It's been more than a decade since I've been on campus...

[OttosBestFriend]

I'm so excited that me, my dad and my brother (who sadly is a Wake alum) will be going to the Wake/'Cuse football game this weekend.

As it's been over a decade since I've been on campus, I was hoping you all could recommend a simple, but decent place to eat Friday night.

We're staying in Armory Square and DO NOT want to take a taxi anywhere EXCEPT up to campus.

We're not looking for something fancy... Just cool, different, original... Basically something you'd see on "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" (so please no chains)

I've been to Dinosaur BBQ a gazillion times in the 90's so no need to recommend that.

Any other ideas?

Also, what's the deal on FINE MESS crashers? Is there a "cover charge" I can pay?

I'm not 100% sure I can convince my 72 year old dad and Wake fan brother to join me, but I'd like to have that option... Otherwise, we'll be drinking a beer or two near M-Street.

 

[SUskibum]

I'm so excited that me, my dad and my brother (who sadly is a Wake alum) will be going to the Wake/'Cuse football game this weekend.

As it's been over a decade since I've been on campus, I was hoping you all could recommend a simple, but decent place to eat Friday night.

We're staying in Armory Square and DO NOT want to take a taxi anywhere EXCEPT up to campus.

We're not looking for something fancy... Just cool, different, original... Basically something you'd see on "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" (so please no chains)

I've been to Dinosaur BBQ a gazillion times in the 90's so no need to recommend that.

Any other ideas?

Also, what's the deal on FINE MESS crashers? Is there a "cover charge" I can pay?

I'm not 100% sure I can convince my 72 year old dad and Wake fan brother to join me, but I'd like to have that option... Otherwise, we'll be drinking a beer or two near M-Street.

Both Pastabilities and Kitty Hoynes were on DDD and having been to both, I would say deservedly so.

 

[All4SU]

Kitty Hoynes or Blue Tusk.

 

[OttoMets]

317 on Montgomery Street, under a five-minute walk from the Armory. Excellent food.

 

[Eric15]

I'm so excited that me, my dad and my brother (who sadly is a Wake alum) will be going to the Wake/'Cuse football game this weekend.

As it's been over a decade since I've been on campus, I was hoping you all could recommend a simple, but decent place to eat Friday night.

We're staying in Armory Square and DO NOT want to take a taxi anywhere EXCEPT up to campus.

We're not looking for something fancy... Just cool, different, original... Basically something you'd see on "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" (so please no chains)

I've been to Dinosaur BBQ a gazillion times in the 90's so no need to recommend that.

Any other ideas?

Also, what's the deal on FINE MESS crashers? Is there a "cover charge" I can pay?

I'm not 100% sure I can convince my 72 year old dad and Wake fan brother to join me, but I'd like to have that option... Otherwise, we'll be drinking a beer or two near M-Street.

I know you specifically said you don't want to take a taxi anywhere, but my favorite restaurant in Syracuse is Alto Cinco on Westcott Street. It's an eclectic/hipster-type Mexican place that makes unbelievably good burritos.

In addition to the places mentioned, Empire Brewing Company is another good option downtown.

 

[Orangello]

I understand that there is a $100 cover charge and a requirement for orange face paint for any WF alums who crash the Fine Mess tailgate.

 

[TexanMark]

Fine Mess is open to all. We had Campenero's parents there two years ago. Just pay the chef $5 or $10 per person depending on how long you will be there and if you are drinking beer. It is laid back and we are a two/three block walk to Gate B. Contact Jeremycuse offline and he will hook you up.

 

[OttosBestFriend]

I understand that there is a $100 cover charge and a requirement for orange face paint for any WF alums who crash the Fine Mess tailgate.

In his defense, he's a huge 'Cuse fan and came thisclose to attending Boston College but he switched to Wake about a week before his freshman year commenced. Thank God for that.

 

[shandeezy7]

Kitty Hoynes, Pastabilities and Empire are all favorites of mine right in Armory Square. A slightly longer walk (4-5 blocks) will take you to Prime Steakhouse in Hanover Square. Nice place but a little on the expensive side. The Mission, which is probably a 6 or 7 block walk from Armory Square, is an interesting little Mexican place in an old church from the mid-1800's that was once an underground railroad stop. Hope you find something to your liking!

 

[DNABB5]

MOTHER'S CUPBOARD ON JAMES FOR BREAKFAST!!! I REALLY MISS FRITTATAS

 

[OttoMets]

Also, don't know exactly what you're aiming for, but an excellent new Szechuan restaurant opened last week on South Warren.

It's two or three blocks from the Armory (cross street is Jefferson) and it's quite good and authentic, if that's your thing.

 

[Trueblue25]

Both Pastabilities and Kitty Hoynes were on DDD and having been to both, I would say deservedly so.

Kitty Hoynes, yes, a million times yes.

 

[OttosBestFriend]

Fine Mess is open to all. We had Campenero's parents there two years ago. Just pay the chef $5 or $10 per person depending on how long you will be there and if you are drinking beer. It is laid back and we are a two/three block walk to Gate B. Contact Jeremycuse offline and he will hook you up.

Could you please provide me with an exact location of the tailgate?

Cross streets or street address or the lot.

It's been so long since I've been up there I'm gonna have to use Google Maps on my phone.

Thanks in advance.

~TJ

 

[OttosBestFriend]

Kitty Hoynes, yes, a million times yes.

After visiting websites of the recommended restaurants, this place is DEFINITELY in the lead.

 

[NineOneSeven]

Lookers. It's a nice classy joint downtown. Make sure to bring cash.

 

[FAL]

Could you please provide me with an exact location of the tailgate?

Cross streets or street address or the lot.

It's been so long since I've been up there I'm gonna have to use Google Maps on my phone.

Thanks in advance.

~TJ

Fine Lot on the map: http://www.carrierdome.com/media/documents/2011/9/Overall_Parking_Football_11.pdf
Not a huge parking lot so it will be easy to find the tailgate--it'll be the biggest one there.

PS: Can't go wrong with Empire Brewing beers and food. Great beer selections across the street at the Blue Tusk as well. Can't speak for the food, though. Kitty Hoyne's over-rated in my opinion.

 

[TexanMark]

Could you please provide me with an exact location of the tailgate?

Cross streets or street address or the lot.

It's been so long since I've been up there I'm gonna have to use Google Maps on my phone.

Thanks in advance.

~TJ

Corner of Henry and Raynor...two blocks west of Gate B. Probably be located at the west end of the lot near the tree line.

 

[Trueblue25]

After visiting websites of the recommended restaurants, this place is DEFINITELY in the lead.

I'd say there fish fry is to die for, but...EVERYTHING is to die for.

I'm personally a huge fan of shepherd's pies...and theirs is the best.

 

[Ernj]

he's a huge 'Cuse fan and came thisclose to attending Boston College but he switched to Wake about a week before his freshman year commenced.

So your brother is Deion Hallmon??? I don't remember too much inside info from you about his recruitment - you shouldn't hold back...

 

[OttoMets]

I know you specifically said you don't want to take a taxi anywhere, but my favorite restaurant in Syracuse is Alto Cinco on Westcott Street. It's an eclectic/hipster-type Mexican place that makes unbelievably good burritos.

In addition to the places mentioned, Empire Brewing Company is another good option downtown.

Looks like there's an Alto option downtown as of this weekend: http://www.syracuse.com/dining/index.ssf/2013/10/otro_cinco_downtown_syracuse_w.html#incart_m-rpt-2

No need for a cab ride.