Tasting Syracuse on a budget

Eve Delaney, a senior at Syracuse University, rarely goes out to eat. She said it is too costly, and she would rather stick to spending her weekly grocery budget on fridge necessities. But, as a big foodie, she is always tempted to visit the numerous restaurants that have been recommended to her.

From March 1 to 14, Downtown Syracuse Dining Weeks, hosted by the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, is returning for its 22nd year. More than 50 businesses will offer exclusive meal deals at low prices, giving students the opportunity to try Syracuse’s diverse cuisine.

“Being a student, there aren’t a lot of options for affordable dining, and there’s a lot of restaurants that I’d love to try but haven’t,” said Delaney. “So, I think this is a great way for students like me, to try local restaurants and get to be part of the dining community at a lower cost.” 

Throughout the course of two weeks, popular picks such as Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Pastabilities will offer two-course lunch meals for $15 and three-course dinner deals for $40.

Photo by Danielle Blyn

Spicy hot tomato oil dish at Pastabilities.

For the perfect girls’ night out, Pastabilities is having a $35 or $40 fixed menu that includes an appetizer, pasta with toppings of your choice and either a dark chocolate whoopie pie or a caramel chocolate chip coconut macaroon. 

For more sweet treat specific destinations, Cake Bar and Big Fella’s will be offering deals for $10 and under. 

“This is such an affordable deal for students, and for everybody,” said Becca Flint, the Community Engagement and Relations Specialist at the Downtown Committee of Syracuse. 

Flint said it draws people into Downtown Syracuse who normally wouldn’t make the trip. This is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore the diverse cuisine and community, especially with the gloomy winter weather.

Students can head over to The Society to enjoy the ideal after class pick-me-up deal: which is your pick of a specialty latte and bagel or pastry for $10. This gives the chance for students to check out a new study spot or catch up with friends. 

Courtesy of Downtown Committee of Syracuse

A croissant and coffee part of the $10 deal at The Society.

“I’ve been waiting all year for Dining Weeks at Syracuse since I’ve been tired of all my usual spots,” said Clare Martnishn, a student at Syracuse University. “I’ve been really looking forward to trying the Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant.”

This Mexican restaurant will offer a $40 dinner menu that includes your choice of classic guacamole, queso or tomatillo sauce, a second course of either steak tacos, pollo asado or enchiladas, and a dessert option—much better than the dining hall. Martnishn plans to make this her first stop.

These are just a few options, but there are countless menus to explore. 

For students looking to enjoy Downtown Syracuse Dining Weeks but need transportation, the Connective Corridor Bus offers a loop service to Downtown Syracuse, complete with real-time tracking via mobile applications. 

With Downtown Syracuse Dining Weeks creeping up at the beginning of March, make sure to gather your roommates and spread the word to all your foodie friends. Make a plan to visit downtown and get the chance to taste Syracuse.