Syracuse, New York is perhaps best known for Syracuse University. Central New York as a whole is probably best known as being the home to the Finger Lakes wine region. Eleven Waters restaurant logically came by its name because of the 11 lovely long slender lakes dappled with vineyards that surround New York state’s biggest wine producing region.

 

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Picture Perfect – Skaneateles Lake is One of New York State’s 11 Finger Lakes

 

Eleven Waters’ executive chef Thomas Kiernan whips up appetizers and dishes that rival the calm elegance of the nearby waters that cradle Syracuse. That might be due to the fact that Kiernan has had beautiful bodies of water as his muse at nearly every kitchen he has worked in. His culinary prowess has had him working in  kitchens along the Boston waterfront to the Caribbean (which, mind you, is slightly warmer than Syracuse during the dead of winter).

 

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Porcini Arancini – Kind of Fun to Say and Available at Eleven Waters in Syracuse

 

Arancini are one of the things I can’t help, but order when I see them on a menu, so I’m happy to report that one of my favorite dishes is Eleven Waters’ sweet pea and porcini arancini. Not only does it rhyme, the dish also comes equipped with a light lemon basil pesto, garlic and a dash of olive oil.

 

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Three Delicious Meatball Musketeers at Eleven Waters in Syracuse, New York

 

Eleven Waters’ smoked mozzarella meatballs were also scrumptious. Made with a brisket base, bacon and tomato cream I was almost glad they limited us to three of those little devils because I would have kept eating them if there were more on the plate. In addition to serving breakfast, small plates and dinner, Eleven Waters also has an excellent wine menu. Options range from Bully Hill Vineyards‘ Got White blend to a number of offerings from Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars. There are local beers available from the likes of Ithaca Beer Company, Middle Ages Brewing Company and others. Fun Fact: The Eleven Waters bar is carved into what was once the former Hotel Syracuse’s historic barber shop. (Although truth be told, I’d argue that the most stylish cuts in town almost always come from Industry Salon over on West Jefferson Street.)

Whether you’re looking for a tasty nibble or a sip of upstate New York’s finest wine, Eleven Waters is a worthy destination in and of itself.

Eleven Waters
*Located Inside the Marriott Syracuse Downtown (Formerly the Hotel Syracuse)
500 South Warren Street
Syracuse, New York 13202
Hours: Monday Through Friday 6:30am to 10:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 7:00am to 10:00pm
Phone: (315) 554-3541
Email: info@elevenwaters.com
Pricing (All in U.S. Dollars or USD): Breakfast $9.00 to $16.00, Starters $6.00 to $13.00, Sandwiches Wraps and Burgers $10.00 to $12.00, Salads $8.00 to $12.00, Cocktails $8.00 to $12.00, Beer $4.00 to $6.50, Wine on Tap $6.00 Per Glass or $10.00 Per Carafe, Wine by the Glass $6.00 to $11.00