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    On The Fly Diner

    4.8 (47 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    On The Fly Diner Photos

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    ON THE FLY DINER ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - On The Fly Diner

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    Shrimp Po Boy and Collard Greens
    Ashley G.

    If you thought finding good Cajun food in upstate was impossible, then you haven't tried On The Fly. The atmosphere is traditional diner with a bayou flair, and the staff is so friendly, communicative, and kind. The portions are generous, and it's clear everything is made fresh as it states on the menu. Highly recommend checking this place out!

    Smash burger and cajun fries
    Jessica G.

    Great friendly service. Several tables inside with comfy chairs and nice table cloths with a really stellar mural on the wall. The food is chef's kiss! Especially with their new collaboration with Get Smashed.

    French toast
    Kaz S.

    Delicious food! We loved our orders of gumbo and French toast. They also gave us some bread for the table, an orange juice and a coffee. Servers switched out and seemed to have some miscommunication on our gumbo and we were given a smaller portion and add shrimp, but were given smaller portion with no shrimp and charged for the larger portion (shrimp wasn't on bill). The gumbo was delicious but servers didn't come and check with us or were to be found to ask about the shrimp, so we asked the server and she just said "I never saw any seafood on the order ticket" so we just dropped it and moved on. Overall good experience just I think need some more care put into the service side. We love the slogan of "be nice or leave" and they have an awesome mural on the wall, the inside is otherwise not over the top decor but simple and clean.

    Biscuits and Gravy (8/10) & Braised Chicken Special (7/10); off to the side is a grit cake
    Cassie C.

    A diner I'd been looking forward to trying ever since they opened and they sure lived up to my expectations. Not your typical diner as they serve southern style food packed with flavor. From the entrees we ordered I'd say you can't go wrong with either. They've got hearty dishes on their menu for breakfast & lunch; both of which are offered all day. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating, regularly re-filling water glasses and coffee cups and sharing their menu recommendations. The space itself was clean, the restroom was tidy, and there was ample parking on a Sunday morning. We'll be back for the bread pudding that sounded absolutely delicious!

    Chicken sandwich with hushpuppies
    Brynn K.

    Fantastic chicken sandwich, Fluffy hush puppies, delightful and friendly service. A good place with cozy small town vibes in the city.

    Gumbo
    Ted K.

    Cute place. The owners are the nicest people. Had the gumbo which was very good. They had three types of hot sauce that you could add to it. Would be fun to go there during Mardi Gras

    Giant French Toasr
    Helene W.

    Great food, friendly atmosphere! I had the French toast... should have ordered a single (pictures to follow) yummy and now I have enough for tomorrow ! My friends had the Shrimp Po Boy and A Traditional Breakfast. Every dis that went by looked amazing. Great presentation and plenty of food! Definitely someplace I will return to!!'

    Menu
    Ryan M.

    Service is great, ambience is perfect for a nice breakfast. They source all their ingredients locally farm to table with fresh eggs. We had the eggs Benedict and country fried steak special. Steaks had NO fat or gristle on it, was seasoned and breaded perfectly. You can tell this family owned business takes pride in their food and show that with their flavor and plating. Highly recommend!!!

    Gumbo

    I love Cajun food; the music, too. I'm always hoping a good Cajun restaurant would show up here in the Syracuse area. I haven't had much luck these last few years. Fortunately, I finally have an awesome diner specializing in New Orleans/Cajun food a 20 minute drive from my home in Solvay to the North Side to On The Fly Diner. Every time I do have the chance to try Cajun I always go for the Gumbo first. If the Gumbo is good, everything will be good. Well. the Gumbo is awesome; absolutely delicious. So are the biscuits. I order the Gumbo 2 out of every 3 visits, but I have also enjoyed their breakfast special (omg...the bacon!) and a Shrimp Po' Boy. I have yet to try the giant Fried Chicken Sandwich or the Shrimp & Grits' and whatever Chef Gray comes up with.

    Shrimp Po Boy and Cajun Fries
    Peyton M.

    The place is small but has soul. Everyone on the staff was friendly. But most importantly, the shrimp Poboy that I had was absolutely delicious and and it completely satiated that craving I've been having since the last time I left Louisiana. I highly suggest y'all try this place out.

    Crawfish mac and cheese
    Cassandra K.

    A really cute place! Everyone was so nice and friendly. You know youre in for a treat when the other customers talk to you about what is best, and have a friendly attitude to everyone working. The crawfish mac and cheese was really tasty.

    Eggs Benedict
    Tonjia M.

    We went to On the Fly last weekend for the first time and had one of the best breakfasts we have had out in a restaurant! I cannot even pin point our favorite parts of our meal because everything was absolutely perfect (although I will say the side potatoes were SO GOOD)!! Nothing was over salted or oily like many places. I would also like to point out that all the staff are so friendly and welcoming! The retro mural is an awesome throwback, too! We look forward to returning and enjoying more meals together!

    Eggs Benedict. The chef adds lemon zest - nice touch.
    S W.

    Great spot! Wife and I have been to quite a few restaurants and this is one of the best breakfasts we have ever had. The Chef is clearly well-trained. Everything is made in-house. We had the eggs Benedict and biscuits and gravy. Amount of food is responsible and priced very fairly. Service was friendly and attentive. Give this place a chance - you will go back for more.

    Shrimp po boy and hush puppies.

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    5 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Great food. Lovely people. Highly recommend if you are looking for great food and a relaxed atmosphere

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    7 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    8 months ago

    We got to meet the owners when we went and heard their story. Lovely people and the breakfast food tasted amazing!

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    11 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Amazing, beautifully plated and well priced food out of place in a pretty run down location!

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    7 months ago

    Spectacular eats the gumbo is to die for. Tracy the owner gives amazing service and provides an amazing atmosphere. Hidden gem.

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    8 months ago

    such a cute spot, food was delicious and staff was lovely. will definitely go back!! got the omelet of the day and ate everything

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Food was delicious, owners were so kind and so proud of their restaurant. Fried chicken was amazing!Can't wait to go back.

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    Ask the Community - On The Fly Diner

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    Crab N Go - Dinner!

    Crab N Go

    4.5(39 reviews)
    4.1 mi

    I am so glad I decided to stop here on the 28th! I was craving crab legs and this place went above…read moreand beyond. Huge portion size and amazing flavor! Im also not used to finding actual spicy foods so I was very pleased! Highly recommend!!

    This might be my new favorite place for takeout seafood boils! I'm a seafood lover and have now…read moreordered twice the party sack #3! Cute crab shack ambience, it's a hot spot so order or arrive before the dinner crowd. My first visit was a Saturday around 6 and it was crowded and not a seat to be had! All the seafood platters being served looked amazing, so I knew I was in the right spot! I was greeted as I approached the counter and was assisted with my take out and recommended popular party sack combinations. I ordered #3 which includes a lobster tail, one cluster or 1/2 lb snow crab, 1/2 lb shrimp (I recommend requesting Head Off!) a piece of corn, and 2-3 potatoes. I chose Cajun seasoning and, very hot spice. Warning you best be a very spicy hot lover, it was challenging but loved it! I have already returned for a second time, also #3 sack added extra corn $3 and extra potatoes $3. CrabnGo special seasoning and still extra hot! Delicious not as over the top as Cajun Hot! $47 and change with the added corn and potatoes. $42 and change without. Only one quarter piece of corn first order and two potatoes. Love it! It's going to be dangerous now that I've tried this Cajun Seafood that makes you feel like you are in the Bayou! And the heat that matches!

    Photos
    Crab N Go
    Crab N Go - Build Your Own Boil of Shrimp, Snow Crab, Scallops, Dungeness Crab and Sausage with potatoes and corn.Perfect celebration meal for 3.

    Build Your Own Boil of Shrimp, Snow Crab, Scallops, Dungeness Crab and Sausage with potatoes and corn.Perfect celebration meal for 3.

    Crab N Go

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    Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Tres Ninos along with Tomato Cucumber salad and sadly I forgot what my second side was! But it was yummy none the less!

    Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

    4.3(2.7k reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    I really enjoyed coming to Dinosaur BBQ. The wait was very long (about an hour) but I feel this is…read moreto be expected since I came on a Saturday night. So just keep that in mind when you wanna visit during high traffic hours. Parking was a little tricky too. We ordered the combo plate with brisket and pulled pork and they both were 10/10. Super moist, tender and absolutely delicious. I can't say it was fully worth the wait of 1-1.5 hours but it sure was tasty.

    We arrived around 5pm on a weekday and were seated immediately. We were waiting for someone else in…read moreour party, and by the time they arrived around 5:45pm the restaurant really got busy. Food came relatively quickly, and the waitress was just attentive enough that we didn't really have to look around for her, but not over-bearing. I am not a big fan of bbq, so I got fried haddock. It was so delicious! My family, who are big fans of bbq, said it was some of the best barbecue that they've had in the area. It's a little bit pricey, but overall worth it. The deviled eggs were also really tasty, and the cornbread is a sweet bread. There was a good amount of food, but I was one of the only people in my party to have leftovers to take home. My only complaint is that the mac&cheese did not have macaroni, and instead was a shell pasta (which really upset my sister haha). There is street parking, but there is also a lot across the road that you have to pay for before 5pm

    Photos
    Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - The bar

    The bar

    Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - A great mixed plate with ribs, pork belly and greens.

    A great mixed plate with ribs, pork belly and greens.

    Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Chicken Wing sampler - Devil's Duel BBQ sauce!

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    Chicken Wing sampler - Devil's Duel BBQ sauce!

    Cajun Cafe - 2 sides and one meat.

    Cajun Cafe

    2.7(12 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    The servers must not understand English or are pretending not to so they could rip me off. I asked…read morefor today's special and if it would be ok to substitute fried rice for noodles she said yes served me up. Then they charged me for the combo. Then after I had already paid I told them I got the speci al-and she stared at me blankly. Sat down the food does not even taste good. Super fake with no flavor. Waste of money. If I could give zero stars i would.

    This place is disgusting and unfortunately I check the reviews after I ate here .. I got the daily…read morespecial chicken & broccoli with rice and potato , The broccoli had some small pieces of chicken skin with old nasty broccoli and some rice I could tell was old .. worst yellow rice I ever had ... I only ate the fried potato slices cause I was starving ...this place is a overall scum hole .. I got suckered in by the $5.35 meal deal .. But below is the health departments inspection notes to verify what I stating ... Cooked white and yellow rice, and cooked potatoes, all stored at room temperature, temps noted between 70 and 110 degrees. Correction, any that had been cooked in the last 2 hours, moved to cooler, and any out of cooler over 2 hours will be discarded. Cleaning rag stored on top of raw chicken, chicken not protected. Food items frozen in single use shopping bags, not meant for long term use in freezer. Bowls used as scoops in various bulk goods, stored in products, lacks handles. Gasket on reach in freezer in poor repair. Cloth cleaning rag stored on top of raw chicken. Not kept in sanitizing solution. Undersides of sink, and cookline equipment not clean. Interior of microwave not clean. Back hallway where garbage cans are stored is not clean. Food debris noted. Stains on walls as well. Cockroaches noted, both live and dead, in kitchen of establishment. Live ones noted between metal sheeting and tile wall in prep area. Possibly a nest in the wall area. Dead ones noted all around that area and in mop sink. Floors, edges, wall areas, not clean throughout kitchen area.

    Photos
    Cajun Cafe - Nasty !

    Nasty !

    Cajun Cafe - $4.99 chicken broccoli, potato and rice special.

    $4.99 chicken broccoli, potato and rice special.

    Cajun Cafe

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    Chi’ Soul Food - Pint of Shrimp Fried Rice - $13.00

    Chi’ Soul Food

    4.8(17 reviews)
    4.4 mi

    We've wanted to try this place for years, but it's never occurred to us during a Friday or…read moreSaturday, which are the only days they're open. Last Friday was one of those days we knew we needed to order out, but we were well on track to make a whole evening out of fretting over where to go. I don't know what it is, but sometimes absolutely nothing in the world sounds good. By some act of god, I remembered this place and our evening was saved. Their menu changes weekly, so we referred to their Facebook page for this week's options. I've only heard great things about them, so I had no question whatever we ordered would be good. No prices on their website, and money was definitely an issue on the eve of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, so we made kind of a flow chart in case pricing got crazy. Placing the order over the phone was difficult. They couldn't understand us, and they had to run every question by somebody else and get back to us. We ordered the jerk chicken and smothered pork combos, then threw in a pint of shrimp fried rice. I wish I could have tried everything; it was really tough coming to a decision. Cash only. I read so many reviews and everything they had online and didn't see this mentioned. Luckily I had just hit the ATM for the parade. The place is pretty small, take-out only. Easy parking, easy in and out. Everyone's super friendly. A lot of the appeal is how clearly they take pride in what they do. All around it just seems incredibly authentic and like nobody's cutting corners. So the food was great all around. We'd eaten garbage all week and were really going for that fresh, wholesome feeling, and they delivered in every way. The only hiccup was that they gave us Smothered Chicken (I think) instead of Smothered Pork. They labeled the box SP, but put the wrong thing in it. I was disappointed to see it because the pork was the first thing I knew for sure I wanted to get. Six seconds into the meal though, I truly didn't even care anymore. It was absolutely amazing. So tender it came right off the bone. It has to be the best I've ever felt about a chicken thigh entrée. I've only tried Jerk Chicken a few times, and mostly from a few Jamaican restaurants right here in town. I never really understood the point of it, like the taste just never amounted to anything I cared about. One bite of this one and it all made sense. Like, I now understand what they're going for with the flavor. Same perfectly tender chicken, and we absolutely loved the taste of both. We were curious about how the Shrimp Fried Rice would shake out with soul food, and it's definitely unique from Chinese takeout. Nowhere near as greasy, and it had a more savory, mildly smoky taste to it. No conflict with the beds of rice our entrées came on either. This wasn't our favorite fried rice, but it was good to have with our meals. My favorite side was the baked beans. Perfect texture, amazing taste. So soft and yet, so completely distinct. Didn't even know I could enjoy plain no-frills baked beans this much. The collard greens and yams were about average. I think for yams I'm used to a lot more butter and sugar than these ones had. Collard greens were just straightforward as well, no taste outside the greens themselves. Texture couldn't have been better though. Mac and cheese was good, but well past al dente. Super soft and didn't really pack enough flavor to make it top tier. The cornbread is standard issue - really soft and pretty dry with just the regular cornbread taste. I'd love to try some of the other things on the menu, but probably wouldn't for the price. There's nothing here I wouldn't be absolutely excited to have, but the experience wasn't profound enough to pull us back for $25 a plate.

    On my way to the airport to fly back home to Detroit, found this place and boy was it a home run!!…read moreGreat smothered pork chops with green beans and collard greens. I will definitely hit this place up again the next time I'm in the area. Also the people were very friendly!

    Photos
    Chi’ Soul Food - Jerk Chicken  $23.00

    Jerk Chicken $23.00

    Chi’ Soul Food - Smothered Chicken  $25.00

    Smothered Chicken $25.00

    Chi’ Soul Food - Chicken and Waffles

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    Chicken and Waffles

    Joe’s To Go - Standing area to pick up food

    Joe’s To Go

    4.5(22 reviews)
    3.4 mi

    This is somewhere between a 3 and 4. I went to Joe's at about 1p.m. on a Thursday. I was the only…read moreone there and the service was prompt and very friendly which is always appreciated. I ordered the garlic rice and wings (bourbon sauce), mac and cheese, and fried green tomatoes. I was excited because I had read good things on this very site. However, I was a bit disappointed. The star of the meal was the garlic rice which was admittedly delicious- would certainly get this again. The wings were also okay. I would go with a different sauce next time, and for anyone wondering they are breaded wings. The mac and cheese was not good. Incredibly bland and not warm. Would not recommend. The fried green tomatoes weren't very crispy by the time I got them home and ate them, which is surprising because they ripped vent holes in the styrofoam container to combat this. Not inedible, just not very good. Overall was pretty disappointed with my experience, definitely willing to go back though, so hopefully it changes!

    I love the wings here. I personally think they're some of the best in cuse. You can tell they fry…read morethem in the sauce rather than fry them dry and slather it on. I like the henny flavor. I hope to try their other ones. I tried the chicken tender sub tonight. It was really good. My only complaint is they forgot the bacon, which would've made it even better. The tenders seem homemade. Very fresh.

    Photos
    Joe’s To Go - Cajun pasta, garlic rice, garlic parm wings, buffalo wings, and cheesy fries.

    Cajun pasta, garlic rice, garlic parm wings, buffalo wings, and cheesy fries.

    Joe’s To Go - Decor near the entrance

    Decor near the entrance

    Joe’s To Go - Mac and cheese empanada

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    Mac and cheese empanada

    On The Fly Diner - cajun - Updated May 2026

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