The Mission Restaurant

304 E Onondaga St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA

Address:	304 E Onondaga St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA
Phone:	+1 315-475-7344
Site:	themissionrestaurant.com
Rating:	4.2
Working:	11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–9PM 11:30AM–9PM 11:30AM–9PM 11:30AM–10PM 5–10PM 11AM–3PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

Andy Guerriero

From entry to exit, I really cant find anything to complain about at Mission Restaurant. We were extremely happy with our experience and with the quality and flavor of the food. The foremost thing to note about Mission is that a LOT of thought is evident in the menu. The servers are also very knowledgeable--because they can explain the thought process behind everything happening in the restaurant. That says a lot about the culture of the staff, and how the employees get behind the establishment. We tried quite a few dishes, including some things that are not traditionally thought of as "Mexican" food (like the mussels appetizer) but everything was a home run in my humble opinion. Being a transplant from Arizona, Ive noted a lot of different interpretations of what I consider authentic Mexican food, and Mission is no different in terms of offering things with their own flair and taste. Another important note is that its actually possible to obtain spicy food here, unlike anywhere else Ive been in upstate NY. They brought out a habanero carrot salsa that was soooo good and soooo hot. Other foods we asked for spicy, were actually spicy. You dont have to ask twice here, and they dont mess around. Overall an excellent place. We left full and happy.

Anonymous User

I was recently in Syracuse on a business trip. Someone in the group had heard of The Mission and so we went. It was the highlight of our trip. The waiter was fantastic; very attentive, made great suggestions, and was knowledgable about the food and the surrounding area. The decor of the place is fascinating. Its like someone stuck the Alamo inside a church. Great ambiance from the stained glass windows and high ceilings. And the food. Oh the food. Some of the very best mexican, pan-american cusine Ive ever had. Period. I had the Polo Mole and it was simply incredible. Layer upon layer of complex flavors in the mole, just the way its supposed to be. Everything was cooked to perfection. Everyone in my party left impressed and very satisfied. Id go back to Syracuse just to visit the Mission. It was that good. Oh, and someone commented about the liquor license. As of the end of April, 2010, they do have one, as they have a full bar now that most definitely serves alcohol.

Evangelos Theodorou

Recently went there for Sunday brunch. Shouldnt have wasted our time or money. First of all, the place was freezing cold. Not only was it cold in there but they also had the ceiling fans running. Anyways, onto the service and food. The service was painfully slow. It took us 20 minutes just to get two glasses of orange juice. By the time we got to place our order, we had been seated for over 40 minutes. We placed our appetizer order of chips and salsa followed by our entrees. The chips and salsa took almost 30 minutes to come out. Our food took another 20 minutes to come out and when it did it was stone cold. My burrito was bland and the cheese wasnt even melted. My fiances huevos rancheros would have been good had they not been stone cold. Ill probably never go back. The one redeeming factor and the only reason they got two stars, is because of their hot sauce and salsa. Both were very good.

Anonymous User

This food is TRADITIONAL MEXICAN! Not taco bell or moes fake tex mex spicy garbage. I read a lot of people on here complaining about the food but if you dont understand traditional mexican this isnt the food for you. The home made chips and guac are a must! They arent allowed to have a liquor license because they are too close to the church behind them (the bartender tells us) but the margaritas are still good just not as strong as they make their margaritas with wine based tequila. The hostess and servers are awesome and helpful in deciding what you want. They only take reservations for large parties (7 or more) which can mean you will be waiting for awhile on a busy night but the food is worth it! this place does awesome business and hopefully theyll be around forever!

Anonymous User

Have gone here dozens of times for some really great meals with friends and business partners and have liked the food and the atmosphere but, be wary during the holidays. After receiving some questionable meals during the Christmas/New Years week, and recently Valentines Day, I was told by the wait staff that the regular chef was off. So who was doing the cooking. Apparently one of the other "kitchen" staff. Everything was bad. So unusual for such a unique and fine restaurant. If you are going to go there check the calendar first. Be advised that they do not use Tequila for their margaritas so stick with imported but authentic Mexican beer. Cheers, Smitty

Anonymous User

In my never-ending quest for real Mexican food in Syracuse, it was inevitable I would happen into the Mission. My food was not great, and was disappointing considering its price. HOWEVER, the atmosphere and history of the building were so neat, I would definitely go back again, if only for appetizers. The Mission gets its name from the fact that it used to be a church, and was even a stop on the Underground Railroad. How many restaurants can say that?? The interior is beautiful; it makes one think of a cheerful Santa Fe artist’s colony, and it is truly unique among its counterparts in Central New York. Great place to take friends visiting from out of town.

Anonymous User

Food was fair. Prices would be ok if the service wasnt so terrible. Our waiter, a tall fellow with some facial hair and knee braces was so rude and nasty that I thought for a minute we may be on one of those hidden camera shows. My wife and I saved up money to go here, drove a half hour to get there and I had to drive a half hour back home after leaving before even having dessert with my wife sobbing and wondering why that man was so mean to everybody. At least it wasnt just us. Each time he would leave, all the tables around us would whisper whats wrong with him. We may go back because the food was decent, but if that waiter is there, well be walking out

Dan Sherman

This American (by that I mean all of the Americas; north, central and south) fusion restaurant is a favorite of mine for many years. They have amazing food, with constantly changing specials that delight the palate. Im always guaranteed to find a new dish that I love. The atmosphere (an old converted church sanctuary) only adds to the feel. One could imagine they are sitting in a trendy restaurant in Antigua, Guatemala or Cuzco, Peru. The bar is particularly nice for after work drinks or just meeting friends out after a show at the Crouse-Hinds Theater a block away. The location in downtown is just a few blocks away from other night-life sights.

Michael Ryan

Nice atmosphere. It’s warm & cozy, but doesnt feel cramped due to the 20-foot-high ceiling. There’s nice chips & salsa while you study the menu, and some spicy-green-sauce condiment on the table that’s to-die-for. The menu is surprisingly simple for a Mexican restaurant (many are much too long). I had the pork burrito “covered & smothered” in red sauce; it was freakin’ awesome. I also ordered some serrano (medium-hot) salsa on the side, but I wasnt very impressed with that. Overall, very good. I’m not a local, but if I’m ever in Syracuse again lookin’ for a bite to eat, I’ll absolutely return.