Life & Style

Downtown Syracuse Dining Week offers deals for diners

Downtown Dining Week returns to Syracuse

More than 40 restaurants create special lunch and dinner menus during the first two weeks of March.

Story and Illustrations by Meredith Taylor

Published: February 27, 2025

Illustration by Meredith Taylor

Several local restaurants are offering deals on meals to increase traffic during one of the slowest months of the year. Similar to previous years, this promotion offers customers a three-course dinner for $40 or less and a two-course lunch for $15 or less. To top it off, some businesses are offering special deals on sweet treats.

“It’s a really good way to try new restaurants without breaking the budget,” says SU junior Isabella Brown.

The Downtown Committee of Syracuse is looking to gain attraction for local restaurants by promoting discounts and deals customers can use during the first two weeks of March.

“This event is in its 21^st year,” Downtown Committee communications associate Vanessa Szwejbka said. “We keep organizing because it is popular among the restaurants and the community.”

Here is a list of what some restaurants are offering:

The Cake Bar

Known for its delicious desserts and coffees, the Cake Bar is offering a deal to capitalize on expanding their customers’ horizons. The Cake Bar is a local cafe that combines both American and Vietnamese foods. During the first two weeks of March, visitors will be offered a free Vietnamese coffee with the purchase of a ‘Viet Bagel.’

Mr. Pho Vietnamese Noodle House

A brand-new restaurant is looking to get in on the action this year. Mr. Pho is a Vietnamese noodle house that serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine while also catering to the local Syracuse community. Since their opening on January 1, customers have been raving about the tasty food coming out of their doors. During Syracuse Dining Week, Mr. Pho is offering a $10 lunch, which includes your choice of beverage and Banh Mi. For dinner, customers can order a beverage, Pho and the choice between an egg roll or a summer roll for $20 total.

Pita Dream

Pita Dream, located in Armory Square, is offering deals on fresh Mediterranean Halal food. With options ranging from the “Dream Monster” to the “Beef Kafta Kabob,” customers can select their choice of Pita with a side of fries or a five-piece falafel. That $15 meal doesn’t end there. For just $5 more, customers can additionally select a beverage, platter and lentil soup or baklava as Pita Dream’s take on a Downtown Dining Week dinner.

Prime Steakhouse

One of the best deals during this promotion is being offered by Prime Steakhouse. The $35 dinner starts by giving customers the choice between vegetable beef barley soup, “bang bang” cauliflower or a wedge salad. After the appetizer, they can choose between the vast entrée options which include seared salmon and short rib ravioli. Lastly, customers are treated to an ice cream sandwich bar for dessert.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

One of the most famous restaurants in Syracuse, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, is offering a $40 dinner from 4 p.m. to close during Downtown Dining Week. To start, the customer will select between a draft beer or a glass of wine. While sipping, they can choose both an appetizer and an entree. To top it off, customers can pick a dessert that will satisfy their sweet tooth.

Sugar Grove Café and Bakery

Located in the heart of downtown Syracuse, the Sugar Grove Cafe is known for its artisanal sandwiches and coffees. Having opened in late 2024, this restaurant is participating in its first Dining Week by offering a $15 lunch which gives customers the option between a soup or salad with a sandwich and chips.

Sweet on Chocolate

In the mood for a sweet treat? Sweet on Chocolate has got it covered. For $17, this premier chocolatier is promoting a build-your-own six-piece truffle box along with an artisan chocolate bar. With flavors ranging anywhere from “Black Cherry Merlot” to “Butterscotch,” you are bound to find something you’ll love.

Talking Cursive Brewing Company

This woman and veteran-owned brewery is also looking to get in on the action. Customers will be charged $30, and in return, they receive a build-your-own beer flight along with an appetizer and an entrée. This promotion allows patrons to sample a few of their favorite beers while eating delicious food.

The Fish Friar

The Fish Friar is bringing fresh seafood from the New England Coast and offering special deals during the first two weeks of March. For a $15 lunch, customers can select a starter and an entrée. For a $40 dinner, customers are asked to select between calamari and poutine for a start. After the appetizer, they will have the option to select a main course meal, and finally, they will be served a slice of peanut butter pie for dessert.

The Hops Spot

Stop by The Hops Spot to try their excellent poutine and burgers. During Syracuse Dining Week, this restaurant is offering a $15 lunch which includes a beverage, an entree, and a dessert. During the later hours, customers will have the option to partake in a $30 dinner where they can select a cocktail/beer, appetizer, main course and dessert. The Hops Spot also offers vegan meals for both lunch and dinner.