By Sophia Rizzuto

It’s only the first month of school, but you’re already sick of the dining hall food. There’s nothing you crave more than a satisfying meal, but you don’t want to blow through your money. Lucky for us, Syracuse has a wide array of restaurants that offer amazing food at a price that won’t make you want to cry.

Key:

$ Under 10 dollars

$$ Under 20 dollars

$$$ Under 25 dollars

For a sweet breakfast treat: Funk n’ Waffles ($)

Calling all waffle lovers! Funk n’ Waffles makes every kind of waffle you could possibly want – sweet, savory, a mix of both or let your imagination lead you to create your own. These waffles were a perfect way to start my day. Anything you order from here is delicious, and won’t cost you more than $10.

A breakfast good for the soul: Rise n’ Shine Diner ($)

Rise n’ Shine’s menu has everything you could possibly want, and it’ll look good enough to post it on Instagram. From decadent coffee drinks, to fun and creative pancakes, to omelettes and egg sandwiches and six versions of eggs Benedict, you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. It took me about 15 minutes to decide what i wanted, and their prices are amazing with not much on the menu over $10! I made my own omelet and the plate was completely clean within minutes…

Lunch that will make you forget you’re in Syracuse: Original Grain ($$)

After opening their doors last year, Original Grain is one of the most popular spots for SU students to grab a bite to eat that will truly satisfy you. Their fresh, healthy options make you feel good about yourself for eating out. Some of their most popular items are their avocado toasts, smoothie bowls, and poké bowls. Since their ingredients are so fresh the prices are slightly higher, but you can still get any item on the menu for under $15!

Fulfill your sushi craving: Bleu Monkey Cafe ($$-$$$)

Located right on Marshall Street, Bleu Monkey has some of the best japanese food you can get in the Syracuse area (in my personal opinion). Their miso soup is to die for (especially with the shrimp dumplings) and their specialty rolls are guaranteed to wow you. A meal here usually costs a few extra bucks, but you can easily make your way through the menu without spending over $20! (unless you’re like me and always order 3 things)

The best Italian food in all of Syracuse: Francesca’s Cucina ($$-$$$)

You have not tried good Italian food in Syracuse until you’ve gone to Francesca’s. Everything I’ve ever seen anyone eat from here instantly made my mouth water. While some menu items are above $20, you  will not mind splurging  because the food is that good and you deserve it. Make sure to save room for dessert, because the Italian Butter Cake left me speechless.

Finally, a good burger: Empire Brewing Company ($$)

Let’s be honest, Ernie Davis dining hall does not do the almighty hamburger justice. If you’re in need of a real burger, Empire is the place to go. They have several options on their menu, or go wild and make your own – the options are endless, and all worth your buck. Also, their bacon mac and cheese is seriously amazing.

A night out with friends: The York ($$-$$$)

The York is home to amazing upscale modern American food without it looking like it on the check. They have such a large variety of menu items including a raw bar, tacos, flatbreads, salads, seafood and even pasta. Also, there are two important words when dining here: S’mores. Dip.

A nice, refreshing salad: CoreLife Eatery ($-$$)

Core is the place to go when you’re looking for a real salad, not just some floppy lettuce from the dining hall, all at a good price! Core is the king of customized salads; they have pre-made menu items, but you can also get fancy and make something of your own. You can also custom-make grain bowls and broth bowls in addition to salads. Their handcrafted beverages are the perfect pair to this refreshing meal.

I scream, you scream: The Ice Cream Stand ($)

If you’re in need of some real-deal ice cream, this is the place to go. Located right next to Core, they have 8 different soft serve flavors and 11 hard serve flavors, along with flurries and sundaes. My favorite part about this place is you can get a freshly toasted marshmallow on top for a dollar! For ice cream this good at a great price, I have to fight myself not to drive over every day. Rumor has it they’re opening a second location in Armory Square…