Finding the best food in Syracuse can be tough, especially when you’re in a strange city with no car of your own. Sure, there’s always Marshall Street fare to tempt your palate, but after a few weeks you’ll want a change of pace. With great eateries within a short radius, there’s no need to let your mouth get bored. Even though you’re a freshman, you can still partake in some of Syracuse’s best-kept dining secrets, both on campus and off.

Alto Cinco
526 Westcott St.
Price range: $1-$18

Chipotle may satisfy you for an everyday Mexican food fix, but when you’re craving the real stuff, head over to Westcott for some authentic Mexican food at Alto Cinco — the 15-minute walk is worth it. You won’t feel like a freshman when you’re hanging out at one of the best restaurants in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Syracuse. Alto Cinco has plenty of delectable options for vegans and vegetarians that will appease even the pickiest eaters.

Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center
401 University Place
Price range: $2.25-$12.25

Otherwise known as “The Faculty,” this is the place to eat on campus. Tucked between Bird Library and Watson Hall, The Faculty seems like an adults-only club. But head upstairs and you’ll find a student dining room complete with menus, tablecloths and student servers to take care of your every need. Not only is the food delicious, but you can also pay with your SUpercard. Don’t try to hit up The Faculty for dinner, though, as this dining hall only stays open until 2:30 p.m.

Recess Coffee House and Roastery
110 Harvard Place, Westcott District
Price range: $1.50-$6.25

Another gem of the Westcott area, Recess is the coffee house to beat all coffee houses. It has all the staples of the perfect cafe: a cozy atmosphere, hot coffee and tea, and the best cookies in Syracuse. Plus, it’s off the beaten path, so it’s usually pretty quiet. On a day when you can’t stand your roommate, the library is too distracting or you just need a break from campus life, head over to Recess for what will definitely be a relaxing afternoon.

The Inn Complete
Skytop Road, South Campus
Price range: $0.79-$7.79

Hop on the South Campus bus and head to The Inn Complete for a truly fun dining experience. Located at the very top of the South Campus hill, the Inn Complete features a pub-style menu with nearly every food option available, great beer if you’re 21 or older and a room full of arcade games — foosball, pool, Wii, darts and ping pong. The Inn also features a huge porch and outdoor seating. The cherry on top is that you can use your SUpercardfor all purchases, except alcohol.

avhartma@syr.edu

Published on August 21, 2012 at 11:08 pm

Contact Avery: avhartma@syr.edu | @averyhartmans