OT - Need a new place to go when in Syracuse

[Orangeyes]

I am definitely not a "Foodie." I eat to live, not live to eat, if you know what I mean. And yes, as has been mentioned here, I have a personal connection with The Retreat. Beyond that, I like the place. It's comfortable, without pretense. The food is always good, but I don't think people would claim its a five star restaurant. I wouldn't know. I've never eaten at a five star restaurant. The prices are good. The menu is varied. The kitchen is open long hours, and the food comes out quickly. And yes, there are some who think the servers are on the gorgeous side.

The owner has built an incredible business from the late 70s when it was just a dive bar, to now having three seating areas -- a bar side area with loads of tvs; a more reserved area for more quiet dining; and a third area for parties, or more quiet dining. And then of course, there is the Patio during the summer with live music almost every night. I don't know of a better spot to have a few beers when it's nice out. But most of all, it's locally owned, and the owners work right on site. It's the kind of place I prefer to go when I go out to eat or to have a few beers.

But as has been said here, there are SO many great spots to eat in Syracuse. I'm sure everyone has their favorites. I do too. When We are not at The Retreat, if we go out for a nice meal, I love Kitty Hoynes, or the Inn Between, or The Brae Loch, or Coleman's. Some of the new places in the mall are good...though I will admit, most of my dining money will always go to locally owned establishments.

The restaurant business is a tough one. The good ones last.

Help your neighbors by choosing local restaurants over chains (Your letters)

and of course there are dissenting opinions that follow.

 

[All4SU]

Help your neighbors by choosing local restaurants over chains (Your letters)

and of course there are dissenting opinions that follow.

Some of those responding make good points. But I think they miss one key component. Local restaurants reflect the communities they serve more so than do chains ...even chain locations owned by local franchisees. They are a big part of the personality of a community... e.g., Asti Cafe on the north side; Coleman's on Tipp Hill; Alto Cinco on Westcott; Eva's in Solvay; all great places to eat. Chains design their offerings to a mass market, where everything is controlled. I'm not saying it's bad food, or that the owners don't work just as hard. I just prefer the flavor of local restaurants, and want them to succeed. The Village of Liverpool has a local coffee shop, Cafe at 407, and we absolutely love it. As much as I love Starbucks coffee, I will choose to patronize 407 as much as possible. It contributes more to the quality of life in my area, in my opinion.

 

[rocklloyd]

Is the place in Brewerton DG's? Haven't been there yet.

Barado's. Wife went there several week ago, said it was excellent. Used to be brick house cafe.

 

[Mr Peabody]

Barado's. Wife went there several week ago, said it was excellent. Used to be brick house cafe.

The club was too busy?

 

[rocklloyd]

The club was too busy?

My pimp hand is strong.

 

[CuseOnly]

Shifty's is the finest dive bar is Syracuse. Perhaps in the world. On Burnet Ave, a block east of Teall. Across from Dominick's.

Important that you get there before 5. Kathy works till then. Kathy is an amazing bartender. She handles a very busy bar alone. Fun, personable and extremely competent. About the best bartender personality I've seen. Makes everybody feel special.

They have a decent selection of craft beers on tap. Also several in bottles.

One more thing. The food is excellent. You might not expect it by the looks of the place. Very good daily specials and the pizza is fantastic.

Did I mention Kathy?

I second this, Shifty's is legendary and they have IMO the best wings in Syracuse and hand made super fresh pizzas. Great place to go for Monday night football. DO NOT bet money or drinks on pool there, there are no joke some A rated players there and they will hustle you and take your money.

 

[JoeSU]

I second this, Shifty's is legendary and they have IMO the best wings in Syracuse and hand made super fresh pizzas. Great place to go for Monday night football. DO NOT bet money or drinks on pool there, there are no joke some A rated players there and they will hustle you and take your money.

Sounds like you discovered this the hard way.
Shifty's was my neighborhood bar when I lived down the street a few blocks on Burnet Ave. 34(?) years ago. Also loved a deli called the Brooklyn Pickle.

 

[CuseOnly]

Sounds like you discovered this the hard way.
Shifty's was my neighborhood bar when I lived down the street a few blocks on Burnet Ave. 34(?) years ago. Also loved a deli called the Brooklyn Pickle.

Thank Goodness I did not learn the hard way, my older brother is a pretty good pool player that I could never even come close to beating. He would normally play for drinks and $$ anywhere else but there. The Brooklyn Pickle is still there but probably not what you remember, it had a fire I was told and was rebuilt. Great place to eat!!

http://brooklynpickle.com/about.html

 

[shandeezy7]

Thank Goodness I did not learn the hard way, my older brother is a pretty good pool player that I could never even come close to beating. He would normally play for drinks and $$ anywhere else but there. The Brooklyn Pickle is still there but probably not what you remember, it had a fire I was told and was rebuilt. Great place to eat!!

http://brooklynpickle.com/about.html

I don't think there was a fire at the Brooklyn Pickle. They outgrew their original building and built the current building a while back. More recently, they purchased the lot next door and demolished an old run-down building so that they could build an expansion onto the current restaurant and add more parking.

 

[CuseOnly]

I don't think there was a fire at the Brooklyn Pickle. They outgrew their original building and built the current building a while back. More recently, they purchased the lot next door and demolished an old run-down building so that they could build an expansion onto the current restaurant and add more parking.

You may be right, I heard that there was. I could be thinking of the Retreat where there's been 2 questionable fires where they collected insurance money and rebuilt the place twice, both times bigger than before.

 

[JoeSU]

Thank Goodness I did not learn the hard way, my older brother is a pretty good pool player that I could never even come close to beating. He would normally play for drinks and $$ anywhere else but there. The Brooklyn Pickle is still there but probably not what you remember, it had a fire I was told and was rebuilt. Great place to eat!!

http://brooklynpickle.com/about.html

You're right. The "1975" photo is how I remember it.

 

[GoSU96]

You may be right, I heard that there was. I could be thinking of the Retreat where there's been 2 questionable fires where they collected insurance money and rebuilt the place twice, both times bigger than before.

Huh?