Just this past week, I accidentally sparked my most controversial thread: most overrated vs. underrated restaurants in the Syracuse Area. I let the followers of @syr_eating_club weigh in via Instagram stories. There were many laughs, heated (friendly) debates, and the discovery of some hidden gems. Read through all the submissions below and let me know which ones you most agree and disagree with in the comments. Don't forget to make your own votes in the polls below.
Overrated
The top eight most overrated restaurants, according to 76 submission, are Dinosaur BBQ, Pastabilities, Margaritas, XO Taco, Heid's, Original Grain, Francesca's Cucina, and Twin Trees. It is fair to say that restaurants with the most public fame and notoriety are bound to be "overrated" by locals. All this means to me is that we have some great spots that help shine a spotlight on Syracuse--but they are also spots we locals have likely been to more times than necessary. Below, I have listed the remaining overrated submissions in no particular order--with one exception. Dosa Grill is at the bottom of this list because it has absolutely no business being on it. Dosa Grill will forever be a sacred gem of this area.
Rise n Shine
Limp Lizard BBQ
Funk n' Waffles
Cider Mill
Stella's Diner
Mother's Cupboard
Tully's 12
Beer Belly Deli
Lemon Grass 12
Acropolis
Clinton Street Pub
Crazy Daisy's
Blarney Stone
Pavone's Pizza
Glazed and Confused
Modern Malt
Kasai Ramen
Apizza Regionale
Alto Cinco
Otro Cinco
San Miguel's
Secret Garden
Ichiban
Santangelo's
Dosa Grill
Underrated
The top eight most overrated restaurants, according to 76 submission are Erawan, Mi Casita, Pita Dream, Second Chance Diner, Riley's, Limp Lizard, A Mano, Red Chili. If a restaurant gets the most votes for being underrated...does that actually mean they are the least underrated?! Delicate matters such as these can be so arduous to navigate. Jokes aside, I think the @syr_eating_club followers did a tremendous jobs exposing underrated and well-deserving restaurants in our area. Below, I have listed the remaining underrated submissions in no particular order. Well, almost no particular order...
Dosa Grill
The Brine Well Eatery
Eva's European Sweets
Syracuse Halal Gyro
Boulangerie
Pewter Spoon
Beer Belly Deli
Utica Pizza
Tres Primos
Indian Grill
The York
Mariachi Mexican Restaurant
Francesca's Pizza (Liverpool)
Phoebe's Restaurant and Coffee Lounge
Ethioeritrea Restaurant
Apizza Regionale
Pronto Fresh
Today's Special
Vietnamese Noodle House
The Hops Spot
Camino Real Mexican Restaurant
Ale and Angus
Meier Creek
Panchito's
Chelsea's Restaurant and Bar
Hope Café
Aloha Japanese Bento
Habiba's Ethiopian Restaurant
Liverpool Fish Company
Spoon and Chopsticks
Epicuse
Gilda's
Funk n Waffles
Anything But Beer
Pavone's Pizza
The Fish Friar
Western Ranch Motor Inn
Carmelita's
Bull and Bear
Skytop Coffee
Rice & Tea Kitchen
TK Tavern
Margarita's Mexican Restaurant
Mi Casa Grande
Ray Brother's BBQ (Hamilton, NY)
Hieros
Sweet Praxis
Layla's Authentic Spanish Restaurant
Creole Soul Café
Esquina Habanera
Azteca Mexican Grill
Darwin on Clinton
Time to vote.
Below are a few restaurants that made it onto both lists. Help us settle the score: