The Fish Friar — Restaurant in City of Syracuse

Wife and I visited recently on a Friday at about 7ish. The hostess took our name and my cellphone number indicating it would be about 20-30 minutes. I said that sounded fine and would wait outside. After an hour wait I walked in to see what the status was and noticed multiple tables were cleared and reset, and it looked like the staff was starting to close things down. I could see the hostess' sheet had several names crossed off after my own name and no other names on the list. I was able to see the list because for several minutes I waited at the hostess station while servers walked by and did not acknowledge me. Seeing the list it became apparent that the dinner rush had passed and we were lost in the shuffle, these things happen, what bothers me is when I asked if our table was ready and said we had never received a text the hostess (without offering an apology) said "it was ready now" and sat us. Zero acknowledgment on their part of not reaching out. I even confirmed they had my number correct, so not sure why I was skipped. We were sat at our table and waited for a server to acknowledge us. No one came. The servers were wiping down tables and talking to one another but no one asked us for drinks or if we were ready to order. After 10-15 minutes of being invisible we walked out. That will be...

Hipster spot. Very small menu, fried haddock was very good, service was good. Chairs were tiny, table was tiny. The only things they had on their menu when we were there were different kinds of haddock and shrimp. Some sides as well of course, they had lobster listed but said they didn't have anymore. The shrimp dish had 8 shrimp and worked out to almost $1 per shrimp which is kind of expensive.

The door didn't close right, you walk in and have to pull the door shut behind you and is kind of awkward since the place is so small. Then you stand around not sure if you seat yourself or wait and since the tables are right next to the door; you're just standing next to people trying to eat their food.

The tartar sauce was amazing. The food is fantastic, the workers are great and funny and we'll presented but the location is just bad and the menu was a little small. Maybe it's because we went there during lunch? Someone posted on Facebook about amazing Calamari and we went the next day for the Calamari and it wasn't on the menu.

Might be better as a...

We were in Philly prior to taking our flight home to Wisconsin, and stopped into the Erie Canal Museum (we really enjoyed that spot too). They recommended local restaurants including the Fish Friar, which was a short walk.

The Fish Friar is small but nicely decorated in a casual industrial style. The wait staff was great, helpful and friendly, and all of the staff was having a good time and they were very friendly and fun.

I ordered the (Broiled) Halibut Sandwich which came on a very fresh bun, and the fish was excellent and done perfectly. A great value for about $12-$13. I wish I lived closer because I would have it often.

My wife ordered the Scallop Plate (about $22 i think). She got 6 large scallops on a bed of rice pilaf. The scallops were done to perfection, and had a mild wonderful flavor. Again a great meal.

We both had the mashed peas on the advice of our Waitress, and she was right, they were great.

Philly, you've got a real gem in...