I've been on a mission to find coffee shops in Syracuse that are open late enough for me to unwind…read moreafter work, and Milano had been on my list for a while. After finally visiting, I can honestly say the pictures don't do this place justice. The atmosphere is cozy, welcoming, and somehow elevated at the same time. It felt less like a coffee shop and more like hanging out in a friend's beautifully decorated home. I spent a few hours there editing a YouTube video, and it was exactly the type of environment I've been searching for. Since it was my first visit, I wanted to try a few different things. I ordered the strawberry vanilla matcha, which was surprisingly good. It was a little sweeter than I expected, but the flavor was excellent. I'm not usually a matcha girl, but I'd definitely order it again. Their menu is extensive, with several drink options, flavored matchas, pastries, cheesecakes, and even the viral fruit pastries that I saw several customers purchasing while I was there. One thing that really stood out to me was that they actually offer food. I ordered a jerk beef patty and a jumbo apple fritter, both of which were delicious. They also had other savory options available, including spinach pie and additional patties. As someone who arrived hungry, I appreciated having more substantial options than the typical coffee shop pastry selection. The staff were wonderful. They mentioned that they love welcoming new guests, and it definitely showed. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and patient while I stood there trying to decide what I wanted to order. I never felt rushed, and they were happy to answer questions and make recommendations. The only thing to keep in mind is parking. Since Milano is located in the heart of downtown Syracuse, you'll most likely need to park on the street. If you're visiting before 6 p.m., be prepared to pay for parking. Overall, I had a great experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, the food, the drinks, and the customer service. I'll definitely be back, and Milano has quickly become one of the strongest contenders in my search for the perfect late-night coffee shop.

Love this place! I've been here many times and have taken everyone in my family here…read more I love their lattes. Their coffee is strong and delicious. They also have an array of pastries and baked goods. Their bagels are extremely fresh too. There is plenty of comfy seating available and the decor and ambiance here is relaxing and cozy. I love this spot! I can't wait to head back here soon.

Always love my Recess coffee & whatever else I have had. Cookies & fresh made are always different…read more& delish

Stopped by to study at this coffee shop…read more Ordered the maple latte which I enjoyed iced at their wescott location. Here I ordered it hot and found it overly sweet and the milk improperly steamed (dry cappuccino foam, no microfoam). There's seating for about 10 between four tables and also 3 barstools. A few more tables outside as well. Bathroom in the back with door code. Wifi with password. There are outlets at the tables but unfortunately some of them aren't working. Tends to echo, probably not an ideal place to take a meeting or phone call. Paid parking available across the street (see pictures). Service while ordering was average. However one worker came over about 10 minutes to close and awkwardly gestured for me and another customer to leave which I found odd. Note that overall it is much smaller than their Wescott location and they close much earlier as well. Hope to try again in the future with better results.

My latte was delicious, the staff were incredibly kind, and I loved all of the natural light that…read morepours into the space! You get the benefits of being indoors while feeling like you're sitting outdoors. I also enjoyed browsing their handmade craft/gift section!

This little cafe was difficult to find but delicious once we found it - it is attached to the ice…read morecream stand with a small sign on the front! I was intrigued by their small loaves of home made sourdough and had to get one and I don't regret it. I tried the cookie dough cold brew and my friend tried the matcha with cold foam on top and we were both very impressed. Their menu has many options that I would love to go back and try them all! They also have a little gift shop area with merch, candles, etc and also all very cute. The place is very open and clean and lots of potential for some cute decor. We took our drinks to Chittenango Falls and it was the perfect little spot!

Located right by Syracuse University. Very cozy atmosphere with quite a few tables and seating…read moreavailable. Shout out to the staff! They were so friendly and helpful and gave great recommendations. I got a banana bread latte and a yuzu silk matcha - both delicious! The banana bread latte was one of the best I've had. It had warm notes of brown sugar and cinnamon with a banana flavor that tasted like actual banana bread and not artificial banana candy. The yuzu silk matcha was also very nice - smooth with a citrusy finish from the yuzu. Neither the matcha flavor nor the yuzu flavor were overpowering - very balanced. I can't wait to try their new summer flavors!

I'm always a sucker for local coffee shops whenever we travel and salt city is the latest. They…read morehave great food and drink options and I always love the vibe of a coffee shop. The staff were very friendly and prices weren't bad. The specialty banana bread latte was awesome bread as a drink! I was worried it'd be too sweet but it was perfect. The bagel and avacado spread were so good too! Would definitely visit again!

Super cute place! Loved the ambiance. Great design. I had the Pausa iced drink and really liked it…read more Lovely staff. Super clean bathroom. (And kid friendly- there's a changing table) They do some food, drinks, Mocktails too. My friends matcha was just ok. They do Jazz night on Thursdays! Will come back!

Gorgeous space with plenty of cute seating options for a casual Sunday meetup…read more Stop by when you have the time Plan on a 5-10 min waiting time post order on a busy day Friendly service Hot delicious Americano + yummy chocolate pastry

Sweet little place. Good healthy food and nice place to mingle or study. I moved away from the area…read moreand I miss this place!

I ordered a sausage, egg and cheese and a skinny latte. The sausage was very low quality and tasted…read morelike a wet dog. The latte was weak and too sweet (very artificial tasting). My husband's sandwich was also disgusting, the guacamole was clearly old (very brown) and tasted horrible, the bacon on it was most likely microwaved, such low quality bacon and then to microwave it too??!! Overpriced Slop!

First visit to this location and I believe Franklin Square is one of the nicest little areas in…read moreSyracuse. The cafe was slow upon our arrival and I ordered a small Cappuccino ($5.94) and it was excellent. Location has a small outdoor patio which is very nice and the inside is beautiful with the brick walls and large windows. The only reason this wasn't a 5* review is the service we received. When someone is waiting on you and their not paying attention to you or your order, too busy restocking cup lids etc. Asking you to repeat yourself and not even looking at you.... that just takes away from the experience. .

We are just visiting from out of state. This place has a nice feel to it and a great little outdoor…read moreseating area. Was raining but today though so seats weren't set up. Pretty are to stroll around in. I was really impressed with the friendliness and speediness of the barista. Hot espresso drinks ready in a flash! Maple spice latte is delicious.

Visiting Shamballa Cafe today really makes me wonder: why do I even bother with chain coffee shops?…read more First and foremost: the coffee is awesome! I went with what was in the vat today: a medium roast that I believe was called blue moon. I forget the provenance of said roast (I remember it was South American), but my oh my was it good! Exactly what you want a medium roast to be: balanced, with notes of whatever chocolate or berries or leather is in there. I couldn't put the cup down! Whereas getting the sludge from the big chains down the gullet sometimes feels like a morning chore. Why is the coffee so good here? It turns out that the owner (a very friendly guy named Emmett) roasts it himself. He had several varieties on offer that were roasted within the last 24 hours, maybe even this morning. That particular minutiae is a blur as I wasn't caffeinated yet when we discussed this. But it's yet another huge benefit a local cafe provides: freshness! Another thing: Shamballa is a great restorer of faith in community and our fellow humans. Emmett and I discussed many things in my fairly brief time in his shop, but I'll never forget the empathy he displayed when discussing some current trials & tribulations. It turns out he's been down the same road, and his well-wishes and kindness made for an even finer accompaniment to the coffee than the coffee cake muffin pairing that was purchased on impulse. A double espresso was consumed on-site while 2 large coffees were taken to go. The espresso was awesome, 100x better than Sbux or Dunkin'. Total for 3 beverages? Less than $8! For later, I grabbed a 1/2 lb. of whole bean Guatemalan medium roast on Emmett's recommendation, and the coffee cake muffin was moist and delicious without being too crumbly or cloyingly saccharine. Drake's it was not! A ten spot covered the latter purchase. If I lived in Baldwinsville, I'd probably stop by here every morning! Except Sunday and Monday when they're closed. Be sure to arrive early, closing time is now noon. Please swing by Shamballa and see for yourself! Perhaps you too will ponder why we make grabbing coffee a chore, when it can be a true morning delight?

Great coffee. Great owner. Great vibe. Upon closing in the afternoon, the owner asked if I wanted…read moreone for the road at no charge. While I had had enough caffeine for the day, the offer was nice. Great for a remote office for a few hours, or a spot to hanging with some friends.