Sweet As Fry

Traveling on Dixie Highway to the Riviera Plaza in Coral Gables, a captivating and inviting exterior grabs customers’ attention to Sweet as Fry, a restaurant dedicated to anything fried. This eatery is bordered with black wood and the interior can be seen from the transparent window, displaying the interior of the shop and the soft blue lettering advertising their most popular and unique offerings. This gives the restaurant an open and comfortable aesthetic.  

Once inside, the smell of freshly fried batter combined with the sight of a variety of toppings along the counter in rectangular pink boxes come into view. The atmosphere is bustling with energy and laughs from customers charmed by the family-run business. Chalk-walls display the menu, and the opposite wall is covered in cutouts of Oreo cookie packaging. Sweet as Fry sells fried Oreos, fried funnel cakes and fried ice cream. The fried Oreos cost $10 for a box of 12 and include several batter mixes such as traditional, red velvet, nutella, caramel, maple, funfetti, chocolate, creme brulee, white chocolate and macadamia. The toppings include condensed milk, chocolate syrup and caramel syrup for a dollar extra each. 

The fried Oreo melts in the mouth. The batter is decadent  yet the crunchy cookie adds a great texture. The fried funnel cakes come in similar flavors as the Oreo and are offered with the same toppings but  have a softer and fluffier texture with a sweeter and richer taste. Three funnel cakes cost $12, and the deep fried ice cream is five dollars for a scoop of either vanilla or chocolate. All food items are served by the friendly owner, Leonardo Hincapie, and his fiancee, Christine Cadar. They have operated the business for five years through Uber Eats, DoorDash and Postmates, but have only operated the physical restaurant for a year. 

“We opened in 2014 after the birth of our first son and we wanted to do something that would keep me at home more so we started this business from our house and it just took off,” Hincapie said. “Frying these foods have been something I’ve always done for friends and family whenever we do barbecues or family dinners, so we just had to put the food up for sale.” 

The wait time for orders is minimal, and cash or credit are both accepted. A charming sign stands outside the restaurant — small but sweet, it informs customers of the store hours, which are from 3 p.m. to 12 p.m. on Mondays through Wednesdays and from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. from Thursday through Sunday. The restaurant has gathered a large following on social media and a loyal clientele since its staff focuses on customer satisfaction and building relationships. This gives it that family aspect that makes the restaurant different from others around the area.

“We take pride in creating something different for our customers, putting the right pieces together for the presentation and making our food appealing too. The food is consistent and delicious and you’ll never have the same flavor of any food. We also want our customers to feel good eating here and we’re quick while doing so,” Christine Cadar, manager of Sweet as Fry, said.

Due to its charm, Sweet as Fry is adored by loyal customers and acclaimed for its accessibility and inviting atmosphere.

“I love the great service and how welcoming the staff was at Sweet as Fry. As soon as you walk in, they greet you with smiles and are excited to take your order,” senior Daniel Toll said. “There aren’t many areas around Miami where you can get fried sweets besides the Youth Fair or a carnival, so it’s great that they offer family-favorite desserts that you can’t find in many places.” 

With its unique food,  great service and loving atmosphere, Sweet as Fry is truly a gem among Miami restaurants.