East Suburbs

Best Breakfasts + Brunch spots

• A gorgeous coffee shop in the heart of Fayetteville, Soleil Cafe is an inviting and sunny place to grab a fresh brewed cup of coffee, donuts, quiche, sandwiches, waffles and more.
• The classic All Night Eggplant in DeWitt is an all-day breakfast joint serving up build-your-own omelets, tasty waffles, pancakes and everything else you expect for breakfast at a homey and cozy diner.
• Fresh and crispy home fries, fresh eggs, flavorful breakfast staples — it's all at the Redwood Diner in East Syracuse. Pull up a chair and start your day right at this favorite local spot.

Best Afternoon Eats

• Cafe 119 in Manlius is a hidden gem. Located right in the Village of Manlius, this terrific lunch spot has all the comfort food you'll ever need. Open weekdays for lunch and dinner, the chicken riggies are a must-try, as are the endless sandwich options.
• King David's in Fayetteville is the place to go for authentic and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Sample their mazza platter for two to get a taste of everything, or go for one of their tried and true gyros.
• Another hidden gem tucked away in the village of Fayetteville, Gino's Cheese Steak & Onion is the ideal small joint with big steak flavor. Grab a spot at the bar for happy hour and enjoy fresh sliced black Angus steak or fresh sliced chicken breast cheesesteaks.

Best Place for Bites + Beverages

• School & Vine Kitchen & Bar, tucked between Southwood and Jamesville, is a beautiful old schoolhouse, renovated into a gorgeous spot to enjoy a full-flavored dining experience. Aside from their mouth-watering menu of pasta, salads, entrees, sandwiches, burgers and sides, this place also has some of the most charming outdoor seating in the warmer months.
• Brian's Landing in Jamesville has all the tasty favorites, including weekly specials like Burger & Brew, Sunday Brunch, Thursday Pasta Specials. And more to love — an excellent wine selection and entree pairing special every day!

Best Place for pizza + pints

• A hometown family spot for delicious pies, cold beer, tasty garlic knots, all kinds of pub food and even outdoor dining options, Stingers in Manlius is a sweet place for a slice and to kick off the weekend, or even catch all the NFL games on Sundays.
• Lucky for you, there are two Pavone's locations to choose from on the east side. Stop by the one in DeWitt for a full dining experience, or grab a slice (or whole pie) at the Manlius shop to bring with you wherever you go.
• Trapper's in East Syracuse is another family-friendly pizza pub offering everything from fresh pizza to yummy pub grub, outdoor volleyball, indoor games for the kids, all in a casual atmosphere.

Best supper spots

• Every local loves Bull and Bear Roadhouse, and the bigger your appetite, the better. And luckily, there are two east side locations so you can fill up no matter what side of town you're in. Stop by the original location in East Syracuse, or venture out to Fayetteville to enjoy the area's best loaded nachos, massive burgers, cold draft beers and delicious wings.
• The newer Avicolli's Coal Fire in Fayetteville is a fantastic place to reserve a dinner spot. Savor their coal-fired wings and artisan pizzas, salads, Utica greens, meatballs, antipasto and more in a warm and sophisticated setting.
• The Craftsman Wood Grille & Tap House in Fayetteville offers an elegant dining experience in their gorgeously renovated lounge, complete with an exquisite outdoor patio area, completely fitted with fire pits and outside bar. Taste local charcuterie, pastas, pies, burgers, sandwiches, craft cocktails, savory wines, and much more to complete your night on the east side of Syracuse.

Best late night lounges

• The Dark Horse Tavern in DeWitt is a delightful tavern tucked away in a plaza on East Genesee Street. Here family and friends can enjoy a quaint hangout spot featuring a full menu of pub fare.
• The Scotch 'N Sirloin in DeWitt is loved by many thanks to not only their prime steak offerings, but also because this is one of the best places to cozy up to the fire in their tavern area, complete with a peanut-shell-coated floor and a fine selection of wines and craft beers.

Best boutiques

• The DeWitt area of east Syracuse is loaded with small shops and clothing boutiques, most of them in the same convenient location. Scope out Talbots on East Genesee Street for women's apparel, including workwear, dresses, casual clothes & accessories. And right down the street is Chico's, another favorite for women's fashions including careerwear, dressy separates and more.
• Right down the street in the Wegmans Plaza in DeWitt is Apricot Lane, a charming boutique offering trendy womenswear and fashions, including accessories.
• If shoes are your thing, check out Paul Karaz Shoes for some of the finest footwear, with the latest styles and name brands you know and love.
• And almost next door to Paul Karaz in Fayetteville is Eva's Boutique, a unique women's shop in the heart of Fayetteville offering trendy classics from New York City, Los Angeles, Canada and Europe.
• Looking for one of a kind home goods? Check out the Rose Cottage in the village of Fayetteville for everything from paper products to nightwear.

Best markets

• Side Hill Farmers in Manlius is a local butcher shop and food market, providing fresh and custom-cut meat and house-made deli products, ready-to-eat meals made from scratch and seasonal produce, with everything sourced from nearby farms.
• Every summer, the Fayetteville Farmer's Market in Towne Center is a great place to shop local vendors, farms and more. Swing by Thursdays from 12 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot near the Bonefish Grill to pick up your free range meats, raw honeys and spices, candles, baked goods, breads, heirloom vegetables, fresh fruit and produce and much more.

Best shopping centers

• The Marshall's Plaza in DeWitt has it all — Marshalls, Ulta Beauty, Golf Galaxy, Old Navy, Catherine's and also plenty of afternoon dining options.

Best sports shops

• If you're a runner, run over to Fleet Feet on Bridge Street in East Syracuse. This jogger's paradise provides fit clinics and also stocks athletic shoes, apparel accessories for those always on the go.
• Located in Marshall's Plaza in East Syracuse, The Ski Company is the perfect place to outfit your next skiing excursion at our nearby ski resorts. Load up on the latest gear or bring in your boards and bindings for a little extra TLC before hitting the slopes.

Best way to get outdoors

• The east side of Syracuse is loaded with state and county parks and plenty of outdoor space to get you and your family outside. Enjoy history while trekking down the Old Erie Canal State Park at Cedar Bay. This canalway trail is a popular spot for visitors and locals, and offers some cool glimpses of the old aqueducts and locks.
• A longtime favorite, Green Lakes State Park is a must-see for visitors, offering swimming, biking, walking, running, snowshoeing, frisbee golf, kayaking, cross-country skiing and golf for the entire family. This picturesque park is strikingly scenic, and boasts a masterpiece golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. With nearly 2,000 acres of lush greenery, Green Lakes preserves the largest stand of old growth forest in Central New York and has been designated as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
• Enjoy a round of golf at one of the east area's many idyllic courses, including Lyndon Golf Course in the DeWitt/Fayetteville area, or Drumlins Country Club and Tecumseh Country Club in Nottingham.

Best places for family fun

• No matter the season, Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center in Fayetteville (right across from the Green Lakes south entrance) is an ideal place to bring the family for an afternoon of fun. Enjoy miniature golf, batting cages, soccer and a driving range in the spring and summer, and ski, snowboard and tube in the winter.
• Visit the The Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation in Fayetteville to educate current and future generations about Gage's work as a 19th century suffragist, Native American rights activist, abolitionist, and author. A historic site, The Gage home is a museum dedicated to the social justice work of this revolutionary freethinker.

Best places for a pint

• Family-friendly, Heritage Hill Brewhouse has some of the best views southeast of the city of Syracuse. Parents can enjoy delicious craft beers and one-of-a-kind menu options while the kids scope out the farm animals and activity areas on site.
• Manlius' All Who Wander is a fantastic spot to grab some tasty craft brews and cider in a cozy atmosphere.
• Also in the heart of Manlius is Seneca Street Brew Pub, a family-owned farm brewery serving up all-natural, classic beer styles in the old First Baptist Church of Manlius built in 1829.

Best spas

• Royal Treatment Day Spa in Fayetteville offers microblading, microcurrent, LED, oxygen therapy, and all the latest anti-aging skin care techniques, as well as massage therapy, body wraps, and permanent makeup services.
• Also in Fayetteville, Terra Organic Spa offers personal spa treatments including massage therapy, body care, facial care, waxing services, aromatherapy, energy therapy cupping therapy and acupressure.