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Ratings and reviews

#11 of 53 Bar in Syracuse
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

CUISINES
American, Pub, Bar
Meals
Dinner, Lunch
FEATURES
Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Takeout, Reservations, Television, Table Service
Reviews (116)
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116 results
Traveler rating
65
31
10
3
7
Traveler type
Time of year
LanguageEnglish
Traveler rating
65
31
10
3
7
See what travelers are saying:
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Reviewed 5 weeks ago

This place is eclectic, Mr. Riley himself is always there , mingling with the guests or at the bar or if lucky will witness him playing the piano… It feels like a movie set ….the bartender Jackie is great , food on menu changes daily...and great, ambiance is cozy and elegant ….it’s an experience , not just a restaurant!More

Date of visit: April 2023
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Reviewed November 17, 2022 via mobile

There are only a few local places that stand the test of time here, and this is one of the best. Always friendly people, in staff and customers, great foods across the menu, and fair prices. Riley’s is a must stop if you visiting Syracuse...and looking for a local hang. You won’t be disappointed.More

Date of visit: November 2022
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Reviewed January 29, 2022 via mobile

Everything you want in a classic neighborhood bar. Great food, drinks, people and atmosphere. Love it. We go weekly. Menu changes daily. Great desserts

Date of visit: January 2022
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Reviewed February 20, 2020 via mobile

Cozy Ambiance, Great Dining & Service. Complimentary Sourdough Bread is Delicious. We will be happy to return back to Riley’s soon.

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed January 29, 2020

Were charged a fee for using a credit card. Dumbfounded I told our waitress this was quite unfair to which she replied “everyone is doing that” (missing the point entirely). I told her she has lost us as customers (been coming for 30 years). A...waitress in hearing distance muttered “for $3?”. Wow....didn’t expect that! Never, ever again Riley’s....greedy, greedy...and rude! Let’s all stand up against this.More

Date of visit: January 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed January 18, 2020 via mobile

Stopped for birthday dinner with family. Classic Irish pub setting. Family owned. The Haddock was outstanding. The desserts are home made and outstanding. Awesome night

Date of visit: January 2020
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Reviewed August 15, 2019 via mobile

Has been several years due to a move but in town for business and Riley’s is always s great spot for a drink and food Had s nice drink with Jackie now at Riley’s over 29 years and am excellent bowl of bean less chili...I have had many wonderful times at this restaurant and I hope it never closedMore

Date of visit: August 2019
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed June 9, 2019

Black and blue burger was fine but for $15 - $16 it wasn't that great. Also the top shelf shots are $7 - $9 each, bottled domestic was $3.50 5 pm 2 burgers, 2 beer and 2 top shelf drinks was $57.00 - too rich...for my blood next time.More

Date of visit: June 2019
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Reviewed March 8, 2019 via mobile

Went here for dinner with 3 colleagues from out of town with the intent of trying something local, but not one of my regular places. Sat at the corner of the bar for a pre-dinner beer and enjoyed the setting and bartender, so we decided...to eat dinner at the bar. The menu is handwritten on one side daily and the flip side is typed, listing more of the regular items and sandwich type choices. They featured fresh fish, steak and other dishes that were very different from the typical menu items commonly found everywhere. Riley’s is an old historic neighborhood type bar and restaurant. It has a lot of great character and a warm environment. They have about 8 -10 parking spaces behind the place, as well as street parking. Our bartender was a great host who was very pleasant to interact with and I look forward to trying this place again soon.More

Date of visit: February 2019
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed February 4, 2019 via mobile

Walked in and felt like regulars even though we weren’t, but plan to be now!! Lunch with the girls, server was fun and didn’t mind that we had late arrivals. Food was great, the walleye was a big hit! Always something new on the menu...and standards for the less adventurous. No rush, great atmosphere. Will be back!!More

Date of visit: February 2019
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed October 3, 2018

I've been eating at Riley's for over 30 years and it has never disappointed. My wife and I ate there at the end of September and I had Arctic char cooked to perfection with mashed potatoes and veggies. The chef is amazing. They have a...wide selection of beers and wines. The staff are friendly and very accommodating. I highly recommend Riley's. It's near the corner of Oak and Park StreetsMore

Date of visit: September 2018
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed October 2, 2018

Riley's is a wonderful experience of a true old Syracuse establishment. they have remained open and providing great food and refreshments for many - many years. I believe Riley's is one of the oldest establishments in the city. You will certainly enjoy it's charm and...if the walls could talk????More

Date of visit: September 2018
Helpful?
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Reviewed September 12, 2018

Recently had dinner at Riley's. The booth was cozy, but so dark we had to hold the menus under the dim light. The food was outstanding. We enjoyed the flank steak with a yummy sauce and mashed sweet potatoes. Also had that nights blue plate...which consisted of a pork burger, French fries and a creamy tomato and cuke salad. All dishes were plentiful and tasty. We shared a walnut pie which was full of nuts and thankfully not as sweet as a pecan pie, which was great. Would recommend this wonderful restaurant.More

Date of visit: September 2018
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed August 26, 2018

I discovered Riley's through a recommendation from a counselor at my children's college. She mentioned that it was a local, "neighborhoody" spot with great food. The menu changes every day. I had the FRY-DAY special which included some of the freshest and tastiest fried seafood...that was light and not greasy. I had a combo of rock shrimp and clam strips. The bread and desserts were homemade and should not be missed. Our server was friendly and helped us with our selections. Keep up the good work. I'll definitely return for dinner during my next trip to Syracuse and would highly recommend for anyone looking for a great meal at a good price.More

Date of visit: August 2018
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed April 10, 2018

Went to Riley’s today for lunch with a friend.....first visit for me...loved the old school ambience with the heavy woods and coffered ceilings......server was very attentive without being overbearing.....both of us ordered the jumbo sea scallops......they were cooked perfectly and were delicious......they were served with...mashed sweet potatoes and baby carrots.....everything was delicious....bread was served fresh and warm.....we shared an apple pie with fresh whipped cream......best apple pie—not overly sweet and crust was perfect and flakey.....this is not your place if you want the traditional same old burger or sandwich but if you want to step back in time and have some great food —Riley’s will be worth a tryMore

Date of visit: April 2018
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Questions & Answers
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DrBobDecker
July 10, 2016|
AnswerShow all 3 answers
Response from Don B | Reviewed this property |
They have a separate "cozy" room upstairs that could probably be set up for 20
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RILEY'S, Syracuse - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Riley's

Yes, Riley's offers takeout services.

Riley's is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4