A College Kid’s Guide to Syracuse
When I visited Syracuse for the first time 5 years ago, it was not the same city that it is now. It is on the come up for sure. Despite not having Uber or Lyft until 2017, it’s improving day by day, and dope places are popping up downtown all the time. While it might not feel that way immediately, I promise you, there is so much to take advantage of in Central New York. And while those winter months are tough, it’s a small price to pay for the fun you have and the people you meet. Just bring a big coat and a sun lamp when you move in.
For the record, I am the token “it'll-all-work-out-the-way-it's-supposed-to” student. I was my guidance counselor’s favorite—I had no clue where I wanted to go, and when I came back from freshman year, I couldn’t shut up about how much I loved Syracuse. Take it from me—you’ll have a really good time, no matter what you like.
If it’s a School Day
If you are reading this, just know how lucky you are. Campus itself has been extensively renovated in the past two years. The updated Student Center is going to be a game changer. Despite never experiencing it myself (*rolls eyes*) it seems you’ve got some great new options. If you’re in the mood for something ~healthy~ get the Sriracha Ginger Tofu bowl at CoreLife Eatery. Anyone who graduated after 2017 will tell you to consider yourself #blessed that there’s one on campus.
Keeping a plant-based diet is easy in Syracuse—Strong Hearts is on Marshall Street across from the business school and makes the most amazing sandwiches, salads and smoothies. It’s all vegan, but trust me, you won’t notice. Try the Buffalo Kale in a wrap or on a salad. If you’re starting to catch a cold, get the Immunity smoothie. It really does help those winter sniffles.
If you have a lot of time, Café Kubal is a coffee shop connected to a thrift store. Get an oat milk latte and look for some dope Syracuse apparel and funky jewelry.
If you’re looking for comfort food, head to Armory Square and try Pastabilities. You deserve it. The spicy tomato oil is a Syracuse staple. Try it when it comes with the bread (you’ll love it) and get it on any pasta shape you want, though I recommend the homemade campanelle. Head here between 11 a.m. and 2:30 pm for lunch—it’s way cheaper than going for dinner and there’s never a wait.
For sweet treats, find homemade ice cream at The Ice Cream Stand downtown on Water Street. Make sure to get yours with the signature toasted marshmallow. If you want more of a pastry vibe / cake for a friend’s birthday, try Sweet Praxis, which can also make anything vegan! Find great coffee and croissants here. If you’re downtown on Fayette St., check out Scholars and Champs—the best vintage store in Syracuse where you can find that perfect tailgate fit.
New Century is the go-to dinner for a gross Syracuse night. This Vietnamese restaurant is an off-campus favorite. Get a number 19 and the spring rolls. Don’t ask for substitutions. Prepare to see every single person you know here, and watch the rest of the patrons get really confused when you’re constantly moving around to say hi to all your friends.
If it’s game day, stroll down Marshall Street and hit Varsity Pizza. Varsity is like almost 100 years old, but it’s a Syracuse favorite. If you’re in here after the Orange wins a football/basketball game, just know the band will come in and start playing at some point. Being the snotty Westchester girl I am, I will say the pizza’s GOOD, not great, so get a BURGER MELT instead. It will change your life.
If you want a burger melt, but Varsity’s closed, you have to order Calios once in your life. Don’t ask, just do it.
If It’s Cold and Gross Out
First thing to do on a gross morning if you’re “really tired:” Go to Westcott. Get an iced coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Recess Coffee (I prefer the classic, but the western is also very good.) Check out Boom Babies if you can handle it. Shop for vintage pieces, going out tops and flared corduroy pants.
There is no short supply of good breakfast in ‘Cuse. If you want more of a brunch on Saturday, Rise ‘N Shine Diner is also great. It’s new to the area, so expect a little bit of a wait, but totally worth it for a gram with the lightbulb mimosas. If you want something quick but still sit down, Mom’s is my favorite. If you’re particular and the only thing that will curb your craving is a classic BEC, Water Street Bagel Co. is the place to go. If your dad is in town, go to Stella’s.
Also, in case you didn’t already know, Syracuse is home to the 6th biggest mall in America—Destiny USA. Literally any store you might want to go to is located in this mall. And a pro tip: the Lululemon is technically classified as an “outlet.” The sale rack is an entire room (!!!).
For dinner, if you want a fancier vibe, go downtown to The York. Perfect for a date or just for a nice dinner with a friend, they have amazing mac and cheese and great happy hour deals. For more craft cocktails, hit The Fitz—the speakeasy in the basement of Oh My Darling. If you’re not in the mood for food, come back on Sunday for brunch and get the lemon ricotta pancakes.
Note: If your parents are in town, don’t bring them to Pastabilities like every other freshman. You will literally wait for 3 hours and eat at 10 p.m. because they do not take reservations! A Mano and Francesca’s are other Italian spots with incredible food and some of the few places in Syracuse that will actually take reservations. A Mano has a rotating seasonal menu—make sure to get a dessert!!
If it’s your birthday, go to XO Taco and get a pic in front of the neon signs. Perfect for the gram. If it’s your birthday and you hate tacos, go to Mitsuba. You can literally get a hibachi table for 30 people. Bring everyone you know and leave the staff a nice tip—it will get loud.
If you don’t feel like going out at night, grab a few friends and go to the Movie Tavern. This is the best establishment to ever grace the face of this planet. Go on Tuesdays for deals with your student ID and enjoy a rom com with a basket of fried pickles (or churros, or nachos, or anything, really.)
If It’s Nice Out
If you wake up and it’s one of the few days a year it’s nice out, GTFO of bed and do any of the things below:
Skaneateles: this is THE THING to do when it’s nice out in Syracuse. Located about 30 minutes from campus, get an older friend to drive you to the village. Surrounded by a gorgeous blue lake, this charming town is home to amazing little stores and shops. After you walk out on the dock and absorb the sun, try the Skaneateles Bakery for coffee and breakfast, or The Elephant and the Dove for amazing Mexican food. If you just want to shop, try Bev & Co and The Wandering Kind for boutique finds.
Beak and Skiff: This is an apple orchard connected to a distillery. Best done in early fall, pick some apples and eat the most delicious cider donut you’ll ever have in your life. Makes sure to stay a while and do one of the liquor tastings—try the vanilla chai vodka and the rosé cider!
Green Lakes State Park: Need some nature / exercise / sun exposure? Green Lakes is the answer! Hike the trails or hang out by the lake. A Syracuse hidden gem for sure, spend the day here during syllabus week, or later in April when it finally gets hot!
Road trip to Ithaca: Take the 45 minute drive to the Ithaca Farmers Market and spend the day at the gorges. There are very few days a year where one can withstand the freezing cold water, so make sure to go in August or early September. This is the perfect thing to do over Labor Day Weekend.
SIT ON THE QUAD: On the first nice day of spring, plan to see every single person you know just rolling around in the grass appreciating the sun. Bring a speaker and an iced chai from Recess (mentioned above :)
If You Need to be Productive
I’m definitely not going to be the last person to tell you about Wegmans. If you don’t know what Wegmans is, it’s the best grocery store to exist. Like ever. The biggest one in America is located 15 minutes from campus, and going for the first time can be a semi-religious experience. There are a million good things to get here—they have a ton of prepared options if you’re living in a dorm with no kitchen, so many amazing snacks and local products. You will never love another grocery store again after you experience the Fayetteville Wegmans.
If you actually have a lot of work to do, post up in Bird or Newhouse with a sandwich from Thanos. As big as my left arm, these are the best sandwiches in Syracuse hands down. Get The Green with Turkey on stretch bread, but ALWAYS call ahead because they run out of bread early. If you need a coffee, but can’t leave campus, try People’s Place. In the basement of Hendrick’s Chapel, this student-run shop is the best for a hot drink on a cold day when you’re in a hurry. Just make sure to bring cash! They love quarters.
Nightlife
The Syracuse party scene can get a little repetitive, so switch it up! Check out The Landmark and The Westcott Theaters for concerts. I’ve seen The Wallows, Quinn XCII, and Sebastian Maniscalco, to name a few.
Make sure to follow University Union on Instagram. There’s always some cool event happening on campus. From comedy to concerts, you get to go for almost nothing (#YourStudentFee) so take advantage of everything that goes down on campus.
If you can find the address, go to Space Camp. Enough said.
This guide is just a starting point for your four years in the best place on Earth. We might not be Boston, or Philly, but it doesn’t matter. Syracuse aka the Salt City is perfect for what it is. The best part about this school is the people. Hold tight to good friends, and go out even when you don’t want to.
Cuse by a million!
