
smallSUGAR
A charming Columbia cafe known for its exceptional pastries, delicious breakfast, and expertly crafted coffee in a cozy atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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smallSUGAR

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Columbia cafe known for its exceptional pastries, delicious breakfast, and expertly crafted coffee in a cozy atmosphere.
"Insanely delicious, next-level cooking with the freshest ingredients and impeccable presentation."
Arrive Early for Pastries
Popular items like almond croissants sell out fast. Visit early for the best selection.
Customize Your Order
Feel free to customize dishes with ingredient substitutions for unique flavor combinations.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bakery Cafe
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Massive Almond Croissants
Indulge in generously sized, flaky almond croissants that are a must-try, often selling out quickly.

Cozy Atmosphere & Lovely Dishware
Dine in to experience a warm, cozy ambiance enhanced by charming dishware for a delightful meal.

Exceptional Coffee Creations
Enjoy expertly crafted coffees, from creamy lattes with balanced acidity to unique Golden Lattes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Pastries
Popular items like almond croissants sell out fast. Visit early for the best selection.
Customize Your Order
Feel free to customize dishes with ingredient substitutions for unique flavor combinations.
Dine-in for Ambiance
Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and lovely dishware by choosing to dine in.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
For a quieter experience, consider visiting on weekdays or outside of peak meal times.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Pastries
Popular items like almond croissants sell out fast. Visit early for the best selection.
Customize Your Order
Feel free to customize dishes with ingredient substitutions for unique flavor combinations.
Dine-in for Ambiance
Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and lovely dishware by choosing to dine in.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
For a quieter experience, consider visiting on weekdays or outside of peak meal times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
smallSUGAR is praised for its high-quality food, particularly its delicious and generously sized pastries, and excellent coffee. Diners appreciate the cozy atmosphere and the option to dine in with charming dishware. While generally well-received, some find the prices to be on the higher side, and one reviewer reported a negative service experience.
"Great selection of baked goods with a menu for other breakfast and lunch items as well. Display case was clean and organized. Ordered the almond croissant and it was delicious, massive, and flaky. Latte was creamy with a balanced acidity. Would recommend dining in since they have lovely dishware and the atmosphere is cozy and warm. Appreciated that hospitality is included so no expectation to tip."
Elisa Kim
"The overnight oats are amazing!! I could literally eat them for every meal. 10/10 highly recommend. The chai latte is always so good. The atmosphere is so relaxing. It’s just all around a good vibe. Such a great start to the day."
Brittany Hill
"Come here a lot for brunch. Always good, every-time.
This is where I bring friends, and family visiting from out of town.
Pastries are really good, they are made fresh daily, and when they sell out, they sell out.
Also fun to come in, and see what new pastries they have that day.
You don’t tip, so prices reflect that. Which I like.
I always park on Lady st, and walk up the short “alleyway” to them."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The massive almond croissants are highly recommended and sell out quickly. Other popular items include the avocado toast and various creative pastries.
Yes, smallSUGAR is considered one of the best brunch spots in Columbia, SC, offering a great selection of breakfast and brunch items.
Absolutely! You can customize your order, including substituting ingredients, to suit your preferences.
Yes, the atmosphere is described as cozy, relaxing, and a good vibe, making it suitable for chatting, reading, or working.
The coffee is excellent, with reviews highlighting creamy lattes featuring balanced acidity and unique options like Golden Lattes.
No, tipping is not expected as hospitality is included in the prices, which are reflected accordingly.
One reviewer mentioned parking on Lady Street and walking up a short alleyway to reach the cafe.
Mentioned in
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Best Brunch in Columbia, SC
smallSUGAR (in my opinion) is hands down the best brunch in Columbia, SC. Their soft scrambled egg tartine was my tried and true brunch order for many months, but one day I ordered the smallSUGAR breakfast, subbing out the boiled egg for scrambled, and never looked back. smallSUGAR is the perfect brunch place if you’re looking for a quiet place to chat, work, read, or you just want a foamy latte with a fresh, delicious breakfast. Even if smallSUGAR isn’t your brunch choice after reading this, it still needs to be added to your rotation.
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If you need a caffeine pick-me-up or a small bite, pop into smallSUGAR for a Golden Latte or London Fog with a warm, flaky croissant to awaken the senses. While you’re out, you’ll want to stop by the Visitors Center on the corner of Lincoln & Gervais Streets for an Insider’s Guide with all the info you need to feel like a real local (sporting some Columbia SC merch can help with that too). On your way back, be sure to keep an eye out for the colorful murals and other public art pieces that can be found around almost every corner.
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If there was a professional avocado toast circuit, this green-smeared slice of heavenly country loaf would be a perennial medal contender. smallSUGAR’s Avocado Tartine is an open-faced breakfast beauty queen that comes delicately seasoned with delightfully smoky Aleppo chili flakes and is dressed up with thinly sliced radishes, dill, green onions, and snazzy micro greens. It comes paired with a side salad simply dressed in olive oil and aged balsamic and is a magnificent way to jumpstart your day.
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Make your way to smallSUGAR, a James Beard Award finalist that has won over the hearts and palates of Columbia locals. Escape the city’s commotion on their picturesque patio, enveloped by verdant foliage, and relish a menu that reimagines breakfast staples. Offerings such as ricotta hotcakes adorned with maple syrup and candied pecans provide a touch of sophistication, while savory options like smoked salmon toast topped with dill cream cheese and capers ensure a satisfying start to your day.
2023 James Beard Award semifinalists include 3 Columbia, SC spots
For Outstanding Restaurateur: Aaron Hoskins, Sarah Simmons, Nicole Storey, and Elie Yigo, City Grit Hospitality Group (SmallSUGAR, CITY GRIT, and Il Focolare Pizzeria). Simmons, a Columbia native, returned to her hometown and opened Rise Gourmet Goods & Bakeshop with Hoskins. The couple became active in the business community, focusing on workforce training and community growth, and founding the Feed the City program.
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From breakfast salads to swoon-worthy pastries, smallSUGAR serves all manner of delectable breakfast and brunch items. Order at the counter and grab a spot on their secluded patio that just might make you forget you’re in the middle of bustling city. Arrive early to snag one of their classic almond croissants or if you’re feeling more daring, they’ve always got something creative filling the pastry case.
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🍽smallSUGAR | 709 Gervais St. | opened November 2018 | Opened last year by restaurateurs Sarah Simmons + Aaron Hoskins (of Rise Bakeshop + Richland Library’s The Café fame), smallSUGAR is serving up breakfast + lunch – ft. a variety of inventive pastries (like this banana pudding croissant), salads, sandwiches, tartines (we order the egg) + more – in the former Wired Goat location in The Vista.
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Follow your nose down one of the alleys in the Vista and tucked away, you’ll find smallSUGAR. Owned by Chefs Sarah Simmons and Aaron Hoskins, the heavenly aroma of their freshly baked pastries is topped only by their taste. Grab a few (because it’s truly impossible to pick just one) and pair them with a Golden latte, a cappuccino or a cold brew, among others, and savor each bite and sip.
Best bakeries in Columbia, SC including Silver Spoon, smallSUGAR
Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a delicious afternoon treat, smallSUGAR has you covered. Last year, smallSUGAR had to change everything about its operations due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, that didn’t deter the business from thriving — its pastry case is full of flaky delicacies daily, and its patio is open for seating.
Where to Brunch in Columbia, SC
This casual, counter-serve bakery and cafe is the perfect spot for grabbing a pastry and coffee to go, or enjoying a fresh & delicious meal on the patio. While the menu is more breakfast & lunch, you can still fulfill your brunch craving. Some of my favorites are the sweet potato bowl, avocado tartine, and the turkey melt is out of this world.
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smallSUGAR is a great coffee and tea cafe that has plenty of great breakfast and brunch options as well. On top of their incredible baked goods they also have some great breakfast options like oatmeal made with almond milk and coconut milk. A yogurt parfait that is made with granola, sweetened yogurt, and then a seasonal preserve.
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smallSUGAR: A favorite spot for breakfast in Columbia or an afternoon coffee with a pastry. They have such a cute and classy interior you will feel like you’re dining in a world-class cafe. Their covered patio is also a dreamy place for brunch when the weather is nice!
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While we have breakfast food on our mind, let’s talk about the Shakshouka, overnight oats, breads and spreads, and tartines at smallSUGAR. If you are a fan of tartines, you will love smallSUGAR!. You can try their ricotta, honey, and Aleppo tartine during your visit.
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709 Gervais StColumbia, SC 29201(803) 722-7506 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Opened in 2018, smallSUGAR centers on baked goods and other local dishes that are available from morning until afternoon. It stands within walking distance from Memorial Park.
Best Breakfast Places in Columbia, SC: Where to Start Your Day Right
For a charming and locally sourced breakfast, SmallSugar is a must-visit. This hidden gem in the Cottontown area serves artisanal pastries, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and top-notch coffee. Their avocado toast and quiche are fan favorites.
Highest-rated Breakfast Restaurants in Columbia, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (10 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Cafe, Healthy- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 709 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201-3049- Read more on Tripadvisor
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About: Lots more than coffee, smallSUGAR is a cafe with delicious sandwiches, pastries, and lots more, serving breakfast and lunch.Address: 709 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201Hours: 7 am to 3 pm daily smallSUGAR
Outdoor Dining Near the CMCC | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
For lunch, take in some local ingredients at smallSUGAR, a tucked away café offering gourmet baked goods, grain bowls, and a killer turkey and roast beef sandwich.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit