There’s no better time than summer to enjoy outdoor eateries and restful weekend brunches. Located in the heart of the Westcott neighborhood of Syracuse, NY – A vibrant community of art, boutiques, and walkable streets lies Rise N Shine Diner – a quirky and whimsical casual restaurant specializing in breakfast, brunch, and “brinner” also known as a breakfast dinner. It also offers vegan-friendly options and a wide selection of both sweet and savory flavors.
This locally owned family business, now led by Danielle Mercuri, has been a staple for many years, operating out of its Westcott location at 500 Westcott Street since 2019. It’s open Monday through Friday (7 AM – 3 PM) and Saturday through Sunday (7 AM – 4 PM). This elevated and eclectic diner is spacious and airy. If you can, you may want to make atrip to this eatery during the weekdays when the restaurant is less crowded. Due to its popularity, weekend visitors should arrive at opening or during afternoon hours to avoid long wait times, as Rise N Shine does not take reservations.
Rise N Shine’s playful eatery offers a wide array of food options including appetizers, egg-based meals, Crepes, Sandwiches, burgers, pizza, pancakes, waffles, and more. Italso serves insanely unique and Instagrammable cocktails. With both outdoor and indoor seating, including the bar and over 80 seats, this is the perfect place to try a new dish solo or with family and friends. Trust me you will not get bored with the menu!
Rise N Shine is no hidden gem to Syracuse locals however I urge you to venture out beyond the fan favorite sweet treats and pancakes this summer and explore the seasonal menu and decadent bites.
With so many options the menu can be a tad overwhelming, to say the least especially if you are eating clean this summer or have dietary restrictions. During my first visit to Rise N Shine,
I ordered the Spicy Avocado Bacon Wrap which… sorry I did not like it at all. The sauce made everything entirely too soggy and the avocados were not in season at the time. But, I was excited for round two and I was eager to try something new.
From past community reviews, the traditional breakfast items with a spin seem to be the top picks for the restaurant, even receiving rave reviews from the staff. When scrolling or flipping through the menu, keep your eyes peeled for the select summer items including hot dogs, wings, bowls, and salads.
As a spice queen myself, I had to try the seasonal gluten-free Hot Honey Peach & Burrata Salad! This salad is a perfect blend of sweet, juicy, and spicy that includes fresh arugula, seasoned peaches, fresh tomatoes, and pepitas. It s doused in rich burrata cheese, crunchy forest bacon, and a flavorful balsamic glaze. There’s no need to add the extra meat option of shrimp or breaded chicken in my opinion, because this refreshing salad is packed with flavor and extremely filling. Cool and delicious, this one-of-a-kind culinary find is served in a metal mixing bowl dish. The salad’s bright fruits and greens are sure to leave you feeling energized and not as bloated as some of the other menu items can. The benefits of this salad include lots of great vitamin C, sources of iron, antioxidants, and protein. Easy to make I am totally trying this recipe for a simple and low-calorie dinner or lunch this summer.
Another unique find was the Crepe Carnitas – a fusion of French and Mexican staples. During my visit I requested atweak to the protein originally served as a shredded pork-based dish, I swapped carnitas for delicious and even more spicy chorizo paired with hearty potatoes. The crepes were garnished with melted cheese, lime crema, and one pickled jalapeno on the side. This tasty dish also comes with an Aztec maple syrup that is the star of the show and brings the heat. Trust me, a little goes a long way. My newly created dish, courtesy of the amazing staff and chef, was nearly impossible to finish with all of the meat and starch. I managed to power through just one taco with a box full of leftovers for later.
While at Rise N Shine, checking out their cocktail flights and fresh fruit-filled mimosas are a must. Although I wasn’t feeling very boozy this visit, the peach and watermelon mimosas are my summer faves.
A vintage, chic, and upbeat dinner with beautiful natural light, and pops of 1960s styled sunshine yellow. What better way is there to rise up and start your day than with a friendly and bright atmosphere? A wide variety of seating is offered including family tables, traditional diner/ bar stools, outdoor seating tables, and spacious booths.
I love some good greenery to make a space whimsical, faux ivy, sunflowers, and moss are scattered across the wooden framed dining seats, adding an outdoorsy garden feel If you prefer to sit inside the restaurant.
The decor of this place is the cutest! Inside you’ll find sayings about the unique dining options such as the neon signage “Brinner – The socially acceptable excuse for eating breakfast for dinner.” The outdoor seating and wait area is uniquely picturesque offering a colorful assortment of wall art and murals.
With an endless menu of creations, it may be challenging to navigate through this one-of-a-kind restaurant but with the beautiful decor, great food, and amazing customer service you’re sure to enjoy your summer eating experiences here.
