones. I ordered the drucken noodles which was amazing until I found hair on my piece of chicken. I told our server and she immediately apologized and gave me a whole new order. Despite all that happen that day, I will give them another try. Their customer service was great and the food was good as well. It could have been an off day for them.
(3)Reetika J.
Went here for late lunch on a warm sunny day. They have great outdoor seating which is mostly why we picked them. Beer at $3.95 is pretty reasonable, and the food was really flavorful and authentic Thai. I recommend the pineapple fried rice, crispy basil chicken and moo yang BBQ pork. Great service too, very accommodating staff. Can't wait to try something else here!
(4)Henry Z.
had team lunch there, ordered the crispy salmon noodle, good taste and nice ambiance. Will come back to try more.
(4)Nancy S.
I went here last Sunday with some friends and my first impression was that it was rather small but nicely decorated and accommodating. I had never been there before and played it safe by ordering some Thai Iced Tea and Pad See You. Both were exactly what I expected. The Iced Tea had a bite of a bite (probably from orange blossom water) and the Pad See You was sweet and savory. I'd give it five stars if our food hadn't come out about five minutes after ordering. For the $7 I paid for lunch I don't expect gourmet food but the speediness makes me wonder if there aren't a few microwaves in the kitchen. Anyhow, good friends, good food at a very reasonable price. I'll definitely be returning.
(4)George C.
We ordered delivery that took over an hour to arrive (an hour and twenty minutes). When it arrived, we learned that the soda (coke) that cost $1.75 was just a 12 oz can. For that price, we had assumed that it would be at least a 20 oz bottle. Outrageous. That is literally over a 400% markup from consumer prices, let alone restaurant prices. The food itself was just standard. We ordered Drunken Noodle and Pad Thai, which were normal sized. However, I found the Drunken Noodle to be almost entirely noodle and sauce, with remarkably few vegetables. I asked that the chicken be replaced with tofu. I do not know how much chicken they normally include, but I imagine it is more than the three pieces of tofu I had.
(1)JT S.
Let me put it to you this way: If someone asked me if I wanted to have sex or go to Sugar and Spice... I would go to Sugar and Spice. Honestly, I have no idea why there are any reviews less than 5 stars. Seriously. One of the reasons I moved to Porter Square was for this restaurant. Everyone I take to it has a near orgasmic experience. The Tom Kar soup... omg. and the shumai. and the curries. omg im hungry just talking about it. This place is like one of my favorite restaurants of ALL TIME!
(5)Kanin S.
"SPECTACULAR" I just went to Sugar&Spice on last Sound and it impressed me a lot !! my Mexican friend and I both ordered SUKHOTHAI NOODLES, rice noodle with shrimps, ground pork, fish ball, and tasty soup, since a waitress recommended us. The taste and the value are amazing, it's served in a super large bowl. The soup is not too hot or spicy to eat plus ingredients are so fresh. Another of my friend ordered drunken noodles and she also love it. Their service is good and the place is very clean. All employees are really friendly making that place so warm. We spent less than five mins waiting for our food...with the reasonable price. Because I have been to many Thai restaurant in Boston, I would say that this place is a little cheaper than others. I personally think this is the best Thai restaurant in Boston and I can't wait to go and try other food there...YUMMY ^^
(5)Andy K.
Nice little thai place in the heart of a multi asian restaurant food area. They really went all out for their Valentines Day decorations. It was very pleasant and great to see that they are keeping up with the holiday spirit. My favorite dish is their duck noodle soup. Lots of subtle flavor in the soup and the duck was crispy. Great portion for the price. The waiters/waitresses were very friendly and service was fast.. almost felt like I was in a fast food restaurant. Overall, I've enjoyed my stay there. Would def go back whenever I am around the area.
(4)Renee C.
We are new to the area, really like Thai food and received a gift card to Sugar and Spice. It was the best Thai I've ever had. Better than some others in the area (in our opinions). I loved the Oriental style beef and my husband really liked the Massaman curry. We also ordered Thai rolls and Chicken Satay as an appetizer, which I order at every Thai restaurant we eat. These were the best I've ever had. Besides the delicious food, the service is GREAT, and it's cheap :) Almost everything on the menu is under 10. Our whole meal (with 2 appetizers and 2 entrees) was $30. And we have enough for another whole meal at home :) GO HERE!!!
(5)Maggie S.
I'm not big on writing reviews, but wanted to rate some deserving local favorites. Sugar & Spice is delicious, I don't think I've ever been disappointed. The interior is pretty low-key, but also nice and tastefully decorated. I usually opt for noodles, but their mango curry is fabulous.
(5)Vanessa S.
Has this place changed ownership? It used to be really good. Everything is just really spicy now with no real flavor. Friends have said the same thing.
(2)Michelle C.
I always want to write a review for sugar and spice, the service you receive there is like you owe them some money. Last time I ordered a take out, I asked them for chopsticks,and lady at front desk told it's only for dinning in. Then one day I was at the restaurant and asked for chopsticks and again the same lady told me it's only for takeout. Not going back there again.
(2)David R.
For Cambridge, this is a pretty darn good Thai restaurant in terms of both quality of food and value. The ambiance and decor are thoroughly pleasant if you choose to dine in, and the delivery is expeditious if you're feeling lazy or it's raining. The quality of the food is quite high, and anyone familiar with Thai cuisine should find it generally faithful to the flavors that one would expect. Some of the best items include the Moo Yang appetizer and the Panang curry duck. The staff is also very friendly - I once stopped in to pick up a phone order and the hostess gave me a free Thai iced tea while I waited. Give this place a shot.
(4)Kristina L.
Sugar & Spice is clean, somewhat modern, and the waiters are friendly. We were pleased that there were hooks for our jackets next to our booth...an added touch that I wish more restaurants had! The Tom Yum shrimp soup was flavorful, but watch out: it's wayyyy spicy! My nose started running within seconds of eating the first spoonful lol. The sausage appetizer was DELICIOUS and unique...I've never seen it on another Thai menu here OR in Connecticut. Either way, it was good. The Pad Thai was much better than at Chili Duck, but maybe a little skimpy on the peanut sauce? The Gra Prao chicken dish was good but not as tasty as the one at The Similans. For dessert we shared a bland Pina Colada bubble tea. I probably won't be trying their bubble tea again. I definitely wouldn't mind going back for the ambiance in a pinch, but I feel like there are so many other better options nearby for awesome Thai.
(3)Abhijeet K.
Best Thai food I have had.My favorites are Panang curry with Chicken and Chicken and basil friend rice
(5)Kelly D.
Wow! We have been coming here for years and have always enjoyed fresh well prepared food until today. All three of our favorite entrees were horrible and nothing resembled the food we are usually served. It was all bland, tastless and soggy. Not sure if there is a new chef in the kitchen but it will be a while before we go back. So sad!
(1)Little Y.
Green curry with shrimp and jasmine rice is very very delicious!!! Really authentic Thai food!
(4)C L.
I ordered pick-up, and the food was delicious (especially the Panang Curry) -- but I had to wait for 30 minutes in the restaurant after the pick-up time. I recommend giving them some lead time or calling in to make sure the food is ready before you go!
(3)Holly S.
Delish Papaya salad! Also the GAO chicken dish was sooooo tasty, one downfall, pad thai tasted like just Lo mein :( so sad! The staff was attentive, a little too much if u ask me. But they were nice enough for sure! I'd go back but probably not for pad thai
(4)Roxie D.
There are no words for how delicious the food is here. Every time I go in here, they are able to accommodate my myriad of food allergies and requests, there is rarely a wait, their food is incredibly fresh and well prepared, and there are tons of healthy options. Everything is awesome, but my faves are: Crying Tiger Veggie Tofu Soup Drunken Noodles Basil Fried Rice The Fresh Garden Rolls are soooooo good, they will make you weep Their delivery is absolutely incredible, too. Super fast, always accurate- and the one time the driver forgot something, I told him it wasn't a big deal and that I'd happily take an IOU for the next time I was in there. It was raining and I insisted he not worry about it- but 15 minutes later he'd driven all the way back to my place with the rest of my order :-) Love, love, love this restaurant!
(5)John O.
Tom Yum soup with beef and vegetables on a cold day. Nuf said.
(4)Lindsay M.
I have been to this place twice and it was delicious both times. then my husband and i ordered food from them through foodler . when we got it it was all greasy, cold, and gross. we ordered coconut custard and got some weird liquid substance with chunks of taro jelly in it. the vegetables were murdered and the tofu was so hard and cold it was completely inedible. yuck. we got a full refund through foodler thankfully. but, never again. really disappointed.
(1)Susan K.
I been going to this place for years. Very consistent Thai food. Prices are very affordable. This place is never that crowded. I generally get Udon garlic noodles, but they also have a great chicken mango curry, pad Thai is good too. For apps I recommend the simply surprise, as well as the summer roll. My favorite part about this restaurant is their bubble teas. They are really bubble tea milkshakes. Yum, pina colada, mango, you can't go wrong. You must try the bubble tea. If you go in the summer time, they now have outdoor seating
(5)Divie E.
Tried this place again (on account of the short delivery time and the short term memory of last time's disaster). Requested a special order based on a food allergy, and it wasn't upheld! Luckily, I caught it before eating too much. Good prices, good delivery, but bad outcome. Will remember not to try it again!
(1)Tracy M.
I like to start with the good: the staff is always pleasant. The green salad is big and fresh. The curries are nice and if you ask for it spicy- you get it! The bad? The pad thai is greasy and salty. I could take one of these but both? No thank you. (For good pad thai, check out Lemon Thai in Somerville!)
(3)Mrs F.
My husband and I are both very picky eaters. And we both absolutely LOVE this place for casual take-out!!! The food is yummy, ingredients are fresh, portions are perfect size, and a great value. Tried other thai spots in town, so far this one is the best.
(5)L F.
Sugar & Spice is a cute, cheap place to go for Thai food. They offer a relaxing atmosphere and cheerful service. I was impressed that they had a selection of beer priced at less than $4 a bottle! (a bargain in the Boston area) I thought the food was ok. I have had tastier Thai in the past. I ordered a noodle soup with Tofu. It seemed to have an odd aftertaste. Based on the cost of the items on the menu and good service, I will definitely go back.
(3)Mansi M.
Sugar & Spice is def a cheap and descent thai place in the cambridge area. We ordered 2 soups, papaya salad and 3 dishes for $40 for 4 people which is awesome. We had ordered for delivery in central sq and the food was a little cold but i don't blame them as it was sooo cold out that day. The food wasn't bad at all We ordered: Drunken noodles - The best Excited chicken - was good and spicy Hot basil fried rice - I have had better else where Papaya salad- too lemony Based on the cost of the items on the menu and descent food i could see myself ordering again
(3)Sam S.
Pretty standard pad thai. Not great, not terrible. They paid attention to my details, though, like no green onions, which is a pretty big deal. The delivery was prompt as well!
(3)Simon L.
Sugar & Spice and all things nice. Ya know, this place is solid. Good food, good enough that I have an online account to order by simply choosing my food and hitting deliver. That's Bad for my waist. But It's always good. Delivery is on time. Wednesday night, Tom Yum soup chicken, gyoza with meat - fried, white rice, duck choo chee and chicken red curry extra spicy. Vegetables fresh and crunchy, delicious and not too thick curry sauces. Excellent coriander, cumin, chili pepper and onions with maybe some ginger. Dumplings were delicious soft with thin casing while pan fried. Love the fresh mushrooms in the tom yum soup. Perfect spiciness. I ordered the chicken red curry extra spicy, know what? It came that way, unbelievable. I swear that, for some reason, they spiced it with black pepper - it was laced throughout the dish - not sure why instead of chilies. Either way remains a staple in the rotation. I have never eaten in the actual restaurant, only delivery. Always prompt and food delicious. Order here a lot.
(3)Maria K.
best thai food in Cambridge! authentic, cheap, large portions and they recently added outdoor seating which is beautiful. all of the bubble teas, especially the honeydew and mango; they actually use real fruit for their fruity bubble teas. the service is always friendly and are very flexible when you want to substitute the proteins, or have it gluten free. sugar and spice is one of the few places that have amazing authentic thai food for a very affordable price!
(5)bos f.
I dined here for lunch today in a group of 12. Service was prompt and attentive. Most dishes came on a single plate so there wasn't a lot of service required; however, the server contiually filled all the water glasses, and... was very accommodating (and without attitude) about providing separate checks. Really the service was superb, and the dining experienced enjoyed by all. I had yellow chicken curry and requested the dish extra spicy. The server returned to check as to whether I wanted to upgrade for (unbelievable) one dollar which provided two small spring rolls and a dumpling. Now that's pretty darn good! The curry was delicious, and you have a choice of white or brown rice, jasmine rice, or pad thai (not typically offered at other thai establishments In place of the rice and several people opted for the pad thai). If I had to identify a negative, it would be that I would like a few more vegetables in the dish. I tried the Thai Iced Tea- it was creamy and sweet. I would order the Yellow Curry again; but on next visit I might do a lunch box which is a popular choice. Lunch with tea and tip just under $15. This was my first visit, since way back when they first opened and my only experience was not great. Happy the group chose Sugar & Spice and I'll be putting it on my list when my taste buds are geared for thai.
(5)Melissa B.
By far the best Drunken Noodles I have had. The lunch specials come with way too much food for a lot less money than anywhere else, entree, salad, & appetizer. Plus, the ambiance is very nice, much better than I would expect. The bar was very nice, but I don't indulge at lunch, just brunch. I just found my new Thai fix!
(5)Michael C.
Food is solid (although a bit salty). But service is abysmal. We waited about ten minutes for the waiter to come by and take our order (even though the place was not not even close to being full). Then we waited another twenty to thirty minutes for the food to actually come. Halfway through my meal, my tea finally arrived. No one bothered to clear our plates until the very end. You might as well order take out from one of the other Thai establishments. You'd be more comfortable and it'd be much faster. The atmosphere is really nothing to rave about--a bit too dark even. Pass on this establishment until their service improves significantly.
(2)Sarah S.
Not the most amazing ever, but a good, reliable Thai place, super convenient to Porter, and pretty quick (both for sit in and pick up). I like the Drunken Noodles.
(3)Jeff M.
Pretty basic. With all the options in the basement of Lesley I do not think I will be back to Sugar & Spice.
(2)Muckenfuss V.
LATER EDIT: When I originally reviewed this place, the dishes did not seem to have enough heat. After sweating through a few curry dishes, I take that back! Sugar and Spice offers serviceable food with outstanding service and presentation, but I am not sure where the "Spice" in their name got to. I've tried most of the curries, but only the green one could not be described as "mild"; the yellow lacks any spice at all. The interior has nice decor, and a very cleanly appearance. The availability of alcohol is a nice plus over other Thai places like Pepper Sky which have better food. I will definitely go back for weeknight dinners, but I did not think that the food was anything to rave about.
(3)Chris S.
Great food. Great staff. Love this place. Not a big fan of their Pad Thai, but EVERYTHING else is *so* on-point.
(4)Erin B.
I can't believe I've never reviewed this place. I eat here all the time. The service is always great...friendly, efficient and consistent. The food quality is good as well. Favorites are drunken noodles, steamed vegetable gyoza, thai rolls, and chieng mai noodle.
(4)Edward H.
I ate here yesterday and enjoyed it. Would I go back? Hell yeah! Might even go back today. Cheap, delicious, and fast.
(5)Derek W.
You know in a part of town that caters to a bunch of spoiled fucking college kids, this place does it right. I mean don't get me wrong, I hope someday if i'm lying on the operating table that my Dr graduates at the top of his Tufts class. Sorry have to take a shot at the whole scene in Porter and Davis square area. This place is simple, the portions are good sized the food is good and the service wasn't terrible when I went as some people have commented on. Granted I went on a weekday, but my overall experience was pleasant. The place doesn't have a clean feel to it, and that's one reason I'll keep it at 3 stars, I aint saying it's dirty, but maybe it's just the decor ? Regardless you get what you paid for and the menu is super affordable. I love thai and this place didn't dissapoint at all.....
(3)S H.
I'm seriously addicted to their drunken noodles.
(4)Michaela B.
THE BEST THAI FOOD I HAVE EVER TASTED!!!!!!!!!!!! 11/10 If you love Thai food don't go anywhere but here! The food has been brought over from Thailand and made better by the extraordinary cooks who are all full Thai. This is as real as it will get in the States!!! The service was spectacular as the food came out quickly and the waiters were attentive and gave there valued suggestions. We won't forget the drinks. My kids got shredded lemon ice, made with real lemons and cherries on top. And my wife and I had red wine that was also delicious. Everything was a celebration!
(5)Madeleine H.
I have some serious respect for any restaurant that can successfully accomodate a group of ten walking in unannounced. Thai usually isn't my thing. Sugar and Spice didn't change my opinion, but I'd be lying through my teeth if I said I didn't enjoy what I ate there. The restaurant -- which couldn't have had more than 20 tables, unless there was a back room I couldn't see -- was already pretty full when we walked in. They seated us quickly and were very attentive to all of our various wishes. And the food was TASTY. Wish I could remember what I ate. Doesn't matter. It was all delicious and pretty inexpensive.
(4)Jessie C.
Another restaurant i eat at regularly that I find I haven't reviewed yet. It's been awhile since i at on location here but we frequently get takeout. I normally get either the Pineapple fried rice (one of my favs!) or the Pad See Ew which is also decent but usually has too many kale (is that what it is?) stems in it? Not a bit fan of the bitter green but the noodles are good. Shoomai (sp?) is decent as well. Peanut sauce is killer. The delivery is usually faster than they say on the phone as well.
(3)Lauren A.
I used to come here a whole lot when I lived in Porter Square, mostly because you can make two meals out of their entrees. The curries are great, especially the mango curry, which they can make vegan with tofu (though I get it with the chicken). I'm a wuss when it comes to spice, but they'll make it spicier if you ask. The soups are also particularly good, as is the sticky rice with mango and fried banana desserts. Trust your server when she tells you that you probably won't like something...I thought I could handle fish paste until I had the lovely couple. Also keep in mind that the tapioca pudding is bright green and contains corn. In short, good, cheap, filling Thai food. They also do bubble tea.
(4)Chris L.
I've lived in Thailand and tried a lot of Thai places in the Boston area -- this place is this real deal! The Sukhothai noodles are amazing.
(5)Molly C.
Not usually super crowded, which is nice compared with some of the restaurants in Davis. Cool decor. Some of their dishes are great, some are mediocre, and I once ordered a dish that smelled like wet dog, hence the three stars. It's very hit-or-miss; I recommend any of their curries or soups... the pad thai is mediocre (if you've got a craving it'll satisfy, but definitely not a slam dunk). On the plus side, you can place an order online, and they're generally very friendly and prompt with service. And the flower boxes outside are so cute! I walk by this place every day on the way home from work and those flowers always put me in a better mood.
(3)Ana R.
I came here for a quick dinner and stayed for several hours. The Thai Iced Tea was just like I remember it from when I lived in Seattle and drank some every day. I had the meat gyoza and coconut soup - both delicious, though the soup was a lot sweeter than I remember it. My friend had the pad thai and the portion was huge. Prices were ok, and so was the service. We did stay a long time without hassle, which was nice.
(4)Rhianna C.
I gave Sugar & Spice a try because it was on my way home from work and I had a coupon for $10 off. The experience I had there was OK. First impression: this place is WAY smaller than I thought it would be. The place was empty, so I'm not sure if they were being respectful of the fact that I was a solo diner reading some papers, but they pretty much left me alone for long periods of time-- ie, taking 15 min to come to the table after being seated, long times of no servers between courses, waiting for the check, etc. I'm willing to overlook that because I wasn't in a rush, nor was I particularly needy for anything. That being said, the staff I encountered was very nice and more than accommodating. The food was OK. I figured I'd keep it pretty basic since I wasn't sure what to expect. My appetizer was Thai Rolls, which were very delicious and I would definitely eat these again. My main course was Pad Thai and while it wasn't bad, the taste wasn't right. Same to be said for the Thai Ice Tea that I ordered-- way too sweet for my liking. If I find myself at Sugar & Spice again, I'd likely order something else. I didn't like that despite the place being empty they sat another sole diner pretty much on my lap at the table next to mine. This diner also had a server that was different from mine, but was very attentive to him. I think at one point, I had to ask his server to help find mine so I could pay my bill and get home. Overall, the place wasn't bad. I will likely go back and try again at some point, but I think I'd rather try some other places in Porter before coming back here unless I get a late-night craving for Thai Rolls.
(2)Judy L.
Food was pretty good, but service was very slow. Thanks for the tips by the other yelpers, so I followed the recommendations and ordered the mango curry. I upgraded to shrimp with $1. (I assumed it was going to be shrimps in ADDITION to the chicken, but apparently not. They just replaces the chicken with the shrimps.) The curry came with a lot of vegetables, which I love. But it does not come with rice. Rice is $1.50. For dessert, I got fried ice cream. Two flavors were available: green tea and coconut. They were gigantic and delicious. :) They packed my leftover curry in a container meant more for non-soup dishes. And in a paper bag. So obviously, my curry leaked everywhere and by the time I got back, my container only had the remaining vegetables with no more curry. Sad times. I'd check and ask for a soup-container or something next time they box my leftover for me. I'd return.
(3)Jamie G.
I have been craving Pad Thai like crazy the last few days, so I dropped by to grab dinner to go. Man, am I disappointed. I've had other dishes by them and enjoyed them well enough, but their Pad Thai is the blandest iteration of this dish that I've ever had. If you go to S&S, order something other than the Pad Thai.
(3)Christian H.
And everything...delicious? After several visits, this place has always satisfied and hadn't ventured beyond "pretty solid" or "that place is pretty good." Until recently. Have you ever tried the lunch menu? This place makes you want to have lunch there everyday. They are sneaky like that. Offering a much more streamlined and smaller menu than the dinner selection, Sugar and Spice gives a great and satisfying dining experience. Lunch menus are great as they give the patron a snapshot and a taste of a much bigger selection being offered. The sausage appetizer was ordered first. These little guys were packed full of different flavors of delicious meat, creating a congress of comfy collectables for your eating pleasure. Three lunches were ordered. First, a salmon dish combined with a tangy sauce, AKA The Fish Story, created a delicious partnership. Not too bland or overpowering, it was super tasty. Next was the Basil Duck. This dish was cooked to a nice balance of crispiness and juiciness that purposefully caused repeat servings. Last was the Crispy Pad Thai which may or may have not been cooked with brown sugar. Whatever sweetness was added, along with nicely cooked shrimp, chicken and veggies, it was very satisfying, as it was like a party of ingredients where everyone was invited and got along just fine. Oh...And don't forget the bubble tea. The green tea, overflowing with an almost smoothy, frappey consistency was almost having a dessert, only furthering the notion that dessert before dinner is just fine. Even the atmosphere and staff is great at this place. Friendly, welcoming and above all, full of a relaxing ambiance, this place is a great restaurant in the heart of Porter Square. Sugar and Spice is everything nice, With its many Thai dishes served with rice. Many selections, either spicy or not, And the right amount of food, by no means a lot With flavors that will satisfy the buds of taste Come try a bit of everything and proceed with haste!
(5)Seth H.
My friends and I arrived and waited quite a while before the staff acknowledged our existence and asked us if we wanted a table. Strike one. But once we were seated they were quite friendly. Unfortunately throughout the evening they didn't check in on us enough and didn't scan the room to see if anyone needed assistance. There were a few times when I felt like I needed a flare to get our waitresses attention as my arm waiving wasn't working. A big negative in my book. Buuuuut, the food was delicious so I'd 100% go back with the hope that the service will improve.
(3)Sean J.
Sugar and Spice is one of the few restaurants I have been to recently where the food they serve you actually looks like the picture in the menu. I ordered the "Excited Chicken", which was not as spicy as advertised, but came in a delicious and crunchy bread bowl which definitely made the meal. The servers were very friendly and the service was swift. I would absolutely go back as I want to try their duck.
(4)Anthony C.
I used to go to a TaeKwondo School in the area and after class I would always head over to Sugar and Spice. First of all the get the Thai rolls. They are so delicious! I get them every time are $4.50. Entrées such as the noodle dishes are around 8 bucks and they give you a lot of food and are tasty. For desert I recommend either the Lychee on ice or Longan on ice. Both are Asian fruits which are naturally juicy and sweet. This one of the few places I know that actually have fruit for desert! The service is friendly, attentive and the waitresses cute. Overall if your're ever over in Porter Square definitely head over there. The food is made with Sugar & Spice and everything nice!
(4)J. L.
I have been here twice. the first time I got food o go and it was decent so I went back. The second time was not good. I found a bug in my water...enough said.
(1)Audrey C.
Not bad- decent Thai food, but not the best I've had.
(3)A C.
I've eaten at this restaurant for years. I must say it has gone down from what it used to be a few years ago. Passing by the kitchen to use the restaurant the cooks are mexican. They use so much sauce that a stir fry is always gooey and way too salty. I used to love an appetizer of a thinly sliced lightly grilled pork/beef pieces, but the last time I had it I simply could not finish, it was so salty my tongue could fall out. The drunken noodle is usually a safe bet in any Thai restaurant, but the quality has been very inconsistent lately. One week it would be ok, the next week it would be horrible. The rice noodle would be all crumbly and laced with fish sauce goo... The duck rice though has been surprisingly pleasant. One thing I do like, which ties me back to them on week day lunches is the online ordering, it's a breeze and I can pay with credit card. If it wasn't for this feature I would be going there much less.
(3)Dinara E.
Very yummy! The soup was good, as were the curries. The appetizers were also delicious. This place is a must. I wish I remember what I had, but I do remember that the place was fun and I had a lot of good food with my friends.
(4)Dana H.
This place has really fresh food. I took two out-of-town Asian foodies here and they gave it the thumbs up too. I love that they have an online ordering system, which makes take out super easy. The yum woon sen and the pork and fishball soup are excellent.
(4)Tiff D.
Online delivery is awesome. No minimum $. But 45 mins? :-/ (I live 1/4 mile away!) Country Style Pad Thai. Extra Spicy. Large portion. Very flavorful chicken. Well cooked noodles. Not greasy sauce. BUT...not spicy AT ALL. I thought country pad thai was spicy?? And I did ask for it EXTRA SPICY. Overall, very good. Could use more heat and more peanuts.
(3)Katie H.
The staff is always nice, and the inside looks clean and pretty. The food is decent, but the pad thai is a little greasy. There are better Thai places in Cambridge, but there are also much worse. My stomach feels fine after eating here, which is more than can be said about other Thai restaurants in the area.
(3)Adam A.
Sugar & Spice makes me so sad. The service is nonchalant at best, and everything I've had from here is somewhere between bland and "saved from being bland only by being flavored with way too much of one thing" (sugar, soy sauce, or some kind of sweet sauce like old style New England sugary "duck sauce"). The drunken noodles were gummy and strangely sweet. Basil chicken was similarly overcooked, and bland. The "lovely couple" had overcooked chicken, in a sauce that basically just tasted like unadulterated soy sauce. In fact, it was so unappealing that when they took it away mostly untouched, I actually commented that it was very overcooked and it seemed like there had been a mistake with the amount of soy sauce. I rarely, if ever, complain about anything in a restaurant, and this reminded me why- they shrugged and dropped the bill on the table, no apology or further questions. After that, what had been perfunctory service became non-existent. It's like we ceased to exist, and they avoided all eye contact and the entire side of the dining room that we were on. No water refill, no queries about whether we wanted dessert. Luckily, Rod Dee is across the street, and slightly closer to our house! I can't say that all their food is great, but everything I've had there is miles better than the three things I tried at Sugar & Spice.
(1)GN P.
The night starts off by me standing at the front desk starring at a woman starring at her desk for about 3 minutes. Not once did she even look at me to help our party be seated. I basically had to open my mouth and say "So should I sit myself anywhere?" First impression, oh boy, I hope it gets better than this. This particular day was about 95 outside and very humid/muggy. The front door was wide open letting it all in and there are not ceiling fans and the A/C was shut off. It was extremely hot in there and I asked if they could turn the A/C on. They spoke barely any English and all I could understand was the a/c was shut off a couple of hours ago. So I proceeded to fan myself with my menu that I refused to give up to the waitress. My party of four was seated at a small booth. The tallest person in my party was me and I'm 5' 7". Everyone's knees where touching the person seated across from them. quite uncomfortable. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best I've ever had either. Wait staff was tentative and prices were reasonable. Atmosphere was hip Overall, between the heat, lack of a greeting, seating arrangements and lack of making the customer comfortable, there just too many cons than pros to go back there again. Next!
(2)Becky T.
I think this is officially my favorite Thai place in Cambridge. Went there the other night and loved the drunken noodles, pad Thai, salmon dish with spicy sauce (I forget the name, but you could get spicy or ginger and we got the spicy version) and tofu green curry. The noodles melted in your mouth and had wonderful flavor. The only minor criticism is the appetizer we ordered might have been the wrong dish. We ordered veggie dumplings and got the scallion pancake (I think). It was rather greasy and kind of small pieces for the price. The only other thing is that the plates for the curry and salmon were an awkward size -- big, long rectangles -- so it was a little hard to move the plates around the table to share dishes. Food was delicious overall and it has a nice ambiance! I will definitely be going there again.
(5)Jenn B.
The food was delicious! I had the Pad Thai Country Style and I devoured the whole plate. I also had the Thai beer singha which I realllly enjoyed. My date had the drunken noodle which he said was really good! The place was small inside and the decor kind of dindgy, but the staff was really friendly and nice. The prices were great, my dish was only 7.95! I will defiantely be returning! I would give the place a 4.5/5 but thats not really a choice...
(4)Jiyea C.
3.5 stars. Three housemates and I came to Sugar & Spice around 8pm on a Saturday night. About 1/3 of the tables were empty and we were relieved because it was getting a little late (we like to eat early) and wanted to eat without having to wait too long. We were seated promptly at a large table in the corner and were soon ready to order but we had to flag down a server for quite some time before our order was taken.They were very obliging in answering our very many questions and making the substitutes that my housemates wanted (noodles instead of rice, shrimp instead of chicken, etc). We skipped appetizers and went straight to entrees. I had the purple fried rice because I wanted to try the shrimp paste, and it was indeed very shrimpy and a tad on the salty side. I also thought the chicken would be mixed in the rice but it was separate and coated in a sweet sauce that was pretty good. I got to try the lovely couple and the hot basil fried rice. Both were very good, though I think the fried rice should have been spicier. I usually can't finish an entire dish when I order at a restaurant, but because I wasn't hungrier than usual and i was able to eat everything, I think the portions are a little smaller than normal. I love Thai dessert and so of course we had to have some. We decided to share the fried bananas and I was disappointed! All the fried bananas that I have tried were made with bananas tossed in batter and fried. However, this place rolls them in wrappers so they're like banana egg rolls! Disappointing! And service was pretty slow throughout the entire evening. Eh. Still, I love Thai and this place wasn't terrible. I'd come back.
(3)Su R.
Sometimes I realize i haven't yet written a review of a place I love, as is the case here. Sugar and Spice is close to my home, reasonably priced, decorated lovely and the staff is attentive. My favorite dishes are the Lovely Couple and the Crying Tiger, and dessert wise, the fried bananas are to die for. It's not a huge place, but I've never had a problem getting seated. Trying to beat the dinner crowd is probably wise if you dont have a reservation. You get plenty of food here as well.
(5)Jolene S.
Only okay: better Thai options in Boston. The country pad thai tastes good (not great) and comes in a reasonable portion (for ~$10 incl. tax + tip). But little flies turned me off. This place was highly recommended by Porter Sq/Somerville folks. Don't think I'd risk it again though.
(3)Andy M.
Perhaps my favorite Thai place in Cambridge! Reliable, generous servings, delicious, fast service. I'll be back.
(4)Natural A.
Sugar & Spice ...and everything nice!!! Sugar & Spice is one of my favorites for a lunchtime meal. On occasion, I will go there for dinner as well. The thai rolls are yummy. They have the best chicken basil ever! Lunch is cheap and quick. But, most importantly they have this slushy drink "Lemon Ice" (I recommend it without bubble) that reminds me of a homemade slushy version of the limeade my mother used to make when I was growing up...it is to die for. Their menu is very similar to Spice & Rice. Spice & Rice has got an edge over them, because they have sushi. But, Sugar & Spice has an edge over Spice & Rice for their delicious slushies and smoothies.
(4)Nadia S.
Excellent food. Fast service, cool atmosphere. I have never ordered take-out though.
(4)J B.
Been several times and loved everything I've ordered (pad thais, curries, apps). The Masaman Curry is my favorite. Small, fresh looking place with some nice window booths. Service is ok- very quiet/reserved and doesn't pester you... but occasionally forgets to check in and refill drinks.
(4)Larisa D.
I have been to Sugar @ Spice on three occasions and I have been very happy with the food and the the exemplary service on all of these times. The food "presentation" was very well done and the food itself was very fresh, tasty and cooked to perfection and the service was outstanding - the waiters and waitresses are extremely polite, kind and honest. My friend had left his phone at the restaurant and they had kept it for him. Also they are so good about understanding if you don't like things cooked a certain way and they give you excellent suggestions. I love the ambiance of the place, soft lighting and good energy - to top it all the bathrooms are always clean and smell good. All in all Sugar & Spice is my FAVORITE THAI restaurant, because of the excellent food and wonderful service. I hope it always stays in Porter Square and I hope it continues offering excellent service.
(5)Andrew M.
I have to give them points for being relatively cheap, so 3.5 stars. I was happy with my avocado curry, although the contrast between the two sauces - one white, sweetish one on the avocado and then the standard curry sauce - was a bit weird. I've had the pad thai and the drunken noodles as takeout and they were fine though not special.
(4)Mabel N.
Food was alright not too impressive. Lunch special is really cheap it was 6.95 for a Pad Thai or any other kinds of noodle soups or fried rice. Will probably go back when i am around the area.
(3)Lauren E.
Delicious food, creative drinks, fun decor, and fair prices. I've been to Sugar & Spice twice now, and each time was really happy with my meal. I've gotten a couple of curry dishes and noodle dishes, as well as an appetizer. Everything was great. The smoothies are delicious, I wish I had time to try them all! Last time I got frozen thai tea, and was surprised to find that it was really finely blended, and tasted incredible. A good place for a quick lunch or dinner, comfortable to sit and talk.
(5)Shuang C.
Purple fried rice was good, the chicken in there came on the side in its own sauce which was surprising. Pad thai was decent. Looking forward to going back since the portions were nice.
(4)MJ H.
Bottom line: CHEAP EATS that are tasty. I ordered soup, rice, and an app. All were delicious... and my bill? $10. TEN DOLLARS. For dinner! Place was busy... service wasn't as slow as others have mentioned, and the waitress got everything right. The decor is cute, too. This place is close to home... I"ll definitely be going back.
(4)Bailey Z.
Cheap and good Thai food never fails to satisfy me. Sugar & Spice is a restaurant that looks a lot more expensive than they actually are. I'm glad they didn't inflate their lunch prices. I also had reservations about this place because we were the only customers for lunch on a Friday at noon, but the meal turned out to be great. Their tom yum chicken soup is only $3 and warms you up real quick. I got the lemongrass chicken meal and I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly all our plates came out. We waited no longer than five minutes. Hopefully that is a result of an empty dining room and not sloppy cooking and reheating. The chicken was very flavorful and had that wonderful and familiar Thai flavor filled with scallions, lemongrass, basil and various other herbs and spices. I also tried some of their pad see ew, which falls a bit short in terms of the noodle texture and beef tenderness. Otherwise, this place hits the spot for good, cheap Thai food with fast service and clean looking interior.
(4)Stefana B.
Absolutely the worst Pad Thai I have ever had. All I can say is that the noodles were dark and tasted like dirt. There was probably no peanut sauce at all. It wasn't just the Pad Thai though! I also ordered the "Vegetable Dumplings"... these were not dumplings at all. They were raw dough pancakes with some spinach in the middle. YUCK. One thing I will give them, the sauce for the dough pancakes was tasty! Seriously though, DO NOT GET THE PAD THAI.
(1)Doreen X.
Sugar & Spice is fairly standard Thai. Efficient: your order comes within 10 minutes since food is reheated rather than created from scratch. Sometimes, one portion of your meal will be ice cold, and the other scorching hot. Cheap: even at dinner, it's generally less than $10 for an entree. Substantive: single entree portions should suffice for 1.5 average persons. The ice cream should be renamed "three-scoop sundae". It is, however, the clear choice for standard Thai within walking distance of Harvard Square.
(3)Sarah M.
I have eaten here a couple times and always thought it was pretty good, but I ordered takeout yesterday and was fairly disappointed. I ordered my favorite - spicy eggplant w/ chicken, because I have no idea what Thai chefs do to eggplant, but it makes my knees wobble I love it so much. I've ordered this dish in several different restaurants and even the less amazing ones were pretty darn good, but this eggplant was too thinly sliced and undercooked - myuk. I was crushed. C r u s h e d. Each bite was a bummer. The rest of the dish was lovely - fresh veggies, flavorful sauce, but that's like saying the back up singers were great, but the star sucked. When the star - um er - eggplant - sucks, the whole show is ruined. I would give them another try, but won't order eggplant again, which actually means i might NOT give them another try b/c when I was Thai, its that knee-wobblin' eggplant I'm looking for.
(2)anthony L.
This place is extremely average. I usually get the Drunken Noodles or the Pad Thai Country Style (the stuff I get at every thai place I go to). Their food is inconsistent, and often too oily. This doesn't keep me from going back though. The food is tasty, and the delivery option on their website (order online) is extremely convenient, though sometimes it takes a very long time for the delivery to arrive. This place is ok -- don't expect your socks to get knocked off.
(3)Claire R.
I wish I could review their food, but I placed an order for delivery to my workplace an hour and 15 minutes ago. It's still not here, and no one has picked up my multiple calls to the restaurant. Will obviously not be ordering from here again.
(1)A J.
The main reason why I order from Sugar and Spice is that you can order online from their website. That way you can specify what you want and how you want it without worrying about language barriers. The only downside is that most days its takes a while for them to actually deliver it. I usually get the steamed shumai and then either the ginger chicken or the pad thai. They are all good, but nothing special. The best thing I have eaten from there is gra prao chicken, but its got a little too much spice for me to eat a lot of it.
(3)Sean M.
I really like the modern decor and the booths by the windows. The food leans towards the Americanized version of dishes and they only have the red chili sauce if you want to add some heat. I had the Tom Yum soup that was served with too much oil and lacked solid flavor on it's on. The shrimp in my soup were cooked just right. The Drunken Noodles were good but I did juice them a bit with the red stuff. The Thai ice coffee hit the spot. * Great location and nice room * Acceptable fascimlie of Thai * Market prices
(3)Sarah R.
I go here mostly out of convenience. I can call up, place a takeout order, and take a leisurely stroll down Davenport St. so that I can avoid the yuppies with giant baby strollers, cabbies waiting for their next fare while jabbering on their cellies, and homeless guys trying to sell me Spare Change News milling about Porter Square. All this in record time. It's not the best.Thai.EVAR!!!11!!!, but it will do when I'm craving some pad Thai or some kind of crazy seafood dish with squid and skrimps and all that mishmash. One thing I like about their pad Thai: they don't totally cover it in fish sauce. Fish sauce is one of those ingredients that needs to be used sparingly; otherwise, your food smells like it could be in a soft-focus Summer's Eve commercial. Knowuddimean? The prices are--ehh, OK. Usually I end up getting some kind of seafood dish, so of course that's going to be more expensive, but when it comes to seafood I don't necessarily want bargain-basement prices. The dining room (which I've only eaten in once) is kind of cool and modern and colorful and whimsical. I ate on a plate shaped like a fish! Anyway, it's not the very best in Thai food, as stated before, but one could do much, much worse.
(3)Arthur M.
Its so clean here. The curry is wonderful, a light touch but filling. I always feel good after eating it.
(5)Rebecca K.
Sugar and Spice has good quality Thai food. I'll be the first to admit, I'm no Thai food expert. I rarely order anything other than Pad Thai (or "country pad thai as it seems to be frequently called in this part of the country) but I know when I like what I eat. And I liked what I had to eat here. The service was quick. The prices are good. The interior is well lit and decorated and clean. There's really nothing to complain about. However, there was also nothing to make me rant and rave and run back here immediately. In this case, my 3 stars are good. It's a solid bet for a place to grab a quick, affordable bite to eat. But it's also nothing especially fabulous.
(3)Scott K.
Food can be hit-or-miss. Our standby faves are the country pad thai (spicier than regular pad thai); purple fried rice; and the crispy chicken basil. Get the tapioca pudding for dessert. It's important to note that if you call in a take-out order, the nice Thai women who work there will tell you to come in "15 to 20 minutes." This always translates into 30 to 45 minutes.
(3)Elizabeth T.
I went in early for quick Pad Thai take out. The pad thai had a huge hair in it (which I know can happen anywhere but...) it was also VERY bland and dry. The shrimp was VERY good though.
(2)Deva D.
I spent $50 on takeout tonight, most of which was fed to the dog. Everything we got was dry, which is hard to believe because we ordered the food driving from harvard square and arrived the the restaurant 5 minutes later. Chicken Satay- so dry the chicken was crumbly. shrimp tom yam - shrimp in SOUP was dry shrimp yellow curry- no flavor at all, except for the pineapple chunks but they speak for themselves pad thai- better at the mall food court drunken noodles - noodles were dry and all stuck together. thai rolls- tasted like they were cooked this morning and microwaved. i would never go back here, even if it was free. what a gigantic waste, blech.
(1)Amanda L.
The one thing I got about this place is that looks can be deceiving. It looks like this place is more expensive than it really is, but looking at the menu, I didn't see anything over $10! Joe and I were dying (Scratch that, more like Joe was dying) after a morning of biking the Minuteman Bikeway. I think Joe might have actually come close to death trying to ride on Mass Ave., but that's for another time. Anyway, we needed sustenance, so we decided on some Thai food. The inside is really nice, and totally the opposite of every Thai place I've ever been to. If it wasn't for the Asian inspired cat on the wall, I wouldn't have thought this was an Asian place (well, except for the Asian waitresses I suppose). But I digress, onto the meal. I decided against my usual drink of Thai Iced Coffee and went with a coconut bubble tea. I really enjoyed it, especially the boba that they used. I hate it when the boba is hard, but these were nice and chewy, and the coconut was really delicious as well. For an appetizer we decided on the Thai pancake, and I really enjoyed it, however, I was a little disappointed that it was really only one pancake. The inside filling was chopped up nicely and the sauce went really well. I went with the Avocado curry. They should have called it the Chicken curry with avocado. I'm an avocado whore, so I was disappointed because there were literally three (small) slices of avocado. Don't call it Avocado Curry if there's hardly any avocado! Granted, the entire dish was tasty (and spicy to boot! I like it) but the dish could have been elevated a whole lot more if they used at least a half of an avocado. Good thing my dish was only $6.95 (approximately). The one thing that made me uncomfortable was the service. Maybe it was just our server, but I felt like they just wanted us in and out. Within 2 minutes of us being in the restaurant she asked us if we were ready to order. O_o I haven't even looked at the drinks menu! This continued for most of the dining experience, so it put me off for a bit. What was kinf of amusing was that they seemed to rush us, and yet it took a good while for our food to come out (at least that's what I thought, maybe it was because I was so hungry that it felt like forever). I won't run to come back to this place again, but I like the fact that it's cheap and still tasty (even if it's a bit lackluster)
(3)Kelly C.
UPDATE: I've been hung up on 3 TIMES tonight while trying to order. this place has LOST MY BUSINESS FOREVER! Dont bother dealing with them. They don't know how to run a business. Now to find another thai place in the area.... I just moved to Porter and this was actually the first place I ate. Oh my how I love it. The excited chicken certainly got me excited! But, it is something to order there not take out-because if you order it there you get everything in a delicious taco salad shell that is amazing (but not when it is to go-it would just get soggy). I have had their food now a couple times in the few weeks I've been here-It is healthy, the veggies are always cooked just right so they still have a good fresh 'snap' to them (even in delivery!). I bow down to you, Sugar and Spice, and will continue to order there frequently!
(1)Miriam L.
The ambiance here is great. Too bad the food isn't. I've eaten in and gotten takeout from Sugar & Spice. The food both times tasted just slightly off - not that it was spoiled, but that it was seasoned oddly. The delivery was cold. I wish I liked their food better, as the prices are excellent and I'm a grad student, but I'll spend a bit more and go to Tamarind House for better Thai food in the Porter area.
(2)Kathleen P.
The food at Sugar and Spice is the Thai-restaurant equivalent of a dime-a-dozen greasy Chinese restaurant. Or maybe worse. I ordered the papaya salad and the 'country style' pad thai. Both dishes have a little chili pepper icon next to them on the menu, which is supposed to indicate that they are spicy. I love spicy food and have a pretty high tolerance for it, but the papaya salad was so spicy that it was unpleasant. On top of that, it didn't really have any flavor (or if it was there, it was covered by the spice). So with that under my belt, I was prepared for a very spicy pad thai entree. Except when it arrived, it was the blandest pad thai I've ever had. It was basically the equivalent of eating white rice with grease poured over it. Totally disgusting. All in all, it was a really disappointing eating experience.
(1)B Y.
Two stars for the satay. Everything else was terrible. The red curry I ordered was obviously made with frozen vegetables. The dish wasn't filling either. Another dish came out served on a tostada, which made no sense. I spent a month in Thailand and I have to say that this place is the most inauthentic Thai restaurant I've been to in the US. Definitely not going back.
(2)Steve K.
Service was slow. Found a long hair in my drink. Waitress cleared my food without asking and threw away my left overs (I watched it go into the trash). When I asked about the leftovers, she went out back for litterally a minute or a minute and a half and magically had my food packaged up again. Food was mediocore service was horrible, price would be good if any part of the place was worth going for...
(1)Kathleen F.
This place is decent, but not anything to write home about. The staff is very attentive and friendly, and the food is good but not spectacular. Their menu is a bit boring and definitely needs some freshening up and a bit of an overhaul. My favorite dishes are the chicken satay salad as an app., and the Excited Chicken as a main. The Noodle soup dinner dishes are not good here and definitely lack flavor, so I would recommend avoiding those. Most of the other mains are pretty decent though.
(3)Nadia A.
This restaurant is probably the best Thai for the money. The food is awesome. My favorites are the red curry and yellow curry. That said, I have ordered food for delivery and it always is terrible. I seriously think it's another restaurant that makes the food that's delivered to homes! I love eating at Sugar and Spice, but the three times I have ordered food for delivery, the experience has been very disappointing. So if you want to check this place out, I would recommend eating at the restaurant...it's fantastic!
(4)Akshay S.
Good Thai food. Awesome value for money.
(3)S F.
This is a good thai place for a no-frills sit-down meal (Rod Dee nearby is really just for takeout/counter service). We had the Pad Thai Country Style (spicy) and Mango Curry. Both were good. They were out of the Avocado Curry. This isn't the best thai food I've ever had, but it's far from the worst. I would definitely go back.
(4)Tasha L.
The Good: The pad thai is ok. The country style is well done. Maybe 7/10? The Shrimp Mermaid Soda Lemonade! It's cheap! And in a good location. The Bad: Spotty SLOW service. One time my friend's dish came like 20 minutes before mine. This after a LONG day at Canobie Lake Park. I had to tell her - " No, you can start eating really..I won't be offended' It drew comparisions to that classic 'win a meal with larry' episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Despite said amusement, I was ripping when my pad thai finally arrived. On the whole, service takes forever. Also- when I lived in Porter, I got take-out many times and never found it to the standard of the dine-in fare. The pad thai was cold, stuck together and looked as though it had been hanging around awhile. Plus it would be rarely ready upon pick-up. Am I nitpicking?? If you live in Porter Square, it's great but there are a LOT of better thai options around! Even the little hole in the wall places in Harvard Sq.
(3)Kelley E.
Good food, and reasonably priced for Thai. I find their curry sauces to be really tasty and complex. And mm... green tea bubble tea. Their bubble teas are the smoothie type, not the authentic milk tea type. But that's fine by me. Service is not so great, mostly due to timing issues. They're really bad at having dishes come out at the same time. Or sometimes I don't get my bubble tea until halfway through the meal. But I've never had a really bad experience.
(4)Sammy B.
Had a quick lunch here today and was impressed. Got a BasilTofu with rice lunch special, available with brown rice which is awesome. The meal was light and very flavorful without being too greasy. The decor was kind of funky, open and pleasant. Waitstaff was friendly and attentive. I'llbe sure to check this place out again for dinner when I have the time to enjoy an appetizer along with my meal.
(4)Kaela V.
Probably my favorite Thai place in the area. Great value. Great service. I'm never disappointed.
(5)Mike O.
Sugar and spice defined my college experience. This is the best Thai food in Boston. Everything on the menu is good, but a couple dishes really stand out. The green papaya salad is a great spicy and healthy way to start the meal. The sugar and spice noodles are great. They consist of perfectly cooked wide rice noodles topped with loads of chicken and vegetables. The pineapple fried rice is delicious. it includes pineapple, chicken, shrimp and vegetables. The pad thai is also great. The food here is great, and they deliver for when you don't feel like going out into the brutal Boston winter.
(5)Tina D.
Came here yesterday with my brother and roomate. We were looking for something good that wouldn't require a reservation on a Friday night. The place is very small, but cute. If you don't look twice, you may miss it. I ordered the ginger chicken. It was very good, not spicy at all. The party was also pleased with their dishes. Wine and beer served only. Pass on the after dinner mints, they have some funny jelly in them.
(3)Ankur A.
We ordered yellow curry chicken and Thai noodles. The food was okay, wouldn't say was the best thai I have had. Service was nice. Do try the ice tea, it's pretty decent.
(4)Ali S.
Again, this is one of those "3.5 star places". Okay, wanna know why I rounded up to 4 stars and not down to 3? Good. The food is really good, but probably not 4-star food. However, for asian cuisine (*non-japanese asian cuisine) this place is really easy on the oils and fats. So many times I have been disappointed by an order of Thai because you can actually see pools of oil around my Drunken Noodles or the food has a really greasy heavy taste to it. Not this place. The BF and I used to go here pretty often so our picks are the Drunken Noodles, Basil Noodles, Curry Noodles, Fresh rolls, and (of course) thai roles. The atmosphere isn't that quaint, per se, but the booths are kinda cozy.
(4)Erica S.
I love Thai food-- but Sugar and Spice just doesn't do it for me. I was waiting to review this place until I'd eaten here a couple more times. Now that I've been 3 times, I can honestly say that I find their food to be consistently mediocre. The food here is too greasy for me. Plus, I don't find the "spicy" dishes to be spicy at all. The soups can be on the bland side, and overall it's not super vegetarian friendly, considering it's Thai food. It's one of the only Thai places I've ever seen that doesn't have a vegetarian section on their menu. One thing it does have-- it's cheap. And the spicy eggplant entree is delicious. Other than that, I'd recommend Tamarind House right down the street. Better food, less greasy, and just as cheap.
(2)Cindy W.
This is our most frequent delivery. It's not the most amazing Thai food I've ever had, but I'm quite fond of the drunken noodles. When you order online it's easy to change dishes to tofu instead of meat and sometimes they throw in a tapioca dessert.
(4)K G.
First time here for me. Went with the family and we liked this restaurant for eating in. It's just big enough that if you get a corner round booth you can have a fairly private table. We ordered standard staples to get a good feel. The Pad Thai is pretty sweet and could be a touch hotter, but otherwise a nice version. The chicken satay is definitely well above average, with liberal nut and curry flavors with huge portions. A chicken massaman curry was quite flavorful, but also could be hotter for me. Combined with white rice, this one was decent. The lemonade was very good here as an option to the anti-soda crowd. The decor was ok, looking kind of like an IKEA advertisement to me for some reason. Service was friendly with frequent check-ins. I found the pricing to be a pretty good value. I will be back here sometime to try some other plates.
(3)Jillian M.
This place is mediocre at best. I've gone there maybe 4 or 5 times because the location is pretty convenient for everyone. Every time I have gone (seriously, every time, this isn't like it happened once and I've just been judging them ever since, I swear) I have walked in the door, and stood by the hostess station while hostesses and servers walked around us, past us, everywhere but in front of us to greet and seat us. What is that about?? So by the time we sit to eat, I'm generally frustrated and then the food is just ok, wavering between cloyingly sweet and totally forgettable. I ask.... why would anyone go here when there are so many other good places in the area where the staff doesn't act as though you are imposing on them by eating in their restaurant?
(2)Gazelle T.
I LOVE Thai and this is my favorite Thai restaurant. I get the same things every time because they're so good, but when I see what other tables are ordering I'm sometimes tempted to branch out... The garlic udon noodles are amazing, and their pad see iew is the best on a good night. They also have really delicious ginger ice cream. If we get two entrees it's less than $20, can't beat that!
(5)Huan z.
They have chicken coconut soup & chicken hot and sour soup. Both are super delicious! Their waitresses are super friendly. They always make sure you got the best services. This is one of my favorite spots to go for chicken soup.
(4)Ryan M.
I've been here a dozen or so times now, usually for lunch, and they have remained consistently good. Atmosphere is just enough weird to be cool. ...or just enough cool to be unusual. Lunch is way cheap and I very rarely finish what's on my plate. Try the Gra Prao. It doesn't look like much, but it's Gra-GREAT! Aha! ... Get a frozen lychee bubble tea, too.
(5)Joan G.
FALSE ADVERTISING of prices. This place has a full menu posted on their website, and allows for online ordering. However, they do not honor the prices posted on their website and constantly charge more than advertised (even if you order/pay online, they will then call to say that the price is actually higher than advertised). The explanation is that the website just hasn't been updated yet, but this has been going on for more than a year. MA law prohibits false advertising of prices and bait & switch sales approaches. Shady and dishonest business practice.
(1)Alia H.
This has been a popular lunch spot for me since I started working in the area. With every meal, I get a glass of plum wine because it just seems fitting for a spicy meal -- and I like mine spicy! My favorite menu item is the Gra Prao (replaced chicken with) tofu. It's made in this chili sauce -- so good! And the portion is perfect. I also like the Avocado Curry -- mmmm. Creamy! And the creaminess is balanced with the coolness of the creme fraiche drizzled on top. I guess that dish is only good when the avocados are ripe though... A special dessert surprise -- the sticky mango rice deliciousness. Whoa. If you are still hungry, get this -- or buy it for your date AND SHARE IT.
(4)R. T.
Sugar and Spice is reliable for good, casual, affordable Thai. We love the avocado curry and the pineapple fried rice but for people who like spicy dishes, the soups are also great. The service is quick, which is great if you're looking to get in and out but can make you feel a little bit rushed if you're looking for a leisurely dinner. Good for takeout, too.
(4)Matt R.
Awesome thai at a great price
(4)Connie Y.
This place is fantastic. It's a small, homely little place that has absolutely delicious Thai food at more than reasonable prices. I think I've been here like 2 or 3 times in the last 2 weeks. Thai food is my favorite cuisine and I've been too thai restaurants all over Boston. More than impressed with this place.
(5)Andrew R.
Went here on a whim because the sign above the door looked decent. Had the "veggi" dumplings - asked the server if we could have them made spicier, as my friend and I were craving something spicy, and the server replied, "We can't add anything because they are already made." Strike one - please, don't call yourself authentic and serve pre-made food, and even if you must serve it, don't tell your customers! We had the dumplings anyway. Stretchy, bland, undercooked, and the "veggi" within looked like wilted spinach. Hmm. My friend and I split the country-style pad thai, as the server said that that was spicy. It came out extremely hot (temp-wise), but we poured in 2 whole bowls of the hot chili sauce and it still wasn't enough flavor or heat. The tofu in the pad thai was good, but the noodles and veggies were nothing special. However, the coconut smoothie (and probably all their smoothies) was exceptional, especially with the bubbles in it!
(2)Tony K.
I order delivery all the time. I don't have much to say because all I ever order is Spicy Basil Fried Rice! GOOD!
(4)Leon T.
I think that anyone that's ever heard of this place knows that Sugar & Spice is known for their cheap eats. For that reason along I think everyone should stop by at least once. The menu is pretty small, but it's diverse in what it has to offer. The food itself is surprisingly good. I wasn't expecting food of that quality for the price they were charging (the crispy pad thai is so fattening, but soooo good). The servers are always polite and attentive. The only thing that can be looked at in a negative way about the place is the small size. You might feel a little cramped up if you're there for dinner.
(4)Beth E.
Two words: Excited chicken. Yes, that's the real name of the dish. I've been there a handful of times, and it's the thing I order every time I go. When my friend suggests going here, I tell myself I'm going to order something else, but by the time I get there, I'm feeling all excited again.
(4)Luke P.
Well they deliver are fairly fast and the food is pretty good. Nothing amazing but if you add all those things up its a winner. Not my favorite Thai in Boston but worth a try.
(4)Erik M.
I used to work around-the-alley from them. We were bummed that diner that served breakfast left - that is, until they parked behind our store (sort of illegally) and offered us shush-food. After that we were big fans. They have great Thai Iced-tea and pretty good standard thai fare. *ALSO* I get this confused with Spice & Rice A LOT! ... but this time I know this is the one in Porter (the other in Inmann). EDIT: I went from 5 stars to 1. Why? The food is still good. I waited TWO HOURS for delivery tonight. First they had no sticky rice, but didn't contact me. They were waiting for something (I couldn't understand because it was too noisy)... Then I waited another 45 minutes and called again. Something about the delivery car breaking down? I dunno. They offered 20% off and 15% next meal. It happens. OK. So finally two hours later it gets here, with two free thai ice teas (which I didn't really want, I was drinking wine) and handwritten on receipt - 15% off. Guess what receipt the delivery guy (#2, apparently) took back to the restaurant? The only reason I waited two hours is because I thought it would be a pain to cancel the payment on the purchase. I don't know if that reflects poorly on them, me, or my bank. ALSO: The food was cold. Update to my continuing story: I called to complain about the horrible experience. The woman who answered the phone was quite defensive and didn't really seem to get that I didn't get what was promised. After double checking that I was given the 20% off my meal she basically said, "OK BYE" until I got off the phone. I won't be ordering from Sugar and Spice in the future.
(1)Jatin R.
Solid, good Thai food. My main issue is that all dishes, particularly the curries, are a bit too sweet for my taste. The Pad Thai county style is pretty good, as is the Drunken Noodles. Great for take out.
(4)Ryan B.
I am a huge HUGE fan of Thai food and love trying new places and dishes. Sugar & Spice was my regular every week lunch place when I worked in Fresh Pond. Parking is not ideal but I always found a decent spot around lunch time. The service was always attentive and made recommendations when I asked. A co-worker had weird experience here once when he went to lunch alone and brought his laptop to work while he ate and they forbid him from using his laptop. In some ways I could understand but in others I was a bit confused... Over all great tasting food at a very good price. Recommend it to anyone just do not bring your laptop.
(4)Anthony V.
...to update this review.... ive decided that my initial visit was the fluke. the service here is friendly but just so so slow. i recently called ahead a pad thai (which typically can take UP TO 3 minutes to make) and waited 30 minutes in the restaurant after calling ahead 15 minutes earlier and told that it would only be 15 minutes. the food is good but slow. i think there may be other thai places within walking distance that i will try.
(2)Adam S.
I love Sugar and Spice. I come in to Sommerville from NYC every few weekends and I always make sure to visit S&S at least once while I am there. My favorites apps are re veggie spring rolls and veggie dumplings. My favorite main dishes are the Drunken Noodles and Garlic Udon Noodles.
(5)Lesley K.
I'm being generous with stars, and maybe it's because I order ridiculously often (the delivery guy knows my dog) from Sugar and Spice because the only other Thai delivery in my area in Lemon Thai and they can't even wrap a summer roll to make it not look pregnant with shredded iceberg sooo.... I like my Thai on the lighter side, this way I can order takeout yet not consume 5,000 calories, so I always get the Green Papaya salad which is crunchy and spicy, and Summer Rolls, which don't fall apart when you lift them - so call me easily pleased. I have sampled the drunken noodles and pad thai and a few of the other sauce/noodle based entrees and they've been typical mediocre Thai takeout flavored which totally works for me. Have eaten in the restaurant once and it was truly unremarkable although the place itself is a step up from a normal delivery joint.
(4)Alex Z.
My favorite Thai restaurant in the Boston area! Fast, friendly service, pretty cheap and tastes healthier than most Thai food I've had here (lots of veggies in many of the dishes). I love the drunken noodles, the summer roll, the yellow chicken curry, the garlic udon, and the pad thai country style (spicy!). Delivery time can be hit or miss, but service is always great in the restaurant.
(5)joan l.
i've recently found out from one of the servers that the owner of Spice and Rice owns Sugar and Spice also. This place is GREAT! A lot of food on the menu I'm familiar with but the cod with lime sauce was to die for. there were too many ice on my lynchee but besides that everything was great. They have the corner booths that i love! the staff were very friendly, next time i'm in porter square, im definately there! no sushi though.
(5)Claire S.
Friends of ours had been talking up that this was the best Thai place around so I was excited to go. Sadly I did not agree. The service was pretty mediocre and the food was boring and borderline gross. Everything had a thin sheen of grease on it. The steamed vegetarian dumplings had some kind of green vegetable in them, but clearly the vegetarian version was not the priority. My Sugar and spice noodles were okay, but also greasy, and while they are billed as coming with vegetables, there was very little beyond a thin coating of slimy cabbage. I've had better.
(2)John F.
This place was alright.I went for lunch, and had the yellow curry. My only complaint is that the dish was a little lacking in the amout of sauce my food had, leaving me with some woefully uncovered rice. But the food itself was mighty tasty! And the dessert (sweet sticky rice with mango) was excellent, despite it not really being the right season for mangos. And the prices weren't bad, either, which is nice. The only real complaint is the service seemed kinda slow. And they brought our meals out quite far apart; my girlfriend was almost done with hers by the time I got my food! At any rate, this is some decent Thai food in the Porter Sq. area. If you feel the hunger, give it a shot!
(3)Sara S.
They have really tasty drunken noodles (the perfect amount of spice, for me anyway) and mango with sticky rice! Took a little long to deliver (an hour) but I've never really minded that too much. Overall, a good price and good food, no Brown Sugar but that's a high standard. I will definitely order from them again.
(3)Jamie A.
While I won't write them off for one bad evening, I will probably be hesitant to go back. When living across the street from the delicious Lemon Thai on Highland, it's disappointing that a jaunt out for Thai in a restaurant rather than takeout just isn't nearly as tasty. Spice & Rice in Inman is also much, much better than this place. With that said, I do want to point out that our waitress was incredibly nice. When my boy didn't like his dish AT ALL (...and I tasted it and it was horrid...and I'm one of the least picky people on the planet) she promptly brought out the menu for him to pick another meal. When we turned that down and ended up sharing my Pad Thai, she took his meal off of the bill. My Pad Thai (country style) was a little too sweet for my tastes and not at all spicy...and when I want something spicy, I need it to BURN.
(2)Flora B.
There is only one place to go to listen to an early 90s medley of Bryan Adams, REO Speedwagon, and Eric Clapton while chowing down on scrumptious Avocado Curry and other inspired Thai food: Sugar and Spice, baby!
(4)Sarah G.
This place is a 5-minute walk from my house, so whenever I have a craving for Thai red curry, I call them up and order some take-out. Quite honestly, their red curry is so good, I haven't gotten much else from them! The people are so friendly there, and it's definitely my go-to place in Porter for some last minute take-out.
(4)Kylie S.
Wow! Maybe this is standard thai food for some but for me it is superior-- they will make any entree vegetarian which means I don't have to get the same dish every time. I had the radna noodle and the Tom Yum soup. The servings were really generous, the soup was spicy and the noodles were delicious. All for under $10 (lunch time.) I'm very psyched that I now live in walking distance of this place.
(5)Tez C.
I'm Thai so I guess I have high expectations but my time at Sugar & Spice was pretty lackluster. Even though my friend had made reservations they made us wait 15 minutes before we got seated. I wanted to have some lemongrass tea but they said they were out; okay fine. And then I ordered the Crying Tiger, some grilled beef and sticky rice. While we're waiting the waitress tells me that they ran out of sticky rice. So then I say I'll have the Pineapple Fried Rice instead. The girl goes back and then another girl comes to tell me they grilled the beef already, should have told me there was no sticky rice in the first place, and then asked me whether I wanted white or brown rice. Feeling bad, since they knew I was Thai, I said white. But all around it was a horrendous experience. The food was average though the selection was more varied than a traditional Thai restaurant. Overall, if you need a fix, I would suggest getting take out.
(2)Crystal S.
Sugar & Spice's number is in my cell phone address book. Is that enough of a review? ok, I'll explain. I love the 'country pad thai' and it's my staple, "I want to grab something on my way home and I don't feel like Porter Exchange" dish. Now, I can't explain why this 'country pad thai' is different from others, I honestly have no clue, I just know that I rarely REALLY love pad thai, it is usually just 'ok.' Here I am talking about take out/delivery but if you have the time, I highly recommend eating at this establishment. I like the big booths and big windows and they have yummy bubble tea! Score! ****ADDITION**** They also deliver the bubble tea too!! Yes! If you love bubble tea, like I do, you will realize the beauty of being able to have bubble tea delivered to your doorstep for a small fee. If you don't know bubble tea, well, it's almost like getting ice cream delivered to you!
(4)Lila S.
Not impressed. I may be a little harsh with only 2 stars but seriously folks... First thing that really struck me was the portion size... even for take out size ...puny..I got the veggie Thai rolls and Red Chicken Curry/ The curry dishes are cheap ( around 6 bucks) but they charge extra $1.00=$1.75 for rice?? Always a bummer.The curry itself was good but the chicken was definitely left over scraps of dark meat... Always a bummer. I personally always order extra rice in the first place, but if your are trying to get a cheap lunch, forget about it. The Thai rolls were so stale, cold and definitely frozen for months before I took a single bite... they were tasteless and enough oil to give a lizard acne. I was still friggin starving afterwards! The delivery was slow, but it was the weekend, so I wont come down too hard on them for that. I think $14.00 + tip was wayy too much for lunch for 1. This place looks nice on the outside... its all just for show.
(2)Z R.
Excellent, dependable Thai. Just stick to the basics (Pad Thai, Mango Curry, Veggie Dumplings), and you won't be disappointed. The portions are big enough so that you'll have enough left over for lunch tomorrow!
(5)Julia F.
Seated by the door, I got a good look at my companion and the entry and not much else. It was fairly busy when we arrived. We sat down where it seem the single occupancy tables are usually located. I got an order of pad thai and a Sapporo. My friend got some chicken dish with brown rice (optional) and a Sapporo. We ate and chatted until we were done. The waitresses were attentive, but never missed or obnoxious. Perfect service. The space is a little smallbto have any kind of personal/private conversation- we got some raised eyebrows from dude sitting solo next table over. The food was good, and plentiful. I want to go back and try some other dishes next time.
(3)Janine G.
I love pad thai but was very dissappointed...maybe it's me...but every other time I've ordered it, it has veggies and bits of peanut on top..this was just noodles with chicken (dry) and tofu (I didn't want shrimp) with a few not so fresh bean sprouts. it was lacking any real flavor. My SO got the udon noodles and didn't want spicy basil, so they suggested garlic sauce...very tasty. I will have to look at other reviews because I need my Pad thai fix!
(3)J M.
Nice, modern look and atmosphere and the food is great for how inexpensive it is.
(5)Trish F.
For the most part, I dig this restaurant. I've gotten take out from them probably more times than I've eaten in. Get a booth if you can, the side seating is a little too close for my taste. The waitstaff is pretty attentive (almost too attentive.. oy.. I was definitely very hydrated).A good friend of mine is a vegetarian and she seems to like their options. My favorite is probably the pineapple fried rice (a little bit of curry, chicken, shrimp, veggies) and the tofu teriyaki. Delivery is great. They've always come earlier than their projected time. They also do drink deliveries (thai iced tea, bubble tea) with food. Only had one awful experience. Must have been a new cashier/take out person.. but he had me waiting for half an hour because he failed to realize that my take out was behind him even after informing him of my name and order. FYI.. make sure to take both a lunch AND a dinner menu for take out. Prices and sometimes food items change...lunch is cheaper..etc. Oh and if you order online, you get a 10% discount.
(3)Kim L.
This place is okay. When I first moved here, there was a lot of hubbub about Sugar and Spice, which definitely piqued my interest. Maybe it was hyped up too much, but I didn't think it was anything to get excited about. This place has a modern atmosphere and great service--the food just doesn't cut it for me. The pad thai has been consistently too sweet and too rubbery for me, and while I've eaten here (and ordered out from here) quite a few times, I just haven't had anything that has blown me away. The only thing I've had that comes close is the lemongrass chicken. Partial redemption: One of the few places where somtum (spicy papaya salad) is on the menu! Bottom line: I'd go to Lemon Thai first.
(2)Michelle K.
This place can be a tossup. Even though I am a happy meat eater, I appreciate that they will make any dish vegetarian upon request. LIke my vegetarian friends, I too would be sad with only 2 options at every restaurant. Back to specifics: I remember getting duck here a year ago and enjoying it immensely. However, this time I went with the Happy Couple, which was not as happy as I expected. It was kinda watery sweet-n-sour sauce and they provided more rice than actual main dish. Bad form! To their credit, I love love loved the taro smoothie that accompanied it and the appetizer me and my friend shared called the Lucky Surprise or something similar. Despite the 3star rating, I would go in just for the smoothies - they must put vanilla soft serve in there or something equally delicious. All in all, still a highlight of the Porter Square area.
(3)Liz A.
This place is sub-par Thai. Got my standard drunken noodles and they were basically flavorless, and definitely not spicy. My friends have gotten noodle soups there and say it's pretty boring. The decor is trendy, the prices are okay, and the service is fast, but the food is just not great. There is much better Thai to be had around Cambridge.
(2)Sara C.
Had a great, cheap lunch from this place. The wonton soup is very unique - not greasy as some had said. It had spice and watercress, a nice twist. The mango curry is as promised, very good. I'm with everyone else, I'd like more sauce and mango. Love it that I can order online.
(4)Celeste G.
I'm not so sure about the food as I always eat at Spice & Rice BUT!! They have the tastiest frozen thai iced tea with bubbles...that i'm completely addicted to. YUM!!
(3)Nathan R.
I've tried Sugar and Spice's take- out twice now, and both times have been rather disappointing. The Sugar part of their name rings true as the Phad Thai tended to be on the sweet side...unfortunately the spice side was not as apparent. Too bad. Prices are reasonable but the for what you get- not so much.
(2)Matt N.
I went to Sugar & Spice last night with two friends, both from Southeast Asia. Since I am American, I wouldn't trust my opinion of the food as much as theirs. But, they were both pleasantly surprised with how good it was and naturally I also enjoyed the food. Sugar & Spice is a simple but nice place, where you don't have to wait for a table, and the wait for your food is not long either. It's not a place to linger, but rather a great spot for a quick meal enroute to the evening's other activities. We shared several dished - crispy pad thai, a papaya salad, basil chicken, and a beef dish (can't remember the name of it) - all of which were excellent. Best of all, we walked out of there with a bill of less than $40, which is pretty amazing for such good food.
(4)N B.
I've been a fan of this place ever since they opened. Great, fresh, tasty dishes and friendly service. I typically get take out, but have dined in, too, and always been happy. I particularly love their summer rolls and Cheng Mai noodles... YUM.
(5)Chris W.
For the money this place is tough to beat! Cheap Thai food that tastes good is right here. The atmosphere and setup inside is very warm and welcoming with a laid-back atmosphere. They also have deep fried ice cream which everyone should try at least once!
(4)Melmoth K.
Two of us shared three appetizers and one main dish. Summer rolls and fried tofu were good/did the job. A mixed vegetable salad was really nicely prepared and presented and the coconut/peanut dressing that accompanied it was great. The fried rice was very good. However, every dish missed what I really like about Thai cuisine, which is the garnishing that gives each dish a distinctive freshness. This is pretty simple: lime wedges, fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, shredded fresh carrot, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, etc. The Pad Thai dish I saw on another table was a pile of gray noodles mixed with bits of gray chicken on a white plate. So although I liked the food, I was disappointed in the overall presentation and I left a little disappointed. The staff was good. The price was good. The interior is kind of contrived and clubby but fine.
(2)Christina M.
Great food, friendly service! My boyfriend and I go here all the time and love the friendly vibe and timely service. Great Pad Thai and Fried Rice!!
(4)Lindsey M.
Go and try the drunkin noodles. Prices were great, atmosphere cute and food tasty-- all in all no complaints :)
(5)Adam M.
This is another one of those great value places. It's not the best Thai food in Boston, but it's very good, especially for the price. I've never had a problem with bad service. In fact, sometimes they can be too attentive. Try the drunken noodles; by far the best dish I've had there.
(4)Eric S.
Ginger Chicken and the Pad-Thai are a favorite of mine; always cooked exceptionally (maybe I get lucky since other reviewers don't seem to have well cooked meals). And you can't really beat their gyoza for an app, and fried coconut ice cream for dessert either. I'd totally recommend it to anyone!
(4)Anders R.
Good service, decent food, (drunken noodles were nice), well priced. 3.5 would be the rating - 4 stars would have been a stretch, need to see more fresh ingredient apps....
(3)Savannah R.
Delicious Thai food! The rolls were amazing, and the portions on the entrees are generous. Perfect for leftovers next day at work! The soups are wonderful, and noodles are all wonderful. The bubble tea is really good here too! I had the green tea with boba as a frozen drink and it was amazing. The bad points, the atmosphere. I will only come back to order food to go because it was horrible! They have the lighting and the structures set up so great, and then they play 90's-like lovey music equipped with Jessica Simpson, Backstreet Boys, etc etc and today's versions I suppose. It really ruined the experience, it was just so awful. Not exactly the type of music I'd like to hear blaring over a Thai Roll. Wonderful staff though and very attentive so if you can move past the aching hearts of hormonal singers you'll have a great time. If not, just order the yummy food to go :)
(3)Rema A.
good Thai food, very tasty. fast and friendly service. my fiance and i got shrimp wraps for appetizers, a curry and noodle dish; all very good. they have quite a big selection of food and every thing's about $8-12. sweet! we went around 7pm and got the second to last table. it got even more crowded from then on out. it gets kinda loud so you have to raise your voice a bit, but the tables aren't that far apart, so we could totally hear the conversations to our left and right. oh well...still a great place if you're in the mood for thai!
(4)Emily K.
delivery fail. yes, it's snowy and gross outside, but WHY DOES IT TAKE OVER AN HOUR to bring a dinner order? sad (AND HUNGRY) panda
(2)Naitasia H.
So I came here as a belated dinner celebration for my 25th birthday as a treat from some guilty friends. As with several others, this restaurant was on my "to try" list for far too long. I was anticipating this dinner (even if the company was odd). As you have probably come to figure out, I am not a patient person. So Imagine my frustration at having to wait to be seated and in the rain no less. Their waiting are is very small and the place was crowded. But, this is Cambridge and space is at a premium so I can forgive that wholeheartedly (just check the weather before you go so you don't have to eat Pad Thai in wet boots). I've noticed more and more that the liquor license situation is pretty tricky so I was a little disappointed that the spirits were limited. However, their wine selection was pretty standard and just about anyone could decide on a glass so that is also forgivable. Depsite appearing to be clueless, the waitstaff followed the specific requests of my very picky friends to the letter. Much obliged!! As for the food. It was the best part of the night, which is a good thing. No, a great thing!! I make it my mission in life to eat Pad Thai everywhere I can and pick out the best of the best. This place definitely is in the top 10 and that makes this place A-Ok by me. Cheers to Sugar & Spice.
(4)W A.
We went to Sugar & Spice twice for the last few months because of its location. The fist time, the food was below average for our taste (we ordered Pad Thai and Drunken noodles) and very poor service but we gave them another chance. We went there recently for dinner and got two fried rice dishes and they were just okay. Other Thai restaurants serve better Thai food with much much better service. When we paid the bill, somehow the waitress just assumed that she could just keep the change for tip and she went on doing something else. We found the place to be less than professional and will not recommend the place to anyone.
(1)Alyssa N.
Yummy veggie gyoza and veggie dumplings. Average entrees. The coconut bubble tea was disappointing- like a pina colada with tapioca bubbles in the bottom. The problem was that when I kept sucking up ice chips with the thick straw. Decent prices. I'd go back again soon if I lived nearby. I liked the decor as well. Service was good, especially considering the large birthday party occupying the middle section of the restaurant. (Like 30+ people). I imagine that if I lived nearby I might go back more often. Cool decor and yummy apps make it worth at least one trip.
(3)Liz L.
This is far from the most authentic Thai you'll ever have, but it's delicious anyhow, and cheap! They will make almost any entree vegetarian if you ask. My personal favorites are the Chang Mai noodles and the huge bowl of tofu noodle soup, the latter of which I often order delivered when I am sick. All their entree-sized noodle soups are just as huge as that one. The service has always been prompt and courteous in-house, and the delivery service has always come faster than their estimated time.
(4)Frank B.
This place is responsible for my new love for Thai food.We met a group of my sons college friends and parents for dinner.I think we ordered almost everything on the menu,lots of choices and tasting. All great,.Have been back several times,sometimes for takeout,mind you I live on the south shore. A little crowded but you expect that in Cambridge.
(4)David R.
Excellent food. The Pad Thai was superb, and everything was deliciously spicy - more authentic and tasty than most Thai places in the US. Nice atmosphere as well and not too pricey! A winner!
(4)Kelly N Z R.
I am enamored. I am still thinking about the (vegetarian) Tom Yum soup, Vegetable Dumplings, Banana in Coconut milk, and Mango with sweet sticky rice that I had there earlier this week. The menu does not appear vegetarian-friendly at first glance, BUT I was assured that almost anything can be made vegetarian, meat can be replaced with tofu, and the soup is made with veggie stock. The fare was cheap, the service was decent, and the food delicious. The food tasted fresh and absolutely delicious. This is clearly not a Fancy-Dinner-5-star place, but a Quick-Cheap-Good-5-star place. EDIT: I found the eggplant dishes to be undercooked and not at all tasty. They were very pleasant when I asked if it was alright to send it back, but then it was returned with no palpable difference. ::sigh::
(4)Nida I.
My friend and I went there for lunch on a weekday and had a wonderful experience. We ordered the som tum as an appetizer (I always order that to gauge a place) and it was delicious. For entrees I had the rad nar and my friend got massaman curry with tofu. We were both very pleased with the quality and quantity of the food. Service was pleasant and attentive without being intrusive, and the decor of the restaurant is understated and nice. Would definitely go again!
(5)Jennifer W.
I just moved here from San Francisco where I dined in many fabulous Thai restaurants. I live in Porter Square so I figured I would start with the closest Thai place first because I'm REALLY missing it! This will not be my regular Thai place. The food is excruciatingly mediocre and not worth a second visit. I tried three different dishes and they were all pretty unremarkable and didn't come anywhere close to what I'm used to. I didn't even save the left-overs; not worth the calories. I'm worried I won't be able to find what Ã'm looking for but I've only just begun my search! I gave them two stars because the online ordering system is great and my food was delivered on time, which is a good thing.
(2)D W.
This place is probably not authentic Thai, but does a few things pretty well for a good price. The Pad Thai's not so great but curries and peanut sauce dishes seem to be a specialty. Delivery seems to be much less tasty so I avoid that.
(4)Sarah S.
Yummm. Great pad thai. Delicious yellow coconut curry... and I don't even like curry. All the dishes I had were vegetarian, and they were not stingy with the veggies and tofu. Good peanut sauce.
(4)Virginia C.
Sugar and Spice is def a good/cheap place to grab some Thai food. I work across the street and get lunch the often. The tofu red curry is my favorite. Their soups are amazing as well. Almost everything I have had there is very good and I continue to go back. And they really are not that expensive compared to other Thai places in Cambridge, which is why I get lunch there about once a week or so. You can order online, which is a must for me personally. The only reason they get 4 stars and not 5 is that the service isn't up to par. It's actually sort of weird. If you go their and sit down the service will be wonderful. However if you go there for pick up they are rude. When ever I order take out I wait 45 minute before I walk over to grab my food. I always end up waiting al least another 20 minutes. Not only that the waitresses look at me like I have five heads when I tell them I am here to pick up and walk away. So I stand there thinking oh they are coming back with my food, when in actuality they just went to do something else. Now at first I though it was just me being judgment, but my coworker who get food from there often as well had the same complaints. However, this has never stopped me from going back. Bottom line - great food and decent service at good prices. Also they aren't usually busy, so if you plan on sitting down there is basically never a wait.
(4)Stephanie F.
I'd give this place a 3.5, just because their bubble tea meets my standard. My boyfriend got the coconut bubble tea (which I recommend! very delicious) and I had the taro bubble tea, which is creamy. The bubbles are the sticky kind that are very chewy, if that suits your taste. As for the food -- for Thai food, it's so-so. Had the crispy duck, and a few curry dishes way back, but nothing to die for that made me want to come back over and over again. So -- if you're looking for a place to eat on a semi-cheap budget, you can go here. But don't expect too much.
(3)j l.
This is not my favorite Thai place, but it's my favorite local quick take-out Thai place. I love love LOVE som tum (papaya salad) and theirs is my ideal. It's absolutely perfect and delicious. The other menu items leave a little to be desired. The pad thai is a little too oily and orange. The spicy basil fried rice is delicious but I feel like I have a salt hangover for many hours after eating it. I do like the spicy salmon and eggplant but would like it a whole lot more with brown rice... maybe next time. I also really enjoyed the bubble teas to go until I saw one being prepared. It is essentially a flavor powder (coconut, green tea, etc), ice, and a LOT of half and half. Ew... I'll make my own with actual coconut milk from now on. If you don't mind drinking cream, however, they are pretty tasty. Also wouldn't order the soups here. Some are bland, some are overly fishy. I'll stick to the som tum and occasional basil rice or spicy salmon. Or maybe I'll just start ordering two som tum salads from now on.
(3)Maria V.
Where the hell else can you buy a Durian bubble tea in the Greater Boston area? [edit] I stand corrected, apparently you can find it in other places in the area. Thanks Tom! I learn something new every day around here ;) [/edit] The food here is solid -- not fantastic but pretty good. I did like their Drunken Noodles though, I'd say it's a stand-out dish on their menu. It's cheap as hell though, so when school's in and it's nighttime, it's crowded, so be prepared.
(4)Alanna F.
We drove 2 1/2 hrs to this restaurant based upon reviews here on YELP. We were attending a concert at Tufts and wanted a good Thai place on the north side of the city. I could not have been happier with our experience. I may make the drive again someday with the sole purpose of eating here! We arrived at lunchtime and ordered 4 entrees.......Country Pad Thai, Mango Curry, Pineapple Fried Rice and House Special Noodles. It was all good and the Mango Curry was even better when I just had the leftovers, a day later! It all had just the right level of spice for me and all the dishes had perfectly blended flavors. Our server was very attentive and friendly and we finished the meal with the Fried Coconut Ice Cream. It was a very pretty presentation. Our total bill for all of that was $31. Who the heck can beat that???!!!!!
(5)Peter N.
I used to live up in Davis Square, and every so often I would take the walk over to Sugar and Spice to have some *good* Thai. The staff are very friendly and attentive, and almost every time I've been there I've been well satisfied with the food as well. It can be crowded sometimes (rather understandably!) so it doesn't hurt to make reservations or place your order ahead. And do try the bubble tea!
(4)Jordan V.
I really don't know how this place is still in business. Cheap eats? Please don't give them credit for that. All Thai food is cheap. But most Thai food is GOOD. I mean, I live in Union Square right up the block from Sweet Ginger, so I'm utterly spoiled. But Christ, I could (and do) make better Thai food than Sugar & Spice. It's not that hard! Their Tom Yum literally made me throw up once so I haven't gone back in years. My husband forgot, and picked up some takeout on the way home from work tonight. Drunken Noodle = a few sad vegetables with stuck-together noodles in a boring-ass sauce. Rad Na = big container of weird soup with vegs and three big ugly hunks of tofu floating in it, to pour over your plain noodles. The blandest thing I've ever tasted. Description was "exotic vegetables." Yeah, overcooked broccoli and carrots are pretty exotic. If I sound angry, it's because it sucked! I was hungry so I ate about half a serving, and now I have a stomachache. Boo, hiss.
(1)alex l.
went there for the first time tonight and it was pretty packed for a monday night. I had the chicken massaman curry and my husband had the chicken pad prik king and both were SO tasty, we will definitely be going back!
(4)Chanel R.
Several years ago I thought that this place was mediocre. I guess after Benjapons in Davis Sq. closed we started getting take-out from here (out of necessity but with low expectations). It is much better now. I am typically happy with everything that I order, table service is good and the people are nice. Delivery is pretty fast too.
(3)Robo T.
This place is brilliant. The food is delicious and consistant, the decor and atmosphere are awesome and the service is wonderful. A few years ago I received an invite to their grand opening event and since then, I've been a dedicated customer.
(4)jim b.
Small portions, but that is fine as the prices aren't high. It's ok, the food is rather bland really. Not bad, not good, just there.
(3)S G.
Nope, I did not like how my food tasted,no flavor at all. At other tai places pad tai has a lot of vegetables and juicy,here it is dry and portion was small.
(2)Anonymous P.
The name gets it half right. This is spiced-down food reminiscent of authentic Thai, which isn't to say it's always bad. Some dishes just don't work without the spices though. Take yum woon sen. S&S's version is flavored almost exclusively by lime juice and sugar. It's boring and cloying, desperately in need of funky fish sauce, more garlic, and how about some chilis? My advice: real Thai may take some time to get used to, but it's worth it. I recommend Tamarind House instead, or much better, a trip out to Dok Bua in Brookline. Update 6/13/07: This place sucks in my opinion. I think the food is bland, gloopy, and sloppy. Squid were rubbery and far from fresh. Bleck.
(2)jennifer j.
Update. Okay, so I've now lived in Cambridge for four years (totally lost track of how many times I've been now), and this is still the restaurant by which I measure all other restaurants in the Boston area. It is fairly cheap and SO FREAKING DELICIOUS here. I'm too cheap to eat out too often, and most of the expensive places have disappointed, but Sugar & Spice never ever fails me. And their staff is super nice, too. Go if you haven't tried it! (And about it not being 'authentic,' I guess my taste buds prefer delicious over authentic, b/c we went to try Brown Sugar, known for its authentic Thai, and I still preferred Sugar & Spice.) This place is my favorite restaurant in Cambridge. Over the years, I've probably come here almost twenty times-- it's that consistently good. As expected, I've tried most of the menu by now, and pretty much everything has been great. (If you want a spicy pad thai, order it "country style," and you will definitely get that spice!) My favorites are the chicken swing (appetizer: thinly cut chicken strips with sticky rice balls-- yum), the tom kar (coconut) soup, the pad thai if I want something lighter and the chieng mai noodle (HUGE) if I want something more hearty (has a very thick broth/sauce, quite similar to the yellow curry sauce), their fried green tea ice cream and their frozen green tea (like a green tea milk shake-- I like it with boba). My friends like their avocado or mango curry dishes and the yellow curry. One could easily eat for $10, if you just drank water, but you can get a nice multi-course meal for under $20/person, which is great for what you're getting! A good place for a first date, a casual date, big groups (I've come for a few birthdays, and they are great with big groups)-- and take-out is good, too. Service is always very polite and prompt. What can I say? I love this place! :-) Here's a link to their menu: allmenus.com/menus/1306/…
(5)JEM C.
The restaurant is cozy, yet modern. I ordered the flat noodles and my table ordered a few of the appetizers--everything was really tasty. My friend was disappointed with her tempura vegtable plate, but overall the price, ambiance and taste was good enough to go back!
(4)Beth M.
this is my absolute favorite Thai restaurant...but it only gets 4 stars. why? well. my husband and i have been coming here for about 2 years, since we discovered it, and have been impressed again and again by the fantastic food (crying tiger is tops on his list, i love the cheng mei noodles) we actually come here almost every sunday and always look forward to the yumminess, as well as the cute decor and hot lemongrass tea. so based on that it should be a 5 star review, hands down. BUT. a few months ago, the service got kind of strange. my husband and i would experience about 10 minute time lapses between the deliveries of our entrees...we would be waited on by 2 or 3 different people...no water refills...things like that. it really threw us for a loop. we also sat enjoying our meals one night while at least 20 people waited in the 'lobby' area for their take-out, which was super super backed-up. not sure what was going on there. so there's that. but the food is so so good that we keep coming back, and kind of laugh at the strange service now...
(4)Ed S.
A very good Thai place all around with a great location right in Porter Square. The food is greasy, but very tasty and at an excellent price - about $8 for an entree. It's nicely decorated inside and the wait staff is very nice. Soda drinkers beware, though: I was informed after being given two refills that the $1.75 listed on the menu is per glass, which is extreme in comparison to other restaurants in the area.
(4)Gabby D.
I am so obsessed with Thai food and swear by my Spice in the NYC. But helloooooooo SUGAR & Spice! Travel Partner A, B, and Boston friend #2 (not to be confused with Boston friend #1 aka coworker) and I rolled in for some lunch post a quick TBell stop and some seeeeeeeeerious TJMaxx shopping. Alright, let me just list what we ordered: Papaya Salad, Country Phad Thai, Crazy Chicken crispy thing (that's not the real name), umm..and the Drunken Noodles (in NY language Drunk Man noodles). I couldn't get enough of the Drunken Noodles! Ooooooooooh giiiiiiiiiirl! Everything else, serivce...ambience...yeah yeah yeah. Although, the music sountrack (made by some creatively excellent sister restaurant down the way) was the best pop music sappy wonderfulness I've ever experienced. From Jessica Simpson/Nick Lachey (the collaboration and the solo albums both pre and post marriage) to Boys II Men to Soul 4 Real to Backstreet Boys to Mandy Moore. Excellent compliment while shoveling amazing eats into your mouth as fast as your chop sticks can allow. Meanwhile, FOOOOOOOD! Delicious! Delicious! Run! Go! Quickly!
(5)boboo k.
Everything is Excellent.. My favorite menu is the Pad Thai Country and I also like the Sugar& Spice Shrimp Umm YuM YuM.. Let talk about dessert Oh my!!!!!! Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango so so GOOD....... Also the staff are very friendly and attentive,The food is tasty and the prices are good.
(5)David S.
Dinner at Sugar & Spice was delicious. I'm not sure all of the items on the menu are typically Thai, but the food nonetheless is very good. I tried the chili and lime grilled salmon: the piece of fish was enormous (that's always nice!), tasted fresh, and the sauce/vegetables were very good. My friend also had the pad thai, which turned out to be all right (I guess it's hard for pad thai to be too much out of the ordinary). The service was also friendly and efficient. The venue is relatively casual, but certainly nice enough to bring a date. I will definitely go back.
(4)Lalin A.
From outside, Sugar & Spice invites you. I was actually surprised to see that inside it was more like a college cafeteria. Nevertheless, food is not bad. Had chichen thai rolls, which were delicious and then I tried the XO beef-rice dish, which was just ordinary: meat was not soft, vegetables tasted better. Be careful with some of the spicy dishes as they can cause trouble! If you are looking for a laid back, cheap food, S&S is a place to go.
(3)Joy H.
I wish I could give it more stars because the first couple of times I ate here the food was pretty decent and the location is convenient. But the last time I came I ordered a tom yum soup, and when I tasted it, it tasted almost like a pina colada. I'm pretty sure they accidentally used cream of coconut instead of coconut milk in there. I sent it back to the kitchen and told them that it was too sweet. When it came back, it tasted about the same. I even gave it a second sip to make sure, but it just tasted like hot pina colada. Gross. They tried to explain that "Americans" like the soup a little sweeter. And I get that, but this wasn't a little sweeter, this was frackin' PINA COLADA SOUP. Again, GROSS. Anyways, I can't give any more than 2 stars for a place that serves something this bad and can't admit that they made a mistake.
(2)Greg L.
i order from there quite a bit. i can't speak to the ambience, i typically eat it in my cube (the ambience in my cube is nice, if a bit bland). the food is good, pretty standard thai fare in my opinion. but the service is awful. i tip fairly well and it always takes them at least an hour to get from porter square to central square. i'm not sure how. i keep comin back b/c i'm too lazy to look up another convenient thai place with online ordering.
(3)Adam W.
We've never actually eaten in the restaurant, but I think we order out from Sugar & Spice at least once a week. The food is consistently good, and you can order online, which really takes the pressure off when you're ordering with a group of friends and consensus is nowhere in sight.
(4)Patrick M.
Yum... mango curry, gyoza, pad thai... very dependable affordable Thai food in Porter Square. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, always crowded which is a good sign. Delicious any time I've been there, and the spicy dishes are legitimately pretty spicy which I like.
(4)Abby F.
I love this place, and I've never had a bad meal there! Au contraire, everything has been tasty, like the ginger crisp chicken (not the actual name), the noodles, and the Thai tea is delicious. Service has always been polite and attentive, even when I went with a forgetful, fussy 80 year-old friend whom they treated very respectfully. The decor is lovely, just check out the window boxes and wonderful fresh flower arrangements, and prices are very reasonable for the quality.
(4)Shine B.
I was so disappointed with this place. The Thai rolls were bland at best, the veggie dumplings were gummy and soggy. The fried rice was tasty but it seemed like it was filled with fat. Try Asia East - I like them much more.
(2)Irene F.
I loved this place when I lived in Porter Square. The food was consistently great, and while the atmosphere was also fabulous, the take-out was good too. Service is great, food is great, and the lunch specials are at great prices! You can bring the fam, a date, or just yourself and you will enjoy it regardless!
(5)Kiki B.
actually wasn't expecting to like this place as much as i did. they have great food, well-spiced, plus the portions are huge, which means more for lunch tomorrow! yay! nice booths, good timing, pleasant staff.
(4)Food Bandicoot M.
BEST PINEAPPLE JUICE I"VE EVER HAD CAME FROM SPICE & RICE...and I order it at every meal. The royal triangles are bomb. Design is fabulous. Atmosphere is great. Try to get a booth. Food is absolutely beautiful, comes topped with hand cut flower decorations made out of carrots and etc. A great place to go on a date for sure! A new asset to inman square.
(5)Elizabeth E.
Consistently good food with only moderately consistent service. Its a great local place in a fun and bright location. They have a selection of noodle dishes and a selection of rice dices and though its oh-so-boring, I'll have to say the Pad Thai is actually quite good. But the Thai Iced Tea is the best I've had outside of Thailand.
(3)Jessica S.
The first time I went to Sugar & Spice I found the Pad Thai to be much too greasy. Afterward, I had heard good things from others and decided to try it again. I still found the Pad Thai to be much too greasy. I would not recommend Sugar & Spice, just go a little further down Mass Ave to Tamarind House. Much better pad thai! (Tamarind House also has good curry.)
(2)Stu G.
Terrible food and service. I had the crispy Pad Thai. I will never again.
(1)Mimi W.
As a local place for lunch, it's ok. It's quick and the decor is nice. Personally, I've gone to a lot better Thai places, but those places have also been more expensive. One thing that bugs me about the place is that they don't give you enough rice, which, combined with a salty entree can leave you very thirsty, not to mention kind of unsatisfied. I mean rice is like 5 cents a bowl, try to double up. The other thing that bugs is that I get the feeling that they use pretty much the same sauce on a lot of their dishes. The sauce is good, but gets old after a few visits.
(3)Phil D.
I like the Drunken Noodles, but everything else is a bit hit-or-miss. It's not perfect, but I've definitely had worse (see Thai Hut, The). It's the best near Porter, though. For a change of pace, you can always try Tamarind House, which is further down Mass Ave, toward Harvard. They are a little more consistent.
(4)Priya C.
This place is close to work for me, so sometimes we go here for lunch. Love the avocado curry with tofu as well as the pad thai. Need to try the mango curry. I like that you can get all the curries with tofu and not meat and you can ask for no fish sauce and they will actually listen to you! The food is tasty and the prices are good.
(4)Lindsey W.
My friend and I were super hungry and ordered 4 entrees, loved all of them. Think the duck was my favorite but it's a tough call.
(4)Rob J.
This place is a great value. I've ordered from them quite a few times and they are pretty consistent.
(4)Patrick B.
There are a number of Thai places in the area or an easy drive away, yet it was still exciting when this one opened. The first few meals were terrific - it wasn't bland, Americanized Thai - you could taste the freshness of the ingredients and the spices. Unfortunately, more recent meals haven't been all that great. I still try it every now and again and the dining room is pleasant, but tend to favor Thai Kitchen a bit further down Mass Ave for takeout.
(3)Kristin M.
This is a great local place for good, inexpensive Thai food. The appetizers and curry dishes are great. It's also one of the only places the Porter/Davis area that you can find fried ice cream. The coconut flavored one is my favorite. I definitely recommend checking this place out.
(4)serra s.
I love this place. Its one of the few places I will go to alone sometimes just because I want the food so much. Their Pad Paradise is the best thing I've found in a long time. The prices are very low, too. Especially for lunch - $6-$8 /plate. I hardly ever go there for dinner, because why go when its expensive and busy when you get the exact same dish for cheap earlier!? the staff is also extremely friendly, and know you after only a couple visits.
(5)Ramya V.
I lately feel in love with Thai food... This is a kewl place nice to dine and cheap though but service is not very friendly. During week days after 7 its crowded gotta wait to getta table. The color of food perks you up, I love both noodle and rice, but when it comes to fish nope I dont like the smell of it, its never cooked well although wonderfully presented. Interiors are well done and booths are wonderful and comfy than the tables, gotta mind stepping out of our tables or we will bang easily into someone. During afternoons its a great place to be, and you get so much food that we will hardly be able to finish off.
(3)Laura A.
if you're looking for authentic, flavorful thai food, look elsewhere. this place has cute decor and healthy thai-inspired food, but is totally bland and uninteresting. if they didn't deliver to my apartment, i'd probably never eat there.
(3)Etta M.
i started eating here soon after i moved to somerville and it has been a consistent favorite since. my favorites include: pineapple fried rice, pad thai, and lemon grass chicken. the decor is fun, the food comes quickly, but don't expect your food to come at the same time as your friends.
(4)Stephanie W.
Nice funky atmosphere. Thai food, 50s-60s era decor. The restaurant is kind of small, which makes for cramped eating quarters, but the food is pretty good and the service is decent.
(3)Joe b.
Delicious food! the atmosphere is very suave, and you'll feel classy when you sit under one of their uniquely designed lights. The price point is the only negative. While not too expensive it does ere on the side of classy. But really! check it out.
(4)Jen and Tim S.
The food is great and the atmosphere is very cool. Great noodles, and definitely try dessert!!!
(4)Aditya V.
Right near porter Sq T stop is this Thai Restaurant. The exteriors look very jazzy and inviting and alwasy made me think about going in which I finally did past weekend. First impression WOW so many people and line ( not bad considering saturday) and tables are too close. Some peopel might like teh lighting but I didn't like it and wasn't comfortable ( maybe ist was my jetlag and spending 4 weeks in Shanghai) so I might have to go back again to do justice. we were promtly greeted and seated which was nice. The waitress came to promtly and served water we were given a tight spot with no privacy for any conversations. THe menu has something for everyone and especially if your an vegetarian they will replace anything with Tofu. Ordered plum fine which at 4.50 a glass wasn 'tbad until I saw teh glass little small. Ordered Basil Fried rice wich wasn't bad except the rice was too "lumped" together and hard to eat. My friedn ordered Udon noodles with chicked which he said was excellent . The portions seemed ok. Also ordered was tom yum soup which was good. So over all the place wasn't bad. The serice isn't bad except for the person who servered us water was sloppy. If you leave near porter it should be tried atleast once.
(3)Sarah C.
"...and everything nice" haha I'm such a dork... but really this place lives up to 'what it is'. For the second time, I SWEAR I never crave Thai! And again, I really just fell upon this place with some friends because there was a longer wait elsewhere (impatience sucks! Why the rush??!) Anyway, Sugar and Spice is known for being a steal, so I have heard. The atmosphere is actually really nice... very clean, dim bluish lighting, and somewhat romantic (but not so much where it would be odd to have dinner with a a friend or two...or more. They have larger tables available). We sat down immediately and were greeted promptly. The wine list is SO inexpensive ($5-$6 a glass $25 bottle range)... don't be prepared to be 'wowed' by it, but I promise you're not going to be utterly offended by it either. It kinda sucked we were not offered second glasses until our meals arrived... The food really IS very affordable... not gong over $15...and plenty of interesting apps. I ordered an app. salad to start for $5 and was served a salad PLATTER with eggs and two dressings (including peanut dressing yum)...what a waste though...too much. And my meal came out like 3 minutes later. Again, HUGE mega portions. My friends both ordered Pad Thai..one with chicken, the other with chicken and shrimp. They were very pleased. I ordered steamed cod with lime (ridiculous amounts of lime... although appropriate for the dish it was not balanced for my taste. And, the fish was WAY over cooked and dry...save for all the lime juice type sauce) So many people often think they are getting a huge value when they get a crap-load of food for not a lot of money (any fast food marketing schemes ring a bell?), When really, most of it often goes to waste anyway. how could I finish all that?? I brought it home because I felt guilty but I know I am not gong to finish it. Eh... I won't make it a point to go back... unless I'm in Porter Square with someone desperate for affordable Thai. Besides... I hate saying it, but seriously TOO much food (which is awesome for many :) )
(3)Kay A.
Service was fast even though the restaurant was extremely busy. The food was extremely good especially for the price. The only problem was the service as soon as you finished they want your ass out of there. No wonder how everyone gets served so fast.
(4)cassie p.
Was looking for Thai food, and Sugar and Spice was the first place we happened upon. I was skeptical because of the name, but was pleasantly surprised. We had Massaman Curry, Pad Kee Mao and Gyoza. Very good food, big servings, and we had a great waitress that was all smiles, but not in a fake or annoying way.
(4)Anna S.
First of all, the service is super efficient. There is also never any confusion when dealing with orders. There is a large variety of choices, including authentic thai cuisine and americanized versions. The setting is also very pleasent, with a nice modern theme. I suggest the basil chicken if you are in the mood for something spicey, and any one of their smoothies are delicious. Enjoy!
(5)Melissa T.
This week marked my second visit to Sugar and Spice, and I was not disappointed either time. I love their selection of bubble tea, though I did not order any on my most recent visit (but I did the first time, and the tea was delicious). The staff was very accommodating; we had two people join our party a little late and they quickly brought over another small table to add to our large one. The space was a bit cramped, but it worked overall. I ordered the avocado curry. This dish was supposed to come with chicken, but they substituted tofu without any issue. The curry was excellent - just a bit spicy and with a bit of a creamy taste. They provided plenty of rice to sop up the extra sauce. I would have liked a tad more avocado, but overall, I enjoyed my dish. It was large enough that I had enough leftovers for lunch the next day. And the prices are very reasonable, especially considering the size of the dishes.
(4)Scott M.
"Bangkok Noodles" kick the booty. "Excited Chicken," served in an edible corn shell, stirs my loins. "Drunken Noodles" is intoxicating. And "Avocado Curry Chicken" will have you doing the Meposian Dance of Joy. But that's not everything good at retro-cool, always tasty Sugar and Spice. The real treats are the special drinks and desserts! The Honey Dew Bubble Tea uses fresh dew, plump tapioca balls, and is dew-licious! It makes those powdery bubble teas found at pretender Thai places taste like lumpy sand. Likewise, the fried banana is incredibly scrumptious and so much more than a limp oily chiquita found elsewhere. These babies are covered in a crispy shell with whip cream and sugary syrup. My God, my mouth is watering just writing this! Only complaint: orders arrive in haphazard order meaning some will be served while others sit there drooling. Them's the breaks, I suppose... Go now!! Go often!!! Sugar and Spice rules the Mass Ave. Thai scene by a landslide.
(5)Daniel N.
The food is good, and is served pretty quick. The poor rating is based on the service. Even with a good size staff, most of the waitresses still can't seem to keep up with the service. Out of about 5 waitresses, 1 will be taking orders, another will be serving, and 3 will be at the register chit chatting with each other. Every time I needed to get attention I'd have to keep my hand up and hope that some one would even pass a glance at my table. I don't always remember the service being like that, but I had to write about this recent disappointment.
(3)John D.
This is a good place where you can take your sister, your parents or a date. I'm going to start writing this at the top of my reviews from now on - who a place is good for that you could bring. The food is definitely tasty, the prices really aren't bad, and the atmosphere is really nice as well.
(4)Orina B.
I've been here four times but only at lunch so my review is based on that. This is a tiny little place with a nice layout -- @ 20 tables but they accommodate one person or groups. The kitchen is open and directly opposite the doorway as you enter. I'm not sure whether it's because of this or because of the lighting but the place has an "unclean" feel to it. The food has ranged from okay to excellent. The pad thai was too sweet with very little bits of chicken. The drunken noodles were better. I went in once in the mood for papaya salad and even though it wasn't a luncheon dish, the waitress suggested I could still order it. I did and that was delicous. (Maybe the secret is not ordering from the menu.) All that said, the service was fast and helpful. I'll be going back.
(4)Stephanie R.
Loved the mango curry but forgot to order it spicy. Yummy thai tea. Excellent service, modern motif makes it a bit stark compared to most Thai restaurants I've been to. Hit the Tibetan shop a few doors down beforehand for trinkets or linens.
(4)Scott M.
It looks like there are some mixed reviews about this place, but I have always appreciated that the people at Sugar & Spice are consistently friendly. That goes a long way in my book, especially since I'm not usually in the best mood after braving the Porter Square Shopping Center parking lot and/or Mass Ave. S&S is a nice place to sit down and relax with some yummy (yet, of course, not "authentic Thai") food. Oh, and they have great veggie options, and are very accommodating and aware of what "vegetarian" means. I suggest the veggie steamed gyoza and pineapple fried rice with tofu.
(4)Anna F.
The price is right and the food is stellar. Even the decor is bright, colorful and pleasant. You can get by with $25 for two at dinner time (sans dessert) which is virtually unheard of for the quality. The portions are sizable, often enough to save for later snacking.
(4)Steven M.
This place is great for Thai noodle dishes: pad thai, pad see you (which isn't on the menu, but they will serve anyway), etc. The spring rolls and triangular equivalents are always good too. I'm not so fond of the non-noodly dishes, though, but it's not like there's a shortage of restaurants in Cambridge.
(4)Cynthia S.
I've had their scallops with veggies, pad see ew, and satay and loved them! I have a few vegetarian friends who love this place too. Their red bean frozen boba drink is frozen goodness. Do yourself a favor and get it.
(4)Joanna S.
so it's not the best thai food i've ever had, but it's a decent place with a decent price. the crunchy pad thai is really sweet. i would recommend the drunken noodles instead. good place to go for lunch.
(3)L S.
This restaurant is really cute inside. The staff is very nice and the service is really great. Everyone that goes there always raves about it! I didn't really like what I ordered, but it was one of those let's try something different days and I learned my lesson.
(3)Maggie S.
I'm not big on writing reviews, but wanted to rate some deserving local favorites. Sugar & Spice is delicious, I don't think I've ever been disappointed. The interior is pretty low-key, but also nice and tastefully decorated. I usually opt for noodles, but their mango curry is fabulous.
(5)Vanessa S.
Has this place changed ownership? It used to be really good. Everything is just really spicy now with no real flavor. Friends have said the same thing.
(2)Michelle C.
I always want to write a review for sugar and spice, the service you receive there is like you owe them some money. Last time I ordered a take out, I asked them for chopsticks,and lady at front desk told it's only for dinning in. Then one day I was at the restaurant and asked for chopsticks and again the same lady told me it's only for takeout. Not going back there again.
(2)David R.
For Cambridge, this is a pretty darn good Thai restaurant in terms of both quality of food and value. The ambiance and decor are thoroughly pleasant if you choose to dine in, and the delivery is expeditious if you're feeling lazy or it's raining. The quality of the food is quite high, and anyone familiar with Thai cuisine should find it generally faithful to the flavors that one would expect. Some of the best items include the Moo Yang appetizer and the Panang curry duck. The staff is also very friendly - I once stopped in to pick up a phone order and the hostess gave me a free Thai iced tea while I waited. Give this place a shot.
(4)Kristina L.
Sugar & Spice is clean, somewhat modern, and the waiters are friendly. We were pleased that there were hooks for our jackets next to our booth...an added touch that I wish more restaurants had! The Tom Yum shrimp soup was flavorful, but watch out: it's wayyyy spicy! My nose started running within seconds of eating the first spoonful lol. The sausage appetizer was DELICIOUS and unique...I've never seen it on another Thai menu here OR in Connecticut. Either way, it was good. The Pad Thai was much better than at Chili Duck, but maybe a little skimpy on the peanut sauce? The Gra Prao chicken dish was good but not as tasty as the one at The Similans. For dessert we shared a bland Pina Colada bubble tea. I probably won't be trying their bubble tea again. I definitely wouldn't mind going back for the ambiance in a pinch, but I feel like there are so many other better options nearby for awesome Thai.
(3)Abhijeet K.
Best Thai food I have had.My favorites are Panang curry with Chicken and Chicken and basil friend rice
(5)Kelly D.
Wow! We have been coming here for years and have always enjoyed fresh well prepared food until today. All three of our favorite entrees were horrible and nothing resembled the food we are usually served. It was all bland, tastless and soggy. Not sure if there is a new chef in the kitchen but it will be a while before we go back. So sad!
(1)Little Y.
Green curry with shrimp and jasmine rice is very very delicious!!! Really authentic Thai food!
(4)C L.
I ordered pick-up, and the food was delicious (especially the Panang Curry) -- but I had to wait for 30 minutes in the restaurant after the pick-up time. I recommend giving them some lead time or calling in to make sure the food is ready before you go!
(3)Lindsay M.
I have been to this place twice and it was delicious both times. then my husband and i ordered food from them through foodler . when we got it it was all greasy, cold, and gross. we ordered coconut custard and got some weird liquid substance with chunks of taro jelly in it. the vegetables were murdered and the tofu was so hard and cold it was completely inedible. yuck. we got a full refund through foodler thankfully. but, never again. really disappointed.
(1)Susan K.
I been going to this place for years. Very consistent Thai food. Prices are very affordable. This place is never that crowded. I generally get Udon garlic noodles, but they also have a great chicken mango curry, pad Thai is good too. For apps I recommend the simply surprise, as well as the summer roll. My favorite part about this restaurant is their bubble teas. They are really bubble tea milkshakes. Yum, pina colada, mango, you can't go wrong. You must try the bubble tea. If you go in the summer time, they now have outdoor seating
(5)Divie E.
Tried this place again (on account of the short delivery time and the short term memory of last time's disaster). Requested a special order based on a food allergy, and it wasn't upheld! Luckily, I caught it before eating too much. Good prices, good delivery, but bad outcome. Will remember not to try it again!
(1)Tracy M.
I like to start with the good: the staff is always pleasant. The green salad is big and fresh. The curries are nice and if you ask for it spicy- you get it! The bad? The pad thai is greasy and salty. I could take one of these but both? No thank you. (For good pad thai, check out Lemon Thai in Somerville!)
(3)Mrs F.
My husband and I are both very picky eaters. And we both absolutely LOVE this place for casual take-out!!! The food is yummy, ingredients are fresh, portions are perfect size, and a great value. Tried other thai spots in town, so far this one is the best.
(5)L F.
Sugar & Spice is a cute, cheap place to go for Thai food. They offer a relaxing atmosphere and cheerful service. I was impressed that they had a selection of beer priced at less than $4 a bottle! (a bargain in the Boston area) I thought the food was ok. I have had tastier Thai in the past. I ordered a noodle soup with Tofu. It seemed to have an odd aftertaste. Based on the cost of the items on the menu and good service, I will definitely go back.
(3)Mansi M.
Sugar & Spice is def a cheap and descent thai place in the cambridge area. We ordered 2 soups, papaya salad and 3 dishes for $40 for 4 people which is awesome. We had ordered for delivery in central sq and the food was a little cold but i don't blame them as it was sooo cold out that day. The food wasn't bad at all We ordered: Drunken noodles - The best Excited chicken - was good and spicy Hot basil fried rice - I have had better else where Papaya salad- too lemony Based on the cost of the items on the menu and descent food i could see myself ordering again
(3)Sam S.
Pretty standard pad thai. Not great, not terrible. They paid attention to my details, though, like no green onions, which is a pretty big deal. The delivery was prompt as well!
(3)Simon L.
Sugar & Spice and all things nice. Ya know, this place is solid. Good food, good enough that I have an online account to order by simply choosing my food and hitting deliver. That's Bad for my waist. But It's always good. Delivery is on time. Wednesday night, Tom Yum soup chicken, gyoza with meat - fried, white rice, duck choo chee and chicken red curry extra spicy. Vegetables fresh and crunchy, delicious and not too thick curry sauces. Excellent coriander, cumin, chili pepper and onions with maybe some ginger. Dumplings were delicious soft with thin casing while pan fried. Love the fresh mushrooms in the tom yum soup. Perfect spiciness. I ordered the chicken red curry extra spicy, know what? It came that way, unbelievable. I swear that, for some reason, they spiced it with black pepper - it was laced throughout the dish - not sure why instead of chilies. Either way remains a staple in the rotation. I have never eaten in the actual restaurant, only delivery. Always prompt and food delicious. Order here a lot.
(3)Maria K.
best thai food in Cambridge! authentic, cheap, large portions and they recently added outdoor seating which is beautiful. all of the bubble teas, especially the honeydew and mango; they actually use real fruit for their fruity bubble teas. the service is always friendly and are very flexible when you want to substitute the proteins, or have it gluten free. sugar and spice is one of the few places that have amazing authentic thai food for a very affordable price!
(5)Madeleine H.
I have some serious respect for any restaurant that can successfully accomodate a group of ten walking in unannounced. Thai usually isn't my thing. Sugar and Spice didn't change my opinion, but I'd be lying through my teeth if I said I didn't enjoy what I ate there. The restaurant -- which couldn't have had more than 20 tables, unless there was a back room I couldn't see -- was already pretty full when we walked in. They seated us quickly and were very attentive to all of our various wishes. And the food was TASTY. Wish I could remember what I ate. Doesn't matter. It was all delicious and pretty inexpensive.
(4)bos f.
I dined here for lunch today in a group of 12. Service was prompt and attentive. Most dishes came on a single plate so there wasn't a lot of service required; however, the server contiually filled all the water glasses, and... was very accommodating (and without attitude) about providing separate checks. Really the service was superb, and the dining experienced enjoyed by all. I had yellow chicken curry and requested the dish extra spicy. The server returned to check as to whether I wanted to upgrade for (unbelievable) one dollar which provided two small spring rolls and a dumpling. Now that's pretty darn good! The curry was delicious, and you have a choice of white or brown rice, jasmine rice, or pad thai (not typically offered at other thai establishments In place of the rice and several people opted for the pad thai). If I had to identify a negative, it would be that I would like a few more vegetables in the dish. I tried the Thai Iced Tea- it was creamy and sweet. I would order the Yellow Curry again; but on next visit I might do a lunch box which is a popular choice. Lunch with tea and tip just under $15. This was my first visit, since way back when they first opened and my only experience was not great. Happy the group chose Sugar & Spice and I'll be putting it on my list when my taste buds are geared for thai.
(5)Melissa B.
By far the best Drunken Noodles I have had. The lunch specials come with way too much food for a lot less money than anywhere else, entree, salad, & appetizer. Plus, the ambiance is very nice, much better than I would expect. The bar was very nice, but I don't indulge at lunch, just brunch. I just found my new Thai fix!
(5)Michael C.
Food is solid (although a bit salty). But service is abysmal. We waited about ten minutes for the waiter to come by and take our order (even though the place was not not even close to being full). Then we waited another twenty to thirty minutes for the food to actually come. Halfway through my meal, my tea finally arrived. No one bothered to clear our plates until the very end. You might as well order take out from one of the other Thai establishments. You'd be more comfortable and it'd be much faster. The atmosphere is really nothing to rave about--a bit too dark even. Pass on this establishment until their service improves significantly.
(2)Sarah S.
Not the most amazing ever, but a good, reliable Thai place, super convenient to Porter, and pretty quick (both for sit in and pick up). I like the Drunken Noodles.
(3)Jeff M.
Pretty basic. With all the options in the basement of Lesley I do not think I will be back to Sugar & Spice.
(2)Muckenfuss V.
LATER EDIT: When I originally reviewed this place, the dishes did not seem to have enough heat. After sweating through a few curry dishes, I take that back! Sugar and Spice offers serviceable food with outstanding service and presentation, but I am not sure where the "Spice" in their name got to. I've tried most of the curries, but only the green one could not be described as "mild"; the yellow lacks any spice at all. The interior has nice decor, and a very cleanly appearance. The availability of alcohol is a nice plus over other Thai places like Pepper Sky which have better food. I will definitely go back for weeknight dinners, but I did not think that the food was anything to rave about.
(3)Chris S.
Great food. Great staff. Love this place. Not a big fan of their Pad Thai, but EVERYTHING else is *so* on-point.
(4)Erin B.
I can't believe I've never reviewed this place. I eat here all the time. The service is always great...friendly, efficient and consistent. The food quality is good as well. Favorites are drunken noodles, steamed vegetable gyoza, thai rolls, and chieng mai noodle.
(4)Edward H.
I ate here yesterday and enjoyed it. Would I go back? Hell yeah! Might even go back today. Cheap, delicious, and fast.
(5)Derek W.
You know in a part of town that caters to a bunch of spoiled fucking college kids, this place does it right. I mean don't get me wrong, I hope someday if i'm lying on the operating table that my Dr graduates at the top of his Tufts class. Sorry have to take a shot at the whole scene in Porter and Davis square area. This place is simple, the portions are good sized the food is good and the service wasn't terrible when I went as some people have commented on. Granted I went on a weekday, but my overall experience was pleasant. The place doesn't have a clean feel to it, and that's one reason I'll keep it at 3 stars, I aint saying it's dirty, but maybe it's just the decor ? Regardless you get what you paid for and the menu is super affordable. I love thai and this place didn't dissapoint at all.....
(3)S H.
I'm seriously addicted to their drunken noodles.
(4)Michaela B.
THE BEST THAI FOOD I HAVE EVER TASTED!!!!!!!!!!!! 11/10 If you love Thai food don't go anywhere but here! The food has been brought over from Thailand and made better by the extraordinary cooks who are all full Thai. This is as real as it will get in the States!!! The service was spectacular as the food came out quickly and the waiters were attentive and gave there valued suggestions. We won't forget the drinks. My kids got shredded lemon ice, made with real lemons and cherries on top. And my wife and I had red wine that was also delicious. Everything was a celebration!
(5)Jessie C.
Another restaurant i eat at regularly that I find I haven't reviewed yet. It's been awhile since i at on location here but we frequently get takeout. I normally get either the Pineapple fried rice (one of my favs!) or the Pad See Ew which is also decent but usually has too many kale (is that what it is?) stems in it? Not a bit fan of the bitter green but the noodles are good. Shoomai (sp?) is decent as well. Peanut sauce is killer. The delivery is usually faster than they say on the phone as well.
(3)Lauren A.
I used to come here a whole lot when I lived in Porter Square, mostly because you can make two meals out of their entrees. The curries are great, especially the mango curry, which they can make vegan with tofu (though I get it with the chicken). I'm a wuss when it comes to spice, but they'll make it spicier if you ask. The soups are also particularly good, as is the sticky rice with mango and fried banana desserts. Trust your server when she tells you that you probably won't like something...I thought I could handle fish paste until I had the lovely couple. Also keep in mind that the tapioca pudding is bright green and contains corn. In short, good, cheap, filling Thai food. They also do bubble tea.
(4)Chris L.
I've lived in Thailand and tried a lot of Thai places in the Boston area -- this place is this real deal! The Sukhothai noodles are amazing.
(5)Rhianna C.
I gave Sugar & Spice a try because it was on my way home from work and I had a coupon for $10 off. The experience I had there was OK. First impression: this place is WAY smaller than I thought it would be. The place was empty, so I'm not sure if they were being respectful of the fact that I was a solo diner reading some papers, but they pretty much left me alone for long periods of time-- ie, taking 15 min to come to the table after being seated, long times of no servers between courses, waiting for the check, etc. I'm willing to overlook that because I wasn't in a rush, nor was I particularly needy for anything. That being said, the staff I encountered was very nice and more than accommodating. The food was OK. I figured I'd keep it pretty basic since I wasn't sure what to expect. My appetizer was Thai Rolls, which were very delicious and I would definitely eat these again. My main course was Pad Thai and while it wasn't bad, the taste wasn't right. Same to be said for the Thai Ice Tea that I ordered-- way too sweet for my liking. If I find myself at Sugar & Spice again, I'd likely order something else. I didn't like that despite the place being empty they sat another sole diner pretty much on my lap at the table next to mine. This diner also had a server that was different from mine, but was very attentive to him. I think at one point, I had to ask his server to help find mine so I could pay my bill and get home. Overall, the place wasn't bad. I will likely go back and try again at some point, but I think I'd rather try some other places in Porter before coming back here unless I get a late-night craving for Thai Rolls.
(2)Judy L.
Food was pretty good, but service was very slow. Thanks for the tips by the other yelpers, so I followed the recommendations and ordered the mango curry. I upgraded to shrimp with $1. (I assumed it was going to be shrimps in ADDITION to the chicken, but apparently not. They just replaces the chicken with the shrimps.) The curry came with a lot of vegetables, which I love. But it does not come with rice. Rice is $1.50. For dessert, I got fried ice cream. Two flavors were available: green tea and coconut. They were gigantic and delicious. :) They packed my leftover curry in a container meant more for non-soup dishes. And in a paper bag. So obviously, my curry leaked everywhere and by the time I got back, my container only had the remaining vegetables with no more curry. Sad times. I'd check and ask for a soup-container or something next time they box my leftover for me. I'd return.
(3)Christian H.
And everything...delicious? After several visits, this place has always satisfied and hadn't ventured beyond "pretty solid" or "that place is pretty good." Until recently. Have you ever tried the lunch menu? This place makes you want to have lunch there everyday. They are sneaky like that. Offering a much more streamlined and smaller menu than the dinner selection, Sugar and Spice gives a great and satisfying dining experience. Lunch menus are great as they give the patron a snapshot and a taste of a much bigger selection being offered. The sausage appetizer was ordered first. These little guys were packed full of different flavors of delicious meat, creating a congress of comfy collectables for your eating pleasure. Three lunches were ordered. First, a salmon dish combined with a tangy sauce, AKA The Fish Story, created a delicious partnership. Not too bland or overpowering, it was super tasty. Next was the Basil Duck. This dish was cooked to a nice balance of crispiness and juiciness that purposefully caused repeat servings. Last was the Crispy Pad Thai which may or may have not been cooked with brown sugar. Whatever sweetness was added, along with nicely cooked shrimp, chicken and veggies, it was very satisfying, as it was like a party of ingredients where everyone was invited and got along just fine. Oh...And don't forget the bubble tea. The green tea, overflowing with an almost smoothy, frappey consistency was almost having a dessert, only furthering the notion that dessert before dinner is just fine. Even the atmosphere and staff is great at this place. Friendly, welcoming and above all, full of a relaxing ambiance, this place is a great restaurant in the heart of Porter Square. Sugar and Spice is everything nice, With its many Thai dishes served with rice. Many selections, either spicy or not, And the right amount of food, by no means a lot With flavors that will satisfy the buds of taste Come try a bit of everything and proceed with haste!
(5)Seth H.
My friends and I arrived and waited quite a while before the staff acknowledged our existence and asked us if we wanted a table. Strike one. But once we were seated they were quite friendly. Unfortunately throughout the evening they didn't check in on us enough and didn't scan the room to see if anyone needed assistance. There were a few times when I felt like I needed a flare to get our waitresses attention as my arm waiving wasn't working. A big negative in my book. Buuuuut, the food was delicious so I'd 100% go back with the hope that the service will improve.
(3)Sean J.
Sugar and Spice is one of the few restaurants I have been to recently where the food they serve you actually looks like the picture in the menu. I ordered the "Excited Chicken", which was not as spicy as advertised, but came in a delicious and crunchy bread bowl which definitely made the meal. The servers were very friendly and the service was swift. I would absolutely go back as I want to try their duck.
(4)Molly C.
Not usually super crowded, which is nice compared with some of the restaurants in Davis. Cool decor. Some of their dishes are great, some are mediocre, and I once ordered a dish that smelled like wet dog, hence the three stars. It's very hit-or-miss; I recommend any of their curries or soups... the pad thai is mediocre (if you've got a craving it'll satisfy, but definitely not a slam dunk). On the plus side, you can place an order online, and they're generally very friendly and prompt with service. And the flower boxes outside are so cute! I walk by this place every day on the way home from work and those flowers always put me in a better mood.
(3)Ana R.
I came here for a quick dinner and stayed for several hours. The Thai Iced Tea was just like I remember it from when I lived in Seattle and drank some every day. I had the meat gyoza and coconut soup - both delicious, though the soup was a lot sweeter than I remember it. My friend had the pad thai and the portion was huge. Prices were ok, and so was the service. We did stay a long time without hassle, which was nice.
(4)Jamie G.
I have been craving Pad Thai like crazy the last few days, so I dropped by to grab dinner to go. Man, am I disappointed. I've had other dishes by them and enjoyed them well enough, but their Pad Thai is the blandest iteration of this dish that I've ever had. If you go to S&S, order something other than the Pad Thai.
(3)Anthony C.
I used to go to a TaeKwondo School in the area and after class I would always head over to Sugar and Spice. First of all the get the Thai rolls. They are so delicious! I get them every time are $4.50. Entrées such as the noodle dishes are around 8 bucks and they give you a lot of food and are tasty. For desert I recommend either the Lychee on ice or Longan on ice. Both are Asian fruits which are naturally juicy and sweet. This one of the few places I know that actually have fruit for desert! The service is friendly, attentive and the waitresses cute. Overall if your're ever over in Porter Square definitely head over there. The food is made with Sugar & Spice and everything nice!
(4)J. L.
I have been here twice. the first time I got food o go and it was decent so I went back. The second time was not good. I found a bug in my water...enough said.
(1)Audrey C.
Not bad- decent Thai food, but not the best I've had.
(3)A C.
I've eaten at this restaurant for years. I must say it has gone down from what it used to be a few years ago. Passing by the kitchen to use the restaurant the cooks are mexican. They use so much sauce that a stir fry is always gooey and way too salty. I used to love an appetizer of a thinly sliced lightly grilled pork/beef pieces, but the last time I had it I simply could not finish, it was so salty my tongue could fall out. The drunken noodle is usually a safe bet in any Thai restaurant, but the quality has been very inconsistent lately. One week it would be ok, the next week it would be horrible. The rice noodle would be all crumbly and laced with fish sauce goo... The duck rice though has been surprisingly pleasant. One thing I do like, which ties me back to them on week day lunches is the online ordering, it's a breeze and I can pay with credit card. If it wasn't for this feature I would be going there much less.
(3)Dinara E.
Very yummy! The soup was good, as were the curries. The appetizers were also delicious. This place is a must. I wish I remember what I had, but I do remember that the place was fun and I had a lot of good food with my friends.
(4)Adam A.
Sugar & Spice makes me so sad. The service is nonchalant at best, and everything I've had from here is somewhere between bland and "saved from being bland only by being flavored with way too much of one thing" (sugar, soy sauce, or some kind of sweet sauce like old style New England sugary "duck sauce"). The drunken noodles were gummy and strangely sweet. Basil chicken was similarly overcooked, and bland. The "lovely couple" had overcooked chicken, in a sauce that basically just tasted like unadulterated soy sauce. In fact, it was so unappealing that when they took it away mostly untouched, I actually commented that it was very overcooked and it seemed like there had been a mistake with the amount of soy sauce. I rarely, if ever, complain about anything in a restaurant, and this reminded me why- they shrugged and dropped the bill on the table, no apology or further questions. After that, what had been perfunctory service became non-existent. It's like we ceased to exist, and they avoided all eye contact and the entire side of the dining room that we were on. No water refill, no queries about whether we wanted dessert. Luckily, Rod Dee is across the street, and slightly closer to our house! I can't say that all their food is great, but everything I've had there is miles better than the three things I tried at Sugar & Spice.
(1)Jenn B.
The food was delicious! I had the Pad Thai Country Style and I devoured the whole plate. I also had the Thai beer singha which I realllly enjoyed. My date had the drunken noodle which he said was really good! The place was small inside and the decor kind of dindgy, but the staff was really friendly and nice. The prices were great, my dish was only 7.95! I will defiantely be returning! I would give the place a 4.5/5 but thats not really a choice...
(4)GN P.
The night starts off by me standing at the front desk starring at a woman starring at her desk for about 3 minutes. Not once did she even look at me to help our party be seated. I basically had to open my mouth and say "So should I sit myself anywhere?" First impression, oh boy, I hope it gets better than this. This particular day was about 95 outside and very humid/muggy. The front door was wide open letting it all in and there are not ceiling fans and the A/C was shut off. It was extremely hot in there and I asked if they could turn the A/C on. They spoke barely any English and all I could understand was the a/c was shut off a couple of hours ago. So I proceeded to fan myself with my menu that I refused to give up to the waitress. My party of four was seated at a small booth. The tallest person in my party was me and I'm 5' 7". Everyone's knees where touching the person seated across from them. quite uncomfortable. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best I've ever had either. Wait staff was tentative and prices were reasonable. Atmosphere was hip Overall, between the heat, lack of a greeting, seating arrangements and lack of making the customer comfortable, there just too many cons than pros to go back there again. Next!
(2)Becky T.
I think this is officially my favorite Thai place in Cambridge. Went there the other night and loved the drunken noodles, pad Thai, salmon dish with spicy sauce (I forget the name, but you could get spicy or ginger and we got the spicy version) and tofu green curry. The noodles melted in your mouth and had wonderful flavor. The only minor criticism is the appetizer we ordered might have been the wrong dish. We ordered veggie dumplings and got the scallion pancake (I think). It was rather greasy and kind of small pieces for the price. The only other thing is that the plates for the curry and salmon were an awkward size -- big, long rectangles -- so it was a little hard to move the plates around the table to share dishes. Food was delicious overall and it has a nice ambiance! I will definitely be going there again.
(5)Dana H.
This place has really fresh food. I took two out-of-town Asian foodies here and they gave it the thumbs up too. I love that they have an online ordering system, which makes take out super easy. The yum woon sen and the pork and fishball soup are excellent.
(4)Tiff D.
Online delivery is awesome. No minimum $. But 45 mins? :-/ (I live 1/4 mile away!) Country Style Pad Thai. Extra Spicy. Large portion. Very flavorful chicken. Well cooked noodles. Not greasy sauce. BUT...not spicy AT ALL. I thought country pad thai was spicy?? And I did ask for it EXTRA SPICY. Overall, very good. Could use more heat and more peanuts.
(3)Katie H.
The staff is always nice, and the inside looks clean and pretty. The food is decent, but the pad thai is a little greasy. There are better Thai places in Cambridge, but there are also much worse. My stomach feels fine after eating here, which is more than can be said about other Thai restaurants in the area.
(3)Jiyea C.
3.5 stars. Three housemates and I came to Sugar & Spice around 8pm on a Saturday night. About 1/3 of the tables were empty and we were relieved because it was getting a little late (we like to eat early) and wanted to eat without having to wait too long. We were seated promptly at a large table in the corner and were soon ready to order but we had to flag down a server for quite some time before our order was taken.They were very obliging in answering our very many questions and making the substitutes that my housemates wanted (noodles instead of rice, shrimp instead of chicken, etc). We skipped appetizers and went straight to entrees. I had the purple fried rice because I wanted to try the shrimp paste, and it was indeed very shrimpy and a tad on the salty side. I also thought the chicken would be mixed in the rice but it was separate and coated in a sweet sauce that was pretty good. I got to try the lovely couple and the hot basil fried rice. Both were very good, though I think the fried rice should have been spicier. I usually can't finish an entire dish when I order at a restaurant, but because I wasn't hungrier than usual and i was able to eat everything, I think the portions are a little smaller than normal. I love Thai dessert and so of course we had to have some. We decided to share the fried bananas and I was disappointed! All the fried bananas that I have tried were made with bananas tossed in batter and fried. However, this place rolls them in wrappers so they're like banana egg rolls! Disappointing! And service was pretty slow throughout the entire evening. Eh. Still, I love Thai and this place wasn't terrible. I'd come back.
(3)Su R.
Sometimes I realize i haven't yet written a review of a place I love, as is the case here. Sugar and Spice is close to my home, reasonably priced, decorated lovely and the staff is attentive. My favorite dishes are the Lovely Couple and the Crying Tiger, and dessert wise, the fried bananas are to die for. It's not a huge place, but I've never had a problem getting seated. Trying to beat the dinner crowd is probably wise if you dont have a reservation. You get plenty of food here as well.
(5)Jolene S.
Only okay: better Thai options in Boston. The country pad thai tastes good (not great) and comes in a reasonable portion (for ~$10 incl. tax + tip). But little flies turned me off. This place was highly recommended by Porter Sq/Somerville folks. Don't think I'd risk it again though.
(3)Sarah W.
I've tried a few times to give this place a chance, but I'm giving up. We had the fresh rolls which were small, and completely bland. Then I got the pad thai. On the menu it comes as shrimp and chicken but I'm a vegetarian so they said they would do veggies and tofu. What I received were 2 small pieces of tufu and one piece or broccoli along with a small amount of shredded carrots. A table nearby had the dish which included many pieces of chicken and 4-5 shrimp. We nicely voiced our disappointment only to be told the manager was not on site and didn't offer anything else, even a small plate of veggies and tofu to add would have been great. Aside from all that the sauce was gross and soaked into noodles. This place is not authentic or freshThai food at all.
(1)Holly S.
Delish Papaya salad! Also the GAO chicken dish was sooooo tasty, one downfall, pad thai tasted like just Lo mein :( so sad! The staff was attentive, a little too much if u ask me. But they were nice enough for sure! I'd go back but probably not for pad thai
(4)Roxie D.
There are no words for how delicious the food is here. Every time I go in here, they are able to accommodate my myriad of food allergies and requests, there is rarely a wait, their food is incredibly fresh and well prepared, and there are tons of healthy options. Everything is awesome, but my faves are: Crying Tiger Veggie Tofu Soup Drunken Noodles Basil Fried Rice The Fresh Garden Rolls are soooooo good, they will make you weep Their delivery is absolutely incredible, too. Super fast, always accurate- and the one time the driver forgot something, I told him it wasn't a big deal and that I'd happily take an IOU for the next time I was in there. It was raining and I insisted he not worry about it- but 15 minutes later he'd driven all the way back to my place with the rest of my order :-) Love, love, love this restaurant!
(5)John O.
Tom Yum soup with beef and vegetables on a cold day. Nuf said.
(4)Kyung Yeol S.
best of best thai foods ever!!!!!!!!
(5)Anne W.
I've eaten here a couple times and I'll say that it's okay. I recently got the Pad Thai and was really disappointed though. I liked the option of having chicken and shrimp, but the dish was dry and the shrimp was unbelievably horrible: dry, tasteless and way overcooked. And it was a Friday night so I figured they'd at least have fresher ingredients for a busy weekend. If you're doing a price comparison, Rod Dee across the street is cheaper (about $0.50 on average), but they have pretty bad Pad Thai too. Go with a curry dish as those seem to be better.
(3)Molly N.
I don't get all the super positive reviews--my trip here was very disappointing. All three of us eating had very, very subpar food. I believe that we had lemongrass chicken, mango chicken, and chicken massaman curry. All were bland, too sweet, and not very authentic. Also, my boyfriend specifically ordered his extra extra hot, and it didn't taste hot to even my very heat-sensitive grandmother. The rice that came with the dishes was dry and overdone. The music in the place was the radio, which I found odd for a place that tries in decor to be less casual than that. Finally, the food came out really awkwardly--two dishes at once, then the third about ten minutes later--considering we weren't eating family style. Meh.
(2)Marissa A.
Definitely hit the spot. My friend and I went for lunch. I ordered the mango curry with brown rice - I wanted something on the sweeter side and it was definitely the right choice. Plus the prices are so reasonable. Service was pretty good - but what does it take to refill water? But overall, a delicious experience.
(4)Kristen M.
Mmmm love love love the food here. Specifically anything that says CURRY (mango, red, yellow WHATEVER), I have had like 3 curry things and they have all been good. I also love a place that will basically substitute whatever type of meat/meat substitute you are thinking, so I put fried tofu on everything. Also all the appetizers are amazingly fried. I don't exactly remember which I have had but they have all involved something veggi and something friend. I DID get a funny look when I asked for a wine menu (noted: not that type of place). I have since learned to just call out a general type of wine, and it gets the job done. Man just writing this review makes me hungry.
(4)Paula J.
Sugar & Spice is my default choice for Thai food. Not only because the food is tasty and the service is nice, but also because it's the closest thai restaurant from where I live... I like the yellow curry and red curry; the country style pad thai; and chiang mai noodle.... drunken noodle is also good.
(4)K P.
This place was disappointing. The dishes were inauthentic and the menu failed to explain the dishes properly. I ordered the excited chicken and it was served to me beneath a stale and super-fried piece of bread. Also the portions were small and I felt like the waitress was trying to get me to pay extra to put more vegetables in my dish. Overall, i did not enjoy the food or the experience. I don't plan on going back.
(2)Anthony R.
Pretty good Thai food served in a cool space for good prices. I can personally vouch for the tastiness of the drunken noodles and country style pad thai -- and of the several times I've been here nobody's ever been underwhelmed by the food. The caveat: service can be slow at times - I was there for lunch earlier today and the waitress was alarmingly slow to respond while I had to get back to work - but if you're not in a rush and want some good Thai eats for short money, Sugar & Spice is a good bet.
(3)Cy N.
I made reservations the same day for a causal birthday dinner with 6 friends at 8pm the place is very casual. It was a mix of dates, groups of friends and i think i saw a family They sat us down right away. The service was great and pretty fast. Our waiter was very attentive. The food was good but nothing amazing and the portions were a good size. The restaurant was lively the entire time and it was clean. Id come back again. :)
(3)Kelly M.
Hot and spicy; the only thing that could make it better is if were available via text and delivered to my office downtown via telepathy. Until then I will have to deal with just being happy with sugar & spice via takeout or a quick dinner date in the neighborhood. (spicy Thai basil; Awesome, if not totally authentic)
(4)Thomas S.
Delicious, enjoyable, and cheap. I really like this place. I have no complaints. The food is good and reasonably priced and the service is excellent. (They also have a cash discount.) I always get the drunken noodles, which hits the spot. I've tried some other menu items, which are solid, but don't quite tick all the boxes.
(5)Maia C.
It was better this time. I guess I just got the wrong thing last time. Sorry I dont remember what it was. Or what I got this last time I went. The bubble teas are yummy, I would go there just for that if I ever have cash on me. That is one the major negatives... they only take debit cards after $10. That is a bit high. Who uses cash.. grr.
(3)Calli C.
The interior is much posher than the quality of food, which would be best suited to a take-out/delivery, linoleum tables and floors, paper napkins kind of place. We shared the fried tofu appetizer, which was more soggy than crisp, and so was difficult to pick up and to soak in the great peanut sauce that accompanies it. The pineapple fried rice needed to be drowned in soy sauce and ginger to give it flavor, but the Bangkok noodles were juicy and delish, with a good amount of tender beef. Great place to bring kids for dinner apparently, as we had at least four children under the age of ten sitting the tables next to us. Unfortunately, I like my Thai food without a side of tantrum. Service was relatively quick but pretty distant and uninterested, and we had to flag them down for hot sauce several times because they forgot the first time we asked. Moral of the story- Bring the kids! Or just order take-out.
(3)nana t.
Yes please and thank you. This place hits the spot. I've gotten delivery and I've eaten at the restaurant - both great experiences! Country style pad thai is an A+. Seriously delish! Drunken noodles also a home run. The eggplant & chicken, not so much. The sauce was tasty, but the veggies were non-plus and I was hoping for those soft saucy eggplant pieces but without luck. The prices are reasonable and the food is good. I love thai food and I love this place.
(4)Sean B.
I practice Tae kwon Do nearby, and have frequented S&S often. It's my Porter Square mainstay. I know I'll get a sizable, tasty dinner for cheap - $10-12 typically. Every now and then a drink order might get mixed up, or I might get white rice instead of brown rice, but if i was upset by something like that, I have bigger problems. I recommend the curry and seafood dishes - the seafood is probably the most expensive thing on the menu, but it's in the $10-15 range, which is probably the low end of most dinner places anywhere in the area!
(4)Em C.
Between three and four stars- four stars for the avocado curry that costs $6.70 at lunchtime... three stars for the same dish that costs $11.70 for the same portion at dinner. No matter what they say, this place stays open because it's one of the best restaurants in Porter- affordable, consistently decent, and a local favorite. Hey, it's easier than cooking!
(4)Spicy T.
I have eaten here before and thought so highly of this place prior to moving west coast. I thought I would never find another place as good as the Thai food here. Well, I was wrong. We ordered the following: Tom Yum soup, vegetable drunken noodles, crispy chicken, and sweet mango rice. The starter and main course was just OK. However, dessert was subpar- the sweet rice was underdone and not soft as it should have been. Since it's been a few years, I speculate there has been a change in the cooking staff? The waitstaff was friendly, but slow with handling the check. And soft drinks are 1.95 with no refills. And rice does not come with the meal, you have to order it separately. Not very generous.
(3)Jason F.
surprising huge portions, and pretty tasty as well. i got the cashew chicken rice dish, and for 8 bucks i could bring home enough leftovers for lunch too. overall the staff was nice, and i would come back if i was in the area.
(4)Holly S.
I live close to Sugar & Spice so I dearly want to like it but I just don't and I have tried it 3 times. The first time, I went in for lunch and ordered the lunch size chicken pad thai. It was average but for the lunch price of $6.25 I was fine with it. = half fail I went in a few weeks later with my husband. He ordered the dinner size chicken pad thai that comes with shrimp and chicken. He had approximately 4-5 tiny bits of chicken and 1 1/2 small shrimp for $7.95. I ordered the same thing but didn't want any shrimp so I asked to have the shrimp substituted for more chicken. I got approximately 6-7 tiny bits of chicken. Basically it was a large plate of noodles. The overall taste was average- not great but certainly not bad. I just felt ripped off. We also ordered a summer roll appetizer for $5.50 that was filled with lettuce and a grand total of 3 tiny shrimp between the 2 rolls. = complete fail On the third and final visit, I went in and ordered a summer roll appetizer to go. Having been scammed already but desperately craving summer rolls, I asked them to add an extra order of shrimp for an extra $1 (normal lunch price is $4.95). I got a grand total of 4 tiny shrimp between the 2 rolls. Really? I know this place is off Mass Ave and their rent must be expensive but I think that when you explicitly pay extra for additional shrimp, you should get more than 1 additional tiny shrimp. = complete fail 2 1/2 fails out of 3 is not good enough for me. All in all, the food is average tasting and the prices are relatively cheap (for being off mass ave) but you will end up with a plate of noodles and iceberg lettuce and even I can make that at home. I'll be crossing the street and going to the other thai place from now on.
(2)Jillian Y.
Having ordered from this place a number of times at work, I knew what I was getting into food-wise: middle-of-the-road greasy Thai food at a great price. Thus, upon hitting up the restaurant for the first time, I was even more pleased to learn that they also serve beer and at the perfect price: $3.95 a glass for Kirin or Sapporo (no Chang, sadly). And in a tall glass, too, just the way I like it. I've had the pad thai (3 greasy stars), the virgin garden (4 delightful ones), and the avocado and mango curries (4 each). I've also tasted some apps, and all are a solid 3 stars. The best thing about Sugar and Spice, of course, is the price: $8 for a heaping plate of whatever it is you're having, which for me equals out to about two meals. The price is right.
(3)Mister Chub S.
I want to like Sugar and Spice, I do, but every time I get delivery I'm very disappointed. I got delivery the other day and the pad thai was greasy and bland and the drunken noodles were also very greasy and overdone. Strike 1 and 2. The tofu cashew dish was tasty and had lots of veggies and nuts and the mango curry was very good- definitely my favorite dish of the night. The curry was slightly spicy with a mild curry flavor and had chunks of ripe mango and lots of veggies. If you can eat at the restaurant, do it. It's nice inside and the food always tastes much better than when I get delivery.
(3)Jessica B.
I can't believe this place only has 3.5 stars! It actually inspired me to start a yelp account today! (Something I've been wanting to do for a while) So yes, me and my boyfriend get delivery and take out from this spot about once a week and are NEVER disappointed! Top Items: Crying Tiger- grilled beef with sticky rice. Amazingly moist, melts in your mouth and the homemade sauce that comes with it gives it just the right amount of kick! Starts our meal off right every time! Drunken Noodle- a personal favorite, and this place does it right! (I like to add shrimp, personal preference) Pad Thai Country Style- the spicy version of Pad Thai but not too spicy, love it. Mango Curry- AMAZING! tried it for the first time last night. The mango was so full of flavor. The curry had a lil kick but not too much. I hear extra spicy is good as well. These are my favorites but we've tried new things there and are never disappointed. I do recommend pick up over delivery. Pick up in 15 minutes or delivery in 45. So, I guess this depends on how hungry you are!
(5)Lindsay C.
Nom Nom Nom!!! I LOVE Sugar & Spice! So good! And can you say it enough...Super Cheap! Their curries are flavorful, their veggies are fresh and their bubble teas are yummy. Whenever I get a craving for Thai and don't mind battling the Cambridge traffic, bikers and walkers...this is my place!
(5)Hubert H.
A real hit in north Cambridge area. Simply and plainly decorated, this establishment serves honest Thai food with minimal frills, at prices lower than what you might typically expect in these parts of town. I started with the Thai Surprise (or was it something else Surprise?), essentially a crepe with curried chicken wrapped inside. While the crepe and chicken didn't fuse together as well texturally as I would have liked, the flavors were solid, and the crepe itself was fun to eat. I then moved to the pad thai which was, true to name, balanced flavorfully between spicy and sugary, but not too much of one or the other. There are other curiosities on the menu that I look forward to trying.
(5)Scott J.
I found this gem of a Thai restaurant courtesy of friends who lived in Porter Square. I like it so much that I've even eaten there alone and sometimes contemplate going to Porter just for lunch. My recommendation: Drunken Noodles. Ask for them extra spicy, if you're into that. I hear the bubble teas are good, too. I've never had a bad meal there. The servers are friendly and unassuming, they make the food fast, and it's a great location right near the Red Line and Commuter Rail.
(4)Liz B.
I wasn't expecting much and those expectations were blown away. The food, especially for the price, was really good. About $3-4 less than my usual go to Thai spot, the food was pretty comparable (though my dining partner said he could have done with a few more bites of chicken in his curry). We started with the Tom Yum soup which I would skip the next time. It was overly spiced a little oily and just had some chicken and a couple of thinly sliced mushrooms. Then again, what was I expecting for $2.95? For dinner I had steamed veggies and tofu with a unrecognizable but rather yummy sauce. Good variety of vegetables but the portion could have been a bit larger. The serving of veggies in the Masraman (same price as mine) was about 50% more. Eh, not a biggie. There was more than enough wait staff for the rather slow Saturday night assuring that our water glasses were always full. Dinner took a little while to get out but it looked like they were doing a steady takeout business so that's most likely why. Good value, good food, good selection.
(4)Lauren L.
I ordered their yellow curry for dinner one night and after carefully eating half I had the rest packed up (planning to eat the leftovers for lunch the next day). But on the walk home, all I could think about was the curry sitting in its styrofoam cage, calling out to me, whispering dirty things in my ear. I couldn't resist its siren song and once I got home, promptly zapped the leftovers in the microwave and ate all the remaining curry and rice, leaving me bloated, too full and somewhat gross feeling. BUT IT WAS WORTH IT. I dream about their yellow curry. This $8 curry is the one I think of when I crave curry. It's flavorful, rich (but not too oily), coconutty, full of veggies and chicken, and with just enough heat to add some interest. Everything else I've tried on the menu has been perfectly serviceable and tasty, but nothing compares to their yellow curry. When I'm in the mood for a noodle dish, I like their Drunken Noodles (spicy) and Pad See Yu (not spicy). Their drinks and appetizers are okay, nothing terribly special and I'd recommend staying away from the Asian fusion-y dishes like shumai, XO sauce and meat, etc. I've had both delivery from Sugar & Spice and also eaten in the restaurant and found both experiences to be worth repeating. The waitstaff is perfectly nice, prices are reasonable, delivery arrives fresh and hot, and the interior of the restaurant is clean and moderately hip. Moral of the story: go here and eat yellow curry, you can thank me later.
(4)Diego M.
We had this for takeout and this may be the reason why it was subpar. my biggest complaint is that for thai food which is known for having complex flavors this food was very bland. The curry had no heat or any other flavor I could tell. One of the appetizers we had rated a 3 out of 5 chiles, I would have thought .25 chiles at best. In short, bland flavorless food. but the mango sticky rice was very good!
(2)Griffin J.
Good thai and great value. Only had take-out, though, so can't speak to the dining experience.
(4)Heather G.
stopped by for a last-minute meal with my boyfriend on the way to a party. Despite the fact that it was saturday night, they were able to accomodate us with no problem. The decor is laid back and casual, and it seemed like a popular place for friends to meet up and have a long meal. The ambiance could be described as "buzzing", as it was not loud, though there was consistent background noise of people chatting. As it was a very cold night, the waitress came by right away with water and steaming cups of delicious tea. The menu is extensive enough that there was a choice for every craving, but not so overwhelming that it had many pages of different types of asian food (a la Chilli Duck). The fare is standard thai, but though the prices are the same as takeout-thai, the quality of the food was a notch better, a good value in my book! Had the mango curry with chicken, and although it wasn't spicy (at all), it came out piping hot and the portion was large. It could have been two meals had we not been on our way to a party, so in the essence of not wasting food or toting around a takeout container all night, i stuffed it all in and was uncomfortably full afterwards (my own fault!). The chunks of mango were abundant, fresh (definitely weren't using the frozen bagged stuff), and ripe, and the chicken was good quality. They loaded the dish with fresh veggies and I was a happy girl. My dining companion got the thai country fried rice, which was a bit spicier than my dish was, but still not as spicy as we're used to with this type of dish. His rice was a bit mushy as well, and perhaps we just mis-ordered on this one. I will be back to try the avocado curry, for sure!
(4)Sarah G.
I absolutely love Sugar and Spice. Here's why: 1. VERY cheap...$5.95 for a lunch special! Super delicious!! They also have lots of coupons....I know that there's one on the back of Shaw's receipts (Shaw's is very close to Sugar and Spice)...I think that this specific coupon saves like $2 or so. 2. Very T-accessible...I don't have a car in Boston and it's literally just off the T. Take the T to Porter Square and walk in the direction towards Arlington (not Harvard). You'll pass Shaw's and Dunkin Donuts and then you're right there. 3. The place is, well, cute! It's nice and cozy. Just a great place to catch up with friends! 4. I absolutely love their yellow chicken curry. Super delicious!!!!
(5)Charlotte H.
Great service and great food! Perfect for group outings because the portions are large enough to share. The crispy chicken Thai rolls are awesome. I would advise that if you are ordering multiple dishes to share, ensure that the dishes sound different enough. Last time I was there, we ordered two beef dishes and the sauces tasted VERY similar. Lunch prices are really good.
(4)Logan J.
for me, thai food is pretty difficult to mess up. if the flavors are all there, im pretty satisfied. this place gets a little higher rating though because they offer some other options that some places dont--like avocado curry, which is actually really tasty. the place isnt anything to write home about regarding atmosphere but its a place that ive been back too many times because it is consistently good.
(4)Esther W.
My review is solely for the two dishes I always get here: Chiang Mai Noodles (Khao Soi) and the Papaya Salad (Som Tam). Both of these are the best I have had in the Thai restaurants I have been to in the Boston area. Actually, most Thai restaurants don't even have Khao Soi and when they do, it just tastes like plain yellow curry with noodles dumped in. But this one is the perfect combo of spices/curry/coconut milk, good consistency (not too thick, not too watery), perfectly cooked egg noodles (with crispy egg noodles on top), tender chicken and it's a HUGE portion so you can make it into two meals. I went to Chiang Mai over the summer and tasted several bowls of this dish and Sugar and Spice definitely come closest to the real deal. Other friends who have eaten this in Thailand also agree! And the same goes for the Papaya Salad. The sauce is fantastic without being too fishy and has the perfect kick of spiciness. It's so flavorful... yum! Again, it's the most authentic I've had in the area. I have tasted other folks' dishes here as well and honestly wasn't as impressed as I was with these two, which are my favorites and the only things I order here. So I can't speak to the rest of the food or the authenticity of it all, but I can definitely vouch for the khao soi and som tam! Go eat it! And wash it all down with a Singha.
(4)Igor L.
Sugar & Spice may be not bad restaurant. BUT their delivery servies is Terrible! It seems like they delivered food to my from Thailand! They sad it will be at time but it was late for 1 hour and 47 minutes and as a result food was cold! I will NEVER call them again!
(1)Tina K.
I always order from Sugar & Spice when I need a quick dinner, or in the mood for good Thai food. I usually get chicken Pad Thai or Drunken noodles or basil fried rice! I order take out and they give a pretty good portion of food--most of the time I can only finish half of the portion and save the other half for lunch the next day! If you want good, quick Thai food, and you're in the Porter Square area, this is the place to go!
(4)james t.
Yay! I'm a fan is right. Not everything is amazing but they do a fantastic chicken noodle soup (which is amazing spicy) and their steamed shumai is great! My fiance has had their drunken noodle which she also likes very much. They have my phone/address on file as well as credit card number. This is a great time saver and makes for an easy phone call. I haven't had everything on the menu but what I have had I've enjoyed very much.
(4)Desirae C.
Food is great. Decor is unique and fun. Staff are usually attentive (although you will sometimes spot them giggling together at an empty booth if business is slow). What makes this place 4 stars instead of 3 for me is the price for the quality of the food. It's very reasonable considering it's right in Porter square and close to the T. Lunch is an even better deal. If you're into Pad Thai - it's a great dish here. However, the crispy pad thai's noodles are wider and greasier than I prefer.
(4)Zinah A.
This is probably my favorite Thai restaurant. Always consisten, yummy and affordable food. I particular love the simple surprise super delicious. The crispy chicken basil, and drunken noodles, the best I have ever had. Again, consistency in food, service and ambiance! Great deal!
(5)Emily O.
I just moved back home to New York, and I shed a small tear every time I think of Sugar and Spice. Yes, it is THAT GOOD, and no, I haven't yet found a replacement yet (so sad!) Tom Yum is fabulously spicy, filled with mushroom chunks. The Papaya salad is also spicy, and a healthy but delicious starter. Chicken satay is a great appetizer, and the peanut sauce is wonderful. For my dumpling fans, try the shumai or meat gyoza. You won't be disappointed. My absolute favorite dish, the Sugar and Spice noodles, has superb flavor and nice texture. During our once-weekly visits, my boyfriend and I would fight over who got to order it. Pineapple fried rice is delicious and filled with surprises. Shrimp, pineapple chunks (canned! I know, but it's O.K.), and cayenne powder are responsible for the great flavor. Dip a spoonful in the sweet sauce. Smoothies are quite rich and decadent. There is a durian smoothie for the brave. Don't forget to add bubbles.
(5)Marc L.
We ate here while visiting our college-age children. Our group was 7 people, and we dined at around 9 PM on a Friday night. The place was pretty full when we arrived, and we basically shut down the place, nobody there when we left. Food and service were excellent. We had eaten Thai the previous evening in Cambridge (9 Tastes) and liked Sugar & Spice better, and it is slightly less expensive here. Fresh, original interesting menu choices, plenty of vegetarian choices.
(4)Kelly K.
I placed an order today to be delivered at 12:15 for a lunch meeting. The meeting started and ended before the food arrived at 1:00. This was my first time ordering lunch from Sugar & Spice for my business and unfortunately I think it will also be my last.
(1)Kacy K.
I have eaten here so, so many times since moving to Greater Boston in January. For one, it's ridiculously close to my office and on my way home. For two, you can order online (takeout for lunch!). For three, they're speedy and cheap. For four, I've never gotten a bad meal here. The garlic udon noodles are my favorite thing on the menu-hands down. Followed by the Rad Na Flat Noodles. I like noodles, and these are always perfectly done-not slippery, not gummy, just right and not overwhelmed with excessive sauce (sorry-may have ruined some appetites right there with my lurid noodle descriptions.) I should note, however, that the Mee Grob Rad Na surprised me. "Crispy noodles" do not so closely resemble noodles, but are more like fried wonton strips. This menu item was not bad at all-just-well-a better concept than reality, I think. And the crispy duck here-UNBELIEVABLE. I was thinking of Sugar and Spice's crispy duck as I contemplated what my last meal on earth would be. It is just that delightful. If you like duck, of course.
(5)Min L.
I'm sorry but there are just so many better places to go for Thai food in a one-mile radius (e.g. across the street). I have to agree with the person who said it's kind of like the Thai-version of greasy chinese food. The hot basil fried rice was bland and greasy (and not spicy at all). The crispy noodles on the Mee Grob Rad Na were not noodles but rather more like fried wonton sticks so we ended up scooping all the toppings over the basil fried rice & ditching the wonton sticks. It was a sad meal.
(2)James L.
I have tried many Thai restaurants over the years and I didn't think any Thai place would replace my beloved Thai Taste Too, located in North Dartmouth, MA. Thai Taste Too has an official competitor now! Located a quarter of a mile from the Porter Square T-station in Cambridge, Sugar and Spice doesn't look like your average cultural Thai restaurant like you would expect. No paintings and old Thai dolls placed in and around the restaurant. When you first walk in, you will notice vibrant colors and a greeting from two or more people who works there. Service is great. I came in around 2:30pm with my girlfriend on a Saturday afternoon, lunch is served till 3:00pm. Not pushy at all and they will give you time to think about what you want to order. Through out the meal they requested is we would like some more water in a polite manor and asked us about the food quality, twice. Curry - We order the Mango curry (lunch $6.25). A sweet and spicy concoction. Normally, I would not order fruit flavored foods unless they were for drinks or deserts. I was shocked and amazed by it's flavor. Sweet and savory, with a perfect portion of green peppers, red peppers, unions, and mango served with rice on a elegant plate. This dish is well worth the try and would be a great starters dish for people who are new to Thai curry cuisine. Noodle - Pad Thai, Rich with flavor, the noodle portion was very generous and the piece of chicken is just at the right proportion (not large or tiny). Lunch meal for this dish is $6.25. There was a lack of peanuts in this dish compared to most Pad Thai's that I have tried, though that is no reason to dumb down the score for this dish. Rice - Ordered the Hot Basil Fried Rice dish (lunch $6.25). At first glance, this dish is huge for a lunch meal. The rice is served with two slices of cucumbers, two pieces of large shrimp and a tiny bowl of some sort of duck sauce. The sauce is not necessary, if you want to try the authentic flavor of this culture, then drop the sauce. The rice is perfectly seasoned with the correct amount of basil flavor and has a stunning aroma. The vegetables are not over cooked and has a crunch to their texture. This place is highly recommended for all who wish to dive into Thai cuisine for the first time. This is also a place for veterans of Thai food (this is my 8th place).
(5)Lauren M.
I've never updated a review before, but I really have to. Am I the only one who has noticed the food quality going downhill? At the very least, they have started stuffing their spring rolls and veggie dumplings with some sort of unidentifiable vegetable-like matter instead of fresh vegetables. Honestly, it's gross. I used to love this place (hence the previous five star review), and the drunken noodles with tofu are still decent so I don't want to dock more than two stars, but the bad appetizers are unacceptable.
(3)Tamas S.
Meh. The shrimp in the chili shrimp is awesome. The rest is okay. Ambiance is good, but not cozy which is fine for a restaurant such as this. A friend and i sat at the first booth on the right and it was drafty. Service was pretty good. Friend asked for Pad Thai with no fish sauce but reported to me that it tasted "fishy". I think for the price i could get better Thai food someplace else.
(3)Angie G.
I enjoyed the food here but wasn't terribly impressed. I felt the space was incredibly crowded and the service was surprisingly slow. I'd still go back and give them a second try, but like I said, I just wasn't terribly impressed by the service or space.
(3)Erin M.
I like Sugar and Spice as a relaxed place to meet with friends for dinner. If you are lucky you will get one of the round booths, which are very nice for conversation. I've been here many times and have never been disappointed with the food. I agree with other reviews that it is fairly standard Thai fare... which I find delicious. Last night I had the Avocado Curry, which had very nice ripe avocados on it and good spices. Also, I had enough for two more meals left over! This means it's very affordable to go here. Food comes fast as well. The waitresses (we had at least three) were a little strange and one of them kept tripping and nearly spilled some soup on my friend. However, I figure the service is on par with most restaurants of this price level, so it doesn't bother me. One of the best dinner options in Porter, for sure.
(4)Christina M.
I've had a good relationship with Sugar & Spice for many years now. The staff is so friendly, the place itself has cool ambience, and the food is really yummy. Plus, if you go for lunch, the prices are ridiculously cheap. My favorite dishes are the Tom Kar soup, avocado curry, mango curry, yellow curry, pad thai, and house fried rice. I've also tried some of their specialty drinks (i.e.: Thai iced tea), and desserts (i.e.: fried ice cream), and I've never been disappointed. I've had good Thai food at other restaurants, but I keep coming back here because it's my favorite!
(4)Te R.
we went to sugar and spice for a friend's bd party. i ordered a thai dish that i missed. three-flavored fish. it was supposed to be fried whole or half fish and sauce made of fresh chili and fish sauce and thai spices. but what i got was fish as in fish and chips and the sauce as in sweet chili sauce that you can find in a supermarket. ok i put aside and tasted it. it was ... bad. the fish seemed like a frozen fish and chips and the sauce was way too sweet. then we ordered the fried icecream, and it was also bad. the crust didn't stay with the icecream, and the icecream didn't seem like it was homemade as advertised in the menu. sigh... other people on my table seemed to be happy about what they got though... oh the decor was pretty good though, but i don't really care about that.
(2)Julia C.
i went to boarding school that was located near the thailand border, and enjoyed a large selection of authentic thai, as well as indian food where i went to high school. so i am oh so horrendously picky and snotty (to the annoyance of many friends) about curry that even after three years' diligent searching i still refused to acknowledge any curry that was deemed to be good enough. this was until i tried sugar and spice's mango curry with chicken at an event at my school that S&S catered. this is the only curry in america that i crave. mmmm. this is what i crave after a long day's work. the other great curry love that i have in the united states is the green chicken curry at the pad thai restaurant in waterville, ME. so totally worth the trip :P
(5)Erich W.
Best Thai in Cambridge/Somerville area, hands down. That said, they can be a little inconsistent dish by dish. So we stick with their consistently good staples: Chieng Mai Noodle * Avocado Curry * Massaman Curry Drunken Noodles * the very best items
(4)Anne W.
This is a pretty decent place for Thai food. The tom yum soup was good. I've had better pad thai than the country pad thai... the drunken noodles are pretty good though. Service is solid. I think it's a nice for casual get togethers. Unfortunately, I think the place looks like a bit of a chain. I am not so much of a fan of the bubble tea. I don't think they use fresh fruit.. it seems more like ice cream shake to me.
(3)Peter A.
It is only 2 minutes from the Porter T stop. The food was excellent; I had the chicken mango curry and my fiancee had pad thai. They were both good, but there was a lot more of the mango curry (enough for two people). The prices are very reasonable for a Thai restaurant in Boston. We did order their california rolls (not the right name, but something like that) and they are essentially a bunch of iceberg lettuce. Probably not worth 5 bucks.
(4)L M.
Yum. I was craving Thai when the family and I were staying in Boston, this place was pretty close to our hotel and it had a charming look so we decided to check it out, glad we did. It was pretty good! The servers were very friendly, the prices were reasonable and the Thai iced tea was very genuine and fresh. The food took quite a while to come out, and the place was far from packed, it was a little salty and slightly lacking on spices, but overall it was very good. I give them a 4 star because of slow service (could have just been an off day) and over salting.
(4)James B.
Sugar and Spice.. This place is all about the Thai, and believe me, the Thai is GOOD!! As always, my go to dish was the Drunken Noodles, HMMMMMM-HMMMM-Good! My wifey, went for the Pad Thai, and was in mid-gastrogasm the entire time.. Mass Ave, Sugar and Spice, yes, go there.
(5)Imran G.
Its Sunday night, Memorial Day weekend, and my wife and I are starving. We've got a Thai food craving and we're in Porter Square. A Tale of Two Thai Restaurants. One has patio seating on a beautiful Sunday evening, the other doesn't... What a delightful evening featuring a breezy sunset coupled with some flavorful and well-spiced Thai food. My wife ordered the green curry with beef, and I went with something that I use as a benchmark for thai restaurants, drunken chicken noodles. I'll start with the benchmark, drunken chicken noodles with extra chicken ($2 extra). For me, it was a bit too sweet, but I suppose we are at "Sugar and Spice". In retrospect, I could have asked for it to be more spicy, so I won't take away too much from that. I asked for some hot sauce and that patched things up a bit. Still, the food was a bit cold when I got it, but other than that the flavors are all there and the chicken doesn't have the weird texture that most Thai restaurants have. The real eye opener though was the green curry chicken. Its not something I generally like, and when my wife wants to order curries at Thai restaurants I'm not particularly excited. See, I'm Indian, and I tend to like curries the Indian way. But, this green curry was something else. It had a really unique flavor with a delayed heat that is quite difficult to describe. I'll probably have to make another trip to figure it out, but this dish alone makes the place worthy of a return. Service was great. There's a particular Thai restaurant in Central Square that we used to frequent that didn't have great service. Hence, I'm a little apprehensive of Thai places. To my surprise though, our water was topped off frequently enough to keep our spiced tongues in check. We didn't have to wait too long for anything, and the servers were fairly attentive. If my drunken noodles were warmer or slightly spicier, then it'd be a perfect 5-stars.
(4)Lisa B.
Wow! First time here. Visiting from California but I'm a native Bostonian. This place is amazing. Everything was fresh, well seasoned and creatively Plated. Awesome service. Will come back again!
(5)Bonnie C.
Sugar & Spice is probably one the few Thai restaurants that I actually like because they have really good pad see ew. It was pretty empty when I came here and the restaurant is super spacious. So I got here and the waitress was seating us at a booth, but I noticed there were circle booths that looked really cool and asked her if we can sit there. With annoyance, she was like "no" and rolled her eyes at me. I was so caught off guard by this. Ok, I know it's annoying when customers requests where they want to sit because I am a hostess myself, but it's only annoying if they request to sit elsewhere AFTER you've seated them. But we were just walking to our table and asked. This waitress was rude to us throughout our entire meal. In fact, she ended up asking another waitress so serve us because she made it pretty obvious that she didn't like us. We were seated at a booth across from the cashier and noticed her talking to another waitress and looking at us with dirty looks. I am not even exaggerating. At this point, I wasn't even bothered by her because I am only here to enjoy my lunch with my girlfriends. So here's my point: THE SERVICE IS AWFUL HERE. It's not going to stop me from coming back though because my pad see ew with duck was SO good. I think it's definitely one of the best pad see ews I have ever had. My friends ordered a bento box and it was really good too. I can't wait to be back for the food. However, if service continues to be crappy, I definitely won't be back. So 3 stars for the food and 0 stars for the service.
(3)Fancypants X.
4.25 stars Consistently well-made & comforting Thai dishes makes Sugar & Spice one of my favorite Asian restaurants in Cambridge. I wasn't much for Thai food before finding this Porter a square eatery, but now I've gone through half the menu & love the strong, spicy flavors of the cuisine. I've tried: -- sticky rice & mango: best I've had! I think I've ordered this dessert every single time I've visited. -- tom yum soup: salty, sour, spicy, & satisfying -- crispy basil chicken: lightly fried, plenty of basil -- gra prao chicken: amazing chili sauce -- excited chicken: tender chicken breast, veggies, & a bit of crunch from cashews. Presented in a crisp, puffed shell -- crispy pad thai: probably my least favorite item I've tried, but still better than the pad Thai I've had in SF -- sticky rice: love the tiny bamboo container -- Thai rolls: nice & crispy Lovely outdoor seating for when the weather's cooperative. Wait staff tend to leave customers alone after delivering food to the table (most likely because half of the patrons are students doing homework), but they're lingering about, just make eye contact should you need anything!
(4)Gary C.
I knew we were in trouble when we sat down and the order telephone kept ringing and nobody picked it up. Babies screaming, old Madonna tune on the scratchy speaker, mismatched chairs, worn off table top, flies buzzing across my face. Then the order came. Went from bad to worse. If a Thai restaurant can't do Pad Thai, then everything else is suspect. This restaurant can't do Pad Thai. It was covered in a sickly sweet sauce. Two shrimp. Correct, two. I think there might have been some chicken but it was cleverly disguised as shoe leather so I can't be sure. I think the majority of the good reviews come from students who have been living on pizza for two years and all of a sudden realize they can't eat another slice. Thai food to the rescue.
(1)Kevin J.
Food: 3.5 Stars Service: 3.5 Stars We came for dinner in the summer. The place has interesting decor, they have a very lighthearted atmosphere outside and also patio seating when the weather is good. I ordered the Hor Mok and my girlfriend ordered the Pad Kee Mao with veggies. First thing to note is that portions are huge for certain dishes, particularly for the noodle dishes. My girlfriend definitely liked her Pad Kee Mao, it had a hint of spice, used a variety of vegetables which she liked and it was very filling. So the Hor Mok was described in the menu as basically a rice dish within a coconut. I wasn't expected a super fresh coconut or anything, but I was hoping that there would be a lot of flavor inside the rice at least. Unfortunately, I felt the rice was really quite bland and there was no coconut flavor in it. Also when looking at the sides of the coconut on the inside, they were purple! I wasn't impressed. Though service wasn't terrible, we found the servers wouldn't really go around to check on the guests, they would just congregate around the cashier. It's probably one of the better thai places around porter square but I'd probably have to recommend Rod Dee over Sugar and Spice.
(4)Thunderwoman R.
My 1st and only visit to this restaurant. I actually got sick afterwards. Also the waitress asked me after my meal "Did you leave a tip?" She also had the nerve to ask me how much did I leave her!!!!! Not going there ever again. Nice atmosphere is what attracted me in the first place I like their outdoor and seating area. BTW scroll down reviews and read Bonnie's review. I agree with her service is awful!
(1)Vivian C.
Sugar & Spice is located the next block over from Yume Wo Katare, a super-short walk over from the Porter Square T stop. They are located on a corner and have taken over the edge of the sidewalk for their own outdoor patio seating. Given the current season, they've thrown themselves all in, and have decorated their dining space with pumpkins and skulls to herald the approach of Halloween. Eager to please, they came by several times to take our order before we were quite ready. Finally though we were all there and we had decided, and we thus started with the Crab Rangoon $6.95, which arrived 5 bundles to an order, hot and crisp and cheesy. I opted for the Thai Iced Tea $2.95, which was a nice cooling treat. Though a bit disappointing in presentation (what purple???), the Purple Fried Rice $10.95 Thai fried rice with shrimp paste, chicken, shredded mango, and egg turned out to be rather tasty and soft. Pad See You $9.95 (Flat rice noodles, chicken, egg and mixed vegetables) was as good as expected. The Panang Curry $11.95 pork requested mild (Richer, sweeter,creamier, and more full of herbs than the red or green curry) was too hot for my taste, yet came with a cooling side salad. Virgin Garden $9.95 (Flavorful steamed or fried tofu with mixed vegetables) with a 50 cent brown rice surcharge, was a melange of crisp vegetables. Tastewise, however, my votes went to the noodle dish and the Purple rice. As we were dining family style, we played Tetris with the entree plates, which though interestingly shaped, were heavy and difficult to fit in the remaining table space. Lesson learned - If you want something mild, don't order the Penang curry; their base is already spicy, so it can't be made truly mild.
(4)Janet H.
Sugar. Spice. And everything nice. These were the ingredients chosen to create the perfect Thai dish. But the restaurant accidentally added TOO MUCH of an EXTRA INGREDIENT to the concoction.... PEPPERS. In my attempt to make this review "punny," the food here was pretty good, although a bit too spicy for my liking. My go-to Thai dish always Pad Thai (so white washed, I know) and green curry. I noticed the green curry was labeled with 3 red chili peppers indicating how spicy it is... so I requested to make it milder. But man, with one bite, my mouth was on FIRE! Luckily, I had a thai iced tea to alleviate the S&M spice, but whew! Felt like the devil was in my mouth. I ended up not eating close to half of the green curry because I couldn't handle it. Not sure if it's related, but a few hours later, I broke out in some rashes/hives on my neck... which has never happened to me. Is it possibly from the food being too spicy? Coincidence? Anyway, I highly recommend the pad thai. It's on the sweeter side, which I like. What makes Thai food so delicious for me is its adventurous combination of salty, spicy, and sweetness. The pad thai had a pretty good balance of those three flavors. The green curry, on the hand, was questionable. Too spicy for me, even when I requested less spice! The thai iced tea was a nice surprise -- it was more like an icee, which is pretty neat. A bit too sweet for my liking, though. 3.5 stars.
(3)Andrew Q.
I came to Sugar & Spice at a weird hour (think 3pm) for snacks, hoping to stay hungry enough for dinner. Big mistake. Every bite I ate of my Thai rolls made my mouth water. I wanted to order an entree and just pig out. The real plus of this place is how unique-tasting their dishes are. I've had way too many generic-tasting Thai meals to the point where they all blend together, almost like Chinese fast-food joints. I can remember the flavor at Sugar & Spice. It's worth noting that the restaurant was on the small side and awkwardly laid out in addition. While I haven't experienced it myself, I can imagine there being a wait here.
(4)Tuli S.
The food is pretty good/consistent here. The first time I came I ordered the Hor Mok. It was served in a whole coconut with an orchid on top :). I loved the presentation! Inside the coconut was a curry with salmon and lots of veggie with rice on the side. My friend ordered the country style pad thai (I haven't seen it on the online menu lately). I LOVED the pad thai. Most places don't have the country style pad thai on the menu so every time I visited since 2011/2012 I've ordered it. I haven't been back this year so I'm not sure if they still have it. Service was good and it's cheap. ^_^
(4)Steve X.
This place hits the spot. I mean just look at the name. Literally the right amount of Sugar and Spice, and everything nice. My taste glands water thinking about this place. I'm in no way from thailand and know about thai food, but I know what good food is. This place has super great rice dishes. I definitely recommend the Basil Fried Rice or the Pork Belly with Rice. I mean just about every dish has it's own unique taste, and you will be craving more after you finish. The only reason is because the portions are quite small for the price. That's the only critique id give because you will not be very full. But the food here, definitely some of the best dishes i've had, the rice is flawless.
(4)Karis O.
I highly suggest just ordering a bunch of stuff and sharing with whoever you're with because the food is really that great! You'll want to try as many dishes as possible. Crispy fried duck, prepare to battle your friends Hunger Games style for this stuff. Totally crispy and terrible for your body. The texture in my opinion needs a little getting used to, it's really chewy. But you'll get there, plus the special sauce is really good. Purple Fried Rice. There's like, one purple thing on there so the name threw me off. However, sidenote, do NOT eat the tiny red pepper things as they may or may not burn your mouth off. But there's shredded mango so that kind of makes up for it. Chicken Udon Noodle with basil. Hall-ay-loo-yah. Highly recommend this one!
(4)Alexander S.
This place is great! Love the drunken noodle and the spring rolls. I order delivery and go to the restaurant and it is great either way. Service is good. One of my favorite Thai places. Literally cannot eat drunken noodles at other restaurants because it is never as good. Highly recommend!
(5)April M.
It's the best Thai restaurant in Boston. The favor is really same as Thailand. I love this place. If you want to try real Thai food or flavor, you must to come to Sugar and Spices!!!!
(5)Seokyeong L.
It is real Thai food!!!!!!!!!!! I like this place the most! The owner is kind and food is amazing :)
(5)Holly W.
Amazing service. amazing Thai. New bubble tea is amazing Sammy was so pleasant at the front and gave me new tea to try while I waited :)
(5)Matt L.
They have a pretty nice Thai Ice Tea here. Other things which are good are the curries, and the noddles. In general, it can be a little bit pricy, but the ambiance of the restaurant is quite nice, and the delivery staff is always great.
(4)Katie M.
I went here once the other night and really enjoyed my experience! I have a habit of ordering pad see you at thai restaurants as a baseline judge since it's one of my favorite dishes, and it was excellent here! We also had a summer roll appetizer and it was very refreshing in the hot weather. Most of the entrees were $8-10, and they did have a drink menu. Overall paid around $19 for a shared appetizer, an entree, and a beer. The outdoor seating area is very nice - they have nice little string lights over the tables and small wooden dividers covered in plants to separate the dining area from Mass Ave. Would definitely go again!
(5)Rachel R.
Came in with a friend tonight when we weren't willing to wait in the bitter cold for Yume wo Katare and was pleasantly surprised! We split an order of the delightfully-named Royal Triangles, which were crispy pockets of rice noodle stuffed with chicken and veggies. They were perfectly fried and crunchy, if a bit poor on the filling-to-crispy-noodle ratio. I then tried the Moo Ma Now, "Thai-style fried pork" with cabbage, rice, and a spicy sauce made from hot peppers and ngoc cham. The pork was nice and crispy, almost like a katsu, and there was a generous portion of rice. The ngoc cham sauce was a little--funky? in terms of smell, and not like any ngoc cham-based sauce i've ever tried, so there may have been another ingredient I'm not super-familiar with, but it tasted wonderful! My friend had a tofu noodle soup that I didn't try, but it looked delicious as well and she ate the whole thing. The restaurant is small and very cute, with colorful walls and place settings. Service was prompt and friendly. I'll definitely be back!
(4)Shirley E.
The food is great! Why only 3 stars? Bcz the service is terrible and if you're not melanin deficient it's out right rude. I love their food so I simply call in and pick up for takeout bcz almost every time I've sat down to dine in the staff ignores me or 'forgets' things I ask for but tends to the table next to me. "Why give them your money and continue to order?" You may ask... Bcz the prices are decent, the food is great, and the bubble tea is YUM!
(3)Adam L.
What can I say, this place is probably one of the better thai restaurants in Boston/Cambridge area. I suggest getting the basil fried rice. You will not be disappointed with this choice. Not only do they give you a pretty good portion size, but its also one of tastiest basil fried rice i've had at a thai restaurant. All my friends got their own dishes, but kept on eating mine because it was that good. The rice is cooked at perfection with just enough flavoring. To make your experience even better, i suggest getting the crispy fried pork belly on top of the basil fried rice. The Crispy pork belly is crispy enough to wear it doesn't taste like an uncooked meat. It also taste very fresh. I guarantee that you will love this combination. I will definitely have to come back for the other things on the menu because they seem like they know how cook Thai food.
(4)Chelly S.
Great food for a very reasonable price near Harvard law. The Bento box had all sorts of good stuff. The katsu chicken was great. My husband's seafood five spice soup was awesome.
(5)Rachel L.
Came here for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. Found this place on Yelp, the pictures looked appetizing so off we came. We started with the flat noodles wrapping lettuce, meat and other things. Advertised as a whooping 3 chili symbol; but it disappointly not spicy at all. Not even a kick to it. My date got the Tom Yum soup. It looked really good and he seemed to have enjoyed it. I got the fish story, salmon with crispy eggplant with a teepee of rice. It was good, really wish the food was more spicy but regardless, it was good. Perhaps the next time we come, we'll try the spice aspect of the name.
(3)Christine P.
I hope today was an off day for these folks. In the past I've had good experiences but this time, not so much. My friend asked if she could get a curry dish with mild spice and the waiter said yes. What came out was so spicy she had to send it back. The second batch was only slightly milder. Meanwhile, my dish was dripping in oil, and I had to ask twice for the crispy roll/triangle combo. To top it off, we ordered from the lunch menu but were charged dinner prices. (This was at noon.) With other great Thai places just a block away, it will be a while before I visit Sugar & Spice again.
(2)Nicole B.
Sugar & Spice is a sweet Thai restaurant with a pleasant outdoor patio. I recommend eating outside during the warmer months since there are flower boxes surrounding the tables, umbrellas for shade, and fun colored light bulbs for nighttime. I ordered a green tea bubble tea that came out different than I expected. I thought it would be milky tea, but it was more of a frozen smoothy consistency. Generally my bubble tea was fine, but my boyfriend's had bits of ice within, making the drink not so enjoyable. My spicy eggplant dish with tofu was decent, but it could have had more heat. The "fish story" dish was huge and came with a healthy sized piece of salmon, fried eggplant, and salad. Overall, this is a good spot for a casual meal.
(3)Derek B.
Went here for a lunch. Got the 3 chili pepper appetizer fully expecting to be crying and sweating. It had no spice to it. My date also got a 2 chili pepper "a fish story" and asked for extra spicy. Not remotely spicy. Maybe extra spicy was heard as X the spicy. Accidents happen. Had the Tom yum soup. It was really really good. Still no spice to it. I will have to return to get the spice part of the name I guess.
(3)Bethany K.
I love this place! Great service and the good is amazing! I've had several dishes. Their curries are great. The prices are low!
(5)Mary D.
Pad Thai was good. The Thai rolls were your run of the mill frozen and then fried spring roll. They didn't seem homemade. Thai ice tea was good. Fried honey bananas were okay. Service was slow but friendly. I might come back for pad Thai. Whole experience was OK.
(3)Meryam B.
I came to Sugar & Spice for a solo lunch the first day I moved to Boston. I ordered off of the lunch specials menu (which had decent prices across the board) and got the "Virgin's Paradise" (or something creepy like that) which was basically stir fried veggies and soft tofu with brown rice. I thought the meal was okay in the taste and quality department, but nothing to write home about. I sat inside the restaurant though it did have outdoor seating on the sidewalk. The service was nice and the establishment (including the bathroom) seemed well kept.
(3)Marjorie S.
Food is delicious!! I love their chicken Cashewnuts and PadThai. Price is excellent!!! Service is really good. The only low point is that it ts not a very clean place...
(5)Kiki P.
FOOD: 3 STARS SERVICE: 4 STARS VALUE: 5 STARS Sugar and Spice is a Thai restaurant located right in the center of Porter Square. It is easily accessible and there is a decent amount of street parking available. I dined at this restaurant with a large party of about 18 people. It can be tough and frustrating to accommodate such a big group and the staff at Sugar and Spice did an excellent job keeping us all happy. When we arrived our table was ready and we were seated. It was a big long table which took up half of the dining room. The ambiance was nice and not too loud. We were able to have conversations comfortably without having to yell across the room. Drinks: They have boba tea/bubble tea which is rare for a nice restaurant. I have actually never seen boba at dine-in restaurants before. I had fresh squeezed lemonade with boba which was pretty tasty. The boba itself was okay and a little bit too mushy/overcooked. Appetizers: Somtum-Papaya Salad: shredded green papaya, carrots, tomatoes and shrimp tossed in chili lime and crushed nuts. The papaya salad was pretty good and reasonably priced. I hate which places charge $10-12 for a simple salad. Veggie Dumplings: These were not what I expected them to be. I thought they would have been served as your standard steamed dumplings. However they were mini circles of veggies. I would have preferred the regular steamed ones but these were not bad. My suggestion is to rename this dish because the name can be misleading. Shumai: Steamed shrimp dumpling. This is exactly what I think of when I picture a dumpling! Dinner: Drunken noodles: flat noodles with chicken and vegetables in hot basil sauce. The drunken noodles were a little disappointing. They were average. I was surprised that this is the most "popular" dish on the menu. Spicy hot basil fried rice: stir fried-rice with chicken, peppers, carrots, onions and basil leaves. This is a standard dish which I order at every Thai restaurant. This makes it easier for me to directly compare restaurants. I rate this dish 3 out of 5 stars. It had a pleasant flavor and aroma, but was not spicy at all. Thai chili is what really gives fried-rice a lovely authentic flavor, which was missing in this dish. Perhaps I should have asked for this dish to be extra spicy...maybe next time! Overall, I had a wonderful experience at Sugar and Spice. The food is average about 3 stars but the service is great. The VALUE is amazing with reasonable and affordable prices. For that reason, I would probably return here if I was in the Porter Square area.
(4)Roxana W.
I used to like this restaurant many years ago and there food is quite good. I always order chicken pad thai. Unfortunately, last month I feel like I was completely conned out of my money. I went to this restaurant with my coworkers (7 of us in total) and this time ordered Chicken AND Shrimp pad thai. The waitress brings my plate of food and there is LITERALLY ONE SHRIMP in the pad thai. LITERALLY.ONE. I asked her if she told the chef that I had asked for chicken AND shrimp pad thai, and she said yes, that's what you have. I asked her why there was only ONE shrimp, and she said she would go ask the chef. She comes back 2 mins later and says that the Chef told her it was a large shrimp (It wasn't. It was NOT a jumbo shrimp that you see stuffed with something in a fancy restaurant, it was medium sized, if that). Since he put a "large" shrimp in my pad thai, it only comes with one. REALLY?!?! So I paid for ONE SHRIMP in my chicken AND shrimp pad thai? They charge you EXTRA for the ONE SHRIMP. DO NOT ORDER SHRIMP WITH YOUR PAD THAI. Instead, throw your money out the window. Thumbs down.
(2)Emily V.
I really wanted to like this place. It was one of my first meals in Boston since the move, and it came recommended. My mom and I were there on a weekend night. We all know weekends can be busy, but we got in right away. A nice patio spot. It is a very cute patio: lights, plants, right on Mass Ave. My major complaint is with the wait time for our food. We got very simple dishes (green curry, pad thai) and waited for almost an hour. It was busy, but not packed as I had expected. What was worse, they brought out my entree almost 15 minutes before my mother's. That's just poor timing and awkward for everyone. As far as the food itself, it was mediocre. The curry was pretty good. Spicy, maybe overly so. The small salad that came with it was pitiful. The greens were wilted and it had no flavor. Maybe I should give it one more shot. But, I was not impressed.
(2)Hrishi D.
Great food! Great service! Really good authentic Thai cuisine. Recommended - must try
(5)Sara B.
Delicious food, quick and friendly service. Tons of menu options without it being overwhelming. I'm a big fan of the massaman curry with chicken and also the chicken cashew dish! Lovely outdoor dining option on a nice day.
(5)Less H.
Delicious. I was really happy with my Country Style Pad Thai, which is basically pad Thai with some heat. It wasn't too hot but just right for my weak North-Eastern palate. My friends were also very happy with their food. Price is inline with most of the Thai places I've been to, that is to say for about $10 you can get enough food for 2 or to have dinner and then breakfast the next AM. (If you are like me, your leftovers become breakfast.) If you go for the higher priced food you'll find large steaming bowls of spicy and sweet soup for around $15. These bowls are enough to feed 2 or to leave you uncomfortably full and rolling to the train. In short: delicious, tasty Thai food that will leave you full for not a lot of hurt in the wallet.
(4)Aly L.
I really did not enjoy my pad thai, and I have never disliked any pad thai before. The noodles were a bizarre texture and it was generally lacking in flavor. I was incredibly disappointed.
(2)Mike F.
Love this place! Go there often. Can be busy Fri and Sat night so we go early. Nice service and great food!
(5)Claire G.
This is a great place to come and sit outside during the summer or warmer weather. They have really cute outdoor seating with pretty lights, which is great for people watching. Besides the location and ambiance, I also like their food. I ordered the Chicken Cashew Nuts. It came with a balanced amount of chicken, vegetables, and rice. It was really flavorful and I felt like I was eating a healthy dish because it was not greasy at all. I've also previously ordered the Chicken Pad Thai, which was average compared to other places I've been. Overall, I'm a fan and will definitely be back on nice summer nights to dine outdoors.
(4)Michele H.
Food is good--I ordered the papaya salad and the Tom yum soup. The salad was crisp and refreshing, and the soup was very nicely spiced. My boyfriend's crispy noodles were the envy of all at the table. $5.75 glasses of Cabernet aren't bad at all. I'd almost give this pace a 3.5 for service, as we had reservations for 14, and one of our tables was still occupied by another party for a good 25 minutes past our start time. That aside, our server was attentive and helpful, and you can't beat sipping wine and eating papaya salad outside on a summer night.
(4)Matt Q.
Sugar & Spice is close to one of my friend's place and we've come to rely on this place for a Thai dinner option that's a little nicer ambiance than Rod Dee across the street. Their Purple Fried Rice often gets ordered around the table. It has a wonderful mix of flavors both sweet and salty. The Pad See You is also great for those who like thick flat noodle dishes. If you like curry, I would also recommend their Panang Curry, which creamy, flavorful, and often tempts you to wipe your plate clean. If you're looking for some solid Thai food, at a decent price point, with a location that's comfortable for a sit down meal, this is the place for you.
(4)Noah P.
This place is the best Thai around. Had the drunken noodles with chicken and it was very good.. miso soup was average. . Spring rolls were great. Nice atmosphere. Highly recommended
(5)Court S.
My mom ordered dinner here and I was going out for dinner but I had a few bites of her takeout. Coconut bubble tea- 5 stars! So amazing. Can double as a dessert. Crab bites- 5 stars. Super tasty. Veggie spring rolls- 5 stars. Very good with sweet sauce. Everything was great.
(4)Kayley P.
A friend and I popped in yesterday to have a quick meal. It was a lovely spring day and we sat outside. They really have paid attention to detail and have made the outside seating area feel like a retreat even thought it was on a busy street (and across from a construction site). The service was fast, the wait staff were just so sweet and kind. The food was delicious and definitely enough to fill you up. Reasonable prices and a great ambiance. I will be back!
(4)Pia J.
The food came out quite quick, was so fresh & yummy. The flavors were very authentic. I recommend the crispy basil chicken, pineapple fried rice, massaman curry, Pork belly appetizer, spicy Shrimp salad. Polite, nice staff & Prices were very reasonable too. I plan to eat here often when I'm in the area for sure. Been here 3 more times on our trips to Boston, same great flavors every time. Love it.
(4)O K.
Don't get take out or delivery- they half ass their to go orders (food is cold, dried out, not flavored the same as if sitting), and the people taking orders over the phone are incredibly rude. The delivery time has always taken over an hour so not really worth it. Better off dining in if anything. Their pad se ew is pretty decent.
(3)Emily S.
Love this place. The Drunken Noodles are the best!
(4)Esss E.
Attention Sugar & Spice Owners: It is April 22. That means it is time to take the Christmas ornaments and brown pine boughs out of your falling apart window boxes. I haven't eaten there since November, but I hope your food is fresher and better looking!
(3)Zhichun Y.
This place is really good around Porter Square. Food here is really good and in large portion. The drunken noodle is great and so as the bubble tea smoothies. I have tried the green tea and mango ones and they are so good. Will definitely come back!
(4)Tyler P.
Sugar and Spice in Porter Square is a great find. It has a really great atmosphere (I'm excited to check out the outdoor seating when it gets warm). The portions were good sized. We got three dishes and a couple orders of rice for four people and that was just the right amount. The drunken noodles, yellow curry, and excited chicken were all good choices!
(4)Irina N.
Living in Brookline, I don't get out much to Porter Sq area but dinner with a friend brought us to Sugar & Spice. First of all, I loved the atmosphere and funky design, color and accessories of the place. Made me feel welcome and gave me a feel of being in Cambridge (or how cool I picture Cambridge to be). We ordered steamed shumai and that left us satisfied. The beer is $3.95 which is also very affordable comparing to Boston. However, the lost stars are due to my pad tai being soo sweet and soo sticky that I honestly didn't know if I could finish it. and here I thought, how could I go wrong with that! Two shrimp and not as much chicken as I was hoping for didn't help the situation. My friend ordered "drunken noodle" which has gotten great reviews and he seemed happy with it, although it was a bit spicy for his taste. I believe there were marks next to it indicating it but I suppose everyone's ability to handle spicy varies. We were approached to see if we were finished before we were. And we were never approached to see how everything was. It is unfortunate but the service was a little lacking. It was good to catch up with my friend whom i haven't seen in a while but now that I think about it, it was actually a long time before we were approached to order way in the beginning too. I would come again and try more dishes due to the funky space and good apps, affordable beer and high reviews.
(3)Ronald J.
I so luv Thai food, It's my first time in Boston and luckily I found the right one. Spicy beef with basil is so good. It's delicious and have that perfect spicy Thai flavor. Staff is courteous too!! Nice little cozy place! price is reasonable!
(4)Sofia G.
The BEST Thai food I've ever had! I don't go to any other Thai places since I tried Sugar&Spice. Personally recommendation: Gyozas, Royal Triangles, Crab Ragu, Drunken Noodles & Chicken Mango Curry.
(5)Annie W.
i love rod dee. i love rod dee so much that i felt that going across the street to sugar and spice with a friend tonight felt like cheating on rod dee. don't worry, rod dee. i still love you. even if i have tasted your friend as well. sugar and spice is totally different from rod dee. rod dee's menu has about 10398023742953479782913 menu items, with about 20 more daily specials (am i lying? go there and find out) and little a la carte dessert and appetizer items sitting on the counter in case you weren't already drooling. but it is cash only. so have cash or use their ATM, mmk? sugar and spice takes cards and has maybe 50 items on its menu. the mainstays are there. the curries, the rad nah, the drunken noodles, some noodle soups. the restaurant smelled wonderful walking in. this is a sit down place, unlike the uber casual rod dee with no real waiter service (at rod dee, they help, they just don't wait on you, but you don't need that do you). the price point is similar, if not slightly more on some items (~$10-15/entree). i had their (jungle curry equivalent, i think), which was written into the menu as a 3 chilis coconut-free south thai curry, which was nice and spicy, and heavy on the chicken (it's cool, i ordered chicken, i just like more vegetables, too) -- but unlike other places at which i've had jungle curry, the curry is usually a lot more watery and goes over rice like a broth and EvilEvilEvil. this curry didn't kill me but my eyes watered a lot, which is okay because i'd just sweated my brains out (guess where?) nearby so why not carry on through the other orifices. it was tasty. the plate was awesome. super narrow super table-long entree plate with a wee bit of salad, some rice, and some entree. i told my friend, that's it, i'm sending all my plates to goodwill and buying only those from now on. my roommates will throw a fit. yes. i'm kidding. when i am. so sugar and spice, you're cool. stuff looks, tastes, and smells authentic (which is a lot to say given so many purported thai offerings in the area). when i don't have cash, i can turn to you. but rod dee still has my heart.
(4)Jennifer N.
Been coming here for about two years..this place is by far one of my top 5 restaurants! Servers are insanely nice. Anything you order, you will love! Royal triangle, chicken satay, Thai eggrolls, Tom yum soup all serves as delicious appetizers that you should definitely consider ordering (most of the time I would order all!!) then for the main course, get anything! I tried a lot & none has yet to fail my expectation. Very casual & clean place as well. As for desert, I love the coconut icecream (I'm simply a coconut fan) but the others are really good too like the coconut sticky rice with mangos and Fried bananas. Taro & coconut are both my favorite bubble tea, simply delicious!
(5)Chelsea W.
One thing I really like about this restaurant is how ridiculously fast the food comes out of the kitchen. I've gone twice, and the orders have arrived within 5-6 min which is crazy. Tried the pad thai and udon stir fry which were good. Portions were big too, and priced pretty well. Would stop by again.
(4)Jennifer L.
I really like this place. It was my first time today and I ordered the Purple Fried Rice. The chicken was juicy and the fried rice was delicious. The Thai iced tea was great as well! I definitely want to come back to try the other dishes! The price is also very reasonable :)
(5)Jasmine B.
Great restaurant with even better prices, especially for the serving size and quality. Vegetables are always fresh and tender. I've never had a bad meal here. Definitely try the chicken mango curry paired with a frozen bubble tea (I recommend the Thai iced tea). Don't be afraid to try something different, everything is fantastic!
(5)Jane S.
My friend and I ordered the Steamed Shrimp Shumai ($4.95) appetizer to start. We got 7 pieces of really dry shumai that tasted like one of those frozen shumai you get from Costco. The fillings were pretty much absent and it was mostly the outer skin. The shumai was also bland and tasteless, even when it was literally dunked in the soy sauce. Our first entree was Gra Prao Chicken, ($9.95) spicy minced chicken in chili sauce. There was a bed of greasy, chili oil underneath which freaked me out a little. The white rice tasted a bit undercooked, and I couldn't really taste the chicken because it was minced so small. I would have liked more spices. The Pad Thai ($8.95), or stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, chicken, egg, peanuts, bean sprouts and scallions, is a must-dish at a Thai restaurant. The pad thai was sweeter than other pad thai I have had (indeed it reflects the name of the restaurant well!). There were only three medium-sized shrimps and bits of chicken. Usually the ground peanuts are served on the side, but this restaurant had it all mixed in the noodle already
(2)Bella A.
I went here last Saturday evening with a friend that has been here a few times. For my first time coming here it could have been better. First off my glass of water was dirty with green stuff stuck to it so I asked for another. Secondly, my utensils were dirty so I quickly asked for some new ones. I ordered the drucken noodles which was amazing until I found hair on my piece of chicken. I told our server and she immediately apologized and gave me a whole new order. Despite all that happen that day, I will give them another try. Their customer service was great and the food was good as well. It could have been an off day for them.
(3)Reetika J.
Went here for late lunch on a warm sunny day. They have great outdoor seating which is mostly why we picked them. Beer at $3.95 is pretty reasonable, and the food was really flavorful and authentic Thai. I recommend the pineapple fried rice, crispy basil chicken and moo yang BBQ pork. Great service too, very accommodating staff. Can't wait to try something else here!
(4)Henry Z.
had team lunch there, ordered the crispy salmon noodle, good taste and nice ambiance. Will come back to try more.
(4)Nancy S.
I went here last Sunday with some friends and my first impression was that it was rather small but nicely decorated and accommodating. I had never been there before and played it safe by ordering some Thai Iced Tea and Pad See You. Both were exactly what I expected. The Iced Tea had a bite of a bite (probably from orange blossom water) and the Pad See You was sweet and savory. I'd give it five stars if our food hadn't come out about five minutes after ordering. For the $7 I paid for lunch I don't expect gourmet food but the speediness makes me wonder if there aren't a few microwaves in the kitchen. Anyhow, good friends, good food at a very reasonable price. I'll definitely be returning.
(4)George C.
We ordered delivery that took over an hour to arrive (an hour and twenty minutes). When it arrived, we learned that the soda (coke) that cost $1.75 was just a 12 oz can. For that price, we had assumed that it would be at least a 20 oz bottle. Outrageous. That is literally over a 400% markup from consumer prices, let alone restaurant prices. The food itself was just standard. We ordered Drunken Noodle and Pad Thai, which were normal sized. However, I found the Drunken Noodle to be almost entirely noodle and sauce, with remarkably few vegetables. I asked that the chicken be replaced with tofu. I do not know how much chicken they normally include, but I imagine it is more than the three pieces of tofu I had.
(1)JT S.
Let me put it to you this way: If someone asked me if I wanted to have sex or go to Sugar and Spice... I would go to Sugar and Spice. Honestly, I have no idea why there are any reviews less than 5 stars. Seriously. One of the reasons I moved to Porter Square was for this restaurant. Everyone I take to it has a near orgasmic experience. The Tom Kar soup... omg. and the shumai. and the curries. omg im hungry just talking about it. This place is like one of my favorite restaurants of ALL TIME!
(5)Kanin S.
"SPECTACULAR" I just went to Sugar&Spice on last Sound and it impressed me a lot !! my Mexican friend and I both ordered SUKHOTHAI NOODLES, rice noodle with shrimps, ground pork, fish ball, and tasty soup, since a waitress recommended us. The taste and the value are amazing, it's served in a super large bowl. The soup is not too hot or spicy to eat plus ingredients are so fresh. Another of my friend ordered drunken noodles and she also love it. Their service is good and the place is very clean. All employees are really friendly making that place so warm. We spent less than five mins waiting for our food...with the reasonable price. Because I have been to many Thai restaurant in Boston, I would say that this place is a little cheaper than others. I personally think this is the best Thai restaurant in Boston and I can't wait to go and try other food there...YUMMY ^^
(5)Andy K.
Nice little thai place in the heart of a multi asian restaurant food area. They really went all out for their Valentines Day decorations. It was very pleasant and great to see that they are keeping up with the holiday spirit. My favorite dish is their duck noodle soup. Lots of subtle flavor in the soup and the duck was crispy. Great portion for the price. The waiters/waitresses were very friendly and service was fast.. almost felt like I was in a fast food restaurant. Overall, I've enjoyed my stay there. Would def go back whenever I am around the area.
(4)Renee C.
We are new to the area, really like Thai food and received a gift card to Sugar and Spice. It was the best Thai I've ever had. Better than some others in the area (in our opinions). I loved the Oriental style beef and my husband really liked the Massaman curry. We also ordered Thai rolls and Chicken Satay as an appetizer, which I order at every Thai restaurant we eat. These were the best I've ever had. Besides the delicious food, the service is GREAT, and it's cheap :) Almost everything on the menu is under 10. Our whole meal (with 2 appetizers and 2 entrees) was $30. And we have enough for another whole meal at home :) GO HERE!!!
(5)