Don’t worry, you wouldn’t be the first. That knee-jerk pour of sauce onto your ribs will probably spill onto your new khakis. But you won’t care. The excitement is natural. Instead of reaching for the napkins — and delaying your meal — you’ll continue to pig out. After all, that’s what a fluorescent sign says in the window of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: “Pig In, Pig Out.” The rib experience at this go-to...
If someone were to tell you that 12 Greek gods resided in a restaurant in Syracuse, you might not believe it. At Dorian’s Gourmet Pizza & Deli, the large variety of fresh, tasty food is a godsend. Dorian's serves Greek, Italian and American food and stays open late for delivery every day. From gyros to calzones, from pizza to wings, Dorian’s is great for a quick bite or a nice sit-down meal....
Syracuse Suds Factory isn’t a typical downtown bar full of townies. Known as “Syracuse’s first brewery since 1962,” Syracuse Suds Factory brews its beers on the premises. You can watch them make the beer as you drink it by the pint. But the Suds Factory isn’t just a pub, as its food provides an awesome complement to any beverage selection. Whether your favorite team is playing at home or on...
Natural is its middle name. Aladdin’s Natural Eatery is a healthy hidden gem serving Mediterranean on Marshall. With nearly daily food deliveries, the ingredients are fresh, and much of it hand prepared by the restaurant’s Lebanese owner, Abe. Aladdin’s offers salads, pitas, and pastas, in addition to other Mediterranean and Greek specialties, such as gyro meat and a spinach-feta filo...
Picture this: your dad’s favorite armchair meets funky New York swank. It’s that unique hybrid that puts Al’s Wine & Whiskey at the top of our list. If you’re not feeling up for the crowded Beerfest at Chuck’s or the underage dance party at Maggie’s, Al’s offers a refreshing change from the norm. A hip chilled out lounge with an indie music selection to match. Now...
It’s not often that you can hang out inside a former indie movie theater, sip some Magic Hat, and listen to some grade-A music. But, then again, The Westcott isn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill music and events venue. It’s not your typical bar either.When to Go: Whenever there’s a band playing that you like—duh. Ok, sounds obvious but, in all seriousness, the...
Kitty Hoynes isn’t your typical Irish pub, instead it boasts a small candle lit hangout that makes the perfect spot for long conversations and good laughs. Best of all, it's in the cultural epicenter of Syracuse---Armory Square.
When to Go: At this non-assuming hide-away spot, there will be older Syracuse locals, but on the weekends, college students swing by to start the night off...
King David’s is as synonymous with Middle Eastern cuisine as it gets in Syracuse. The original restaurant is tucked away among the hustle and bustle of Marshal Street near the SU campus, but it offers a drastic alternative to what else is in the neighborhood. King David's is calm and spacious. The food is filling and college student friendly. It’s a dining experience that seems to offer something...
Grimy, crowded, sweaty, and loud … what is it about Chuck’s that keeps students coming back for more? It might be the cheap Friday night pitchers. It could be the opportunity to write your name in Sharpie on every surface in sight. Or, maybe, it’s just that Cheers-esqe feeling of togetherness you get after a night of drinking with your closest pals. And here, almost everybody does know your name...
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” So if you a) like beer or b) want to be happy, head down to Faegan’s, one of our personal faves. A top-notch gastro pub, filling up glasses since 1978. A place where the mouth-watering menu is only topped by the extensive list of microbrews on tap. You can thank Ben later.When to...
Whether it's game day or Wednesday afternoon, it seems like there is someone always in Varsity chowing down on a slice of cheese pizza or a famous steak sandwich. Everything from chicken wings to salads, the Hill would not be the same without the famous Varsity restaurant.
Game day for basketball or football is always a popular choice (especially on the recently rare occasion when the SU football...
In the mood for a truly savory salad? At Acropolis, they leave the boring boxed-up salads to McDonald’s. It’s nothing but fork-fulls of fresh lettuce leafs tossed with dices of ripe tomato, sprinkles of feta cheese, and homemade Greek dressing here. Heck, if you’re feeling adventurous, they’ll even top it off with steamy slices of freshly-grilled chicken. At Acropolis, you’re guaranteed fresh...
Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub stays true to its name, appropriately tucked away on Tipperary Hill in Syracuse. For visitors and locals alike, the traditional pub has served as a hallmark for the historic Irish neighborhood since 1933. The miniature telephone booth for leprechauns just outside the main entrance ensures diners that Coleman’s leaves out no details when it comes to being...
Situated next to A Taste of Philadelphia and a few blocks away from The Palace Theater, Chadwicks is your resident James Street sports bar. In addition to booze and screens to watch the game, it offers customers all the grilled food staples, prepared right in front of your eyes at a window across from the bar. There’s plenty of room inside to mingle during half time, and the drink specials will...
You know it’s there, but you have never checked it out. After all, you attend Syracuse University, so why would you need to go inside the Sheraton Hotel? Make the two-minute trip from Marshall Street, though, and you’ll find out what you’ve been missing. The hotel’s bar and grill (Seasons at the Hill) and restaurant (Rachel’s) are hidden gems for your drinking and eating pleasures.
When to Go: As...
In Armory Square, the calm quiet of the day transforms itself into a lively night atmosphere. The same can be said about the Blue Tusk. It’s a dimly lit space with bar stools and booths, seemingly limitless beer choices and refreshingly unique menu options. Early in the day, customers trickle in and out on their lunch hour, returning again to relax and enjoy their surroundings with an ice-cold...
The Mission Restaurant sits nestled at a bizarre four-way intersection in downtown Syracuse, as if ensconced on an urban island, commanding attention from around Columbus Circle. The Mission’s unorthodox surroundings are fitting. Its picturesque location highlights what is arguably the prettiest and most historic dining establishment in the city. The building does not resemble a restaurant, for...
For dinner, Phoebe’s Restaurant & Coffee Lounge is enticingly arranged and delicious-tasting fine dining, just around the corner from Syracuse University on East Genesee Street. Prior to noon, Phoebe’s is a cozy coffee lounge. If you don’t have time to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere, you can order your favorite Phoebe’s specialty to go. A Syracuse tradition, which has been around since...
Half a block from Armory Square, in the historic Landmark Building, lies Clark’s Ale House. This take on a British pub brings together a great selection of unique beer and an excellent - though small - food menu. Clark’s motto is “24 drafts, 1 sandwich,” symbolizing how a simple roast beef sandwich and your favorite brew make for one great meal. This is not the place for light beer and loud music...