During my sojourn to Syracuse this weekend I treated myself to a couple of fantastic meals. First, at Spoon and Chopsticks, an amazing Korean eatery where I enjoyed some spicy Bulkoki before the show. Then, Saturday morning, at Funk ‘N Waffles, a funky cafe serving all kinds of amazing waffles AND music performances in the evening. From their website:
Funk ‘n Waffles is a new twist on culinary entertainment. We specialize in serving unique and exciting food sourced from as many local suppliers as we can, and with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options! We’re known for our waffles, and for serving the best coffee in the city of Syracuse, but have a full and diverse menu, serving breakfast all day long. Evenings you’ll find amazing local and national talent performing, 3-4 days/week!
The Banana Bread Waffle I had was amazing.
Funk N’ Waffles reminds me of our own Round House Bakery Cafe, as a warm and wonderful gathering space that invites the public to relax, eat great food and celebrate creativity and community. The place is full of great food and also great art – with lots of modern paintings adorning the bricks walls – and a sound booth and dance floor that showed this place gets down late at night. Such a fun and lively venue. I luckily got out just as the line of Syracuse University students began running down the block for fresh waffles. It’s well worth the trip if you’re ever in Syracuse – right near the Museum of Science and Technology at the Armory and lots of other great restaurants and brew pubs. And even some beautifully restored buildings and alleyways.
The Armory neighborhood feels like a wonderful old community – though it may be dominated now by restaurants and brew pubs. Eureka Crafts, a neighborhood icon and dealer of local art for 37 years, announced in January it was closing because there’s no longer a good retail market in the neighborhood. Syracuse seems to be on an upswing – there are some new buildings cropping up and lots of great restaurants. But hopefully the community can continually find new ways to support local arts, artists and retail. Otherwise, what’s the neighborhood? Just lots of people on wifi looking for the next great place to eat.
