Known for its hearty soups, grilled sandwiches, and cinnamon buns that could double as dessert or breakfast, this little spot offers plenty of comfort. It also offers a menu that, at times, feels like a puzzle waiting to be solved. The service is half the charm. Staff here are chatty, kind, and generous with suggestions, […]
Known for its hearty soups, grilled sandwiches, and cinnamon buns that could double as dessert or breakfast, this little spot offers plenty of comfort. It also offers a menu that, at times, feels like a puzzle waiting to be solved.
The service is half the charm. Staff here are chatty, kind, and generous with suggestions, which makes ordering fun even when the menu itself gets a little tricky. There’s a friendliness that you just don’t find everywhere anymore, and it sets the tone right away.
The loaded dill pickle soup was the star of the day. Piled high with sour cream, shredded pickle, bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and green onion, it was rich and indulgent — a proper cold-weather cure. Technically, the base was more potato-cheddar than pickle, but the toppings carried so much flavour that it hardly mattered.
The loaded tomato Parmesan soup was flavourful and fragrant, though the croutons did steal the show. They were crunchy, herb-dusted, and delicious — but they also absorbed much of the broth, leaving less soup in the bowl than expected. A case of the sidekick trying to become the main character.
The Melissa Melt — roast beef, Swiss and cheddar cheeses, sweet peppers, grilled onions, and a smear of horseradish mayo — came perfectly grilled on excellent bread. That bread deserves its own round of applause: golden, crisp, and sturdy enough to hold everything together. The horseradish, though, could have been bolder. A little extra kick would have brought back the sparkle I remembered from past visits. That said, this sandwich is a must try and is absolutely delicious.
The turkey bacon club was pleasant, though more straightforward. Served on a bun, it was simple, filling, and perhaps best suited to someone after a lighter option.
And then there are the cinnamon buns. Both the glazed and cream cheese–frosted versions were soft, pillowy, and downright addictive. They’re technically included with the combos — though they showed up on the bill, which added to the confusion. The bill lists them separately which made us do a double-take. Still, when food tastes this good, these are things that are easily forgivable.
If there’s one quirk that could use some attention, it’s the menu. With tabs, sections, and plenty of fine print, ordering feels a bit like a scavenger hunt. Sandwiches are here, soups are there, combos are here, and "options" are tucked into sections everywhere. Eventually, you do figure it out — but it takes a bit of effort.
The other eyebrow-raiser was the bill. Two soup-and-sandwich combos rang in at $73.43 with a standard 15% tip. For casual lunch fare, it felt a touch steep. The math may add up given the "loaded" versions of things we ate, but it doesn’t always feel like it when the receipt hits the table. This isn't too out of touch for pricing given the cost of food at the moment.
Soups Up & Sticky Fingers is a gem for soup lovers, sandwich seekers, and anyone with a soft spot for cinnamon buns. Yes, the menu can be confusing and the bill higher than expected, but the food is comforting, the service is stellar, and the atmosphere is welcoming. For soup season in Sarnia, it’s hard to think of a cozier spot.
Address: 1147 Confederation St, Sarnia, ON, N7S 3Y5
Phone: (519) 542-1171
Sarnia Nibbles is a long-time downtown resident of Sarnia, with an insatiable love for food. They came to life on Instagram as a delicious extension of a personal love affair with food, drink, and the vibrant local community. The creator aims to capture the essence of Sarnia’s food scene, showcasing hidden gems, time-honoured favourites, and stories behind the dishes that make this city a gastronomic treasure trove.
For more, follow Sarnia Nibbles on Instagram.
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