Metro fuses a sushi bar, an intimate concert venue and a dance club all into one. It may seem like those three things don't go together, but at Metro it works. The classy interior furnished with leather couches and teak wood furniture adds an air of sophistication, but the place lacks any pretention. Rather, it invites locals to enjoy great food, fun music and a relaxing (or wild, or both)...
If you are searching for mouthwatering food, cheap prices and a cozy place to eat, look no further than Mom's Diner. Almost hidden in plain view on Westcott Street, Mom's Diner serves traditional diner grub, while mixing in some Middle Eastern flair.
When to Go: Mom's Diner isn't exactly your 24-hour diner dive. During the week, you can eat at Mom's Diner from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on the...
The Jordanian family that owns and runs this restaurant prides itself on bringing its homeland dining culture to the 'Cuse. The Essi family says its recipes, which originated in Lebanon, make up "the best diet in the world." Meals here are made up mostly of beans, grains, vegetables and lots of herbs and spices, which the family says hold medicinal powers. The 90 percent vegan menu features...
Namu offers an extensive menu of Thai, Korean and Japanese flavors complemented by Asian beers and wines and a full bar. The atmosphere and food presentation will impress your date, and the generous portions will leave you more than satisfied.
When to Go: If you don't mind parking far away and walking through the snow, Namu is great for a weekend date....
A diamond in the rough, New Garden hides Asian culinary treasures behind its plain exterior. Located in the heart of the University Neighborhood, it offers affordable Chinese grub to hungry students. Its intimate, yet basic setting may be the opposite of the elaborate buildings of the ancient Chinese imperial dynasties. However, the dishes will indulge your taste buds with flavors that General...
Nick's Tomato Pie is a throwback pizza joint quietly tucked away on Walton Street in the heart of Syracuse's Armory Square. Perhaps more appropriately situated in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, don't let Nick's underwhelming interior fool you. From its 50 cent wings to its widely popular buffalo chicken wing speciality slice, this modest-sized hole in the wall can fill almost any hole...
Escaping the frenzied scene of Marshall Street and into Oishi Sushi feels like you’ve taken a flight across the world – but with better food, more comfortable seating and no jet lag. Oishi Sushi serves up a refreshing menu of Asian (specifically Japanese) dishes, and is particularly known for its sushi, teriyaki and special rolls from the sushi bar.
Black-legged maroon chairs line the venue’s...
The closest Chinatown to Syracuse University may be 246 miles away in New York City, but you can sample a taste of Chinatown with a quick jaunt to Marshall Street
At Panda West Chinese Seafood Restaurant, the staff strives to appease the appetites of SU students by bringing the diverse delicacies of Asian cuisine to the outskirts of campus, going as far as strategically placing the slogan “...
What two things are guaranteed to make every Syracuse University student drool? Pastabilities’ fresh, warm bread and hot tomato oil dipping sauce. Sold all over Syracuse and Central New York, the restaurant’s famous bread and dipping sauce is the perfect way to start a meal, especially if you’re eating in the warm, inviting, and usually hopping, dining room of Pastabilities.
When to Go:...
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...
Update: Closed in May 2012.
Like many of the other restaurants that populate Marshall Street, just off of the SU campus, Pita El Saha gives the immediate impression of a college spot. However, don’t let the rundown overhang sign fool you. For an alternative to the predominantly pizza and sandwich spots, El Saha is a refreshing taste to the Marshall Street line up. It is forced...
Think of this: You’re hungry at midnight. You want to eat, but it seems difficult to find something light, healthy, and with low calories. Guess what? Pita Pit absolutely meets your need!
When to Go: Basically, you are welcome to go to Pita Pit anytime, either for brunch, lunch, dinner, or even late night snack. But if you don’t want to be surprised by a super long line, you might want to be...
PJ's Pub and Grill in Armory Square is a great place to get a beer and watch the game. Chuck's and Faegan's can get pretty crowded with students on a regular basis, so try heading downtown when you want to avoid the long lines. PJ's is your typical Irish pub with American food that anyone can enjoy.
When to go: Early afternoon gets busy with the lunch break crowd, and since PJ's is far from...
If it weren’t for the sign hanging from the second-floor balcony, or the fliers for local events hanging in the windows, you might think the Recess Coffee House and Roastery is just another house. Situated on a residential block just off Westcott Street, Recess looks unassuming and modest. But once inside, your nose will be greeted with the aroma of fresh-roasted coffee and just-out-of-the-...
On the small street behind Marshall, hidden in the shadow of Chuck’s, is a healthy gem of sandwiches, soups and salads. Roly Poly’s relaxing, refreshing, and quaint atmosphere makes the restaurant an ideal place for someone who is searching for a healthy option, one different from your average Freshman-15 pizza for lunch, booze for dinner diet. This restaurant offers decent prices - you can find...
Sakana-Ya not your run-of-the-mill American sushi experience. And that's exactly how it's supposed to be.
Sakana-Ya prides itself as the premier sushi hub in Central New York and makes a compelling case. Between the modernized sushi bar setting, industrialized conveyor belt setup and Japanese-themed decor, Sakana-Ya gives a taste of contemporary Japanese cuisine. For a...
If you're looking for a new place to cheer on your Syracuse Orange, look no further than the recently opened Saltine Warrior Sports Pub located just west of Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse. The name comes from Syracuse University's old mascot. Owned and operated by John Shahin, the same guy behind Harry's Bar right by campus, this new sports bar offers reasonably priced sports-viewing fare...
You can smell the spices, tandoori baked breads and savory, coconut curry sauce three floors down from Samrat's. The 17-year-old family-owned Indian restaurant serves authentic Indian cuisine seven days a week. Its quaint 15-table dining room is ideal for rich, spicy flavors on a cold Syracuse day.
When to go: Make a lunch date to visit Samrat's buffet Monday-Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. At...
Update: The bar has since been renamed "Sitrus on the Hill."
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, Sitrus on the Hill, and restaurant, Rachel’...
If you’re tired of calling a jaunt to Sbarro in Schine an authentic Italian meal, then look no further than Siciliano’s Italian Eatery for a quality spaghetti fix. Located less than five miles from campus at 6380 Thompson Road, Siciliano’s is nestled between East Wok and Jreck Subs in a small strip mall.
The Carrier towers are next door, and the bustle of Carrier Circle is close enough to be...