Late on graduation planning? Try these eight restaurants

For Seniors, graduation weekend is approaching fast, and the last thing you want is to be scrambling for plans while your family is in town. Restaurants in downtown Syracuse, including big-name staples on Armory Square, are booked in advance, leaving late planners with longer wait times.

But with a little planning and a willingness to look beyond the obvious, you can avoid the crowds and still make the weekend feel special.

Here’s where to look for any last-minute planners:

Located in Liverpool, Avicollis is far enough from campus to avoid the immediate student surge but close enough for a quick drive. Known for its coal-fired pizzas, this Italian-style eatery also serves pasta dishes—truffle steak pasta, short rib ragu—and oversized meatballs.

Joey’s is the place to go for a formal, big occasion feel. It’s situated near the hotel corridor in Syracuse and serves as a sophisticated sanctuary for people to enjoy white-linen service and classic Italian cuisine away from the student madness. Enjoy dishes like linguini with red clam sauce or stuffed rigatoni in vodka sauce, plus gluten-free options.

“They have the best appetizer my family and I have ever had,” senior Ally Grobman said. “It’s calamari steak, you’ll never have anything like it.”

The Craftsman, located in Fayetteville, offers a quieter, more relaxed environment, making it ideal for a long family meal where you can have more conversation. This is the spot if you’re all about top-tier meats, but the crispy cauliflower is an absolute must.

“It’s nice because you get away from the downtown rush, but the restaurant has the best food,” said senior Hannah Weiner. “My mom made us a reservation for grad weekend. I love the bacon flight and the cheeseburger.”

Although it’s a chain restaurant, The Melting Pot recently opened up at Destiny USA. It’s the perfect event restaurant that turns a meal into a two-hour activity. The tables are also often high-backed and private, making them a great place to sit and reflect on the last four years without being bumped by other graduation parties. From rich cheese fondues to cook-at-your-table entrées and decadent chocolate desserts, the experience is just as much about the process as it is the food.

If you want the cool factor of a downtown lounge without the chaotic sidewalk crowds of Armory Square, Noble Cellar is your move. Located on East Genesee Street, this is one of Syracuse’s most sophisticated recent additions. It features an industrial-chic basement feel with exposed brick, an ambitious wine list and high-end New American small plates. They have delicious, unique dishes, such as Olive Oil-Poached Halibut or Spaghetti Squash Latkes.

Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Eva’s European Sweets is a hidden gem destination for families who want a unique, homestyle experience rather than a corporate steakhouse. Between the pierogi, schnitzel and famous homemade desserts, it offers a memorable and cozy alternative to the standard graduation brunch. Don’t leave without trying placki — crispy, savory potato pancakes — that are arguably the best around.

“My roommates and I tried this place for the first time a few weeks ago, it’s a hidden gem,” said senior Phoebe Sandstadt. “I’m bringing my whole family back during graduation weekend for an early dinner.”

If your family prefers a laid-back, local-only atmosphere over white tablecloths, Alto Cinco is the spot. It’s located in the Westcott area and is perfect for a celebratory lunch or a late-afternoon margarita to toast your achievement, with an authentic burrito to help fill you up.

“I came here the first weekend of freshman year with my parents, so we’re going for lunch after the convocation ceremony to have a little full circle moment,” said senior Ashley Maikowski.

If you’re looking for an international experience, Mr. Noodle and Ms. Dumpling on Erie Blvd can be a great chill spot for late lunch or early dinner. Think Din Tai Fung, but Syracuse-casual. It’s relaxing enough that you don’t need to dress up, but the quality of their soup dumplings and dan dan noodles makes it feel like a culinary find. The menu leans heavily into authentic Chinese flavors, with standouts like juicy bao, ramen bowls, and a variety of shareable small plates that make it perfect for a group.

After a long day of ceremonies and family dinners, sometimes you just need a sweet treat to top it off.

Gannon’s is a Syracuse staple for a reason. Their homemade ice cream has been a local classic for decades, with a rotating selection of flavors that beats anything out of a commercial tub

“I like to go every week to try the different flavors. The Chocolate Pie flavor is unreal,” said Senior Jackie Valenti.

Right across from The Craftsman in Fayetteville, Fayette’s Soft Serve Cafe puts a fresh spin on the classic froyo experience. The customizable format makes it easy for a whole family to get exactly what they want, and the location is a natural stop if you’re already heading out to Fayetteville for dinner.

For something more of an outdoor experience, Big Dip is the pick. It’s the kind of spot that feels made for a warm late-May evening.

Don’t stress over the booked reservations at all the “normal” spots, because if there’s one thing Syracuse doesn’t lack, it’s places to eat. Here’s how to make things work without the stress:

1. Call restaurants, don’t rely only on OpenTable or Resy.
2. Try off-peak times. A 5 p.m. seating or a 2 p.m. late lunch on Saturday can open doors that Friday night at 7 p.m. never will.
3. Embrace walk-ins; availability changes quickly.

And at the end of the day, it’s about the people you’re celebrating with.