The Mission
The Mission is a Pan-American restaurant located in what used to be the oldest church in Syracuse. Decorated inside with faux adobe walls, hardwood floors and with the beauty of the church's stained glass windows, you'll feel like you're sitting in a stunning South American adobe cafe. The Mission serves a mix of Mexican, Southwestern and South American cuisine. Its extensive lunch and dinner menus include practically every Latino type of food you've ever heard of and a lot more. Chili, stews, Argentinian-style kabobs, salads, enchiladas, burritos and tacos are all here but with unique flavors and tastes you may not have come across before. Prices are extremely cheap, portions are large and the food is superb.
304 E. Onondaga St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 475-7344
themissionrestaurant.com
Empire Brewing Co.
Empire Brewing Co. not only serves inexpensive and delicious eclectic food, it's also gone green in a big way. The restaurant uses locally produced products where possible, sticks to food that's organic and in season, grows its own vegetables and herbs, and even uses hops grown by its brewer in its micro-brewed beer. With a warm, friendly environment that fits perfectly with the brick walls and wooden beams, Empire Brewing is a fun place to hang out and grab a bite or imbibe a micro-beer or two. Menus change throughout the year, depending on what's in season, but there are many restaurant staples that are so popular they never change. Top-notch burgers, grilled pizzas and quesadillas, jambalaya, fish frys, corn and crawfish chowder are all menu items worth tasting. If you're in Syracuse on a Sunday, wander down to Empire Brewing for its Sunday Blues Brunch and a live blues band to get your day moving. Just get there early as it's very popular and tables go fast.
120 Walton St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 475 4400
empirebrew.com
Strong Hearts Cafe
For the healthy minded, Strong Hearts Cafe offers a 100 percent vegan menu. It serves breakfast and lunch all day, with so many healthy food options it's often difficult to choose. Before heading out onto one of Syracuse's bicycle paths, start your day with pancakes and a spicy tofu scramble or a vegan muffin. For lunch, the chickpea salad sandwich is terrific, as is the roasted veggie sandwich. On a cold day, a bowl of soup and a vegan grilled cheese sandwich should hit the spot, especially if washed down with hot mulled apple cider. Prices are inexpensive, all the food is organic and the staff relaxed and friendly. Strong Hearts Cafe stays open until midnight to 2 a.m., depending on the night, so there's always a place to go if you need a late-night snack.
719 E. Genesee St.
Syracuse, NY 13210
(315) 478 0000
strongheartscafe.com
