Budget
The Brooklyn Pickle
1600 west genesee street, +1 315 487-8000. the biggest deli sandwiches around and a friendly mom and pop feel have created an almost cult following to this little sandwich shop. open until 9pm every day except sunday.
Robbie T's Pizza
4625 north st., jamesville, +1 315 469-3171.
Heid's
305 oswego st., liverpool, +1 315 451-0786. heid's is known for two things: long lines and the hot dogs that are responsible for those long lines. ordering is simple: anything that isn't a hot dog or a coney gets ordered first after you get in the door, including their delicious grilled cheeses and super-thick milk shakes; at the end, once you get to the cash register, you simply order how many hot dogs and coneys you'd like. if the retro-style of the restaurant isn't to your liking, you can always cross the street and sit by onondaga lake.
Midrange
Redfield's Restaurant
701 e genesee st, +1 315 479-7000, (http://www.cpsyracuse.com...). an american bistro setting.
Dinosaur Barbeque
246 w. willow st., +1 315 476-1662, (http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com). where it all started, this is the original dinosaur barbeque restaurant. this restaurant is famous for their bbq sauce and pulled pork sandwiches. despite its popularity this restaurant has still managed to maintain a certain small time charm. this is also a popular place for blues concerts.
Syracuse Suds Factory
320 s. clinton st. +1 315 471-aale [2253], (http://www.sudsfactory.com/). established in 1991 this well known micro-brewery and restaurant has several micro-brews but also an extensive list of other beers and a full dinner menu. be on the lookout for live entertainment at this popular venue.
Top end
Lemon Grass
West jefferson st on armory square. great thai food in a formal but not snobbish atmosphere. pad thai is fantastic as is the green curry.
Pastabilities
South franklin st. nice and original italian food, great wine list, and friendly service. can be a bit expensive but worth every cent.