The Upstate Eats Trail: Syracuse Staples

It’s a 225-mile journey through Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo and Binghamton, a.k.a. Upstate New York. This foodie trail offers a guide to discovering affordable regional delicacies. Each city features five classic stops to get you started on your exploration, but trust us, there’s A LOT more to discover. Let’s chow down!

The Greater Syracuse Area has history, culture and FOOD! What’s more perfect, is that all three of these things come together to give visitors well-rounded and unique meals to choose from. Spend a couple days in Syracuse, New York, and discover a wealth of experiences far beyond food, fun, and family adventures.

Bull & Bear Roadhouse

Syracuse is known as “The Salt City” because of the huge salt industry that once reigned supreme back in the 1800’s. A delicacy back in the day… the salt potato. All it takes is boiling, briny water and white potatoes.

Today, Bull & Bear Roadhouse kicks up the Syracuse comfort food by loading the salt potatoes up with pulled pork, bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream and chives. While there are several Bull & Bear Roadhouses locally, the Fayetteville location is in a 200-year-old former stagecoach stop on the state’s original highway, Route 5.

Coleman's Authentic Irish Pub

Coleman’s has been the centerpiece of the Tipperary Hill neighborhood and family owned since 1933. What was first a working man’s saloon is now a destination restaurant and bar with reminders of Ireland everywhere. Staple events include Green Beer Sunday (last Sunday of every February) and the Summer Block Party (every Thursday in the summer). Menu staples include Beef Stew, Shepherd’s Pie, and Beef O’Flaherty. Be sure to check out the only operating upside-down traffic light and the Stone Thrower’s monument on the corner of Tompkins Street and Milton Avenue while you’re in the neighborhood.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

You might not think of southern style food in Upstate New York, but you should. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que opened its first restaurant in Syracuse in 1988. You can smell the brisket cooking low and slow for 14 hours throughout downtown Syracuse. The Tres Ninos combo plate will give you a delicious sampling of brisket, ribs and pulled pork. The Creole Deviled Eggs, Fried Green Tomatoes, Bar-B-Que Chicken Wings and Mac & Cheese shouldn’t be missed either. Their homemade menu items carry into the dessert offerings too. The peanut butter pie is divine, but make sure you save some for us!

Doug's Fish Fry

Doug’s Fish Fry is about 25 minutes from Syracuse in the Village of Skaneateles. The lake town is a must-see and Doug’s is a must-dine. Everything on the menu is made in-house and is hand battered every day. It’s been that way since 1982! Scallops, onion rings and haddock are some of our favorites. Save room for dessert though, they have fresh, local, seasonal fruit sundaes that are oh so good!

Heid's of Liverpool

Heid’s of Liverpool has been a Syracuse icon since 1917. Located across from Onondaga Lake Park, it's iconic stand style exterior can't be missed. Each year, Heid’s serves a quarter-million Hofmann Franks and coneys in New England style buns. Although their homemade spicy brown mustard was the only condiment you could put on the dog until the 1990’s, we won’t tell you to hold the ketchup or onions. Check out one of the Corvette Cruisin’ Nights or a live music night in the summer.

Iconic Item: The Garbage Plate at Nick Tahou Hots

The plate began as an inexpensive meal called "hots and potatoes" in 1918 and turned into the "garbage plate" in the 1980's. The name may have changed, and options have expanded, but the concept remains the same. You pick two to four sides as the base, your protein is next, then it gets topped with mustard, onions and the signature hot meat sauce.

Other Stops: Abbott’s Frozen Custard, The Rochester Public Market and Genesee Brew House

Iconic Item: Buffalo-Style Wing at The Anchor Bar

2024 marks 60 years since Teressa Bellissimo deep fried chicken wings, coated them in a secret sauce and served them to her son's hungry friends at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo. Since then, many have tried duplicating them, but the Buffalo classic at this Upstate Eats Trail stop has been proclaimed "Best Wings in the World". Their homemade bleu cheese is incomparable and Buffalonians will tell you it's the only dressing to dunk your wings and drums in.

Other Stops: Ted’s Hot Dogs, Schwabl’s, Bocce Club Pizza and Parkside Candy

Iconic Item: Spiedies at Spiedie & Rib Pit

Don't underestimate the power of this simple sandwich. Chunks of marinated lamb, chicken or pork on Italian bread isn't complicated but the flavors are so robust, it doesn't need to be. The idea of the spiedie originates in Binghamton in the 1920's and they've been a proud staple ever since.

Other Stops: Little Venice, Apple Dumpling Café at Apple Hills, Beer Tree Brewing Co. and Consol’s

Be sure to take pictures while you enjoy the food and tag @UpstateEatsTrail with your adventures!