A & J Sugar Bowl

I didn’t know what to think when I pulled up, but I was very impressed once I went in! It’s located a little off of James N but it’s definitely worth taking a detour.
They have a huge selection of ice cream, various cones, crepes, waffles, and bubble tea. The lady that runs it is really nice!
FYI they take CASH ONLY

One of Hamilton’s best kept secrets, A&J Sugar Bowl is an off the map sweets parlor on the corner of MacNab and Cannon.
Stepping into A&J Sugar Bowl, one instantly feels the overwhelming warmth brought in by colorful syrups on the shelf behind the counter and the wash of delight that waffle cones dotted with candies on display give you when you know you’re about to take part in a guilty pleasure. The smell of toasted sugar brushes against your nose as you feel spoiled for choice.
I first spotted A&J Sugar Bowl in the Winter and passed it many times on my way home from various destinations. I hadn’t stepped foot in there until recently, Spring 2015. What I found delighted me to the core. Tables along one wall with a central table covered in board games, cartoons playing on the large flat screen of the parlor and an honest to goodness sweets counter displaying candies, ice cream flavors and a crêpe stand.
The little woman behind the counter with the soft voice and big smile, Nancy, added to the atmosphere. She was a little difficult to understand, being so soft spoken, but she understood exactly what I wanted when I ordered.
The parlor has always been empty when I passed it, and it worried me, but considering that it was midnight and I only found it in the off season, It didn’t bother me. I just wanted something chocolate related. I ordered a Nutella and banana crêpe. It took about five minutes to make and was still toasty when it was served to me. I took a single bite and instantly asked, why is this place empty ever? From the taste to the atmosphere, A&J Sugar Bowl should be packed all the time.
Then it dawned on me. It’s in a part of downtown that isn’t known for its good eats or entertainment. It’s hidden away and it has no online presence. I urge all local Unilocalers to hunt down Sugar Bowl and enjoy your favorite sweet here. Let’s all make this place Hamilton’s worst kept secret!