By Sydney Goldberger

Let’s be honest, Brussels sprouts have come a long way from being everyone’s least -favorite side dish. What used to be a soggy and mushy childhood nightmare is now the appetizer people fight over at the table. Suddenly, these little green guys are serving up some of the most unique flavor combos, sauces, and textures you could imagine, and honestly, we’re not mad about it.

And Syracuse? This city has become a hotspot for elite sprouts. Whether they’re fried, roasted, glazed, smoky, sweet, or tossed in a marinade you’ll think about for days, local joints here have absolutely mastered the art of the Brussels sprouts. This once boring and bland veggie has rightfully earned its spot on menus across the city, each unique and delicious in their own way. 

Consider this your official guide to the Brussels Sprouts Tour of Syracuse, one you didn’t know you needed, but absolutely won’t regret following. After this, we give you full permission to order these veggies for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert. 

Craftsman Wood Grille & Tap House

The Craftsman knows how to make Brussels sprouts feel boujee. They are layered with caramelized onions and a velvety Dijon cream. It’s smoky, rich, and sharp enough to keep you coming back for another forkful. These sprouts are the perfect side dish to pair with your steak or seafood. Our only complaint? These are seasonal sprouts and we don’t get the luxury of having it year around, so make sure to get it while it’s still on the menu!

The Cider Mill

The Cider Mill’s version of maple blue cheese Brussels sprouts are roasted until perfectly crisp, tossed in an iconic maple–chipotle glaze, and then topped with blue cheese. The result? A sweet and spicy creamy combo that should honestly be illegal. The maple caramelizes, the chipotle brings the heat, and the blue cheese cuts right through with the perfect tangy bite. It’s bold and it’s balanced, making it the sprout dish people will talk about long after dinner.

The York

At The York, everything they serve feels intentional, down to the seasoning on a Brussels sprout. Expect a perfectly roasted sprout with a deep char and tossed in the perfect amount of salt and spice. Each bite feels balanced, bold, and way more sophisticated than what you’d ever expect from a vegetable. The biggest piece of advice for ordering this a la carte side is to pair it with their truffle fries and create your own DIY truffle brussel. No need to thank us, just enjoy.

Alto Cinco

Alto Cinco doesn’t believe in doing anything less than extraordinary, and honestly, we appreciate them for that. Their Brussels sprouts come deep-fried, aggressively crispy, and tossed with a hint of maple that hits immediately. They’re the kind of sprouts that make you pause mid-conversation because you weren’t emotionally prepared for them to be that crunchy. This appetizer paired with a comforting Tex-Mex entree is all we could ever ask for and more.  

Apizza Regionale

Apizza Regionale’s cavoletti antipasti are Brussels sprouts roasted until golden, then tossed with sweet cipollini onions, crispy pancetta, and a handful of pomegranate seeds that add bursts of tart brightness. But wait, that’s not it. They are finished with grana cheese and a tangy mustard glaze, each bite presenting the perfect balance of tangy and savory. These sprouts are a dish that could steal the show even on a table full of pizza. These are a fan favorite with flavor on the next level.

And Scene…

Syracuse’s Brussels sprouts scene is shockingly stacked. Whether you want them dripping in maple, fried until unrecognizable, or tossed in a creamy dressing, every spot brings its own personality to the plate. So grab a friend, plan your sprout tour, and get ready to have some of the best bites around town. Bon appétit!