Looking for a place to eat in Syracuse? Here is a partial listing of some of the very best the Salt City has to offer.
Often referred to as the "heart of Central New York," Syracuse lies halfway between Buffalo and Albany to the east and west, and the Canadian and Pennsylvania borders to the north and south. The city, with a current population of 147,000, was first settled in the late 1700s and incorporated in 1820. The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, established Syracuse as a major stop on the trade route, bringing in new settlers.
Syracuse has always been a "melting pot." Germans were among the earliest immigrants, followed by Italians. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, refugees from Southeast Asia settled in the area. The most recent wave of refugees have come from war-torn Sudan. Each group of immigrants brought new diversity to the city, and part of their culture is still reflected in the wide variety of restaurants in the Syracuse area. No matter what type of food you enjoy, you will find it in Syracuse.
Here is a guide to some of the very best of Syracuse restaurants.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (246 W. Willow Street)
One would not expect to find a world-class barbecue restaurant in a northern city, but one stop at this Central New York landmark quickly dispels all doubts. The Dinosaur was founded in 1988 by three bikers who had been traveling the country selling their barbecue at various fairs and festivals. The original restaurant opened as a takeout spot but by 1990, expanded to include a sit-down restaurant. The next step was to add music and the Dinosaur has become a showcase for local and national blues acts. Barbecue and blues work together to create a truly unique dining experience.
The Dinosaur offers a selection of specialty items that are unsurpassed. Their special mesquite-based sauce adds a unique zing to pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and beef. The restaurant is also famous for its side dishes including tasty baked beans in a savory sauce, black beans and rice, tomato/cucumber salad, and Cajun corn. Wash this down with a pitcher of fresh draft beer or lemonade, but leave room for dessert. The Dinosaur offers a great assortment of pies, and their brownies are outstanding.
Prices are reasonable and take-out is still available for parties or office gatherings. But, if you plan on dining at the restaurant, be prepared to wait. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and wait time can be lengthy.
The Dinosaur has an additional outlet in Rochester, NY and recently opened a shop in Harlem. The restaurant has become so popular that sauces and other items are now available for purchase online for shipment worldwide. Local residents know how fortunate they are to be able to stop by this landmark for a meal or an evening of music.
Pascale's Wine Bar and Restaurant (204 West Fayette Street)
Long acknowledged as the finest restaurant in Syracuse, Pascale's was founded in 1996 by brothers Neal and Chuck Pascale. Their goal was to create a gourmet restaurant in the city that offer excellent service, an exquisite menu, and elegant surroundings. In an age when restaurants come and go, Pascale's continues its tradition of excellence.
The menu features a wide variety of selections from the best steaks to perfectly prepared seafood entrees. Be sure to check out Pascale's list of fine wines, the perfect accent to an elegant meal. Desserts are also a must at this lovely establishment.
Whether you are looking for a romantic place to celebrate an anniversary or other special occasion, or feel the need to treat yourself, Pascale's is the place to go in Syracuse.
Juanita's Mexican Kitchen (600 Court Street)
If Mexican cuisine is what you crave, Juanita's is the place for you. Tucked into an eclectic row of businesses on the city's North Side, Juanita's offers full-service or takeout and the menu offers something for everyone. Seating is somewhat limited but there is a nice little bar tucked into one corner of the restaurant where you can whet your palate with a delicious Margarita that is certain to get you into the spirit.
Along with traditional Mexican fare, Juanita's specialty items include vegan burritos and a wide variety of fajitas. Don't miss their taco salad, which is big enough to serve two or three people!
Juanita's does not accept reservations and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parking is also somewhat limited, but is well worth the effort.
Angotti's Family Restaurant (725 Burnet Avenue)
There are plenty of Italian restaurants in Syracuse, but without question, Angotti's is the best of the best. This family-owned and operated restaurant is located in a rather inauspicious section of Syracuse but once you step inside, you quickly forget everything except for the food. A real favorite with Syracuse University students, Angotti's offers a wide variety of Sicilian cuisine at prices that are very reasonable.
The daily specials include a green salad and fresh Italian bread. The best of Angotti's may be their garlic pizza, which the best in town. Other favorites are beans and greens, baked ziti, and linguine with white clam sauce.
The wait staff is friendly and helpful, and fellow diners tend to reflect the family feel of this restaurant. Dining at Angotti's is pleasurable to the palate and wallet alike.
Zebb's Deluxe Grill & Bar (2803 Brewerton Road, Mattydale)
Located just north of Syracuse in Mattydale, Zebb's is the perfect place for a family meal at a reasonable price. Zebb's specialty is without question their hamburgers. Available in several sizes, these hamburgers can be adorned with a wide assortment of condiments available on a salad-bar arrangement. Add a basket of fries, and you have a delicious meal. Zebb's bakes all their breads and rolls on site, and also offers homemade desserts that are certain to appeal to young and old alike. Try their brownie sundae for a real treat.
Zebb's has a nice sports-type bar that is separate from the dining area. It also offers an arcade area to keep the kids occupied during the short wait for food.
Doc's Little Gem Diner (832 Spencer St.)
Diners used to dot the countryside, and were not really a noteworthy addition to any "best of" restaurant lists. But as these metal masterpieces have begun to die, so that any diner that continues to operate is certain to attract attention. Syracusans continue to appreciate the gem that really is Doc's Little Gem Diner.
Doc's is open 24 hours a day and serves up typical diner fare including enormous breakfasts, homemade soups, and amazing daily dinner specials like chicken and biscuits and beef stew. Prices are reasonable and Doc's will also give you an unending cup of coffee.
Doc's is popular with truckers traveling nearby Route 690 and late night revelers who need a bit of food before turning in for the night. With a friendly wait staff and great service, this diner is a piece of Syracuse history that is well worth a visit.
This listing barely touches the surface of the great eating establishments in Syracuse, but are great places to start an adventure in culinary pleasure.
