For 3 years in my mid twenties I called Syracuse, New York home. Since one of my best friends still lives in the area, I try to make it back to visit as often as I can! Like many cities and towns in the United States, Syracuse gets its name from a European counterpart – Siracusa in Sicily, Italy. This mid-sized city, with a population of nearly 150,000, is home to Syracuse University and the New York State Fair. You’ll notice a huge difference in the overall vibe of the city in the summer vs during the school year, as the university adds an extra 20,000 young people to the population. Along with the massive amount of construction making parts of the city almost unrecognizable, the coffee scene seems to have grown exponentially since I lived here. So many new coffee shops have popped up in Syracuse that I can’t wait to visit!

Reminder: I don’t ever give stars or number ratings to the coffee shops I visit. In my experience, reviews like that tend to be pretty subjective and not really all that helpful. Everyone has different tastes, and there may be a coffee shop I loved that someone else hates! So instead you’ll find relevant details like: the vibes/decor, thoughts on what I ordered, recommendations/tips, and overall if I enjoyed my visit or not. This way you can decide whether or not you want to give it a shot. Interested in my other coffee-related travels? Check out the rest of my Will Travel for Coffee series!

Wake Up. Drink Coffee. Travel. Repeat.

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Salt City Coffee

If you didn’t know, Syracuse gained the nickname “The Salt City” in the 18th and 19th centuries because it was the country’s main salt producer. Hence why you’re likely to notice a number of brands in the area including salt in their name. When I asked my friend where we should grab coffee during my most recent visit, Salt City Coffee was at the top of her list. I’m glad I wasn’t the one driving because I probably would have missed it! The coffee shop is located inside of an unassuming white building that is apparently restored historic mansion from the 1860’s. Inside you’ll find an open, inviting space full of rustic brick and plenty of seating. While we visited the roastery in the Southwest neighborhood, they have three additional locations across the Syracuse area.

What I ordered: the Valencia Cold Brew (cold brew steeped with cinnamon, sugar, vanilla and rice – similar to horchata) and a bagel sandwich. The coffee had a really nice hint of cinnamon to it, but they were a bit heavy handed with the oat milk so it was lighter than I prefer. The breakfast sandwich was solid, but nothing to write home about. I’m betting the advertised spicy siracha or sweet Thai aioli would’ve put it over the top, and I’d probably try that next time. Something fun they have on the menu is a rotating flavor cereal-infused oat milk latte. The day I went it was cinnamon toast crunch!

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The Sweet Praxis

Unlike the others I visited, The Sweet Praxis is actually a bakery that also serves great coffee. They make scratch-baked vegan and gluten-free pastries in their ‘bake lab kitchen’, offering both sweet and savory options. I have to say, its gotten harder and harder over the years for me to tell the difference between vegan treats and traditional ones – baking science has really come a long way! The bakery is super inviting as soon as you walk in the door with its bright, airy, and whimsical blue interior.

In terms of coffee, I ordered the Bumble Brew – cold brew, locally sourced honey, oat milk, and Syracuse Salt Co flake salt. It’s probably my favorite coffee I’ve tried in Syracuse. My friend on the other hand got her go-to (when it’s in season!) Lavender latte. The bakery displays were also calling our names, and we ended up with a berry Danish and a buckeye donut. Let me tell you that as a Penn State alumna, I almost didn’t order the donut because, pardon my saying so, f* Ohio State. But I’m glad I did, because man was it delicious!

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Kelsey’s Coffee and Friends

Formerly known as Peaks Coffee Company, the cafe rebranded to Kelsey’s in early 2025. You’ll still see Peaks branded bags on the shelves though – apparently the business partners separated and the other is still roasting coffee under the Peaks name! The shop is just north of Syracuse University and located on the ground level of what looks to be university housing. This is something to keep in mind if you plan to visit, as I can see the street parking becoming hard to find during the school year. But we went during the summer and had zero problem! While not the biggest cafe, there was still a decent amount of seating both inside and out.

I decided to make a pitstop at Kelsey’s before I headed out of town after a long weekend. I kept things simple with an oat milk cold brew and a blueberry muffin, while my friend got a hand pie and a strawberry matcha. It seems like the summer of 2025 was a strawberry matcha summer, because this drink seemed to have a chokehold on coffee shop menus everywhere. My coffee was the perfect color (yay!), had a pleasantly smooth flavor, and gave me just the boost I needed to power through the 4 hour drive back home!

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Previously Visited Coffee Shops

Back when I lived in Syracuse (in the mid-to-late 2010s), I’d only just started drinking coffee so I honestly didn’t know how to differentiate the good from the bad. Below are some coffee shops I’d tried during that time that, while I don’t recall being overly impressed with, I need visit again for a refresher!

Cafe Kubal – 401 S Salina Street, Syracuse, NY.
This Syracuse-based coffee roaster has multiple locations in Ondondaga County. They feature ethically sourced, small-batch coffee beans.

Freedom of Espresso – 115 Solar Street Suite 101, Syracuse, NY.
I’ve only been to the Franklin Square location of this cafe, but I recently learned they have three other locations in Camillus, Liverpool, and Fayetteville! It’s open and airy, with plenty of room to work or relax.

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For Next Time

Recess Coffee – 110 Harvard Place, Syracuse, NY .
Local coffee roaster with three locations across the city: its flagship cafe in the Westcott neighborhood, plus Downtown, and Tipperary Hill.

Cafe Blue – 720 Van Rensselaer Street, Syracuse, NY.
This cute cafe in the Inner Harbor serves both breakfast and lunch, and is known to get quite busy. I’m also a sucker for places that write cute notes on coffee cups!

The Kind Coffee Company – 715 W Fayette Street #2, Syracuse, NY.
Definitely not your average coffee shop. The interior photos I’ve seen of this coffee roaster remind me of a grandpa’s garage – cluttered, mismatched, and well-loved.

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Have coffee spot in Syracuse you think I should try next? Let me know in the comments!
See the button to your right? You could buy me my next coffee!