@risenshinediner

rise n’ shine diner

hidden b’fast gem

Touted as one of Syracuse’s best kept brunch secrets, the Wolf’s Den is an LGBTQ-friendly bar and restaurant serving up what customers call “the best hidden brunch in the city,” with mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, specialty cocktails and a menu made entirely from scratch. BONUS : Locals rave about the desserts so be sure to save room for the sweets.

From

Filling Foods

breakfast, brunch + brinner

Searching for that perfect blend of brunch and board? Hit up Board & Bar Charcuterie on Water Street next to Clinton Square, where you can sample everyone’s favorite brunch flavors — a Griddle Board complete with pancakes, waffles, French toast and other faves, the Breakfast Poutine Board with all the ingredients to make the perfect brunchy poutine, or the ultimate Chicken & Waffler Board, loaded with chicken thighs, sweet potato waffles and all the fixings.

For those who crave a more confectionary start to the day, scope out Modern Malt downtown or in Cicero. Serving up Bacon & Banana Pancakes, B.B. King Blueberry Bourbon pancakes, and their notorious Barney Rubble Fruity Pebble-crusted French toast. Rise N’ Shine Diner in the Westcott district is also known for their breakthe-internet breakfast indulgences and boozy brunch beverages.

Nothing says brunch like Huevos Nach-cheros, breakfast burritos and bottomless mimosas, and that’s exactly what you’ll find every Saturday from 11:30a - 3p at XO Taco. Try a breakfast burrito or breakfast taco too and pair it with your favorite Mexican-style craft cocktail.

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Pork + Knife is downtown’s new kid on the block, with a farm-to-table lunch menu incorporating house-cured meats by classically-trained chefs. If you’re looking to grab something fast without compromising quality, hit up Darwin on Clinton downtown. Ingenius combinations stack up in every sandwich, and their soups and sides are equally inventive. Located on historic South Salina Street, Epicuse offers fresh heat & eat meals, deli items, baked goods, cheese & charcuterie, produce and groceries. If Mexican is your jam, you’re in luck because Ponchito’s Taqueria not only has two locations (downtown + Eastwood), but they serve up the biggest and the best burritos you’ll ever have. New to the Westcott neighborhood’s culinary scene is Lobster Babe, where patrons can taste unique lobster roll flavors such as pumpkin honey, kimchi and Calabrian chili.

Lunch Dinner

Brand new to Syracuse’s upscale dining scene, Lalalu is an enchanting dining experience featuring an innovative Italian menu and incredibly photogenic dishes. Conveniently located in East Syracuse next to Interstate-90 (I-90) , Lalalu offers everything from antipasto to seafood, Italian street tacos, pizza, and of course, all the pasta. Enjoy a romantic dinner under twinkling city lights at Francesca’s in Little Italy. This charming spot features its famous outdoor patio in the warmer months, which is an exerience in itself, in addition to an incredible Italian menu. In the heart of the Westcott neighborhood is Saint Urban, where patrons will find an upscale wine and food menu guided by the seasons and classic wine regions, all while incorporating the freshest ingredients with new menus every month. If you’re with the kids and looking for an affordable and delicious meal, try Spaghetti Warehouse near Destiny USA, or Tully’s Good Times with multiple locations throughout the Syracuse area and home to the Best Chicken Tenders on Earth® (that’s right, so good they’re a registered trademark).

Drinks

Middle Ages Brewing Company is Syracuse’s oldest craft brewery featuring British-style and American ales. Their taproom is open seven days a week with at least 24 beers on tap and lots of live music and food trucks. New this year, Middle Ages opened up a large upstairs event space with an occupancy of 400, full service bar and incredible live music stage. Offering panoramic views of the lake, Anyela’s Vineyards in Skaneateles is a wonderful place to kick-off or wrap-up the weekend with a glass of savory Finger Lakes wine and vineyard views. Just north of the city, Full Boar Craft Brewery & Tap Room proudly brews their own creative craft beers and supports local by selling New York State ciders, wines and pre-mixed cocktails. Drink among the flaura and fauna and ferns at Hot House Brewing at Barone Gardens in Cicero, featuring American style ales and a full-service bistro for small bites, sandwiches and more.

Top Sweets Spots

For over 100 years, Hercules Candy & Chocolate Shop has specialized in chocolate-covered goodies, brittles, hard candy and filled ribbon candy — they’re a must-stop when in the city. With over 50K views on on average per video, even their YouTube viewers know what’s up. And the Chocolate Pizza Company is where you go to sample a sweet slice of Syracuse. Whether sending a taste of home to friends or savoring for yourself, this is the ultimate when it comes to hands-down good choclate.