Danzer's German & American Restaurant

Hidden between dreary-looking factory buildings and truck loading docks is a German gem: Danzer's German & American Restaurant. Though the building is easy to miss, the German appearance inside is unmistakable. Signs in German hang from the walls, and multiple German beers are just an order away. Rich in history and about five minutes away from the Syracuse University campus, the restaurant has offered home-cooked German meals since 1946. For some locals, it's a favorite hangout spot before going to a SU sports game. For others, the restaurant is still waiting to be discovered.

When to Go: Danzer's is typically the busiest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for lunch, and 5 to 8 p.m. for dinner. But on SU game days, the number of customers reaches a whole new level. Standing from wall to wall or out the door, locals pack the place before the games to grab a German meal and a few beers. It's recommended to show up at least an hour before the game starts to grab a good table. About 15 minutes before a game starts, however, the place empties out. Many customers leave their cars in the restaurant's lot and hitch a ride with friends to the game. The bottom line: Get there early if you want to pre-game before the SU games and get a good seat. 

On Tap: Danzer's offers 13 draft beers and 22 bottled beers. You've got beers such as Labatt Blue that you may find at local restaurants, but many of the other beers are distinctly German. Spaten Optimator, Spaten Lager and Spaten Franz Hefe are just a few. Prices per glass range from $3 to $10. Multiple wines are also available. The bottom line: Go thirsty and be willing to try a beer you've never heard of before.

Blue Plate Special: You can't leave Danzer's without trying one of their famous hot or cold sandwiches, which range from a turkey sandwich covered in steaming gravy to a packed ham and cheese sandwich. The most popular dish is—you guessed it—a sandwich. The Reuben sandwich, to be exact. Most of the meals are reasonably priced, with costs ranging anywhere from $8.25 to $9.75 for enough food to last you the rest of the day. The bottom line: Come with an empty stomach, or you'll struggle to finish the giant servings. 

The Scene: The restaurant's interior resembles a log cabin, with brown logs covering the ceiling and dim lights hanging from the walls. The darker appearance of the main room gives off a pub-like feel, with the bar and stacks of large white glasses being the first things you see. German memorabilia, including a 1976 Oktoberfest poster from Munich, Germany, and a large Guinness sign, also make Danzer's feel more like a pub in Germany than a restaurant in Syracuse. Small lamps dot each of the tables, and a large dining room with additional tables connects to the main room, which includes the bar and booths of red tables. The bottom line: If you have any German heritage in you, you'll feel right at home. 

The Crew: The waitresses treat you more like a friend than a customer. If you come in the late afternoon when it's not too busy, the crew is easygoing and up for a conversation. Some waitresses will even tell you to just call their name out if you need anything. The service is also incredibly fast, with the sandwiches served up in less than 10 minutes. The bottom line: If you want to get to know your waiter or waitress, come during the late afternoon when it's not so hectic.

The Crowd: It really depends on when you go. Before SU sports games, you'll find a lot of the middle-aged and older fans hitting up the restaurant. During the hours when Danzer's isn't as packed, you'll find groups of elderly customers eating together. But the hefty meals and variety of beers are enough to lure any college student. The bottom line: You'll find an older crowd at Danzer's.

The Deets: Danzer's isn't exactly the easiest place to find, so look for the sign on East Brighton Avenue pointing toward it. Parking is available in the front and on other sides of the building. Credit cards are accepted, and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible. Danzer’s is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 2 to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Overall, if you're looking for one of the best sandwich selections in Syracuse, this is the place to go. The bottom line: Once you go for the first time, you'll definitely go back. 

Profile by Michael Boren