SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Syracuse Dining Weeks is giving residents a reason to brave the gloomy winter weather and head downtown.
The two-week event, which runs through March 1 to March 14, features discounted meals at more than 50 restaurants across downtown Syracuse – the highest number of participating establishments in the event’s history, according to the Downtown Committee of Syracuse.
Diners can choose from two-course lunches for $15, three-course dinners for $40, and desert deals for $10, with some restaurants offering even lower-priced options. Organizers say the event is designed to encourage people to gather with friends and family while exploring the city’s diverse food scene.
Downtown Committee Community Engagement Specialist Becca Flint said Syracuse Dining Weeks helps create shared experiences around food while introducing people to new places.
“Downtown Syracuse has such a diverse culinary experience, there’s so many different options,” Flint said. “It’s a really fun time to plan different events with your family, your friends, different groups that you’re in, and try out new places or go to your favorites.”
This Syracuse Dining Weeks is the 22nd annual event. For restaurant owners, Dining Weeks also brings more foot traffic to downtown businesses and helps strengthen connections between local establishments and the community.
Adam Mazzoni, owner of Sweet on Chocolate in Armory Square, said the increased activity benefits more than just restaurants.
“I think it’s really good for the food and beverage industry down here, in Armory Square and downtown in general,” Mazzoni said. “The more people that come down here, the more people are walking into shops, so that’s good.”
Sweet on Chocolate, a local chocolatier that has operated downtown since 1993, is one of the many participating businesses. This year they are offering a $10 customizable box of edible cookie dough.
“I just think we’re the best chocolate shop in town,” Mazzoni said.
Restaurants participating in Syracuse Dining Weeks range from Cake Bar to Pastabilities to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, giving diners a chance to experience a wide range of local favorites.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que manager Marie Paoff said the event draws visitors from across Central New York and helps connect people with restaurants they may not have visited before.
“It’s getting the community involved in it, and it’s a great adventure because it’s a four-course meal for a lot of people that haven’t even been here before,” Paoff said. “And it’s actually a nice price point too for everybody.”
A full list of participating restaurants and their Dining Weeks menus is available at DowntownSyracuse.com.