About
Welcome to The Fish Friar, a delightful seafood haven nestled in the heart of Syracuse, New York. Located at 239 E Genesee St, this charming restaurant captures the essence of coastal cuisine with an inviting atmosphere and a dedication to freshness. The moment you step inside or settle down outside, you're greeted by the tantalizing aroma of expertly prepared seafood and the warmth of hospitable service.
What sets The Fish Friar apart? It's not just the food; it's the entire dining experience. Diners rave about the well-curated menu that features everything from succulent calamari served with a zesty lemon mayo to rich and creamy haddock bisque. The fish and chips here are a crowd favorite, perfectly fried to a golden crisp while preserving the juiciness of the fish. Complimenting these dishes are crispy fries, which have earned their own accolades among regulars.
For those looking for something a touch different, the shrimp po boys served on a bed of rice pilaf provide a flavorful twist that is hard to resist. Customer experiences converge around the shared love for the house chowder, particularly the spicy haddock chowder, which delights the palate with its robust flavors and satisfying texture.
The attention to detail doesn’t stop at the food. Guests have noted the friendly and knowledgeable staff, who go above and beyond to enhance the dining experience. It's the combination of great service, exceptional food, and the cozy ambiance—featuring real burning candles—that makes The Fish Friar a must-visit when you're in the area.
As a standalone in the vibrant culinary scene of Syracuse, The Fish Friar offers a place where seafood lovers can indulge in a hearty meal. With rotating local drafts and a variety of drinks to bask in, this restaurant not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart. Whether you're a local or just passing through, The Fish Friar promises an unforgettable seafood experience that will have you coming back for more.
“ First time dining at the fish friar and everything was great! We sat outside on a beautiful day. We had the calamari and haddock bisque to start. The lemon mayo with the calamari was great! Then shrimp po boys on rice pilaf for the main was also fantastic. Drinks were good as well! Will definitely be back. ”
“ Husband and I enjoy coming here. He loves the shrimp, we get them every time, and he literally raves about them to friends and family. We usually get a bowl of whatever the house chowder is, and it's always delicious, and their spicy haddock chowder is delightful. We both get fish and chips. The fish is always perfectly cooked and so juicy. The fries are crispy and delicious. Neither of us like tartar sauce, so we leave that off, husband gets the friar sauce and garlic butter, and I get honey mustard. The fish and honey mustard combo is fantastic. One of these days, I'll branch out and get something different; but starting with some chowder and having a main dish of fish and chips just hits the spot perfectly. On top of all that, the hostess/waitress is amazing, friendly, and attentive. The bartender seems friendly and makes a killer lemonade. It's a solid spot to go get dinner. Especially If you're craving a fish fry. We do miss the captains platters though! ”
“ What a nice surprise. We were looking for a seafood restaurant downtown and googled this gem. Short walk from our hotel at Armory Square area. Quaint little restaurant with real burning candles. Food was exceptionally fresh and well prepared. The staff was equally amazing, with a ton of knowledge about the food and the history of the restaurant. Must try when in Syracuse. ”
“ In from out of town and this is a fun place to visit. They have rotating taps including local drafts, though I stuck to the iced tea with lunch. Try the haddock sandwich! That and the rice pilaf are great. I like the roast carrots but prefer them more done like we do in NYC. However when I asked for salt they brought a great small grinder so bonus points there. Don’t miss this spot. ”
“ My mother and I were visiting Syracuse for the first time and came across this cute and quaint restaurant and left extremely satisfied. We shared the chowder of the day, the Cobb salad and the fish and chips. Everything was amazing, but would have to say the Cobb salad was the best of all - so flavourful and they did not skimp out on the smoked salmon on top at all. Would highly recommend this place!! ”
“ Whether you want to sit at the bar or at a table to eat, I loved the atmosphere of this small place. Overall food was good, but I ordered a salmon grilled cheese which was missing a little bit of flavor or sauce. I would definitely give this place another chance. ”
“ A must go place if you are in Syracuse .Excellent fried fish which was a haddock ..I have not ate such a flavorful crispy fish in US. Fresh and reasonable portion . Also I had the Spicy Haddock bisque which was basically the haddock in a tomato broth .But it was tasty ! Affogato in dessert is a must to have The ambience was cozy and definitely a place to visit again ”
“ Absolutely outstanding place to dine!! The flavor combinations and blend of sweet and savory are incredible. We are just up in the area visiting.. we haven't even got our check yet and we are planning our next trip back and what we are ordering next time. The presentation was fantastic, service outstanding, fantastic atmosphere.... a complete win in my book!!! ”