By Ava Bartholomew

Located directly off Westcott Street, Rise N Shine is the perfect place to meet up with friends and family to grab breakfast, brunch, or, for that matter, brinner. With a seemingly endless menu full of fabulous dishes, we can guarantee that Rise N Shine has something for everyone. From crepes to burgers, Rise N Shine really does serve everything but the kitchen sink, and, if you ask nicely, they might even give you that.

The History of This Breakfast Treasure

Following a year of unemployment, Danielle Mercuri Compolito was presented the opportunity to waitress at the original Rise N Shine Diner, owned by Peter Henessey. Together, Danielle and Peter recognized the diner’s potential and became close friends. However, Pete’s battle with leukemia and passing left Danielle to be the sole owner. Despite her grief, Danielle grew Rise N Shine into what she and Pete always knew it could be. Through her diverse and creative menu, Danielle hopes to honor Pete by bringing people together through their three B’s: breakfast, brunch, and brinner. 

The Menu That Has It All

While Rise N Shine does serve your typical diner breakfast options – like hash & eggs, omelets, pancake stacks, and french toast – they also take breakfast a step further by offering their unique spins on these traditional dishes, as well as their completely out-of-the-ordinary breakfast, brunch, and brinner plates. It would be impossible to cover items on their extensive menu, but here are some fan favorites.

By crafting their own ideas of traditional breakfast options, Rise N Shine has separated themselves from the countless diners in the Syracuse area. Their Grilled Shrimp Po’ Boy Benny, a spin on eggs Benedict, is a favorite among customers. Featuring a toasted croissant topped with lettuce, tomato concasse, grilled shrimp, poached eggs, and remoulade sauce. This dish is almost impossible to beat. Continuing their pattern of delectable variety, Rise N Shine’s Crepe Carnitas is another notable dish: shredded pork garnished with cheddar cheese, lime crema, pickled onions, pickled jalapenos, and ‘Aztec’ maple syrup, all enclosed in cornmeal crepes. The final menu mention is their Pancakeology section. With numerous pancake creations, such as Birthday Cake Pancakes, Strawberries N’ Cream Pancakes, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, and many more stacks, it’s impossible to choose a favorite. Their solution? Pancake Flight! Pancake Flight allows diners to enjoy their three favorite types of pancakes in three mini stacks. 

A Rise N Shine menu-synopsis would not be complete without noting their drink menu. Their lattes, milkshakes, hot chocolates, and cocktails match the restaurant’s only consistent theme: variety. Whether you have a French Press French Toast Latte, a Rise-a-Lita, or a Reese’s Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate, you cannot go wrong. Most importantly though, don’t forget to take advantage of their Mimosa Monday, featuring numerous flavors. 

The Bustling, Inviting Atmosphere

Due to their variety and popularity, it can be difficult to find a time when the diner is not packed with people from all walks of life. Even at their busiest, however, their service is always quick and pleasant and the wait time for a table is rarely more than fifteen minutes. Beloved by college students, locals, and visitors, Rise N Shine always makes room and time for everyone. And while the restaurant may be bustling and loud, the warm colors and charming staff make every dining experience incredibly inviting and enjoyable.