Varsity

Whether it's game day or Wednesday afternoon, it seems like there is someone always in Varsity chowing down on a slice of cheese pizza or a famous steak sandwich. Everything from chicken wings to salads, the Hill would not be the same without the famous Varsity restaurant.

Game day for basketball or football is always a popular choice (especially on the recently rare occasion when the SU football team wins). During the week, lines can be a little long because of the hospitals that are located near campus. But with its cafeteria-style seating, the restaurant is big enough to accommodate large crowds.  Bottom line: Game day, win or lose, rain or shine, Varsity is your one stop shop for a quick tasty meal.

On Tap:  They have 3 beers on tap: Sam Adams, Bud, and Labatt.  They also serves wine and canned beers.  Bottom line: Best place to get a cold beer and a hot slice of cheese pizza.

The Goods:  The menu consists of a little more than your basic pizzeria or wing joint. Varsity offers salads, deli style or grilled sandwiches, wings, burgers, steak melts and even soups. Their pizza and wings are some of the best on the Hill.  Bottom line: There are healthy options… but that’s not what made them famous. 

The Scene:  With a working jukebox and SU photos and jerseys lining the walls, Varsity embodies the total campus experience. Owned by the Dellas family for more than 80 years, Varsity encompasses everything Syracuse has to offer.  The cafeteria style seating does not always make for the most relaxing meal (patrons order their food in line and take it with them to their seats) but the tables are always clean and food is always good.  Bottom line: If you are looking for a little bit of orange tradition and not white tablecloths, this is the spot.

Crew: There are no waiters and waitresses but there are bus boys who are always friendly and keep the tables clean. The employees make the food fast and are always friendly when you pay at the register. Bottom line: They’ve got family business down to a science.

The Crowd:  The most frequent customers are college kids but you will find everything from professors to professional athletes who are in town and choose to come to Varsity.  Bottom line:  Everyone is welcome.

The Deets: Varsity is located at 802 S. Crouse Ave. That’s near Faegan’s towards the beginning of Marshall Street.  They offer many specials, for wings and pizza, especially for college kids. They also deliver to the SU campus (definite plus in the winter). Everything but personal check is accepted, including OMCP. They are open 9a.m.-9p.m. Monday to Saturday (sometimes even later) and are closed Sundays except for events at the Dome. Bottom line: If you’re on campus you have to at least try it. It’s tradition. 

Review by Paige Westin