J Ryan's Pub

Consider it a playground for beer connoisseurs with an unquenchable thirst for variety. Beat your brew boredom with one of the 69 different beers on tap at J Ryan’s Pub in downtown Syracuse. Stop in for insanely affordable prices paired with good food and a cozy atmosphere. What more could a college student ask for?

When to Go: J Ryan’s is a good alternative when the more well-known bars are packed. The bar scene is still popping until 2 a.m. almost all week, except when J Ryan's closes at 11 p.m. on Sundays. Head there on any given weeknight for their “$2 Holla Special” and grub that is a step above your standard bar food. With indoor and outdoor seating, J Ryan's allows you to enjoy live music most nights and play free arcade games every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Sports fans can catch a real game on one of pub's flat-screen TVs. The bottom line: Good brew, good eats and even better prices can be found at J Ryan's. You’re a champ if you try all 69 beers on tap before you graduate.

On Tap: There’s no getting around it: J Ryan’s is a beer lover’s dream come true. If choosing one of the 69 different beers on tap leaves you scratching your head, feel free to ask the friendly bar staff. They won’t judge. Two featured beers costing $2 every night, $5 Growlers and $9 pitchers might make the selection process a bit easier. A limited liquor selection is offered as well. The bottom line: You won’t find a better selection anywhere in Syracuse. Period.

Blue Plate Special: Are you familiar with the Rochester Garbage Plate? Enter J Ryan’s Bubble Plate. Two cheeseburgers are piled on a heaping mound of mac salad, topped with meat sauce and onions. Or you can munch on some homemade tortilla chips and salsa while you watch the game. Soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers are also available, averaging around $6 to $9 per entrée. The bottom line: A step above your traditional bar food is guaranteed.

The Scene: Jam along to the jukebox or chill with some live reggae music when you’re not watching the game on TV or when the weather isn’t subzero, and you can sit outside. There’s plenty of seating at the bar, too, and a pool table if you’re not into darts or the arcade. Neon signs and checkered flooring give J Ryan’s a down-to-earth feel and comfy charm. And you can actually hear the person next to you, a real rarity atop the Hill these days. The bottom line: You’ll probably be too busy ogling the beers on tap to notice anything else.

The Crew: Don’t know the difference between a stout and a microbrew? Fear not, the friendly staff is more than welcome to share its expertise. The bottom line: Come once for a smile with your service. Come twice and they’ll probably remember your name.

The Deets: Daily specials and almost 70 beers on tap make J Ryan’s one of a kind here in Syracuse, with prices that will keep your wallet happy. Enjoy a juicy $6 burger with your choice of toppings or traditional wings and onion rings if you have a belly full of beer, and you will.  From corned beef to Jamaican jerk, the sandwiches are no joke and average around $8 each. Stop in Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m. J Ryan’s is also wheelchair accessible, and credit cards are accepted. The bottom line: If the beer selection and downright delicious eats leave you wanting more, seek help.

Profile by Brittany Fuino