Syracuse will always have a special place in my heart. We spent 3 years living in this college town in upstate New York, during which time we got engaged and married, and I also was lucky enough to meet one of my closest friends! While not known as a foodie city, Syracuse does have a few specialties: salt potatoes (due to its past as the country’s main salt producer in the 1800s), half moon cookies (not to be confused with black and whites), and Dinosaur BBQ. While the city is on the smaller side, with a population just shy of 150,000 in 2024, there are still so many great places to eat or grab a drink in Syracuse. And while you’re already in the area, why not check out some of my favorite Finger Lakes wineries as well!
Snacks and Light Bites
The Sweet Praxis – 203 E Water Street.
This gluten-free and vegan bakery in the heart of downtown makes some of the better pastries I’ve had. Vegan baking has really come a long way!
Boulangerie Cafe – 526 Plum Street.
This small sandwich shop was my husband’s go-to lunch spot. Here you’ll find a variety of solid, no-frills sandwiches and wraps. During the summer be sure to grab your food and head over to nearby Franklin Square Park for a relaxing lunch break!
Original Grain – 302 S Salina Street.
This is a great fast-casual option for bowls, wraps and smoothies! You’ll find that a number of their menu items are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or dairy-free. They’re open for both breakfast or lunch.
Need some caffeine? Check out the running list of Syracuse coffee shops I’ve visited!
Restaurants
Pastabilities – 311 S Franklin Street.
This contemporary Italian restaurant has been a Syracuse staple for decades, and for good reason. Besides serving amazing pasta, they also make their own house stretch bread in a bakery across the street! It’s a really versatile spot, great for date nights and special occasions or just catching up with friends.
Kitty Hoynes – 301 W Fayette Street.
You may recognize this downtown Irish pub from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, where they’ve actually been featured on multiple episodes! You can’t go wrong with the fish and chips, Reuben fritters, or Shephard’s Pie.
Inka’s – 201 S Salina Street.
Before 2025, I’d never had Japanese/Peruvian fusion. And then between trips to Boston and Syracuse I had it twice in one year! The decor is fun (check out the llama on the 2nd floor!) and they serve amazing food and cocktails. I highly recommend the Arroz Chaufa, their Peruvian twist on fried rice.
Just had to give a special shoutout to Ocean Sushi which, while not technically in Syracuse, is just north of the city in Liverpool. I discovered my love for sushi and super spicy foods there!
Bars
Nobody’s – 222 Walton Street.
If I still lived in the area, I’d probably be here all the time. Their website says “upscale yet unpretentious” and that fits the vibe to a T. As someone who loves trying different wines, my favorite part was the option to order a smaller pour so I could taste test more varieties in one sitting!
Wolff’s Biergarten – 106 Montgomery Street.
This biergarten-inspired bar doesn’t have a huge outdoor space like in a traditional biergarten, but their giant garage doors open to let in plenty of fresh air on warm days. They open early for morning European soccer games and you can watch pretty much any team you like!
Al’s Wine & Whiskey Lounge – 321 S Clinton Street.
In 2025, Whiskey Advocate named Al’s as one of the ‘Top 125 Whiskey Bars in America’. The liquor selection here is MASSIVE, with over 2,000 bottles of spirits to choose from. When the university is in session Al’s can get a bit crowded, but it’s a casual place to hang out during winter and summer breaks.
For Next Time
Noble Cellar – 304 E Onondaga Street.
I had plans to visit this wine bar, located inside of a former church, the last time I was in town. Unfortunately they had a fire a few weeks before and were still under renovation during my trip. They were given the Award of Excellence from the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) in 2024, the year they opened.
Nice Biscuit – 2324 Court Street.
A southern-style breakfast spot specializing in scratch made vegan biscuits and breakfast sandwiches.
The Fish Friar – 239 E Genesee Street.
The further I am from the coast, the less likely I am to order seafood. But this New England seafood spot, located near city hall, has rave reviews so I’m willing to give it a shot!
Where are your favorite places to eat or drink in Syracuse? Let me know in the comments!
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