Photo courtesy of pastabilties.com.
1) Pastabilities: 311 S Franklin St, Syracuse, NY
Is there anything better than enjoying the sights and sounds of the street in the city's most successful neighborhood while inhaling Pasta's stretch bread and spicy hot tomato oil that was made right across the street? Me thinks not. The quintessential place for hip dining and food in the very hip district. [link] [map]
2) Dante: 215 Walton St, Syracuse, NY
If you're looking for good tapas, paella, and other Spanish-inspired foods in one of the more romantic destinations in Armory Square, Dante may be your place. Enjoy intimate and cozy outdoor dining on the more low-key end of Walton Street. [link] [map]
3) Nikos Pasta Pizza & Deli: 135 E Water St, Syracuse, NY
Outdoor dining at Nikos is a bit more toned down, quaint, and relaxing street experience as oppose to some of the others on this list. Enjoy some excellent (and underrated!) sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes right in the heart of Syracuse's tranquil and historic Hanover Square district. [link] [photo] [map]
4) The Mission Restaurant: 304 E Onondaga St, Syracuse, NY
What was once a Wesleyan Methodist Church, now serves up excellent Pan-American and Mexican cuisine. Enjoy a shredded beef enchilada or Puerco Pibil hard shell tacos in Syracuse's Columbus Circle with excellent views of beautiful architecture like the old Syracuse Public Library, the Columbus Circle Monument and Fountain, the Mitzpa Towers, the Onondaga County Courthouse, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. [link] [map]
5) Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: 246 W Willow St, Syracuse, NY
Perhaps the least formal of all the places on this list, but what could be more picturesque than eating a Big Ass Pork Plate on a picnic table, next to a row of motorcycles, with blues music playing in the background, and having 29% of your face covered in barbecue sauce? [link] [photo] [map]
Honorable Mention
Clark's Ale House: 122 W Jefferson St, Syracuse, NY
Located on the Southeastern edge of Armory Square, Clark's Ale House has been serving up sandwiches to Downtown workers for years. Outdoor seats are situated right on the corner of Jefferson and Clinton Streets. It's an excellent place to enjoy a local brew, a roast beef sandwich, and people watch during weekday afternoons. [link] [map]
