When you think of Syracuse, do you think of food? You probably don’t. You probably think of the famous university or, if you’re like this SheBuysTravel, you think of COLD. But, as she is here to tell you, there are some great places to eat in Syracuse, New York.
I traveled to Syracuse this past February and I had an amazing time. There is so much to do, the people are so warm and welcoming…I mean, they better be warm because baby, it’s cold in Syracuse. And there is so much to eat. So. Much.
I’m giving you a run-down of my favorite places to nosh. I was only in town for three days and I’m firmly convinced that if I’d have stayed longer, this list would be longer. My jeans probably wouldn’t fit, but that is a whole other story. I’m excited to share the 8 best places to eat in Syracuse NY. If you think I’ve missed something, let me know in the comments and I’ll add it to my list of places to try on my next trip!
1. Modern Malt
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Located in Armory Square, Modern Malt is a classic diner with a twist. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in a fun, retro atmosphere. Modern Malt offers modern twists on classic comfort foods…and they serve cocktails, too!
Modern Malt has an amazingly fun menu offering breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads and more. I had the PB&J Burger and yes, I ordered it because it just sounded weird and I had to try it. Sheer deliciousness. The PB&J Burger is a delicious beef patty served on a brioche roll topped with Swiss cheese, tomato, bacon jam, and peanut butter. There’s not a ton of peanut butter on it…think using it in place of mayo. You can definitely taste it but it’s not overwhelming. I had mine with sweet potato tots. (Maybe TMI but I’m actually drooling while typing.)
Other sandwiches have fun names like the Sloppy Joseph, Angry Bird and Good Morning Viet Nam. If you have a little bit of a sweet tooth, you might want to check out the Barney Rubble French Toast or the PB Cup French Toast. Modern Malt also has a selection of desserts but we didn’t get that far.
If you like a little something extra with your breakfast or brunch, their selection of Bloody Marys and Mimosas is also unique and fun. Want to try a Thai Basil Bloody Mary? This is your place.
2. The Mission
If you want to eat delicious Mexican food in delightfully decorated and historical surroundings, The Mission is the place for you. Being from San Antonio, I know my Mexican food and I’m honestly a little wary of non-Texas Mexican food. I was very pleasantly surprised at The Mission and found the food to be very authentic.
The Mission is a former Methodist Church and a stop on the 19th century underground railroad. If you didn’t know, Syracuse is an important place in underground railroad history. The info on this historic building is in the menu. I had shrimp quesadillas which were made with roasted corn, poblano peppers and green onions.
3. Dinosaur BBQ
This is a fun, loud place with great food. Whatever you order, make sure you get the Swag Sampler Plate first. It comes with fried green tomatoes, chicken wings, deviled eggs and spicy boiled shrimp. The fried green tomatoes are LEGIT.
Dinosaur BBQ has some of the best pulled pork I’ve ever tasted. They also offer happy hour specials and live music later in the evening. Dinosaur BBQ is actually a chain (the Syracuse location is the original) with locations around upstate New York, in New York City, and in Connecticut and New Jersey.
4. Eleven Waters
Eleven Waters is located in the Marriott in downtown Syracuse. Inspired by New York’s Finger Lakes wine region (get it…eleven waters = eleven lakes), the restaurant offers unique local flavors in a modern but rustic bistro experience.
Eleven Waters offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner and they have an amazing variety of local wines. The attached “Barber Shop” inspired bar is absolutely adorable. The space used to be an actual barber shop and the designers have done a great job in giving a nod to the original intent for the space. It’s such a fun place to have a drink. Even if you don’t stay at the Marriott (which you should – it’s amazing and full of history in a super-luxurious setting), put this stop on your list.
The Marriott also boasts The Cavalier Room and Shaughnessy’s. The Cavalier Room offers snacks and light bites, such as tomato and fresh mozzarella flatbread or a three-cheese quesadillato, to enjoy while you’re having a great cocktail. If you want something heartier, they offer a selection of salads, bowls, and sandwiches.
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Shaughnessy’s is a super-fun, sports-friendly Irish pub. They offer a variety of hearty eats, such as burgers, sandwiches, and fish and chips. A kid’s menu is also available.
5. Glazed and Confused
I am a doughnut lover. Correction: I am a doughnut connoisseur. There is so much to love about this gem of a doughnut shop but if you leave without sampling the Dizzy Pig (a maple-glazed, bourbon sugar concoction of awesomeness topped with candied (local!) bacon), then you’re glazed and confused.
If the prospect of a maple glazed, bacon, bourbon donut doesn’t do it for you (and OMG what is the matter with you?) then you can sample the Cereal Killer, the Elvis Strikes Back, or the Pardon my French Toast. This is SUCH a fun place and the people are so nice. I have regrets, though. I regret not taking doughnuts home with me. So…don’t be like me. Bring some goodies home. And maybe bring one for me, too?
6. Al’s Wine and Whiskey Lounge
Al’s Wine and Whiskey Lounge offers wine, spirits, and some fun eats in a library-esque setting. They offer small bites, sandwiches, and just about any sort of alcoholic drink you’d want.
7. The Fish Friar
If you want a haddock chowder that’s slap yo’ mamma good (sorry mamma), then head to the Fish Friar. They have all sorts of good seafood and seasonal soups. If you want super-fresh, wild-caught seafood from the coast of Maine (hello, who wouldn’t!) paired with craft beer and an inviting Manhattan-style atmosphere, then this is one you need to check out.
I got to sample the haddock chowder as part of the Culinary Cruise that happens during Syracuse’s Winter Fest. Winter Fest happens during February and the Culinary Cruise is a fun way to meet people and try lots of different foods.
8. Destiny USA
If you don’t see what you are looking for on this list or if you are interested in eating (or drinking!) at a franchise while in Syracuse, Destiny USA has you covered. Destiny USA is an amazing shopping/dining/entertainment complex…if they don’t have it, you might not want it. I’ve never been to the Mall of America but Destiny USA is a similar setup…just not quite as large.
They offer Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Changs, The Melting Pot, Ruby Tuesday, TGI Fridays and so much more. If you’re looking for fast food options, Destiny USA has a ton: Arby’s, Sbarro, Auntie Anne’s, and a bajillion other places.
Syracuse is a gem. I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing about my favorite places to eat in Syracuse but the city has so much more to offer than food. You might be visiting on a college tour or on a pitstop going somewhere else. Syracuse is a popular side trip from Niagara Falls. I happen to think there’s enough wonderful-ness in Syracuse to plan a dedicated visit…but whatever brings you to Syracuse, you definitely won’t go hungry in this amazing city in Central New York.
Cathy Smtih says
Spaghetti Warehouse! In a old building with 4 poster beds and also a trolley car that you can eat in both. Big menu. Close to Destiny Mall
H White says
I’m glad you enjoyed your trip in February and found places for food and entertainment. The real difficulty in listing 8-10 ‘best food places’ is actually in defining what type(s) of food you like the best. Is it ethnic (Italian, German, Polish/Russian), middle-Eastern/Mediterranean, or some form of Bistro, pub-grub, Tex-Mex (which is far better in Texas than Syracuse) or some other type?
Once you make that distinction, choices abound, here or anyplace else. Eva’s, for example, might be one of the jewels in this state; Scotch and Sirloin is a long-established (1967) steak house; but there are lots of other excellent choices too like Dinosaur (bbq), Joey’s (Italian), Alto Cinco (Mexican), King David’s and Munjab’s (Mediterranean), Small Plates, Laci’s Tapas, Dark Horse, Pastabilities, Kitty Hoynes and Coleman’s (Irish) and many more.
Wishing you ‘fair weather and following seas’.
MarY ellen says
Come back and try it all but thanks for the positive press!!
Jason says
Suddenly the turkey sandwich I brought to work for lunch seems woefully inadequate. Sounds like you had a very full visit! Come visit us again!
Paul Auber says
As a Syracuse native, I’d like to point out that you missed MULTIPLE GOOD EATS in our town. Unfortunately someone took or directed you to all the “YUPPIE” joints in town. Maybe you can plan your next trip during our Taste of Syracuse weekend. There you’ll be exposed to a lot more that our fine city has to offer. Next visit plan to stop into Mothers Cupboard, home of the Frittata and Ale and Angus Pub which serves some the best burgers in New York State. Also visit the legendary Heid’s of Liverpool hot dog stand and when you are leaving make sure to get some Columbus Bread to take home.
Jill Robbins, Texas SheBuysTravel says
Thank you for your suggestions…all of that sounds yummy too. Sounds like I need to bring my stretchy pants and maybe stay longer!
Mar P says
If you want to be blown away, come to the NY State Fair at the end of August. Just about every restaurant has a spot, along with all the regulars. As much as you like Dinosaur, the restaurant is NOTHING compared to their food *at the Fair.* I don’t even go anymore, any other time. Be sure to get some salt-crusted salt potatoes, drowning in butter, with a Hoffman’s “coney” and “snappy.” Plus, there are a TON of restaurants and holes in the wall with fantastic cuisine from a huge variety of immigrants, new and old. Syracuse is full of them, just ask any “yuppie.” 😉
And yes, go to Columbus Bakery on Pearl St. You’ll be underwhelmed as you park and SWOON when you walk in the door and are inexplicably transported to crusty-bread heaven.
Jill Robbins, Texas SheBuysTravel says
This all sounds so good. I loved everything I ate in Syracuse but I’m thinking I need a return trip!!!!
Bill Tillman says
The Italian Food is the real local cuisine in the Cuse. We live in Central Florida and was born and raised in Syracuse. Go back every year to get GOOD Food !!
Barbara Masucci says
Next time ditch the Destiny chain restaurants (that do not speak to the local food loving), and go to The Cider Mill. The food is excellent and inventive. A look at the menu would make your mouth water but one taste…heaven! It s in a renovated cider mill (Morey’s Cider Mill) that many of us remember from childhood, when our parents would stop there for cider after church and we kids would get a donut or apple fritter. It underwent further renovations after one of our heavy snow storms caved in part of the building. The owner kept some of the original wood from the mill and the beloved menu sign from the old mill. They started as a catering business (again wonderful), expanded to include an off season restaurants, and is now year round.
You certainly made good choices on the local restaurants
Valerie says
I am heading to Syracuse and am looking for the local spots. Can you tell me a few more?