Food Lovers' Bucket List

Believe it or not, the semester's just about over. If you’re a senior, you probably have some things left to cross off your bucket list before graduation. If you’re a food lover, we've got a few more things you’ll have to tackle. Everyone’s been to Dinosaur BBQ, but if you want to hit all the best joints, make sure to add these five tasty experiences to your list.

1. Grocery shop at the Central New York Regional Market

This open-space farmers' market is a great way to get connected with the Syracuse community. The variety of items ranges from fresh veggies, wines, and cheeses to spice mixes, jams and salsas. If you’re trying to save your money, the prices here are low and you can snack on enough free samples to constitute a well-rounded, miniature feast. The best part of the experience is browsing and learning about all the fresh and unique products: Vendors are not only helpful and friendly, but also very knowledgeable and passionate about their products. The facility is open year round and located right across from Destiny USA by the Regional Transportation Center.

2. Pick your favorite drink on tap at Empire Brewery

Empire may be the best eatery in Syracuse not only for what they do in the kitchen, and brewery but what they are doing beyond it. The company not only has invested in several sustainability initiatives like growing their own vegetables, herbs and hops at their own garden, recycling their resources and buying from local sources. But back to the brewery. Their variety of award-winning, handcrafted beers is astounding, and a little overwhelming. No worries though, the wait staff and bartenders are experts at the brews they have and can help you find your favorite. The brewery also hosts a number of beer related events like tastings and live music.

3. Sling back some margaritas at a repurposed church

An old church on Onondaga Street swapped out its prayer books for pinto beans. Once a stop along the Underground Railroad, The Mission serves up fresh Mexican, Southwestern fusion dishes that match the vibrant flare of the décor. The royal blue ceilings and the warm, sandy walls are a beautiful contrast with pops of color glowing from the stained glass windows. Even if you aren’t a big fan of Mexican food seeing how The Mission preserved history and architecture is a great way to connect to Syracuse’s rich heritage.

4. Squeeze through the tiny door at Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub

OK, don’t really try that; that door is obviously only for leprechauns. But, if you’ve never made your way to the Irish pub on Tip Hill, it’s a true Syracuse staple and worth the trip. If the nearby, upside-down traffic light and the phone booth outside Coleman’s wasn’t enough to lure you there, the selection and atmosphere at the classic Irish eatery will do the trick.  Steeped in tradition with a beautiful and ornate wooden interior, Coleman's has an extensive beer tap and makes a mean Beef O’Flaherty. Though the large space may make it feel less like the tight Irish pubs you’ve experienced before, the extra room lets the crowd get a little rowdier and provides the space for the live music every Thursday through Sunday. 

5. Conquer the Mother’s Cupboard frittata challenge

 If that wimp on Man v. Food can do it, you can too. The six-pound mix of scrambled eggs, sausage, pepperoni, vegetables and hash browns may be daunting but it’s also delicious. After his victory over the monstrous dish Adam Richman claimed that it was a particularly delightful challenge because all of the ingredients were very fresh and light. The charming little shack of a restaurant is well known for serving up a number of mouth-watering, homey meals but to take on the frittata challenge is to make a name for yourself. Don’t you want to leave Syracuse with your free t-shirt prize and the glory of being a breakfast champion?