Time for you to pretend you're 22 again!

So you are a well respected, successful alumni of Syracuse University. It is a slight stretch I know. And maybe it has been a few years since you have been back to your old stomping ground. You want to know where to go, because all of a sudden 44’s and Konrad’s is not there anymore. You also have no idea what Jimmy John’s is. Have no fear my fellow alumni friends, I have your guide to the hill. Just be sure you bet plenty of rest before you get there, because a noon game is not conducive to sleep.

Food On The Hill
El Saha – The most delicious pita happens to be the cheapest on Louis Marshall Way. With delicious options to cram in your pita, an entertaining staff, and usually South Park or Family Guy on the television, this is where you want to stop for a pita.

Pita Pit – For you traditionalists out there, you will probably still want to head to your old favorite. It is slightly more pricy, but they offer a few more toppings, an artsy menu, and everything is amazing with bacon.

Jimmy John’s – The smells are free, but sadly the subs are not. This sandwich shop is delicious however. Their bread is baked fresh, the staff is bizarre, and now they do not use the till money to buy drugs. I recommend the Lulu, or if you are drunk and adventurous, the “Buzz Shaw”, an Italian Nightclub and a Bloody Mary (Bloody Mary not available).

Augie’s Pizza – This newcomer is in the place where Konrad’s used to occupy, but with $1 slices you will not care that you cannot visit the popular drink stop. Get two if you are really hungry, because one will not do. Just do not mess with the staff, they will not hesitate to kick you out, and a fight may break out in front.

Cosmo’s Pizza – A classic joint that has a greasy diner feel. Their pizza is good, but I would go for any number of other choices they offer. Finish the deal with a THB and a scoop of vanilla.

Varsity Pizza – The best cheese steak on the hill. They also have many other tasty choices, plenty of tables, and if we actually manage to win the game, come on down after the game and see the band flip the Rutgers banner over. Beware you are on the clock if you eat the pizza.

Faegan’s Pub – For something a little more upscale, this is probably the place you should be. With a multitude of salads, burgers, wraps, and sandwiches you have plenty of options. Also, with over 40 beers on tap, you can find something to go with any meal. More on this later.

Food In Syracuse
Tully’s – Located on Erie Blvd. and in Liverpool this is the ultimate sports bar in Syracuse. With a shit ton of TV’s, excellent food ranging from appetizers to dinners, and the best chicken tenders (Tully’s Tenders) in Syracuse, this will surely cure your hunger, especially if you want to watch a game.

Spaghetti Warehouse – With a seemingly endless dining room, and a lot of pasta options, this is the place for Italian. The Marsala may cost you, but the bread is free. Especially tasty when dining with friends in the trolley car.

Bennigan’s – Excellent Iris… just kidding. This closed a couple of years ago.

Pastabilities – A bit more upscale than the Warehouse, it is a favorite of many folks on the hill. While not my favorite, there are plenty of tasty options on the menu, and it is conveniently located near all of your favorite downtown bars.

Dinosaur BBQ – The most famous of all the Syracuse eateries. Without a doubt, the best BBQ you can get in all of Upstate New York. Syracuse is the original location and also the most colorful. Enjoy the “Big Ass Pork Plate” or sample the two best meals with a House Special of a quarter rack of ribs and a quarter chicken. The sides are also especially delicious and if salt potatoes are on the specials it is a must.

Bars On The Hill
Chuck’s – What could best be described as a hole in the wall. Graffiti covers the walls, but the pitchers flow well here. During Friday Happy Hour pitchers are $3/5, and while they do not have an impressive menu, their fries do the trick. This bar gets awfully crowded with bitchy undergrads wearing pink shirts and popped collars. If that is your cup of tea then this is your bar.

Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar – Do not insult me by actually caring about this bar.

Darwin’s Pub – Rest in peace my friend.

Maggie’s – I have to admit, I have never been here. But if you are not in a sorority then I would pretty much skip it.

Faegan’s Pub – The gold standard in Marshall Street Bars. With over 40 beers on tap and bartenders that are skilled in the craft of making drinks and shots, this is where most alumni end up. While there are not many specials on Friday, it is vastly less crowded and a much better atmosphere than Chuck’s. Say hi to Guy for me and tell him Mr. Harrison sent you.

Harry's – This bar has a small place in my heart, as my father's cousin was Harry. However, he long sold the bar before I got to the hill so no free drinks for me. This bar is ideal for MNF watching and eating wings. However, you will not be in town on Monday. Not a bad option for a bar choice though. It is solid with decent food and probably not a big crowd.

The Sheraton Hotel – While I would not stay here all night, they do have free wings and pizza for a couple hours starting at five. If you are a broke alumni with a lot of debt, maybe you should start out here.

Bars In Armory Square
Daisy Dukes – A relatively new place, this country bar has beer and liquor. They also have a bull to ride, which can be outstanding if there are cute ladies up for it. Be warned though, one of their bouncers was recently arrested for assault, so be on your best behavior.

Mully’s – This Irish bar is undistinguishable in every way. They have booze and you don’t. Who’s more Irish?

PJ Dorsey’s – This is a fun little bar with room, dancing, and a favorite of mine as I spent my 21st birthday there. Nothing too remarkable about it, but again, they have drinks and you want some.

The Blue Tusk – This is the most expensive place downtown, but it could be worth it if you enjoy rare brews and an upscale atmosphere. A LOT of beers on tap.

Bar – I have never been here, but I have never heard any negatives about it. On Thursday nights they have $1.50 Jack & Cokes. Solid.

Syracuse Suds – This bar is also a micro-brewery. They have good bar food, hand carved steaks, as well as their own distinctive drinks. Nowhere else in Syracuse can you get a root beer keg.

There are plenty of other restaurants and bars I am forgetting about, but really, this is the guide. If it is not on this list, you either should not waste your time or you already know about it because it is not that popular but you like it anyway. Both cases are fine.

Here are some events off the official Homecoming schedule that people might enjoy:

Friday
All Day: Anyone wearing an alumni button will get 10% off in the Bookstore.

9 to 10:15 a.m. Crime Scene Investigation. Presented by James T. Spencer.
Bowne Hall, room 203. Fun fact: Everything is covered in semen. Call Gil Grissom.

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All academic offices and buildings open. Shotgunning a beer in Maxwell Hall is very entertaining.

11 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. SUArt Gallery. Shaffer Art Building, adjacent to Sims Hall.

11 a.m. to midnight Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion. South Campus. Alumni wearing an SU alumni button or reunion nametag receive free admission and half-price skate rental.

3 p.m. Campus Art Tour. Departs from the Shaffer Art Building.

4 p.m. Homecoming Awards Ceremony and Alumni Leaders Reception, presentation of awards for Outstanding Alumni, Outstanding Young Alumni, and the Orange Spirit student award. Schine Student Center, Panasci Lounge.

5:30 p.m. ’Cuse Commotion – featuring the parade, pep rally, and bonfire, parade steps off from the Schine and ends on the Quad.

6:30 p.m. All Alumni and Student Homecoming Party on the Quad. Immediately following the Pep Rally, the party is a celebration for honored Reunion classes and a chance for all alumni to relax with friends and mingle with current students. Food and beverages will be served. Advance registration required.6:30 p.m. College of Law General Alumni Cocktail Party, Hotel Syracuse. For additional information, contact the College of Law Alumni Affairs at 315-443-9533 or visit www.colreunion.syr.edu.

6:30 p.m. Men's Ice Hockey, SU vs. Mercyhurst, Tennity Ice Skating Rink, free admission and parking.

7 p.m. College of Law Annual Dinner. Hotel Syracuse. For additional information, contact the College of Law Alumni Affairs at 315-443-9533 or visit www.colreunion.syr.edu. Big props to my fellow Law School patrons.

8 p.m. Syracuse Stage presents Les Liaisons Dangereuses. John D. Archbold Theatre, 820 East Genesee Street. Ticket information available at 315-443-3275.

8 p.m. Syracuse University Drama Department presents Lucky Stiff. Arthur Storch Theatre, Syracuse Stage, 820 East Genesee Street. Ticket information available at 315-443-3275. This show is hilarious.

9 p.m. University Union Concert presents Gym Class Heroes as part of the Verizon Wireless Tour. On the Quad. Doing it for the kids.

Saturday
8 a.m. SU Varsity Club Annual Breakfast Meeting, Varsity Club Room, Carrier Dome8:30 a.m. Deans’ Breakfasts—join the dean of your school or college for a complimentary continental breakfast and hear about the latest developments; reservations required. The Office of Alumni Relations is grateful to Liberty Mutual for their co-sponsorship of the Deans' Breakfasts.
School of Architecture: The Warehouse, downtown, Syracuse.
College of Arts and Sciences: Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel, Regency Room B and C. School of Education: Huntington Hall Commons, first floor.
L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science: Link Hall, Room 369.
College of Human Services and Health Professions: Lyman Hall Cafe.
School of Information Studies (iSchool): Hinds Hall, Room 120.
Martin J. Whitman School of Management: Whitman School, Milton Room.
Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs: Eggers Hall, Public Events Room.
SI Newhouse School of Public Communications: Newhouse III.
College of Visual and Performing Arts, Shaffer Art Building Galleria.

8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Homecoming Registration and Hospitality. Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center. CLOSING AT 2 P.M.

8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pan Am 103 Remembrance Quilt. Hendricks Chapel.

9 a.m Orange Friendzy, pre-game party on the Quad.

Approximately 10:30 a.m. The Syracuse University Marching Band performs their quad show. Go support the kids, you already know where you are going to sit.

12 p.m. Rutgers v. Syracuse kickoff.

3 p.m. Syracuse Stage presents Les Liaisons Dangereuses. John D. Archbold Theatre, 820 East Genesee Street. Ticket information available at 315-443-3275.

8 p.m. Syracuse Stage presents Les Liaisons Dangereuses. John D. Archbold Theatre, 820 East Genesee Street. Ticket information available at 315-443-3275.

8 p.m. Syracuse University Drama Department presents Lucky Stiff. Arthur Storch Theatre, Syracuse Stage, 820 East Genesee Street.

Now is some advice to carry you through the weekend.

·It is important to remember that no matter how drunk you get, you do not live off campus anymore. Try not to show up to a former residence and try to break in just because you used to live there.
·It is a noon game, but you are only as young as you feel. Making a game on only four hours of sleep is part of the experience. Make the most of your weekend.
·This one is for the younger kids; Homecoming is too short for you to deal with drama and people trying to make you feel like crap. Avoid people that you would have a problem with and just hang out with people you enjoy.
·Tailgating is an art. Respect it and it will respect you.
·If you hate Nancy Cantor like my friends do, enjoy a nice pee on Nancy’s $6 million wall. It is the world’s most expensive outdoor urinal.
·Enjoy the sights and sounds of your old campus, but avoid public safety. They have guns now.
·Enjoy some beers on the quad. It is private property after all.
·Bring two pairs of shoes. You never know if your buddy will pee in them.

That should at least get you through the weekend in one piece. Your liver may not survive, but at least you will have had fun. Hopefully the fun you will have the entirety of the weekend will perhaps make up for, or enhance your football game experience. Have fun, be safe, reminisce with old and great friends, and remember that Syracuse football is best enjoyed with a cold beer and a bitter heart. See you on the Quad and in Faegan’s! Maybe even in a magical shirt.

Labels: Big East, Football, Homecoming