The Sweet Shop Cafe & Lounge - Tallahassee, Florida

-R T.

The food is pretty good and reasonably priced. The staff isn't the friendliest but you place your order by tablet so it's not a big deal. There's plenty of seating, fun and historical decor and a piano. Good luck finding parking

Ted W.

The Sweet Shop is the sweet spot! 100 years is a long time, especially for Tallahassee, where many local gems seem to get washed away in the tide of so-called progression. This is perhaps my favorite location in the city and I hope it lasts another 100 years.

I've seen a lot of complaints about the offerings, the staff, and the owner. However, I've not had one bad experience. While I haven't sampled every item on the menu, what I have gotten has been great. The owner is friendly and was welcoming from our first visit, even as I stumbled through his self-order kiosk. My fiancee and I love coming in for a little snack, and chatting about Michigan and the differences we've experienced. He's from the same town as my dad, and close to the same as my fiancee, even if I'm from PA myself.

Some points:

1. Know what you want, and be realistic It seems a lot of people dislike this place because they expect a 5 star restaurant. I see people complain about the milkshakes and other menu items, but if you take a minute and look at the menu, you'll know what to expect. Don't order a milkshake that's made differently, knowing it looks different, and then complain. If you're realistic, and take a minute to study what's available, you'll likely order something you'll like instead of a false expectation. He's pretty up front about what's on the menu, which I appreciate.

2. The boba is fantastic, people are insane. I've gone DAILY for a bubble tea because I love the jelly bubbles. I believe they're likely konjac or something similar, but I love them. I only wish there was an option for extra to be added to my cup.

3. Their taro is smooth and good. It's unlike others I've had, but very good.

4. The snow cones are good and perfect for hot days.

5. I love the bagels. They are a perfect blend of chewy and toasty.

6. While I can't comment on some interactions that people have had with owner, none of mine have been negative. I'm sure he deals with some doozies, being on campus. We all have bad days. I only wish I'd have an opportunity to work with him. If you're reading this, hit me up if you need any writing, marketing, or social media work.

7. The atmosphere is great. I like reading the writing on the wall. I hope that continues. AC works well, and the place is overall clean, cleaner than other places I've been recently.

8. The location is fantastic. Easy access. My only gripe is that I wish they were open longer. Historically, they were open pretty late. I guess they only have so many staff though, and they may have other engagements. I'd love to pop in again later in the day if they were open even until 8 or 9pm.

Overall, they are a great place to grab a treat or a snack, or something more substantial. Pricing is what you'd expect, or even cheaper for some items, and the atmosphere is either lively, or quiet and relaxed depending on when you go. I spend about $10 per visit, for 2 people to get something. They don't force tipping either, unlike other places, even though I don't mind tipping, it's nice to not feel like you have to because you're being stared at as you check out on the touch screen.

Don't let the bad reviews scare you off. I hope that The Sweet Shop will outlive me, I'll look for it in my next life.

Here's to 100 more! The Sweet Shop is the sweetest remaining Tallahassee icon, by far. If only I had the funds to reopen Sherrod's or The Phyrst nextdoor again.

Eric M.

We stopped by for breakfast. The owner was super helpful. The egg sandwich on croissant was fantastic as was the coffee. We were the only customers. The owner said it's usually packed, but school was out. Our egg sandwiches came out even before the coffee was finished. Oh so good... Salty, warm, most, just great.

A.Pulgar

told me I couldn’t scoot my chair over to sit closer with my friends. Awful customer service, made me throw my water from Starbucks away just cause of the logo. Never getting another cent from me. Aside from that though the food was splendid. Not a great guy, but a dang good cook.

Satria K.

An authentic Tallahassee's heritage, you can see from all the writings on the wall dating back as far as to the 80s. Excellent foods, excellent Espresso, excellent ambience, owner is a really hospitable and friendly man.. You get a lot for what you paid for.

highly recommended place to visit, for breakfast, lunch, or just to hang out!

Mary L.

Food was great. They have a variety to choose from sandwiches to fruits!. The smoothies are awesome also. I got the strawberry and mangoes.
Great place to hang out or for a quick study.

John-Caleb B.

The new owner is just an awful, impulsive , emotionally immature man who made my recent visit miserable. The only thing keeping this place open is the constant flow of new students. The old owners would be horrified they sold this place to such a person. He’d be better off managing from afar. Food was decent though

Kylie W.

10/10. I enjoy every time I go. Owner reminds me of my grandpa and the food is always great. He is always chatting when possible. Top brunch place in Tallahassee from my perspective.