Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen

We went there for valentines dinner and loved this place. It is amazing! Food and staff were great. We went in without a reservation however the mgr/​owner went above and beyond to see if we could get a table. We are definitely going back!

The food, the atmosphere, the service, damn! the drinks! All awesome! I can’t wait to go again!

Just had an ok valentine meal at sugarbecon. The apps were great, my wife’s dinner was also great and the desert was outstanding. At the bar we ordered cocktails. My wife ordered a martini but not served in a martini glass. I order Gentleman Jack on ice and had to pay an additional $ 2.00 for the ice. I ordered pan seared tuna and it was ice cold. I ordered Mexican Coffee and the server or the bartender had no idea how to make it. I gave them the recipe. When the bill came I paid $ 2.00 for the coffee, $ 7.00 for kaluha and $ 7.00 for tequila. Total of $ 16.00. I didn’t know Mckinney was charging New York prices. Actually I’ve paid less in New York.

I went on a Thursday night. It was not crowded, nice atmosphere and wonderful, live music.
The watermelon cocktail was delicious and I loved the sugarbacon. I should have been more adventurous and not gotten a burger… but ultimately everything was great.
Banana dessert was worth mentioning too.
Comfy yet city chic. Would like to come back again.

It’s definitely a hipster restaurant, but most of downtown McKinney is. The food lived up to the Unilocal reputation and while I’m not clamoring to rush back in, I do plan on happily returning in the future.
The sugarbacon appetizer seemed to be a must, based on the reviews. It’s basically BBQ porkbelly on a cracker. Delicious. Very tender meat. Slightly awkward to eat due to the size, appetizer comes with 4 for $ 10, so a touch on the pricey side but it is their signature app after all. I’d recommend trying it but you wouldn’t need to get it every time. After all, MANY of their entrees do come with sugarbacon.
My boyfriend ordered a burger and fries, he’s not that adventurous. We both agreed that the fries were some of the best around. Fresh cut, hot, and cooked to perfection. The burger was definitely well above average as well. On my end, I opted for the wedge salad and the mac & cheese. The salad has to be one of my favorite salads ever, hands down I’d love to go back any day of the week for one of these. The candied walnuts were a little stuck together… they probably should have taken a mallet to them before serving, but I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to come to Sugarbacon without ordering it anyways.
Now my only negative was the mac & cheese. It arrives in a skillet and is jalapeño mac & cheese. It was COVERED in bread crumbs… to the point where I wanted to scrape them off as much as possible. It really was a very disappointing dish and at $ 9, highly overpriced for a side item. I had assumed it would be the bees knees, and barely took more than 3 bites before I pushed it aside.
Pricing is all over the map here. Some items are perfectly reasonable and some entrees approach $ 30 each… so it’s going to be quite variable how much you spend. You can definitely escape for under $ 20 per person, but you can bloat that up pretty quickly with sides and appetizers, so the budget conscious might not want to take a first date here.
Sugarbacon, we’ll be back. We won’t be ordering the mac & cheese and suggest you re-​visit that recipe, but we’ll be back for everything else.

This well restored and renovated garage /​gas station location is a current hot-​spot on the downtown McKinney square. Spacious comfortable surrounds with live music on Thursday evenings and Sunday brunches. Fresh friendly and helpful staff gladly serve all your needs and questions.
Sugar bacon appetizers top the list only after the sophisticated bar and popular microbrew collection. Limited lite sandwiches and entrée selections are all delicious. Best choices were the grilled cheese, pulled pork sandwich, salmon and pork-​chop. Off the menu ribeye steak with mashed potatoes sounded delicious. The fries are irresistible and the tator-​tots are worth a try.
Rumor has it the weekend crowds result in long waits. This place is worth that wait.

This is now my new favorite restaurant for dinner in McKinney. Right when you come in the atmosphere is great great music extremely good service is extremely crowded a bartender seek me out to determine if I want to drink. Secondly after he receded after a nice time in the bar we ordered the appetizers and dinner we had the sugar bacon tater tot were both five stars.
My wife had a chicken Caesar salad and I had a barbq chicken with mashed potatoes both were superb as well as the service and attention by the entire waitstaff I couldn’t recommend this higher and definitely worth checking out on date night Friday Saturday night extremely fun place by the way has a bonus they do have a full TV on in the show room sports games behind the bar which you can watch while you’re out on your date !
man/​husband bonus
Also on a side note after reading some of the other whiny bullsh’t reviews I Felt compelled to talk about the manager/​owner. I met him at the door on extremely busy night without a reservation he made sure we found out way around the restaurant including the restroom the bar. beyond that he also made sure that we are having an excellent time and all the food was perfect I couldn’t of been happier with the service and that’s why I was shocked when I read some of the other reviews painting a completely different picture which is not true.
I suspect these are both former employees or people that are competitors in the business — sugar bacon is welcome edition to McKinney and its really a step above the rest up here for dinner and we know that’s a lot.
Thanks again for a great saturday night dinner date night ! It was perfect.

Those who have been to this restaurant might be doing a double take at anything three stars or less to this place and think me a crazy man for doing so. However, let me set the stage to our singular experience and why we will not be coming back… and why your money is better spent elsewhere. Now we have another reason to remember, remember the fifth of November.
It was my wife’s birthday. I had planned this visit for several weeks. On our many visits to Downtown McKinney, we had spoken about visiting this restaurant and seeing what it was all about. So I decided to surprise her with dinner there for her special day. I called a couple of weeks in advance to see if reservations were needed (when we got there that night I could see why they weren’t needed; the place was dead). I also wanted to check if I could bring in my own bottle of wine that I know they wouldn’t carry. We had a bottle from the Biltmore that we purchased when we visited there this summer and it was one of my wife’s favorite wines (their Cabernet Sauvignon in case you’re wondering. You’re not? Okay well be that way). The manager I spoke with over the phone said he spoke briefly with the owner who said it wasn’t their policy to do so but because it was a special occasion, they would do it for a $ 20 corking fee. Sounds completely reasonable! It’s a date…
We walk in and are immediately met with an awkward stare by the maitre d, my wine bottle in hand. My wife, someone who already deals with anxiety, is immediately anxious. Happy Birthday! I explain and we sit. All employees stare. We could have been a sub par mini series on NBC or something. I think I’d call it the Sla… err, The Wine.
The rest of the night if an employee could take a glance at our bottle, they did. What could it be? Such controversy! Our poor waitress… she tried her best. How awkward for her right?
Before our bottle is even uncorked the owner approaches. Another review described his body language perfectly. Looming over us, trying to be physically imposing with his arms crossed, and VERY condescending. «So tell me about this wine…» I can feel the tension and aggression. I try to deflect and very nonchalantly explain the story… I’m cut off. He says that they don’t allow people to bring in their own bottle. Excuse me? Not what I was told over the phone. Sounds like a personal problem. But don’t worry folks… out of the kindness of his heart he allows it.
I was ready to walk out. Hello! There’s an awesome steakhouse right down the street. They’d be happy to take our money. But my wife, bless her heart, fought through it.
The food was… better than average. Wouldn’t recommend the tots. Too dry. The chicken was the best and made good as a leftover, too. Very savory and moist. Shrimp and grits tasted great… emphasis on tasted. Didn’t sit too well the next morning. Reading other reviews… I’d stick away from anything that isn’t a mammal on the menu.
The owner must have felt guilty for strong arming us on a special occasion. He apologized and said he should really reconsider his policy for these sort of things. Ya think?! I finally got to tell him the story of the wine and even offered him a taste. Our dessert was comped for my wife’s birthday. Maybe some other concession? Discount off for a do over next time? Oh a business card… that’s cool, I guess. Still doesn’t take away from the awkwardness.
Honestly…I refrained from submitting this draft. But out of curiosity I decided to read reviews and saw that he is doing the SAME DAMN THING to other people. So now I no longer feel guilty.
We will not be coming back. You should not go. And I hope this place goes out of business and someone with some more sense and kindness in their heart does something in its place.
Or hell, tear it down and put up a car park. Either way, good riddance.

Hip place in downtown McKinney.
They were really crowded on a Saturday night with waits of about 30 – 40 min, but they send you a text when your table is ready, so you can wander around outside if you want to.
Once we got our table, the service was friendly and pretty fast considering they were packed.
We tried the Sugarbacon and home-​made tater tots as appetizers and the brisket enchiladas and shrimp and grits as entrees. I also had the Maple whiskey smash as a drink.
The Sugarbacon was completely different from what I expected, but tasted amazing. It comes as 4 large cubes of bacon-​like meat on thin crisp baguette slices with a thin pickle slice underneath the meat. The meat is coated in a sweet (not too sweet) sauce and very tender. It’s a delicious combination you want to immediately order more of (if you didn’t have entrees coming).
The tots are very good as well, crispy and drizzled with a queso sauce with a large pile of pulled pork in the middle.
The main dishes didn’t disappoint either. The grits were nice and creamy and the shrimp tender. It came with a very good sauce with meat bits. The only slight criticism I’d have is that it all overpowers the taste of th shrimp a little. I didn’t mind too much, because I loved the sauce.
My wife was satisfied with her brisket enchiladas, which came with refrained black beans (excellent taste), rice and a mole-​like sauce. I got to try only a small bite, but it was good.
I was a little disappointed in my Maple whiskey smash though. It seems a little watery and weak.
We’d definitely come back, but next time I’ll probably stick to their nice selection of local draft beers.

I love this place. If you’re a large party make sure to get a res. If you’re only 2ppl then they don’t allow a res. We waited ½ hr on a Sat night around 630p. There was definitely a wait for ppl after that. When you’re seated you must try the sugarbacon and the tots! The hummus looked good passing by tho. I got the enchiladas and my hubby got the shrimp and grits. Both excellent! Wonderful staff. Very attentive and nice. You can bring kids but with the prices I would really keep it to adults. A wonderful date night away from the kids!

We celebrated New Year’s Eve at Sugarbacon; and what an amazing night it was! The special menu for the night included a BBQ duck dish served with greens and blackberry. It was outstanding! The Delmonico was easily the most flavorful steak I’ve eaten; and so tender.
But the people made the meal. Thank you Johnny, Sasha, and Pat for helping kick off a new year with style.

So I’m leaving this review after a very horrible visit. I will say my first visit was great. Loved everything about it, but this visit was pitiful.
First off, the bartender might have looked my way 3 – 4 times the whole night. Standing right in front of me, taking the persons order next to me and he never even glanced at me. And this happened 5 – 6 times the 75 minutes I was there. My friend and I both would just stare at the bartender waiting on him to take an order but no. He just started talking to other people and the other bartender.
We both sat down and knew what we wanted but had to wait 8 – 10 minutes to even order drinks. I think he made three separate drink orders before taking ours. This was a whole night ordeal. So to skip the rest of his lackluster bar tending, something else even blew my mind even more…
After leaving the check in front of me for 12 – 15 minutes. He stayed at the other end of the bar talking to multiple people and never even looked our way so I got up and went to the manager and asked him to run it because the bartender didn’t want to do it. Right there, should be a red flag to the manager but he seemed like it was normal activity. It was a damn Tuesday night. That’s ridiculous. The manager brought me back the check and seemed like everything was fine, until I told him I wasn’t leaving a tip because the service was horrible. He proceeded to ask me if it was just because of the end of service and I said NO! The whole time there… His face looked absolutely stunned like he had no idea what to say or do and just looked at me with a stupid f’n child face as I walked out.
It’s really sad, because he food here is very good, but great food doesn’t make up for sh*t service.
I give it 2 stars only because the food is good. 4.5 star food, 0 star service.

Came here for Sunday Bruch. Ordered the homemade tater tots, sugar bacon, and eggs Benedict. Everything was delicious.
Live band was playing at a decent decibel level and the service was very good.
I would definitely visit again.

This place is the answer to the question «Does that come with bacon?». Basically, everything has bacon on it /​in it here. The pork chop was amazing and the hamburger was incredible!!! But, you MUST try the sugar bacon appetizer (I think that is what it’s called), it is cubes of pork belly on a cracker with a pickle and BBQ sauce! It’s the best thing ever!!! The service was amazing and the people working were so nice. Can’t wait to go back!

My husband and I want here for our anniversary! 5 stars all the way!
Great service! Amazing food!
Check this place out for sure if you are in the area!

Came here with my parents for my dad’s birthday!
We received such amazing service from Armando.
He is a very attentive server and highly skilled in his knowledge of beer, wine, their signature cocktails, and their menu, of course.
We started off with the sugar bacon which are 4 cubes of confit pork belly served with b&b pickles. This stuff seriously is delicious– you can’t NOT get the sugar bacon when you come here.
My parents got the scallops and the short ribs and I got the pan seared chicken. All 3 dishes were to die for. Definitely worth the calories!!!
For dessert we got the blondie and it was to die for.
Do yourself a favor and come to this restaurant and you won’t be disappointed (except your diet will probably be disappointed).
Thanks for a great dining experience, Sugarbacon!

I literally did a happy dance through my entire meal because the food was SO flippin good!
Stopped in here the night of McKinney’s Oktoberfest for some real food before getting the party started and it was the best decision of the night. I had the fish sandwich that came on some kind of bun that tasted like a salted pretzel and opted for the seasoned fries on the side. My fiancé had the burger with sugarbacon and bread and butter pickles. Both dishes were a delight to my tastebuds. Didn’t try out the bar but it looked like a good place to grab a few drinks. The interior décor is modern and pleasing to the eye. The staff was super friendly. Two of the managers actually looked like Stephen and Derrick from last season’s Masterchef, which I found entertaining and amusing in my own weird way. I will definitely be back! :)

I took the BF for a celebratory dinner and it was absolutely amazing. :)
Though modern, it feels very homey. You can come casual or dressed up, it doesn’t matter.
The menu is rather on the smaller side but it definitely has something for everyone. Chicken, beef, seafood, and even pasta. The daily specials are written on the huge black board by the kitchen.
We started off with the sugarbacon which is their signature appetizer. It was good but nothing out of this world. Basically bbq sauce covered pork belly with the a pickle on a crostini. I tried the watermelon crush cocktail which was refreshing yet strong. BF ordered the special fish dish of the day which was absolutely delicious! The étouffée sauce tasted really authentic to what I’ve had in Louisiana. I had the fish sandwich with fries which I really enjoyed. The bread was a bit too buttery though. For dessert we had the plum pie which wasn’t too sweet but had some interesting spices in it.
Service was great throughout our whole meal. Just wished this place would open on Sunday… I know they would have a killer brunch menu.

The only reason this place is popular is because there isn’t anything close to the atmosphere here in McKinney. While we enjoyed the atmosphere and drinks, the food was a huge letdown (and expensive for the quality of ingredients used… which was not unique).
I got the shrimp and grits and the banana foster pudding thing. Was disappointed with both. I didn’t feel as though the shrimp was fresh, and the grits almost tasted they used instant grits (the texture, the taste was fine). I expected higher quality ingredients given the price tag. The banana fosters pudding thing came in a cute Pinterest-​y mason jar, but the taste was just not there. It was very ok. We ended up spending around $ 70 for two people, which is what we would’ve spent in Dallas for way better food.
I would not go out of my way to come here, but it’s cool if you happen to be in the area.

I LOVE the new addition to the Mckinney Square! You walk into a very trendy, chic decorated atmosphere that feels very warm and inviting. It has a great open concept. It is not very large maybe 20 tables, but there is a room off to the side that looks like it is for banquet and private parties. The patio is also a great feature to the restaurant. There is only one other eatery on the square that has a patio that is as large as this one.
The drink menu is fun and offers many different concoctions with a wide variety of spirits. I first started with a Raspberry Time and then the Watermelon Crush. What I liked about both cocktails is that they were fruity but not too sweet. When you are drinking a beverage you want to taste the flavors but not be overpowered by alcohol or sugar. I think it was a great balance of flavors that to not prevail over one another.
As an appetizer we had the Blue Crab Cakes. There were 4 small crab cakes that did not have any fillers. it was just lump crab seasoned perfectly. So I saw a comment on Unilocal that the portions are small. Yes, the appetizer was on the small side, but the ingredients were phenomenal.
The hubby and I both had fish sandwiches. He had the Salmon BLT with fries and I had the Grilled Swordfish. I substituted the fries for the Wedge Salad. Both of our fish pieces were perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection The wedge salad had the most amazing gorgonzola dressing. It was the best I have ever had the pleasure of putting in my mouth. Now, as for these two dishes they were Texas sized and we had no room for dessert.
Our server Jared was so friendly and attentive. He was very knowledgeable about the menu. Jared also seemed so excited about Sugarbacon. It’s great to see a server have pride in the establishment they work for… that says a lot about this proper kitchen!