Downtown Syracuse | Where to Eat, Shop & Play (2024)

Neighborhood vibes

Downtown Syracuse offers plenty of accommodations to stay and explore the city’s finest restaurants, bars, boutiques, shops and activities. The hub of the city, downtown consists of many unique districts, including Armory Square, Hanover Square, Clinton Square and Columbus Circle. With over 20 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Downtown Syracuse is the perfect place to walk, bike or drive around, take in the sights and sample some of the best bites our region has to offer.

Downtown Syracuse is easy to navigate as our city’s unique districts can be explored at your own pace by walking, biking, scootering or even driving if you so choose. Stop to take in the many landmarks, statues, murals, and sculptures on your adventure.

Experience the city of Syracuse’s top sights and enjoy outdoor dining in downtown Syracuse during the warm weather.In February, join Downtown Syracuse for our annual Downtown Dining Weeks.

Explore where city streets and nature meet alongthe multi-use OnondagaCreekwalk— a 2.6-mile trail along Onondaga Creek connecting Armory Square to Onondaga Lake. Your Syracuse story awaits.

Best breakfasts + brunch spots

• A famous Syracuse favorite, Cafe Kubal's South Salina Street location serves up espresso, pastries, breakfast burritos, bagels, breakfast sammys and whatever kind of caffeine fix you want to get your day started.
• Find some seriously good eats, music and ambiance at Original Grain in the heart of Downtown. Order a smoothie or one of their loaded toasts, or sample the Benedict Toast or Buddha Bowl during their weekend brunch.
• One of the newer eateries on the block is Daybird, a grab & go spot serving up breakfast sandwiches, yogurt and granola parfaits, fruits, baked goods and more.

Best afternoon eats

• Looking for the best sandwiches in Syracuse? Look no further than Darwin on Clinton. Rotating specialty sammys and awesome sides to boot (Buffalo mac & cheese, anyone?), this top-rated deli is a weekday hot spot for visitors and locals.
• Vegans and vegan food lovers absolutely adore Stronghearts Café. Amazing sandwiches, desserts and the most incredible "milk" shakes you've ever tasted, this nationally acclaimed, 100% vegan restaurant is a favorite of visitors, locals and even celebrities.
• A staple for downtown Syracuse lunchers, Soup R Salads is the perfect place to grab a soup, salad and deli sandwich. Check out their daily specials and grab one of their baked goods or cookies to bring along with you as you explore Downtown.

Best place for bites + beverages

• Stop by Epicuse on Syracuse's historic South Salina Street, near the Landmark Theatre, for freshly prepared meals and foods, cheese and charcuterie, gourmet foods and pantry items. And make plans to join them in their Tasting Room & Cheese Bar to sample craft co*cktails, craft beers, whiskey flights,wine flights or wines by the glass or bottle, perfectly paired with cheese tastings, cheese boards, gourmet grilled cheeses, fondues, flatbreads and more to enjoy amongst friends.
• A staple in any Syracuse coffee-drinker's diet, Café Kubal at the Creekwalk Commons is where you can grab your favorite local iced coffee and a light bite for lunch or mid-afternoon snack.

Best place for pizza + pints

• If you're from Syracuse, you know that Pavone's means good pizza. Located in the heart of Downtown on Warren Street, this Central New York favorite is the place to grab some of the best pizza in city.
• Kitty corner to Syracuse Stage, Franco's Pizzeria and Deli serves up a selection of hot slices, pastas, chicken, fried fish and more.

Best supper spots

• Oh My Darling is the spot to be for delicious drinks and crafted co*cktails. Find American comfort foods and seasonal fare like savory flatbreads and housemade mac and cheese.
• Located in the Icon Tower on South Warren Street, A Mano Kitchen & Baroffers modern from scratch Italian dishes sourced with fresh ingredients. A killer menu and equally killer atmosphere, this beautiful restaurant is a must-try when dining Downtown.
• Have a serious craving for paella? Otro Cincois the place to go for the freshest, made-to-order rice dish, as well as impressive tapas dishes, seafood, salads and more.

Best late-night lounges

• Homemade tacos and neon lights. Now that's love. Check out XO Taco for some pretty tasty chips, tacos, sides and yes, Instagram-worthy backdrops.
• Beer drinkers rejoice — Middle Ages Brewing Company is conveniently located Downtown and serves up tons of delicious draft craft brews. Sample the Syracuse Pale Ale and bring your growler to take some Salt City IPA.

Best boutiques

• Seriously cool duds and tons of unique women's clothing and accessories, Floridella Boutique is the place to up your trendy and eclectic vibes.
• Game on: scope out Voltage Video Games for new and used games for all types of consoles,includingPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Wii U, 3DS, 360, PS3, Vita and more. And they even sell retro game consoles like Sega Genesis,Atari 2600, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn, Playstation 1 & 2.
• Wildflowers is a charming shop chock full of jewelry, art, soaps, candles, plants, dog gifts, home decor and many other unique trinkets, all handcrafted by local Syracuse area artists and small businesses.
• One of the newer boutiques in the heart of Downtown Syracuse, Ecodessa is a storefront and showroom featuringsustainable,ethically made and sourced jewelry, clothing, accessories, home goods and more.

Best market

• Join the fun all summer long at the Downtown Farmers Market in Clinton Square — loaded with lots of local vendors, this is a hot spot for all things produce, food, plants, flowers, baked goods and more.

Best vintage

• Looking for retro Syracuse University and Salt City gear? Nobody beats the stellar collection of one-of-a-kind vintage apparelat on South Salina. There's even an impressive stockpile of old-school designer sweatshirts and sportswear, and Upstate New York-themed clothing lines to capture that Central New York spirit,

Best way to get outdoors

• Simply put, Downtown Syracuse is the perfect city to walk (or bike) around. Scope out the many shops, restaurants and bars as your stroll through each unique district. Rent one of the Gotcha Sync bikes through the bike-sharing program, with hubs located all over Downtown.

Best places for family fun

• Catch a show at the historically exquisite Landmark Theater. Featuring Broadway productions, musicals, comedy shows and kid-friendly events such as Paw Patrol Live and Trolls Live, this nationally registered historic place is a step back in time for the whole family to enjoy.
• Revel in the city's illustrious history at the renowned Erie Canal Museum.
• Watch live world-class plays and musicals featuring professional artists from all over the country at the Redhouse Arts Center. Bring the kids for an entertaining theatrical experience at one of their many seasonal shows.
• Enjoy puppets and magical performances with the Open Hand Theater, now located at the Redhouse Arts Center. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events and experience the arts with masks and large puppet traditions around the world.
• Stop into theCentral Libraryto enjoy their children's section full of books, videos, and other wonderful selections. Withtoys and all sorts of educational and entertaining options available, this beautiful Onondaga County Public Library is located within The Galleries of Syracuse with ample street parking and public lots nearby.

Best places for a pint

• One of Syracuse's newest craft breweries, Talking Cursive Brewing Company pours tasty pints with a side of apps, charcuterie boards and more.
• Syracuse's oldest craft brewery Middle Ages Brewing Company is the place to go for modern American andEnglish-style brews. There's an ale for everyone here, including the infamous Syracuse Pale Ale, Impaled Ale, Swallow Wit, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's house Ape Hanger Ale,and a generous mix of other experimental beverages including a Single Batch IPA series and barrel-aged beers.
• Have a gluten sensitivity? Not that into beer? Looking for something different? Look no further than Anything But Beer on South Salina Street. a gluten-free brewery and restaurant, this gem dishes out safe options for those with dietary restrictions, including shareable apps, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, dessert and brunch, as well as boozy brews such as Main Squeeze Original hard lemonade, imperial ales and much more.

Best evening entertainment

• It's always a party at Trexx Night Club. Open 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, this club features crazy good drink specials, drag shows and dancing.
• Located in the cellar of Oh My Darling, The Fitz isa 1920s speakeasy-style bar featuring crafted co*cktails and live music during the week.
• Located in historic Harold Square in Downtown Syracuse, PressRoom Pubinthe former home of the Harold Journal is a great place to watch the game. This spacious bar and restaurant is a newer local gem with 90% of all beer, liquor and food served coming from right here in New York State.