Restaurants in East Syracuse, New York

East Syracuse, a suburb of the city of Syracuse, New York, is a lightly industrialized area and the home to pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb. The community was built around the rail yards that once dominated the area, but, more recently, has become a pleasant community of moderately priced homes. Mixed in culture, the area is home to several restaurants, with Italian food being the predominant cuisine.

Interestingly, East Syracuse grew due to the closure of the Erie Canal, which was replaced by train travel. However, remnants of the Erie Canal still exist in East Syracuse. History buffs and hikers can find the canal at Cedar Bay Park and hike, jog and cycle the gravel towpath for nearly 30 uninterrupted miles.

Rico's Ristorante

Rico's Ristorante is a tribute to all the great Syracuse-area Italian restaurants that have come before. This is Italian dining the way it should be, in a warm, inviting environment with generous portions and great prices. The large menu offers a variety of choices with the hot seafood antipasto being a local favorite and "Rico's famous riggies" (rigatoni) served with chicken or shrimp. A children's menu offers Italian dishes as well as classic kids "safe bet" dishes like hamburgers and grilled cheese. Well reviewed by local critics, Rico's makes their own desserts and a full course meal can be had without breaking the bank.

Rico's Ristorante
320 East First Street
East Syracuse, NY 13057
(315) 432-1862
ricosristorante.com

Justin's Grill

The only traditional steakhouse in East Syracuse, Justin's offers a comfortable restaurant where all dishes are served a la carte. There are three dining rooms, a banquet hall and an outdoor patio, so seating is not usually a problem. The prices are very competitive and great pride it takes in the freshness of the beef and seafood. Breads and desserts are made locally at Pascale's Bakehouse. Popular dishes include the blue cheese filet, a prime fillet broiled with a blue cheese crust and glazed with a port wine sauce; or the filet "Au Poivre"--pepper-crusted, pan seared, and served with a cognac cream sauce. Justin's offers free Wi-Fi to help the business lunch crowd dine and work. The restaurant is open seven days a week and evening reservations are recommended.

Justin's Grill
6400 Yorktown Circle
East Syracuse, NY 13057
(315) 437-1461
justins-grill.com

JD's Fish n' Grill

A chain of three fish and chips restaurants, JD's offers a great deal more than fish, including deep fried turkey with all the fixings. Inexpensive and family friendly, the food here is mostly fried, but the owners use peanut oil, which adds to the flavor without adding trans fat. The fish they serve is fried cod fillet. Great homemade french fries and onion rings make for great sides. No alcohol is served at JD's but they do make great milk shakes, which in themselves are worth the trip.

JD's Fish n' Grill
6812 Manlius Center Rd
East Syracuse, NY 13057
jdsfishngrill.com
(315) 437-3684

Resources

Syracuse Newspapers

Article Written By Tom Nari

Tom Nari has been writing professionally since 1998 and has written extensively for a variety of websites. He has coached competitive swimmers and triathletes and holds an additional degree in Kinesiology Theory, specializing in nutrition and resistance training. Nari holds a Master of Arts in creative writing from Loyola Marymount University.

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