106. Pastabilities Lunch

Downtown Armory Square is completely ready for the spring/summer weather. I can sense it! There’s a lot of foot traffic throughout the afternoons and I’m getting really excited about getting lunch down there more often. One of my favorite spots to go have lunch at is Pastabilities.

Their lunch setup is MUCH different from their dinner setup, which was why I figured it needed it’s own post. Lunch is a more counter-lunch-tray-made-to-order style.

When I first went to Pastabilities for lunch, I was so caught off guard that I didn’t know what to do. My friend I was with tried explaining it to me but I was still so lost. I ended up ordering a giant plate of pasta salad…I was seriously so confused.

When you walk in, you immediately head towards the crowd. This is usually a long line of men in business suits. They all seem to have been invited to this party before because no one is acting like they’re clueless…which, the first time I went I was but I tried to act like I knew what I was doing. You’re immediately prompted to order by a man behind the counter who is all work and no play. He’s serious about his trade, and I would be too…have you had the food there? It’s delicious!

When you order you’re shuffled down the line and end at a person at the register. You get your food, you pay and you sit down with your party to indulge in the ultimate of Italian comfort foods…each plate comes with a slice of their homemade bread.

All in all, I feel like you have to be a seasoned veteran of downtown afternoon dining if you’re going to walk away completely satisfied with this experience. Which is why after my first time I went back again and I felt like I was a part of that clique that knew what they were doing. This is a great option for a quick & cheap lunch, you’ll walk away feeling very satisfied…even if you were slightly intimidated upon arrival.

Tip: Your choices are plentiful, which is why I suggest taking a look at the menu before you go.

location

38. Lunch at PJ’s

As someone who is trying diligently to stay on top of things here in Syracuse, and someone who is constantly throwing around the phrase “blog research,” I committed a cardinal sin on Monday.

A friend of mine and I had decided we would get gyro’s at Black Olive as per our usual lunch…it had just started snowing and we pulled up at the same time; quickly we walked towards the door and when we went to open it I immediately knew something was wrong. The lights were out, the door was locked… how did I not know Black Olive was closed on Monday’s?? It slipped my mind, but I will never forget that moment…merely because two grown women were standing in the middle of Clinton Street having a hissy fit.

We hurriedly walked around the corner and decided to try out PJ’s.

In my experience, I’ve only ever been to PJ’s for St. Patrick’s day and an occasional hazy-late-night Saturday. So naturally, I was skeptical. We settled for the bar and ordered our meals.

I looked around noticed the place was packed! For 1pm on a Monday I couldn’t believe the number of people there, especially making the trek during the snowy afternoon. There was a business meeting going on in the back, what looked like regulars sitting at the bar having some soup, a variety of different people.

Knowing that we had our hearts set on Gyro’s we hoped that the menu would not disappoint, and it did not. It’s classic Irish pub fare with things from soups & sandwich combos, specials like Chicken Riggies (which were delicious), salads, panini’s — you get the gist. All very affordable, my lunch came to $8.

Highly recommended by two women who were absolutely devastated due to derailed lunch plans, but sometimes the best plans are unplanned.

I also can’t wait to go back during the warmer months so I can sit outside on their patio, which overlooks the heart of Armory Square, lots of people watching to be had!

Tip: The chicken riggie’s special was a great choice, and very filling!

Location

22. Boulangerie Cafe

Ahh, the beloved lunch hour in Syracuse attracts more people to the downtown area than I think happy hour does…but, that’s a very general statement, and I’m probably 100% wrong.

In any case, what I’m getting at is the Hanover Square, Franklin Square & Armory Square area’s of downtown Syracuse attract a lot of people for lunch. From the Armory Square hotspots like Black Olive to Franklin Square you’re going to find a lot of people out between 12-2pm, which in my opinion is pretty cool.

I’ve been to Boulangerie a few times, and each time I have left fully (fully!) satisfied. They keep the menu pretty simple with soup, salad, and  sandwiches. Their prices are standard for the area, and certainly won’t break the bank (another perk to Syracuse).

It’s located downtown on the quiet streets of Franklin Square and has a very “lunch-time” feel to it. Your meal is made for you right at the counter, they have specials daily and the staff is always very very friendly! When the weather gets warm (which don’t expect that to happen anytime soon…) they set up tables outside and you can enjoy your meal under the tree lined Plum St.

Tip: Check out the New England Clam Chowder on Fridays!

Location

15. Black Olive

When attending school in Fort Collins, one of the things I always looked forward to was that late night Gyro from the food cart downtown. My friends and I would step into (a pretty long) line and wait patiently for our turn, and we’d get our made-to-order Gyro and love every second of it. Needless to say, Gyro’s remind me of some of the best times in my life…that may be a bit of an over share, but it’s important for today.

Located in Armory Square, on S. Clinton St., Black Olive is home to by far the best gyro I’ve ever had.

This is authentic Mediterranean cuisine, folks. Black Olive has some of the best hummus and Gyro’s in Syracuse.

My friends and I usually go to lunch here during the week because the service is fast enough for someone with a 1 hour lunch and the atmosphere is very relaxed and comfortable. We’ve tried a variety of things on the menu, from the Gyros, Hummus, Avgolemono (soup), and Tirokateri, all of which we have thoroughly enjoyed.  You’re going to spend anywhere from $5-12 on a meal here, but the serving size will keep you satisfied for a while!

TIP: Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s Gyro’s are $5 from 11-4pm!

Check out their facebook page to learn more about their specials & hours.