Syracuse Nightlife

The original Loew's State movie theater was taken over and restored in 1977 as the Landmark Theatre.
http://www.landmarktheatre.org/
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The picture is of the RKO Keith Theater, which is no longer extant alas!

When Awful's opened a few years ago, it seemed odd to focus on a small niche market of cigar smokers. However, since New York passed a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants, this bar has realized a huge advantage over the competition... this is the only bar in the county where customers can smoke indoors. Because the bar was established prior to the no-smoking law going into effect, and because they receive more than 10% of their income from cigar sales, this bar can legally allow smoking. In fact, more than 25% of their profits are from selling tobacco products. But don't be fooled... $40,000 worth of ventilation systems keeps the air relatively clear. The sign above the bar reads "Just bring an honest face."

This bar has the largest selection of liquors I have ever seen. Behind the bar is a wall of alcohol so big, there are sliding ladders to allow the staff to reach the upper shelves. During my visit, I had rum & coke... with Venezuelan spiced rum called Pampero Anniversario.

The Blue Tusk is a popular spot in the heart of Armory Square. With 69 beers on tap, you are sure to find something you like. I enjoyed a few varieties of local Middle Ages Brewery beer such as the Porter and an amber ($4 per pint). I ended my stay here with a very fresh Belgian Hoegarden beer... mmmmmm!

For food, the Blue Tusk offers a unique array of "eclectic" food such as the buffalo sandwich on focaccia bread, as well as other paninis and wraps. Don't expect much of the usual pub fare here! Sandwiches are about $7.50.

The clientèle seemed to be mostly University students the night I visited. Many were reading or studying while others were involved in deep conversations about the meaning of life or some other important subject.

The bar staff was very friendly and helpful. Not only do they offer tips on their food and beers, but they were happy to offer me a few samples and even give me advice on other bars in the area!

Dress Code: casual

You could, believe it or not, spend a night in Syracuse outside of the Armory Square district. Head up to "the Hill" on the campus of Syracuse University and you'll find a small stretch of bars and restaurants. Feagan's is probably the most popular bar with a good beer selection and a big crowd. Darwin's, just across the street, has a good beer selection with around 10 beers on tap and pool tables to boot. The night I was here, there was a $3 cover charge.

Some of the other cool places in the Armory Square district are The Blue Tusk, a nice drinking bar with a laid back but often over-crowded atmosphere, PJ Dorsey's featuring a big dance floor and always a young crowd and Ambrosia, another place with good music and plenty of liquid libations.

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Oh my goodness. I'm getting too old for this. This place was like a bunch of parties I went to as an undergrad. People of a certain age and both sexes cramped into a small space most drinking cheap beer and doing cheap shots. Hey, you might enjoy it. The music is very mainstream and dance-able and the crowd is willing to mingle.

OHM is definitely working hard to look like a hip, New York style lounge. Techno thumping, brown leather couches and slick looking people conspire to push the hipness down your throat faster than the drinks they sell from the bar. It's a little too loud in spots to have a decent conversation, but it's worth a look just for the atmosphere.

The Blue Tusk has become THE spot in Armory Square. They have excellent beers on tap and in bottles, a large selection of wine, and an extensive menu.

Try their Prosciutto & Brie quesadilla.

Definitely try this out - it's a great meeting place - either for drinks after work, or to meet new friends.

Dress Code: Mostly business casual - you'll find an occasional person in shorts and a t-shirt, but mostly it's a little more dressy than that - and you'll often find people much more dressed up. A lot of people will come in for happy hour after work, so you'll see a lot of suits, etc.