First, I have to say that the renovation/ redecorating that has been done (to the old Empire Brewing), is really first class. They have kept the beautiful details of a historic building while making it warm, classy and comfortable. Service was very good. Our server was also the bartender and he was friendly and helpful....it was our first time visiting. The menu is very eclectic but highlights their house brined, battered and fried chicken. We looked over the menu before going and were excited about the Chicken and Biscuits. It wasn't on the menu, but our server was positive it was available. Three of us ordered the Chicken and Biscuits and one ordered the Hot Mess Chicken sandwich, which she declared delicious. The chicken and biscuits was excellent with a nice amount of chicken and vegetables, creamy and flavorful and homemade biscuits served on the side. I actually prefer the biscuits on the side because I seldom finish my meal so when I take it home, the biscuits are Not soggy. My only disappointment was that while the dish came over looking like a hearty portion, the chicken and biscuits was served over mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes tasted homemade, creamy and seasoned nicely seasoned.....but the actual amount of chicken and biscuits was pretty small. (We didn't know it came with potatoes because we it wasn't on the menu so we didn't get a description) I am looking forward to many more visits and trying some of their signature house brined chicken. We also had a very nice discussion with the bartender about their extensive selection of liquor. read more

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Good food and smooth jazz. Good atmosphere. A hidden gem in the area. Glad we were able to stop in

5/21/26 Wife and I came in on a Thursday night, place was slow, service wasn't bad. My wife ordered the Bang-cock and I had the chicken dinner with sodas, no alcohol. I took one bite, the coating was the only thing with some flavor. The chicken inside looked old, I didn't eat anymore. My wife ate her meal, she said it was bland and the only thing with flavor was the sauce. Pretty sure the food was old or left out because my wife got really sick. Coming out of both ends of you catch my drift. Be warned. Eat there at your own discretion. read more

Honey and I are on vacay and were missing home a smidge. We found this place and were blown away. It was in the middle of the street where there is street parking so be advised. Moving on, the entrance gives off a speakeasy vibe.. as we had to go downstairs to the entrance! We love a great speak easy! We went to the bar as we prefer to eat and chat up the bartenders anyway. The menus are leather bound and we loved it! We are Old Fashioned snobs and wanted to check out the selection. Not only are there 3 pages of different whiskeys you can choose from, there are flights available too if you can't decide. Honey ordered the "Cluck Norris", and I had chicken and biscuits! Oh My Southern Loving Heart... Syracuse... wooooo bay baaayyyy! The chicken and biscuits was my dream of a chicken of a chicken pot pie without the crust, on top of mashed potato's, and rimmed with biscuits! Honey said.. "Damn that was good. It was better than the chicken in Nola!" The flavor and temp were unmatched!! When you come, ask for Ryan the bartender! (Picture included!!) 5 stars all day... read more

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What a great renovation of this space that was empire brewing company! They left all the good parts which is the exposed brick and large bar. I went for lunch with my friends and knew I wanted the chicken and biscuits from other reviews that I saw. The chicken and biscuits were not on the menu but our server said we could still order it. I have to say it was delicious The portion was small for the money $22.79 but I would order it again. I'm just surprised why they don't have it on the menu? One of my friends got the chicken sandwich (hot mess) and she loved it! read more

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My wife, son and I went to the coop for dinner. My wife and I have been here before just for drinks. We were sat in the area outside the bar area. It was a nice space but we were pretty isolated which was a small issue. Our waiter forgot we were there and we sat for about 15 minutes with no drinks or service. However, that all turned around and the service drastically improved over the evening. Let's get to the food. We started with an appetizer. We ordered the chips and pimento cheese dip and it was yummy. It came with a generous amount of excellent chips. My wife ordered the Kentucky crispy fried chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy. I ordered the Nashville hot fried chicken with tater tots and a side salad. My son ordered the chicken and waffle dinner. We all agreed that the fried chicken was fabulous. My Nashville hot was spicy. I usually am disappointed with the descriptions of how spicy an item is. This was perfect for me. My wife said, way too spicy. Drinks were good as well and the value was great. Give this a shot!! read more

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Whiskey Coop has a smooth and laid-back vibe (cozy lounge with soul) The singer entertaining us was so talented! I found out later he works as a server at Whiskey Coop! He had a beautiful voice that added so much heart to the atmosphere. Seriously impressive. We started with the sweet potato waffle fries, which were next level. Cajun butter melted over them with their signature Coop hot dust. The wings were crispy with a spicy bourbon honey glaze that hit the spot. Cocktail-wise, the Hemingway was delicious- well balanced, refreshing, and well crafted. Bonus points for their inclusive menu: plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options that actually look amazing. read more

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We went in around 10:15 as we got out of work late but wanted to meet up with our friends, obviously needed to eat and wanted to try something new. When we walk in they didn't really want to seat us, as we learn they close the kitchen at 10:30pm. We really needed food so we said we'd ordered immediately which we did. We both get the Cluck Norris and after we order our waitress comes back about 10 minutes later and tells us they don't have bacon because the kitchen closes at 10:30. Weird but we just say okay and we still want our food, it kinda felt like they didn't want serve us which I get being the time. Mind you I wish the website stated when they closed the kitchen because I looked at the website before we went over. The chicken was really good, crispy but not dry at all and I would definitely try it again at a more normal time in joes nothing was out. The salad dressing was a creamy basil and I liked it a lot, very unique. Overall it was very yummy and what they've done to the old empire brewing opening up the space more is very nice. read more

The Whiskey Coop - American Near Me - Syracuse, New York

The Whiskey Coop artfully blends rustic charm with modern sophistication in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior features a rustic speakeasy vibe, creating a cozy and intimate setting. Normally, I cannot stand being stuck in a corner at a restaurant, but I loved looking around at all of the restaurant's elements and the wallpaper in one space of the restaurant proved to be a great background for a selfie. My fiancé and I went out for date night and the meal was pretty impressive. Conveniently, it was Syracuse dining week so we chose three items from that menu: the bourbon & cola, fried pickle spears, and the Nashville hot chicken sandwich. Separately, we ordered the smoked pork belly appetizer to share and I ordered the side salad with creamy basil dressing. The bourbon & cola was smooth and had a great balance between whiskey and cola. The Whiskey Coop elevated this drink by adding an ice cube with a sprig and a piece of an orange. The Nashville hot sandwich was definitely a standout. The chicken had just the right amount of spice and was perfectly crispy without being soggy. The soft bun complemented the sandwich well, making each bite delicious. It was served with house-made chips, which, unfortunately, fell a bit flat for me -- they could definitely use more salt to bring out their flavor. I also tried the side salad with creamy basil dressing, and it was exactly what you'd hope for if you're a basil lover. The basil flavor was bold and fresh, making the salad a nice, refreshing option. The fried pickles were another highlight. They had the perfect crispy crust and a strong, tangy dill flavor that really hit the spot. The pork belly was incredibly rich, tender, and juicy -- definitely a decadent bite. Interestingly, it almost had a dessert-like quality to it, if that makes any sense. The fattiness and richness made it feel indulgent in the best way. Our appetizers actually ended up arriving after our meals, but we enjoyed it that way so we could savor those bites last since the pork belly was so flavorful. Even with that little hiccup, our server Lisa went above and beyond to be sure we enjoyed our experience and she kept our glasses filled. She was kind, quick, and definitely part of the reason why we'll be back. Each first bite of every piece of this meal was so surprising and enjoyable. I feel like I have never had a meal like this that was not only affordable, but incredibly flavorful. So, if you're in the mood for bold flavors and crispy bites, The Whiskey Coop delivers. read more

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The Whiskey Coop may sound like it's for people who love Whiskey and Chicken and you'd be correct! So if that's what you're wondering stop now and go! If you're wondering if they have other options then this next word is for you, yes. The Whiskey Coop has a massive drink menu and a chicken heavy menu with some alternatives. So if you're not a chicken lover, I'd peak at the menu first, the options are there. They do offer vegan chicken options as well which is always great to see. As far as our drinks and food everything was incredible. The pimento cheese and sweet potato waffle fries were incredible. The chicken, which everyone did order, comes in a wide variety of combinations was tender as can be with a gentle yet crisp layer of breading.*you can get grilled chicken* We ordered two desserts to share and the waffle sundae and banana cream pie were both must haves. Food was wonderful at every stage. The place itself looks beautiful inside. It's cozy and elegant with a relaxed feel, large bar and tvs sprinkled around for the sports fans. The staff was wonderful, kind and accommodating. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. So if you go, I really hope you as always, Enjoy!! read more

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We had a terrible experience here. My husband two toddler daughters were visiting from Virginia. We spent the morning at the museum and needed lunch. We stumbled upon here and it seemed like a good spot. We were one of two tables in the restaurant around 130 and it took about 10 minutes to be greeted. It took 35 minutes for our food to come after we ordered. There was no apology for the delay from our server. No acknowledgement of anything. We wouldn't gotten a second beer while we waiting but our server never came to check on us and see if we wanted another drink (missed money there). The food was mediocre at best or maybe the experience ruined it.... Disappointing read more

The Whiskey Coop - American Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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I like the vibe. It's at the site of the former Empire Brewing at the basement level. As the name implies an expansive whiskey selection. They have a number of whiskey flights which they serve with a dropper and spring water do you can dilute the whiskey to taste. The tables are too small to fit your food and whiskey flights at the same time. They have a whiskey sommelier who comes around to give suggestions and answer questions upon request. The Nashville fried chicken dinner was delicious albeit pricey read more

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no whiskey was consumed on this trip - popped in on a wing Wednesday, which features live bluegrassish music. We started with the deviled eggs, wings & brisket tacos. Standard egg flavor, crispy wings & the brisket was a little bacon for my liking, only 2 tacos an order. Then we got the Whats the Capital Of Thailand? Chicken sandwich - so good!!! Crispy on the outside, moist on the inside. The drinks looked yummy, too. Next time, absolutely need to try a handful of the sides and the Popcorn Chicken, which is popcorn ice cream!!! read more

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When I saw fried chicken I wasn't expecting anything extraordinary but I was wrong. The chicken was lightly breaded and super tasty, corn fried fritters were killers and their mix drinks were great. Plus they have a huge selection of premium bourbon and whiskey. Service was great and to add to it, they had an awesome live band. What a great place and a must to try out if in the area. read more

Finally had the chance to check out this new place located in the old Empire Brewery (RIP). Four of us had a light meal and a few cocktails here on a Thursday evening at 6pm. We were seated in the side room to the left of the host station. I was glad to see that they had left the walls the same with exposed stone and brick, but the new lighting made for a very dark dining experience. I had to change the exposure on the photos I took of our drinks and food by quite a lot. Drink service was slow, our server told us that the bartender was new and still learning. Some classics on the menu, but they all seemed unbalanced and too sweet, especially the Hemingway. Perhaps the bartender was guessing at ratios? The food was all good, especially the fritters and catfish. The chicken strips were very small however and really were tapas sized appetizers. They do have some beer, and I was especially pleased to find Chimay on draft, which went well with my meal. Will we be back? I'm not sure. I think they still have some kinks to work out. read more

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I loved the ambiance of Whiskey Coop especially during a Sunday morning brunch with live music. We had a drink each with pickle spears to start then chicken sandwiches. I had the blue bird which is good but I'm looking forward to trying something different next time. I surprisingly really enjoyed their chipotle honey mustard salad dressing. Their brunch menu and drink specials are unique and differ from the main menu. ~60$ which was reasonable. The service was slightly slow but we weren't in a rush on a Sunday read more

The Whiskey Coop - Blue Bird - American Near Me - Syracuse, New York

A group of friends and I went for brunch, their second week running it. I got the popcorn chicken sandwich that has a scoop of homemade popcorn ice cream on it. It was less messy than I expected it to be, and it was tasty. Not overly sweet either. I asked for it extra spicy; no idea if that just didn't happen or if it did and it was just so not spicy that I didn't register it. The chicken was nice and juicy. Some of my friends got more brunch-like items. It appeared like the eggs were not cooked properly for most of them. To me, if you can't cook an egg properly maybe don't have it on your menu?? I learned no eggs here. The coffee was tasty but they served some crappy creamer that I just wasn't a fan of. The water glasses are these cute yet super small glasses that maybe hold 8 ounces in them. Not a fan, and I wouldn't say our server was great on the refills. I plan to come back at some point to try some more items. They have live music on Sundays during brunch and on Wednesdays. read more

The Whiskey Coop - Popcorn chicken sandwich - American Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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The restaurant had a very cool vibe and an option to sit outside. It looked like it could have been a speakeasy. The food was good but the service could have been better. Came in for dinner and drinks on a night that the restaurant was more than half empty. We asked to sit outside which was accommodated. Our server was friendly but we had to track him down twice when we needed something. He himself stated that he kept forgetting about us. The chicken alfredo was very good but the mac & cheese could have used more cheese. read more

Nice vibe, interesting cocktails and food and service was good, but we won't be back. We are avoiding businesses that charge a CC fee. This is a tax deductible business expense for them. Just like we all rebelled about rampant tipping, next up should be this cc fee thing. Too many good and great restaurants don't charge this fee to patronize ones that do. read more

The Whiskey Coop - Maple Brussels; deviled eggs and wings - American Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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First day of the new year, my husband and I try to do a day date and talk about the upcoming year for ourselves and children. I know not much is opened, but saw Whiskey Coop was open for brunch(we've never been). We walked in and the place was beautiful and still decorated for the holidays. We've been here when it was Empire Brewing Company but see the update and decor of the new restaurant. My husband is a whiskey guy so he ordered "Grandpa's Sweater" (house barrel aged whiskey, local pan-smoked maple syrup, orange twist, bacon) he really enjoyed his drink. I ordered a strawberry mimosa(champagne & strawberry purée) simple and delicious. For an appetizer I ordered Maple Brussels, I love a good sprout lol. These were delicious, love the sweetness of maple and added crunch of candied pecan. For entrees my husband ordered Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich w/homemade chips and I ordered one of the brunch special Duck n Waffle( confit duck leg & thigh, gochujang maple syrup, 2 Belgium waffle & kimchi butter). My husband said the sandwich was delicious and spice level was perfect. He loved the homemade chips as well. I loved my meal, I try to order duck out when I can because I never cooked it at home. The meat was tender and the crispy batter was season perfectly. I love the twist of flavor from your normal chicken & waffles. You get the kick from the kimchi butter and syrup. The service was friendly but not too attentive. We can't wait to head back for a dinner date and check out the regular menu. I saw they offer a vegan menu as well which is nice because we have a few family members we would recommend restaurants to. Plus I can't wait to try those options as well. read more

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Fun vibes, good ambience for late night, lots of seating. Food was delicious and there were lots of drink options. The whiskey flight was very fun! read more

Really stumbled upon this hidden gem. This place took over the old Empire Brewing. It's perfect for a date night. It has a beautiful ambiance. Our server was kind and food came out hot and quick! I will definitely be back for another date night. Crispy chicken up my alley! Also the chicken and biscuits are bomb, next time I will ask for extra gravy. read more

The Whiskey Coop - American Near Me - Syracuse, New York

The restaurant looks beautiful inside. They've changed it to look more of a rustic speakeasy vibe. We went on a Wednesday night where they have Bluegrass music, some select cocktails at five dollars and $1.75 wings. We chose to sit at the bar. My husband started with a corn whiskey flight. I started with a mule. They do have several different whiskey and bourbon base drinks and they do have a few cocktails that are not made with whiskey or bourbon. They also have several beer and wine options , they do have a large selection of whiskeys and bourbons. They have several different whiskey and bourbon flight options. For the meal, we decided to try their wings. These were really good wings, and my husband felt that these were some of the best he's ever had. We also tried the deviled eggs and these were good. I got the cluck norris and this was very tasty. My husband got the spicy blue cheese chicken sandwich and overall he liked it. Chicken on both sandwiches were really flavorful and moist. We will definitely be back again. The only critique I have is that while sitting at the bar, we noticed multiple people come up and ask questions about different types of bourbons and whiskeys on the menu and which ones they should try. it was interesting to hear the bartenders response as my husband is actually a very big bourbon fan and has tried most of them and we have done the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a few times; so we know a little more then The average person on this topic lol. You could tell that the bartender on staff had a limited knowledge on the bourbons and whiskeys, but I think that will change as time goes on since this is a new place or might change based on the bartender that is on staff. But you could tell he was having a hard time suggesting what people might like. But definitely try this place! read more

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In Syracuse for a work meeting and went here for lunch. It was a Tuesday afternoon so not busy at all- 4 other people there who were sitting at the bar. The restaurant is on the lower floor. It's real dark in there but that's the vibe they're going for. There was a tv to watch games as well. They have high top, low top, and bar seating available. Cloth napkins and nice silverware/dishes. Me and my mom got the maple Brussels to start which was awesome! I don't hate Brussels sprouts, but also don't love them- but these ones were great with a bourbon maple syrup and Cajun spices and candied pecans. For our meal we got the "cluck Norris" which was fried chicken with bacon, maple bbq sauce, and pepper jack cheese on a kaiser roll- also amazing!! We got a side of sweet potato fries which were also great and didn't need any ketchup. I wish I could try everything on the menu because everything sounded so good. The serving was big too- split between two people and was pretty full after the meal. read more

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I had never heard of this restaurant, but decided to check it out during Syracuse Dining Weeks. We went early on a Saturday night and didn't have a reservation, but the hostess was gracious enough to find us a spot. The waitress was very attentive and accommodating for our toddler. We each ordered a whiskey sour cocktail, which had really good flavor. For appetizers, we tried the homemade pork rinds and corn fritters. Both were excellent! We each got chicken sandwiches, both of which were really unique. The Thailand one had cucumber and a Thai peanut sauce that worked well with the crispy fried chicken. My husband got the kimchi one, which he loved. We also ordered homemade chicken tenders for my daughter, which she happily ate. I like that you can choose between homemade chips or a salad as your side. We were in and out within an hour, which I appreciated having an antsy toddler. We were very impressed with the food and drinks and look forward to going back. The inside has a nice waiting area and is open/spread out providing a lot of space for everyone. read more

The Whiskey Coop - What's the Capital of Thailand - American Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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Driver left food in hotel lobby and never contacted me, the note on yelp for the status order said the order was being delayed. I called GrubHub and they told me it was delivered 40 minutes prior to my phone call the food was ice cold and tasted terrible. read more

What a great new spot. Very speakeasy feel. Blue grass playing while you figure out what whiskey or cocktail to sample. Came in for brunch and left very satisfied. Food has a little Cajun flair. Cant go wrong with the chicken and waffles! The staff is super friendly and helpful. Place has a great vibe. read more

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My new go-to spot when visiting my Slice at Syracuse! Fist, the decor was awesome, loved the brick archways in the basement. There was a mishap with the reservations, and the staff was amazingly accommodating. I think it had the best chicken and waffles I have ever had! The burger was fantastic and my daughter loved her chicken sandwich. read more

Found this gem during the soft opening. Michael our server was amazing and took time to explain all options. We dined on many appetizers and sandwiches everything was on point. The Lodge Manhattan was smoked table side and we all enjoyed them. This is going to be our new go to spot! read more

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Absolutely floored. We were in the area trying to check out U of S and ended up picking this joint because we were both craving a fried chicken sandwich. Every single meal that came out of that kitchen tasted downright heavenly. We started with the maple Brussels sprouts which were served on a skewer - so cute!!! - and then I had the Seoul Sister and my girl had the Competitor and our eyes were bugging out of our heads while we ate because we couldn't believe how good it was. For dessert, we had the vegan and waffle sundae and ohhhhhhhh my God I actually feel bad for anyone who isn't able to try that sweet bourbon glaze... The Whiskey Coop has a fried chicken sandwich for EVERYONE, and even more different meals than that that I'm absolutely confident would knock anyone's socks off. The service was excellent. The atmosphere was incredible. All in all, I'm hoping my girlfriend goes to grad school in Syracuse just so I can get some more of this goodness. read more

The food is good, but the cocktails are even better! Cute and chill with plenty of seating at the bar or at tables. Quick and friendly service read more

Service is second to none. However the food is ...... ugh I guess bleck. Blackened chicken Alfredo was weird. Coagulated cheese with weird spices not Alfredo. The whiskey menu lacked any recognizable whiskeys. No really good ones. I drink bourbon and did not recognize one distiller except woodford drunken cherries in the manhattan. Those were delicious! The fried chicken and mashed potatoes were much better. The service is unbelievable however which kind of made me like the place. read more

A friend had recently reviewed Syr Whiskey Coop and it sounded so delicious I had to go. It's in the old Empire Brewery restaurant. It was kinda hard trying to figure out where to go but I figured it out. Very cozy atmosphere. I was happy they asked if a high top was ok because I can't get up that high. I made reservations which was convenient and easy to do. I ordered a Bloody Mary and pork rinds for an appetizer. They both came out quickly. The pork rinds were still cracking! So good! Maybe a little less of the Cajun dusting but tasty! I ordered Chicken and Waffles and the honey bourbon wings with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy. The waffles with the maple syrup were banging! The chicken was good nice flavor! Wings also really good nice and sticky delicious! I ordered banana dream pie too but haven't tried that yet. For almost 11.00 a slice it was very skimpy so won't order again. Service was a tad on the slow side. A lot of time looking around for our waitress which was a pretty big detractor but I didn't want to take away from the meal. Super expensive night out so will only go occasionally. read more

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We were up in Syracuse for a long weekend and stayed in Armory Square. It of course was snowing so we wanted to find a breakfast place within walking distance of our hotel. Upon a quick search we found Whisky Coop and decided to give it a try. So glad we did!! First of all the atmosphere is amazing! We ate downstairs in a nicely decorated room by the bar. The menu had such a wide variety of options! We started with mimosas and bloody Mary's. Our son had a delicious FauxMosa! My wife and I ordered the Hot Honey Biscuit Sliders...they were DELICIOUS! Ask for extra hot honey on the side, you won't be disappointed! Our son had the Classic French Toast which he said was delicious! The fresh squeezed grapefruit juice was yummy! Someday we hope to try their dinner menu! Between the food, drinks, and atmosphere, you can't go wrong with The Whiskey Coop! read more

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My husband and I ordered the Vegan Dirty and the Vegan Cluck Norris, and both were awful. The patty looked like a frozen patty, and neither sandwich came with any of the advertised toppings. Despite the food, the service was really nice. read more

My partner and I went for brunch and we were very happy with our food. The brunch cocktails were very nicely balanced. Would go to again. read more

Delicious food! I highly recommend their sweet potato fry appetizer, that is probably my favorite food in all of downtown!! read more

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I'm glad this restaurant has been added to our downtown scene. It adds a unique option to the mix. I think they did a great job with the aesthetics as it reminds me of a Nashville restaurant. We started off with the tacos and deviled eggs. Both were great although the tacos would only feed 2 people. We both got the Seol sandwich with sweet potato fries. Our meals were also very good. Fries were crispy and chicken was fried perfectly. The sandwich is quite large and a bit messy although you'd expect that. I do wish the pork belly was slightly more tender for being seared. That may just be personal preference. I also wish they offered maple butter dipping sauce for fries rather than ketchup. Our server was attentive and friendly. read more

Amazing food and amazing service and amazing bourbon!!! Food was delicious and our service with Joey was top notch. The Brussels were the best I've ever had! I would highly recommend!!! Don't skip this place if you are in town! Thank you Joey! read more

Hands down the best chicken and waffles I've had to date. The chicken was juicy and perfectly crispy and the waffles had that nice crispy sugar coating. The venue is really cool in design and I didn't realize how nice the outside patio is! Hidden gem in Syracuse for sure. Our bartender was also super cool! read more