Gio's Tavern

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Update: Closed in late 2011.


With a modern design and upscale feel, Armory Square's newest sports bar has all the ingredients to make sports fans happy: two pool tables, shuffleboard, darts and an indoor basketball game. On top of it, it has five 82-inch projection screens and a choice of 120 beers, which make this place a great one to watch the games.

When to Go: Gio’s Tavern is open every day from noon to 2 a.m. During the week it is a laid-back and relatively quiet place to have a cold beer and a nice conversation. Fridays and Saturdays get busier. During games it can get pretty full, but Gio’s Tavern has plenty of room so you’ll hardly feel the crowd. Gio’s Tavern also has live music. Los Blancos or Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook Band are some of the entertainment you’ll find there. The bottom line: Go for game time!

On Tap: Gio’s has a full bar that features a huge selection of beers including 120 brews from all over the world, including Dos Equis, Grolsch, Microbrews, Newcastle, Sea Dog or Stella Artois. It has 18 beer taps such as Blue Moon, Dogfish Head, Guinness, Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, SPA. The bar also offers six different red wines and five whites, along with a wide variety of liquors. During happy hours (weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), get a pint for $5 or a bar mixer for $3. For SU games, bottles of Blue and Blue Light are $3. The bottom line: Beer fans, you’ve just found your new favorite spot.

Blue Plate Special: While Gio’s doesn’t have its own kitchen, it has partnered with Namu, the Japanese restaurant next door, and offer a basic appetizer menu. On the menu you’ll find traditional bar food, like wings for $8 or fries for $5, and, of course, Japanese specialties such as Gyoza for $9 or green edamame for $6. The bottom line: Maybe not the best place if you’re starving.

The Scene: Gio’s has a spacious floor filled with casual tables and bar seating. The setup is all about sports and beers: giant bar, five big screens, pool tables, basketball indoor game, etc. The bottom line: Definitely designed for games.

The Crew: The staff is nice and friendly.  Always welcoming and joking around, they make you feel at home. The bottom line: If you don’t know which beer to pick just ask Sarah, Tom, Tracey or Dice; they’ll be glad to help.

The Crowd:
Customers are as varied as the choice of beers. At Gio's, you'll find locals, college students, beer amateurs or even live music fans. The bottom line: Friendly, mixed, and a laid-back crowd.

The Deets:
Gio’s Tavern is definitely a place you go to see a game. Prices are very reasonable (Budweiser is $2 anytime) and you’ll get very good deals on draft ($5), bottles of beers ($3), and bar mixers ($3) during happy hours or SU games. Armory Square parking can be a bit tricky, especially on weekends. If you can’t find street parking, your best bet is to try the Atrium Garage up the block on the corner of South Franklin and Fayette. The bottom line: Next game, give it a try.

Profile by Marie Claudet

Location

207, Walton Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 299-6174

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