Funk 'n Waffles — Restaurant in City of Syracuse

Get ready for a super-chill, low-stress environment. What's the hurry? Do you have somewhere to go or be? If so, maybe Funk 'n Waffles is not for you. However, if you have the time to just soak in the energy around you and enjoy the company, Funk 'n Waffles delivers in that regard. Remember, you're here for a good time, not a long time - so don't concern yourself with the mundane and just be in the present with family and friends. While you're at it, relish in the combination of the sweet and savory found at Funk 'n Waffles.

Some quick tips: There are two entrances (by design). During "normal" operating hours, it is a order-and-seat yourself venue. The ordering line is best accessed from the door on the right (the proper door that's actually under the business sign) when facing the establishment. Big thanks to another patron that told us when we were standing around waiting for a host.

Parking. There are plenty of parking options around. There is a private lot directly across the street from the venue, as well as street parking around the block. With that being said, you have to pay regardless of the option you choose. We came Sunday morning (between 9 and 10 a.m.) and found out that there was ample street parking that did not charge.

Don't be quick to dump the container of sauce on the waffles. I made the mistake of emptying the contents onto the waffles only to discover that the sauce was a spicy-honey mixture better served with the chicken. Each table has syrup.

You will need more than 6-wings. Trust.

During the last day of visit to Syracuse, my brother recommended Funk 'n Waffles for brunch before I hit the road. In hindsight, it was perhaps the best choice. Nested in the concrete jungle expanse of the Syracuse downtown, Funk 'n Waffles was rather easy to get to during the quiet weekend. We entered the establishment through the left door and was met with a roomy dining area with round tables, with a decent sized stage designed for music venues. I quickly realized that Funk 'n Waffles is more than just a local food establishment, providing for the local community in other aspects. Walking to the other half of the building, we were met with the typical seating arrangements of local eatery.

The seemingly theme-less interior matched the laissez-faire vibes and energy of the staff. The staff were friendly and helpful, while at the same time went about their business in a sort of "it'll-happen-when-it-happens" type of manner. It was super chill, and oddly refreshing to see this, especially when everything else is all about the hustle and bustle.

With that being said, the food did take a moment to make. However, I assure you that it is worth the wait. While the waffles didn't warrant spectacular rave, the chicken was made to perfection. With the chicken wings/tenders pulling 80s in this sweet and savory relationship, the combination works wonders in bedazzling the taste buds.

Don't let the appearance of the wings and tenders fool you. The piping hot wings had the perfect crunchy fried exterior which encases the succulent meat. I only wish that the chicken wings were bigger - 6 wings will not be enough. However, I imagine that the size of the wings factor into the flavor ratio so that each bite is packed with the rich taste of the spice rub of the wing. There are also plenty of other waffle varieties if you feel a bit more adventurous. From what my brother ate, I will go on a limb and say that you won't be disappointed with those either.

Overall, great food, and worth the stop if you're...

I wasn't going to write a review, but after reading many other reviews citing the same issues, and several borderline rude responses from the owner I feel it necessary to share our experience. It is clear the owner of this establishment thinks their S don't stink, and does not take complaints seriously enough to make changes for the better. We visited on Saturday December 18th around noon. We were are larger group of 8 adults and two children. My husband and I had to leave rather abruptly due to our toddler having a bit of a meltdown otherwise we may have made a complaint while there. We ordered chicken and waffles, a crepe waffle, a side of chicken, side of sausage, a pear and brie sandwich, milk for my son, and a carafe of mimosas. Sooooo overpriced for this meal, $65 for our order. Waffles were soggy and rubbery, not crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside as they should be. The chicken was super overcooked and dry dry dry. Other people in our group thought their fries tasted like old grease. My crepe waffle was supposed to have Nutella and Bananas, it was given to me husband at the counter with only Bananas, he had to go back and get the Nutella which he was told was supposed to be on the side. Zero presentation, just seemed lazy. Both our waffles were room temp, soggy and rubbery, and the Nutella on mine didn't even get all melty and delicious since it came on the side a couple minutes later. The no server thing shouldn't mean zero service, especially when you expect a tip. My husband had to go up to that counter a dozen times to get silverware, refill water, get butter, requested items left off our order, and so on and so on. It was not an enjoyable experience for him having to get up so many times (I'm pregnant so he was trying to help me too). The place was also disgusting, needs a deep clean very bad. Floors were really gross. Overall very overpriced for a not that great meal that was cooked horribly. How can waffle be in your name and you mess them up...

I first heard about Funk ‘n Waffles from Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. It looked unique and had a cool point of view. A guy that was in a band, Sophistafunk, opened a music venue/ restaurant that specialized in every kind of waffle you could imagine. Since Syracuse isn’t too far from me I had it ear marked for when I was able to visit.

When you first arrive you will notice there are plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options. This place is also a bit historical, casual and self service once you place your order. You can tell it caters to college kids and has a very laid back atmosphere. Next you will be blown away by the menu. It is huge and has every waffle combination you could ever imagine. Some interesting combos were jive turkey which was a stuffing waffle with thanksgiving dinner piled on top, chicken parm waffle which incorporates spaghetti into the waffle and is topped with marinara sauce and chicken parm, and sweet offerings which utilize brownie batter and banana bread as the waffle base. There are also other breakfast add ons, sandwiches, fries, milkshakes and brunch cocktails on the menu. We chose the half portion, yes they allow you to choose half or full sized portions, of chicken and waffles and all shook up, made gluten free with buckwheat waffle batter, which had bacon in the waffle, toppings included peanut butter, bananas and honey. We put in our order and were given a buzzer for when our food was ready. It wasn’t that busy when we were there and the food was ready in about 10-15 minutes. The waffles were hot and fresh, the toppings and portions were generous. Neither of us could finish and we were very full. Most people would be satisfied with a half portion. We felt pricing was reasonable for what you got.

All in all we left full and happy. It was great to be able to choose a half portion. Plenty of options for everyone and gluten free and vegan menu items made it easy to order. I’d like to check out a show here sometime if I make it back...