When traveling for work, we always end up in Syracuse at least a few times a year. We travel in groups, so finding somewhere to eat at night involves perfecting the art of compromise. After many repeated trips to the Dinosaur Barbecue and just about every chain restaurant around, I was happy to stumble on something new. The Mission Restaurant has a fun menu filled with plenty of items for herbivores and omnivores alike. Offhand I can't remember what I ate, but it was something that was not "steroetypical mexican" (think, beans, cheese, sour cream), and it was outstanding. I've not been there when you had to wait, but it's not that big so I coud see how there would be the potential for waiting. The service is kind of hit or miss. Two times I had good- really good service, one time, not so much. The decor is funky and intriguing, and the history of the building (an old church, a stop on the underground railroad) makes you want to learn more. They've also got a rainbow sticker on the door- not sure if it's queer owned, or just queer friendly, but either way, I think that's a plus.
(4)
LIVE to E.
Not sure what the big deal is about this place. The food is good but nothing special. I guess its the best Mexican food Syracuse has to offer but that doesn't say much, and I shouldn't have to pay more than a franchise like Chevy's....at least there I can use the extra cash towards drinks.
(3)
Leslie T.
If you're looking for something a bit bigger and with a larger menu than Alto Cinco, The Mission is for you. Inside an old mission (hence the name) the place has funky charm to spare. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is warm. They also have a lot of vegan and vegetarian options, and plenty of things for carnivores and omnivores, too. I've eaten there several times and have yet to be disappointed. The chicken can be a bit heavy on the vinegar, but that's the only problem I've found. Oh, and if you order a pop, they charge full price for each refill. There tends to be a wait, so if you don't mind, it helps to go early. It also gets VERY crowded when there are events downtown. Overall a great place to take friends & family, dates or out-of-town visitors.
(4)
Joe W.
very cool location with a great brunch and dinner menu.
(5)
Big E.
Really not very good food and shabby service. Maybe we just caught them on a bad night. But I probably won't go back. Free drink refills: No!
(2)
Amanda S.
If you're looking for good American food Mission hits the spot.
(2)
Colleen M.
A cool atmosphere, but the food is just ok.
(3)
eric p.
i live in the south. we have great mexican food. i don't know what this was, but it wasn't mexican food. whatever it was wasn't very good. building is really cool though.
(2)
Owen O.
I really really do want to like this place. It has eclectic and pleasant decor in a cool old church, a friendly efficient staff and reasonable prices. And I happen to love Mexican, Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. But on repeat visits here - at least three if not four occasions - I have never had a single dish that excited me or prompted a desire to return and try more things on the menu (my repeat visits have been prompted by friends who wanted to eat there and invited me to join them). The best way I can describe the food is that it's characterized by fresh and honest ingredients but tends to be bland and uninspired. My viewpoint seems to be shared by some folks I know (who have also been on repeat occasions as I have) but it remains a popular destination so obviously it's a matter of taste.
(2)
Nabeel N.
Great experience. Great food, great service, great atmosphere and very inexpensive!
(5)
Eric R.
We tried to go in after the lunch rush and the service was unreasonably slow.
(3)
Ms. P.
Lord, what is it with Latin food in this town? After numerous recommendations I went here for lunch. Things started badly when the server arrived and acted like we were BFFs from first period study hall. She didn't know how to pronounce even the basics of the menu. But it's lunch service, and she was trying to be friendly, so we rolled with it. The space is gorgeous. I ordered the beef anticuchos (i.e., ka-bobs) with chimichurri sauce and a side jicama-orange salad, and the soup of the day. My partner ordered shredded pork tacos and the same side salad. Every single element disappointed. The soup tasted like Campbell's tomato with a splash of heat and a dollop of goat cheese. My beef, ordered rare, arrived well done and underseasoned -- tough, grey, and bland: yuck. The chimichurri sauce was in some kind of paste form -- you could turn the cup upside down and it wouldn't so much as drip. I'm not a stickler for tradition when you're improvising successfully, but they were not. The jicama and orange side salad was somehow both sweet and bland (how can you mess that up?). The tacos were the best thing we had--and they were mediocre. We were really excited for this place, but we won't be going back.
(2)
Linux G.
Great mexican food! Their soup of the day was outstanding!
(5)
T D.
I've been here a few times and have never been wowed. Cool location and stuff, but a bit pricey and not quite worth it.
(2)
J O.
Dining experience was great. Service and atmosphere are top notch. Food was very good, have to recommend the tamales and the flan. The carne asada was a little tough but very flavor full. Very busy on the weekend and had to wait 45 min to get a seat. .
(5)
Bryanna E.
not the greatest. cute decor and friendly staff, but not the mexican i was hoping for.
(2)
Kathy D.
The Mission is on my husband's and my list of favorite restaurants and it also makes my girlfriends' and my top list. It is also family friendly and offers a number of items my kids will actually eat! It typically does not happen that all three of these groups like the same places so I know the Mission has broad appeal. The aesthetics are terrific - the restaurant is in a former mission that was also a stop on the underground railroad. The artwork is funky and cool. My husband and I gravitate to the bar or the high top tables closer to the bar as we tend to stick with appetizers with our drinks. And they have a great selection of starters! My friends and I usually go for a more typical meal with our drinks. The menu ranges from traditional Mexican to a more modern and absolutely delicious mix. The menu also changes from season to season with variations on the featured quesadilla, etc. I highly recommend the Mission and its terrific food. The only drawback is that you cannot get a traditional margarita due to an antiquated state law that says that liquor cannot be served within a certain distance to churches. And there are a couple nearby. Hopefully the owner will be successful in getting our state legislators to work to reverse this. So, if you love margaritas and the Mission, give your legislator a call!!
(5)
M C.
The decor in this renovated church is lovely, with ocher walls and rustic tables - you really get drawn in. The food was also pretty good, we tried three different types of enchiladas along with beans and rice. The food was served family style and there was plenty to go around. Definitely worth a visit, but avoid the lunchtime crowd!
(4)
Andy G.
From entry to exit, I really can't 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, I've 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 it's actually possible to obtain spicy food here, unlike anywhere else I've 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 don't have to ask twice here, and they don't mess around. Overall an excellent place. We left full and happy.
(5)
Shana D.
We had a long day at one of the lovely, local state parks in his area. We were a bit dirty, had three kids between the ages of 12 and 2 in our crew, but still wanted a non-chain Mexican restaurant experience. Thank goodness for Yelp's filters. I sought a place ok for kids, and the Mission came up. Once I read that it had historic significance as well, as a former church and a site on the Underground Railroad, we mapped it and headed on over. From the outside, the restaurant doesn't look too promising. However, once you step inside, the old-world Mexican ornaments and bright, cheery paint (great blue ceiling) pull you in. It is in a former church, and the stained glass is lovely and relatively non-denominational. One of the windows had an anchor among the designs. The filtered, early evening light falling on the booths that line one side of the dining room make you feel lucky to be there. Then there's the staff. Our waiter was a delight. He was polite, laid-back, and attentive. He and his colleagues, including the nice hostess, set a welcoming tone despite the occasional antics of our restless two-year old. At last, THE FOOD. Delish! I had the fish tacos. The fish was fried and I wish I asked if I could have it grilled, but I forgot. The chips, all-important, were great. I sampled salsas and like the smoked chipotle the best. Our kids approved (they had quesadillas and tacos). Plates were finished, bellies were full. I'd advise anyone craving Mexican to go here rather than one of the many chains. You'll be so glad you did.
(5)
Darren K.
I love looking at this restaurant, from the inside and out. I went in with my family, excited, and had heard about the restaurant from my friend who recommended it to me. I got their queso as she suggested, which took a while but tasted pretty good. We took liberty and ordered our main course dishes, but as we were doing that, we saw in the bottom that we would be charged a fee if we were caught sharing a main entree. I completely understand why they would put that notice in their menu, but to me, that is not cool -- at least to my family. They would be doing a disservice to communal families that revolve around sharing, and partaking meals together in a more intimate way. Heck, if I bought the food, why couldn't I do what I wanted with it -- what's stopping a customer from getting it to go and just sharing it? Needless to say we weren't thrilled by what we interpreted to be a stingy business practice. Now, I know what you're thinking; and that's the pattern that the food tends to "taste bad" after a negative preceding event. I'm being completely objective when I say that the entree they served me was fairly good -- with the exception of their mole stuffed chicken plate. They may earn 5 stars for presentation and usando palabras en espanol in their menus, but the chicken was very undercooked (refer to photo). The meat was rubbery, gummy, lukewarm, and an unpleasant texture. It had some pink coloring on the inside of the chicken. I understand that this pitfall makes sense given the dish is a stuffed meat, and that you and I could see yourself making this same mistake. However, this is unacceptable and needless to say, a health risk. Wait, forget the health risk since I've had worse overseas, it just wasn't /good food/. We told our waitress about it, and she cursorily apologized but proceeded to tell us that the chef is "going to have it," but the blame game doesn't absolve errors like this either and only exacerbates it. It pains me to write negative reviews like this since I have compassion for what reviews like this can do for a restaurant, but better an honest review than a "comfortable" one.
(2)
Jane H.
This little red church is hard to miss, but there are several people who pass by thinking it's just abandoned property. The interior of the restaurant is absolutely beautiful, and reinforces the incredible history of the church. I went to Mission Restaurant with four other friends, and we sat in one of their booths. There are a handful of booths and high-top tables near the bar, so I can see how this place can get busy during brunch or on weekends. The server started us off with a complimentary bowl of chips and salsa, and we ordered guacamole and sour cream for an additional $3.50 each. Their guacamole is good, and I would suggest ordering the side of it for chips because it's a good amount that you can easily share between two people. The menu features appetizers, entrees, burritos, enchiladas, and tacos. For each burrito, you choose your filling (which consists of vegetables or meat), salsa, and beans. I ordered the chicken burrito with roasted salsa and black beans. Burritos also come with a side of Spanish rice and a radish salad. The server will also ask you what side you want--sour cream or guacamole--without properly giving you the disclaimer that each costs an extra amount. Sour cream is an additional $.50 while guacamole is an additional $1.50. Had I been informed, I would not have ordered my side of guacamole, as it comes in a small container that is definitely not worth that amount. Before enjoying dinner, my friends and I decided to order margaritas. We each got a different flavor of a frozen margarita ($6). I ordered the mango margarita with sugar on the side, and it was extremely bland with absolutely no fruit flavorings to it. My friends ordered pineapple and peach, and theirs tasted almost the same as mine. They have a wide selection of sangria, wine, and other alcoholic beverages; I would stay away from the margaritas. What really made my experience here negative is how terrible the service was. We waited at least 45 minutes to be served our dinner, and the restaurant at this point did not have many people. When we finally did get our food, I was impressed by the authentic Mexican flavors of the food. My burrito had a spicy kick to it, but it was very enjoyable. My friends ordered tacos and enchiladas; they enjoyed their dishes as well, but said they would be ordering a burrito next time. Altogether, I ended up paying $12.50 for my burrito, when I expected to pay $11. I don't appreciate that the servers don't tell you what will be costing extra, and I paid far more than I would have ever liked. Don't get me wrong--the burrito was good... but not THAT good. I would like to go back to the Mission just to experience the atmosphere again, and maybe try something else on the menu. I would suggest checking it out, but be wary of their additional charges!
(3)
Sarah H.
Went to The Mission today for a Father's Day brunch. I always enjoy the food I order here, without exception. Today was no different. Mexican restaurants tend to be challenging for me, given that I am allergic to cheese and avocado. Breakfast/brunch tends to be challenging as well, given my egg allergy. Still, I can find something to eat pretty much anywhere. I was thrilled to see what I believe is a new menu item: a vegan burrito. BBQ tofu with black beans and spinach, with a side of slaw (not the mayo kind!) and rice. It was delicious. Who said Mexican food needs cheese and guac to be amazing? The tofu was firm with a slightly firmer outside, smothered with a smokey barbecue sauce and the juices from the black beans. I officially have a new favorite dish at The Mission. Glad I branched out from my Mission brunch staple of the blue corn waffle. As always, the ambiance at The Mission was great. Inside an old church, the fans keep it cool and comfortable (especially given the humid weather we've been having this summer) and the bright colors and interesting art work leave no room for boredom or bummer feelings. It's a bright and fun place to have a bite. The only thing that knocked points of this score was the service. Our waiter was perfectly kind and sweet, greeting us and keeping our waters filled. I appreciated his attentiveness when we needed him. However, we waited for our food for nearly an hour. Granted, the place was pretty packed (as it always is for Sunday brunch), and I understand the value of slow prep and not rushing things. Food that comes out too fast can be just as much of a problem as food that takes forever. But this wait was pretty extensive, and I believe it tends to be that way here whenever they are busy. Just don't come here if you're on a tight schedule. If you've got the time to chill, enjoy the atmosphere and indulge in some truly fantastic Mexican food, The Mission is worth the wait!
(4)
Beverly C.
Although I have been to this restaurant about five times, this my first review. Today as in the past the service and the food were great. We waited longer than usual to be seated and for the food to get to the table, but taste and service made up for it. I had the puerco pibil burrito with the tomato chipotle sauce...all must try...really good.
(4)
Ashley W.
We visited the Mission Restaurant during Syracuse's 2015 Dining Week, and were very happy that we did! This was my first visit and I was blown away by the amazing decor as soon as I walked in. The owner has a background in sculpting and it definitely shows. We had great food and a great experience for the following reasons: 1) Attentive Staff. Our waiter was vey diligent about making sure that we had filled drinks and all our needs were met. We were even approached by someone from higher management letting us know that they were keeping the heat high up since the doors were opening frequently, but we honestly didn't think it was cold at all. 2) Great Food & Presentation. As my pictures show, they had great presentation to their food and to be honest it was delicious. We enjoyed our food and the cheese topping on my pasta was superb. 3) Intricate Decorations. As I said, the minute you walk into this church-themed building you are blown away by the elaborate decorations and artistry. I thought the atmosphere here was romantic and comfortable and beautiful. I definitely plan on coming again and sitting in another part of the restaurant just to get another view. Another thing I want to add is that they had one of the larger selections for Dining Week than the many other restaurants involved. Also, the extended their deals another week because it was so successful for them.
(5)
Nicole C.
I cannot believe I have not tried this place sooner! This is a great place for both locals and tourists. For those visiting from out of town it is nice to go to this place to get an appreciation the role this location played in the Underground Railroad. We asked our waiter about the history of this church turned restaurant and he happily explained the story to us. This restaurant was a stop along the Underground Railroad and the overall structure has been left mostly untouched since it became a church. First we started with the guacamole which was tasty. I ordered the bean and cheese burrito. When ordering a dish with beans you can order either black beans, refried beans, or a mix of both. When I asked for a mix of both I was happy the waiter then asked if I was a vegetarian. He said that the refried beans were mixed with pork lard. The burrito was loaded with cheese and beans, so much that I was unable to finish more than half of it. I took it home and reheated it in the oven the next day, it was delicious. One friend was trying to cut down on carbs so he ordered a burrito without the tortilla. It was served in a bowl and was delicious. One friend had a Caesar salad with flank steak added to it which he enjoyed. We tried the salsa sampler which came with three types of salsa, one was too spicy for me. Thankfully the waiter had warned us about the spiciness. The menu had a large number of vegetarian options. Their menu actually has a Glossary of terms used on the menu. For those who are unfamiliar with Mexican/Southwestern food this is a nice touch. They offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. I had the mango iced tea, they also offer Tazo tea. I tried the Mexican hot chocolate as part of my dessert which is made with steamed milk, cocoa, vanilla and cinnamon, it was the perfect treat. I also tried the chocolate cake which I enjoyed.
(5)
Samantha F.
First and foremost, the ambiance is breathtakingly beautiful. Stained glass windows, authentic decor, and all around very stimulating to look at. The host was genuinely kind and welcoming. Our server, Jackie, was equally as friendly and informative about the menu items. Everyone working there seemed to be smiling and upbeat, it was refreshing. We started with coffee, a mimosa, and a fruit smoothie blended with strawberry, banana, pineapple, milk and honey. Delicious!! For brunch we had the huevos rancheros, and the migas. Just the right amount of spicy! And served with thick toast. FINALLY! Authentic Latin American cuisine! I have never cleaned a plate so fast! And at about $8 a plate, for Delicious Sunday brunch? You can't beat it! This is definitely our new spot! Can't wait to go back for dinner soon.
(5)
Kathy L.
Went here for a birthday brunch. Server informed us that he never works brunch hours so he couldn't answer any of our questions. Took ten minutes to get our drinks. I ordered the large guac for around $7. Small portion for price, it needed salt. After half an hour, the hostess saw us STILL waiting to order our food. She set down two complimentary chips and salsa. We started eating them and our server ripped them off of our table and put them back over by the complimentary chips! He said "THIS IS NOT YOURS!" Why would he take it up with us instead of the hostess?? From this point on, we witnessed about 3-5 people come in, order, and leave. It was the most upsetting dining experience I've ever had. 1.5 hours waiting to order, then forty five minutes for our food. I got the nova quesadilla and it was so salty it was inedible. No point in telling our server because he didn't care. Plenty of beverage options and great interior. Be prepared to parallel park. Gratuity is automatically added for groups which the waiter lucked out on because his service was absolutely terrible.
(1)
Janet L.
I suppose I really don't expect much from a "Pan American" restaurant. Everything was bland. Sangria was also bland. And wth is up with that tortilla soup? That's not tortilla soup! Do yourself a favor and just take that off of your menu. It's an abomination and tasted like bland crap. Service was also sooooooooo slow. Such a disappointment. Ughhh.
(2)
Neal E.
House margaritas were awful. Just all premade mix. Service was painfully slow despite being fairly empty. The food was good though. Still falls way short of expectations for Mexican, but best I have found in Syracuse.
(3)
Jesse P.
We made reservations for my partners birthday with our family. We called and made a reservation for 7:30PM thursday. We all got there, nothing was ready. None of us were sat down until 8:15PM. Nobody took our orders until 8:30pm. The only food that came out warm were the appetizers. The birthday boy had to send his back because it was cold. Cold sweet potato fries taste like crap. This place cannot handle large reservations and they should have said so instead of giving us terrible service and leaving a lasting negative memory of their establishment. My drink glass sat empty most of the night. Our food came out around 9:30, when we asked for more drinks we were told "The Bar Closed at 9PM" completely rude and disrespectful! They didn't even serve our cold food until after that time. My cousin told the waiter "I think I am in California, we've had a drink draught on our end of the table for 25 minutes!" The bill was over $700 and the service was awful. The food tasted good, but it was all cold, cold tacos, cold meat, cold rice, cold beans. They only had two waiters for our 20 person dinner party, only 2 cooks in the back. They weren't prepared and should not have taken the reservation for our dinner party. Not a good experience. I have eaten here before and enjoyed it with a few friends, but when it comes to large groups it appears they take the reservations for the money and then give the worse service in Syracuse.
(2)
Alfredo C.
The chicken tortilla soup was really good. Very different than any other I ever had, but man, it was really good. The tostones were nice and crispy and the mojo that come with them is super tasty. The tres leches cake was on point and the flourless chocolate cake was nice. I had the pork stew and the pork was tender and flavorful. However, the vegetables on the stew were really tough. Also, $5.00 for chips and salsa. No Bueno amigo. To make matters worse the bill was split evenly four ways instead of each person paying for what they ate.
(3)
D W.
Cool church renovated into a restaurant downtown. Parking is a problem though! We got there and hostess told us an hour wait so we waited...within 10 minutes 4 tables opened up so she was not the efficient. We thought we could have a margarita while waiting and we were highly disappointed the margaritas were not made from tequila but beer and wine- no thanks we passed... The wait staff was very good though. I ordered the sherry vinaigrette Salad- way too sour and not that good at all. Overdressed too with that sub par dressing. Short rib taco really really good....stick to the tacos and burritos they were great Flan- great Pasta veggie- a huge plate of cheap penne and not lots of veggies- very chipotle not good at all. Pollo mole- excellent for $19 you got a very small great piece of chicken and the veggies inedible- overcooked and old on the plate...total bummer.
(2)
Maureen D.
This is a hip little Tex Mex place in a converted church. We went one evening after an art festival had just come to a close, so the restaurant was busy but still not packed to the gills. We were seated in about half the time the host estimated. The virgin margaritas were fantastic! Guacamole was fresh, tasty and "95%" avocado, to quote my companion. I enjoyed the veggie burrito but would have also enjoyed the black beans I ordered, which never arrived. I assume the waitress forgot because she wrote nothing down. My dining companions each enjoyed chicken enchiladas. The house hot sauce was flavorful (and green)! We were too stuffed for dessert but it didn't seem anyone in the place got dessert. The bathroom situation was a little sketchy with vastly inadequate facilities for women (4 in line at any time).
(4)
Irene K.
This is a really tasty find. It's in downtown Syracuse in an old style church. The decor is really beautiful inside keeping with a mission church theme. Lofty ceilings, tile, stain glass windows, and a big seating area are a few of the nice decor elements. There's a small outside seating area too. They serve lunch and on weekends they offer brunch selections. The food was very tasty. It took a while to come out, but we did have a large party. They only had one basket of chips on the table making it difficult to share. They have a custom verde sauce that was delicious. I had enchiladas and they give you two in the order. It was a generous portion and tasty. My husband had a brunch dish and it he enjoyed it. Our daughter had a side of rice and it was a generous portion and very reasonably priced. They goofed up our reservation and ended up squeezing us into two tables next to each other even though the restaurant was empty.
(4)
Gary S.
Tired of the cookie cutter eateries that are seemingly the only options? Look a little deeper and perhaps you'll be lucky enough to find The Mission. The Pan American menu can be simple or it can be complex, it's your decision. I've been several times and am always impressed. Who gets tired of REALLY good food served in perfect ambiance?
Went here on a business contact recommendation. Great atmosphere, waiter/manager was very knowledgeable and made excellent recommendations and was attentive the entire time. Would come back next time I'm in the area!
(4)
Sreyoshi D.
Never been disappointed with this place. Was my first stop when I came to Syracuse last Fall, and continues to be a favorite. Read more at sreyoshidey.wordpress.com
(5)
James C.
Ordered a pollo burrito along with refried beans with the sides of Spanish rice and cabbage. I enjoyed my meal and the waiter, Doug did a good job, checking several times on me and always kept my water glass filled. I walked 6 miles exploring the downtown in three hours and was very appreciated with water being filled quickly. The place is very unique, a lot of observing around inside the building. Very comfortable and cozy... Recommended this place.
(5)
Julie M.
Stopped for lunch today. The food is always good. I had a beef enchilada. What I noticed today is that the lunch service moves incredibly slow. There is no push to get people out of the restaurant. As such, people came in for lunch, probably on a break and they couldn't stay because there were no tables. I didn't have a timeframe to comply with, so I didn't have a problem.
(4)
Wilma D.
Visited the Mission Rest after looking for spots near my neighborhood. We liked the church building and the inside decorations. We have sat at tables and a the bar and have no complaints about service. We ordered Chicken enchiladas, yucca fries, maduros (sweet plantains), tostones(crispy plantains), and guacamole. Food was okay. The tostones were a bit disappointing. They are small and looked and tasted old. I had to look at the menu again to remember what we have had, not a good sign. Great food is memorable food!
(3)
Ramon S.
When : Friday night Ordered: shredded pork burrito, beef tamales, sweet plantains. My girlfriend and I visited on a busy night. The staff was fast working and polite and we sat within 30 minutes. The food was served quickly. The ingredients were fresh and the recipe seemed authentic which made me very happy. Overall, the flavors were mild. I wish that the flavors had been more bolder. I miss the bold flavors of Latin food and I guess my expectations were high. Would go again? No
(3)
Chris H.
Ended up at the Mission after a failed attempt at trying Steve's Restaurant (which does not offer food anymore...) I can honestly say I'm glad we did not make it to Steve's! As everyone else has said, the location is unique. An old church, nicely done up. It was packed when we went in, and originally they told us it would be 45 min. However they quickly seated us after about only 15 min. So that was nice. Chips and salsa were good, to me this is an indicator of things to come. We later learned from our waiter that they aren't big enough to have their own chip roller, but they do get the chips from a local place - ingredients are corn, lime, and salt. They just cook them up. Salsa was very fresh. We got nachos as an appetizer. I can't say they are my favorite nachos ever, but they weren't bad. They spent maybe a bit too long in the over, some seriously burnt chips in the mix. Everyone had a bit of everything for dinner. I tried the fish tacos. Liked the sauce and the cuban slaw. The fish was a bit overfried, but was still fairly moist. My wife got a smothered burrito with the puerco pibil, which was quite good. Girls got enchiladas, also very nice. Littlest ones were chicken quesadillas and chicken tacos. When the smallest one finishes everything, you know something good is happening. She is pretty picky. There was not room for dessert unfortunately. They did not rush us, even though it was pretty busy. Our waiter was quite friendly and full of anecdotes and information. If I had to make a suggestion it would be to find a way to keep the outside outside. We were at a table closest to the door, and every time people came in it was an arctic blast. It was a great find, overall. Thanks to Yelp for helping us go here instead of somewhere like Applebee's!
(4)
Jonathan Y.
The Mission continues to be one of our favorite restaurants in Syracuse. The atmosphere is great, the food is good, and the service is great. Tonight, we had about 45 minutes to catch a train and the staff helped us get in and out quickly. We were glad to be able to to show our friends from NYC this little gem in Syracuse.
(5)
Greg S.
Friendly service and you can taste the passion in the food. Greeted with homemade salsa and tortilla chips, and offered a flavorful spicy green hot sauce they had just released that was made of jalapeños and garlic--a great start to a memorable meal. For an appetizer we had the Calamares which were perfectly grilled and topped with a tasty orange chile glaze and the roasted chickpeas were an amazing addition for a pleasant crunch. Served on a bed of fresh arugula--this might've been one of my favorite seafood appetizers I've tried anywhere. For dinner my girlfriend had a chicken burrito which tasted just as good as expected with perfectly marinated shredded chicken and packed with flavorful ingredients. I had the plantain-crusted mahi with coconut rice and roasted brussel sprouts. Her dinner was great and typical for the type of restaurant, however my dinner was one of the best I have ever had. The fish had perfect texture/flavor with the plantain crust, and the coconut rice and sprouts complimented it beautifully. To finish we had the flan which was a delicious ending to an amazing dining experience. We cannot wait to go there again.
(5)
Keith H.
We've been going here for many years, and have never been disappointed. The service is spot on, the flavors are fanciful and unique. Had the fish tacos tonight and they were out of this world, a great mix of tastes. Prices are in line for this type of restaurant in Syracuse. Well worth the visit.
(5)
Jen T.
I think this place holds more nostalgia for me than actual enjoyment. The food was ok, the service was ok, and I probably don't need to come back again.
(3)
Nat F.
Great atmosphere, good food and lackluster service. It's hard to beat the surroundings (both inside and out), but I've had better Tex-Mex at nearby restaurants for a lower price. Still, the Mission is worth a visit, if only to experience the historic building.
(3)
Christien M.
We had a great Brunch here on our Bicycle trip from NYC to Toronto. Matt the GM was amazing and the food was to die for.
(4)
Marlette B.
ERMAGHERD. I live in Watertown ... we have no Mexican food anywhere nearby ... I was in Syracuse and decided to explore ... SO glad I did!! The guac is delicious!! Chicken enchiladas were great!! My heart and my belly are SO happy.
(5)
Fo B.
Knocked it out of the park, again. At brunch today, had the chorizo-sweet potato hash with poached eggs and tomatillo salsa. The sharpness of salsa perfectly balanced the richness of the hash. Great design, great execution on this dish. Together with hutilacoche (yes!) tacos last night. So go already.
(5)
first l.
We love this place for a regular meal out, but I was very impressed by the work they did for a private event. We held a shower there on a Saturday afternoon and used the brunch menu. Steve, the owner, was a real joy to work with. The process was very relaxed and they did such a great job. It was not at all expensive; the cost of the facility is included in the very reasonable per plate cost. They hold events on Saturdays and Monday evenings when they are not normally open, and the entire restaurant is yours to enjoy. We all had brunch, pitchers of sangria, and a great time. They even sent us home with the extra food from the buffet.
(5)
Nick R.
Stopped in around 5PM on a Thursday to have a drink and a quick bite before a show. Sat at the bar with a friend. The bartender was very friendly but the drinks were sub-par. They have a "margarita" that is made with wine "tequila" as they don't have a full liquor license (seriously wine tequila?!). Not a great beverage. The wait staff was also rude. There is very little room between the bar and the rest of the dining room. One of the waiters, an old guy with a long beard, asked me to slide my chair in so he could get by, so I did. Apparently I didn't move in far enough because the next time he walked by he slammed his elbow into my chair! Can't report on the food as I didn't really feel like eating after getting assaulted by the wait staff.
(1)
Mindy L.
Love this place! We have had the same server every time! Tall thin man with facial hair...he is the best server ever. He really cares about his patrons. He is attentive and just great. And to make things better...THE FOOD!!!!! SO GOOD!! You cannot go wrong with any of the appetizers. The seasonal tacos are to die for...even better...thw quesadillas with that negro salsa. Great start to a fantastic meal. Now for the main course...I cannot say a favorite...but the portions are always enough for a nice lunch the next day! Now, you have got to save room for some dessert here... i suggest maybe the tres leche and raspberry flan...we had both! To die for. So delicious. Last time we were here, I was meeting my boyfriend's dad from out of town. The server was so kind at the end of our meal, he actually thanked us for not having our cell phones out at all during dinner! He talked about how refreshing it was to see us enjoying ourselves and the food so thoroughly. Love this place.
(5)
Bobby L.
This place does something unbelievable here in the Syracuse dining scene. It delivers authentic, fresh, creative, and delicious Mexican food in an unique atmosphere. I challenge you to name another place like it around this food desert. My friend and I split two entrees. One was the special of the night, fish tacos with beans and rice. The other dish was pollo mole enchiladas, also with beans and rice. Both were delicious and perfectly cooked. A particular highlight was the homemade mole sauce, which was to die for. The cubano stewed black beans were also a hit. Service was great, with Doug serving as a MC of sorts. He carried on a great conversation with us, described the food in vivid detail (almost like hearing an entertaining story), and was very attentive to our needs. The biggest surprise during our visit was finding out that the restaurant was located inside of a nondescript church. Talk about a cool location! It's easy to draw a comparison between the Mission Restaurant and Alto Cinco. But don't be fooled, the food here is the real Mexican deal. Bottom line, this place hit it out of the ballpark in my books, in terms of food and service. I'm from San Francisco, where great Mexican food abounds. This place would fit right into that city's highly competitive food scene. But here in Syracuse, the Mission Restaurant is a stand out that can't be missed.
(5)
Laura P.
Atmosphere was interesting and unique, as the restaurant is located in a former church. Service was slow, had to wait a bit before we were able to place our drink orders and then about 20 minutes before we got our drinks. Food was decent- I had the cheese and bean enchiladas and they hit the spot.
(3)
Lovingfood O.
The Mission is a great place located in downtown Syracuse. It has a fantastic eclectic ambiance inside a former church. Their food is hard to beat locally, I am a major fan of the burritos and other Mexican fare but I have some long term qualms with the consistency of the food (I would have given 4.5 stars if possible). I typically order the same item(s) when I visit the restaurant: a burrito or enchiladas (either chicken or bean) and an order of nachos to share. If I decide to change it up, I typically order the traditional Mexican fare and steer clear of the more American dishes. The Mexican items can be variable in qualit, but most of the time are delicious. Occasionally you encounter a chef who is heavy handed with the salt shaker or just doesn't seem careful with the assembly of the food. The nachos are best when each layer of chips is carefully covered with beans, cheese etc but other times they just slop the ingredients on a mound of chips with no concern of the bottom layers. The burritos are typically very good, but occasionally the pico or beans can be heavily salted and difficult to eat. I wish that they were allowed to serve hard liquor, but their bar is limited to beer and wine. Nothing would complement The Mission like a real margarita made with tequila, but this likely won't change anytime soon as it appears its immediate location restricts the liquor license. The brunch is also fantastic and worth checking out. You have the option of the best of both worlds (lunch and breakfast). Their cornbread is the best I have ever tasted, a must try!!
(5)
Mike B.
Went to the Mission yesterday with my wife and we really enjoyed it. We moved here from Dallas a few months ago and have been craving some decent Mexican food and found it here.... finally, after trying others in town. Our waiter Doug was knowledgeable and attentive. Great decor, and solid Mex. We will be back.
(4)
Dean F.
I travel for a living and eat at different restaurants all over the country. This was by far the worst Mexican I have had. The chips and salsa were ok. The pico was mostly just chopped tomato. Didn't have a lot of flavor. I ordered the Shrimp enchilada. The shrimp was rubbery and tasteless. The sauce seemed like something out of a can. It had avacado inside also, but it wasn't quite ripe. The spanish rice was like it was from a school cafeteria. The highlight was the brussells sprouts, which were very good, but I have to admit I haven't seen them served along side an enchilada. $20.00 and not worth it.
(1)
Cecily Z.
I had heard such great things about this place and, despite the prices, I gave it a shot. I really wish I spent my time and money elsewhere. My friend and I ordered a daiquiri and a margarita, respectively. We can only guess that there was any smidge of alcohol in them because they asked for our IDs. They basically just tasted like watered down juice with chunky slush that we paid $6 for, each. I don't really know how you can mess up a margarita, but they did it. When I finally received my $20 chicken entree, what came to me was a small chicken breast covered in a sauce that hardly complimented the spices on the chicken. The dish came with overcooked broccoli and a small tamale that looked as sad as it tasted. I only mildly enjoyed my experience there because the waitresses were friendly and the atmosphere was relatively relaxing. However, I really don't know how this place keeps getting such great reviews. For the amount that I paid for a meal lacking in quality and quantity, I don't think I'll ever come back to the Mission. Next time I want Mexican food (or a drink for that matter), I'll just go to Alto Cinco.
(1)
Jeremy L.
Let's play "Name That Restaurant"! - "Hey do you want to grab some dinner on our break?" "Sounds great! How about Mexican?" "Perfect!" - Arrive at 5:15 on Friday evening. The place is mostly empty- only 2 other tables with customers. Internal monologue: "Great! I can get some decent food quickly, have a beer, and get back to work early. I've got till 7:00." - Order a beer. - Wait 5 minutes. - Get my beer. Me: "We're ready to order." Owner : "I'll be right back after I get this other table's drink order." - Wait 5 minutes. - Place order. - Wait 5 minutes. - Get a basket of mediocre chips and some flavorless pico de gallo. - Wait 5 minutes. - Get the appetizers. - Wait 10 minutes. - Wait 10 more minutes. - Wait 10 more minutes. Chips are gone. Head's a little fuzzy drinking strong beer without any food of substance. - "Any update on when we're getting out food? That table arrived 20 minutes after us, and they already have their meals." - "Sir, if I had any food to give you, I'd have brought it out." - Wonder how an owner of a restaurant can keep a place open with a terrible attitude. - Wait 10 minutes - "Any update on our dinner?" - "You'll get your food when I can get to it." - Look on Yelp to see if there are any delis in the neighborhood. Decide that if there are, they're likely closed since it's not a residential neighborhood. - Get increasingly pissed off. - Finally get your food. You can tell there's some seasonings in there, but is about the blandest thing called Mexican Food since a plain Taco Bell Bean Burrito. - Wolf it down since you're starving, with a healthy dose of habanero salsa to give it some flavor. - Owner of the establishment refers to himself in the 3rd person saying that the owner reads all of the comment cards if we want to tell him about our experience. - Pay for overpriced mediocre food with terrible service. Get back to work, just in time. Time waiting: 70+ minutes. TIme eating: 15 minutes or so. - Decide to warn everyone you can about this place. Epic Fail. *** If you answered "The Mission Restaurant", you're a winner! *** This was early on a Friday evening. When we got there, it was almost empty. When we left, there was a line out the door. As bad as it was for us, I feel REALLY sorry for those that followed.
(1)
James C.
I Am A Fan! I ate there today and the food was delicious! I haven't tried their other foods but their enchiladas are amazing! They serve chips are appetizers for free and it is sooooo good! I couldn't finish my enchiladas because I couldn't stop eating the chips and salsa. Food: Great! Service: Great! I had Jaclyn and she was a great waitress. No complaints! She was polite, good with the refills of chips and quick in general. Atmosphere: I really enjoyed the atmosphere... You feel like you're actually in an old Mexican restaurant except for the fact you are surrounded by Syracuse businessmen and families. My friends and I went to eat around the time when the sun was setting down.. so when the sun shone through the cathedral-like windows; it was awesome. Price: Expensive... 11 bucks for an enchilada... With 4 people I dropped more than 50 bucks without tip. Additional comments: Free Parking! 3 different types of homemade hot sauce!
(4)
Craig B.
This place is seriously good. They are trying desperately to open Mexican/South Western type places here in Maine (very unsuccessfully), and all I can think of is how much I wish the Mission Restaurant would open a location here in Portland. I miss you guys!
(5)
Kirby B.
We went there for lunch on Cinco de mayo. I had mole covered enchiladas. I thought it was very good food, but I was disappointed that the extras (guac and sour cream) were like $2 each. The tastes were good, and it was fun to try the hot sauce/relish options they have. Definitely worth visiting.
(4)
Jason L.
Some of the best atmosphere you can find in Syracuse but some of the worst Mexican I've ever had.
(2)
Bro H.
Nice atmosphere, average food, high prices. Eh. I got the mole enchiladas, and I supposed they were supposed to be subtle, but I'd describe them as bland. For 12 bucks, less than impressive. Girlfriend's burrito was better, but not amazing. Anyway, I wouldn't argue against going again, but I certainly wouldn't suggest it either.
(3)
Chris C.
Having been to the Southwest and to Mexico, I would say I've had good Mexican food many times. So I think I have a fairly decent benchmark when trying other Mexican restaurants. First, the building is very cool. Old church converted to restaurant. I would describe the atmosphere as hipster-ish (word invention). I'm not saying that's good or bad, but just so you know going in. The food is OK. I had the Pollo Mole enchiladas. Nothing to write home about. Mexican food is supposed to be full of flavor, but flavor was really lacking here. We also tried all of their salsas. Again, flavor was really lacking. It's weird how they can make Mexican food taste like that. I've been here twice now and I've had a similar experience both times. It's a cool place to grab a drink and hang out, but you're not coming here for the food.
(2)
Alexandria P.
Beautiful restaurant. Good mood lighting and has a really good atmosphere. Great food. And on halloween my waiter was a hotdog.
(5)
MaryJo H.
Just had dinner at The Mission. We were thrilled that it was open on a Sunday evening. The place was not busy and we walked right in and had dinner at the bar. The bartender was very friendly and accommodating. I had the crispy black bean tacos. Very good, love the pico and guacamole. Had a good bottle of red with our meal. The wine menu offered lots of choices. One of my favorite restaurants to frequent. The food is consistently good and has a very nice ambience.
(4)
Ann K.
The Mission has very good food, probably more typical of what you would find in Mexico than at most other places in the area. I think they describe themselves as Pan-America or something like that and it likely fits. The salsa and guacamole are both good and served with warm chips. A wide range of entrees are very tasty. The mojitos here are pretty good too!
(4)
Justen N.
To be honest, I'm not sure what the big deal is about this place. I've only given it two stars because it wasn't so bad that I'm unwilling to give it another shot. In fact, I will definitely try this place again just to figure out what people love so much about it. The one time I went, the food took forever and our waitress, while rude might not be the correct word, was exceptionally disinterested and inattentive. However, I wouldn't rate a restaurant this low just because of that: perhaps I just happened to catch this woman on the wrong night. However, on top of that, the dish I ordered was extremely small-portioned, and certainly wasn't high enough quality to make up for that fact. It's not all negatives, though. The old church building gave the place a distinct vibe that I thought was awesome.
(2)
Mark B.
We made a reservation for 8 people with a distinguished visitor at 7:30pm because we were told that was the earliest date for a reservation. On arrival we discovered our reservation was lost - probably made by the kitchen - we had to find another restaurant for eight people on a Friday night. This is unacceptable - all in all an abysmal experience at a restaurant to be avoided!
(1)
Billy S.
The highlight of my visit was my burrito with papaya and habanero topping. Absolutely amazing, and original recipe. The rest of the food was very good, the restaurant was spotless. The host was very attentative. Prices were alright, menu was somewhat limited though. Overall I reccomend and would go again.
(4)
Cori D.
I live in San Francisco, which is a foodie's dream city, but I crave the food at The Mission - that's how good this place is. The menu rotates with the season, and it's always innovative and exciting. Everything I've ever had is amazing, and the owner, Steve, is friendly and often at the restaurant making sure everything runs smoothly. There is a church within a few hundred yards, which means no hard liquor can be served (some weird, prohibition law or something). However, Steve has found ingenious ways of making delicious beverages with other alcohols, and they are really incredible! Try the Margarita! Yummmm.......I want to get on a flight to SYR right now.....
(5)
Dawn G.
Love the decor and that it's the inside of an old church. The service is good as well as the food. The queso fundido (if I spelled that right) with chirrizo is amazing. Burritos are excellent. Second time my husband and I went I had a scallop dish with a chile sauce it was amazing. My husband enjoyed his food the two times we went as well, we will surely be back!
(4)
Lisa H.
My absolute favorite mexican restaurant. I have been to so many places now all over the country but I still love the mission! I love the loaded chips appetizer and the margaritas are great! I love this place! Make a reservation in advance if going on the weekend, its very popular!
(5)
Paul M.
Fresh, delicious, consistently enjoyable, and great value. The burritos are the standard fare and come with your choice of beans and cheese or meat. Go for the spicy if you like spicy. Good beer and wine to choose from too. Soups, salads, appetizers, and entrees are also good. I don't think I've ever ordered something I didn't like. Servers are friendly, happy, and knowledgeable. Ask for the "hot sauces" to go with your chips. It's (red) hot sauce, pickled serranos (so delicious!) and habanero salsa. Yummy and free! It's a great place for a pre-show dinner, the shortest of walks from the Civic Center. It's also walkable to Armory Square. A good next stop is Clark's Ale House. The decor is fantastic. The restaurant is a converted, historic church. If you're going for late dinner, call first. I've learned my lesson after showing up multiple times after the kitchen closed. I've been eating at the Mission for 12 years. It's always enjoyable.
(5)
Carrie S.
"Meh. I've experienced better" is right. I've dined her three times and if you go by the best-two-out-of-three strategy, I would only recommend this if you want basic mexican and don't mind paying for it. The first time I went, the salsa that came with the pre-meal chips and salsa looked and tasted like it came out of a jar. The past two times, we've received pico de gallo at it's most basic and bland. The one thing that has going for it is its freshness. My first meal was unmemorable, literally. I can't remember what it was, except that I was disappointed. The menu and atmosphere portend of good (at the very minimum) Mexican, albeit American Mexican, food. My second meal was actually good. It was a special that evening that was an enchilada with goat cheese and crab. Yum. I was happily forced to rethink my idea of this restaurant. My dining partner at the pork soft tacos and only stopped eating because there were no more and he was close to bursting. My third meal, the latest, was a disaster - on so many levels. Our waiter was rude at best, though he did improve. Unfortunately, first impressions are lasting impressions. When he brought us our glasses of water, he carried them by pinching the tops of the glasses together = his fingers were in my water. I chose not to drink it. When he took our order, he was a a robot; a mean robot. I asked if there were any specials. He responded with a very stiff and forceful, "No." I may be picky, but I would've liked an, "Sorry, no" or even a "Not this evening". As we proceeded with our order, we asked for fried plantains, and we got a quick and abrupt, "We're out." His tone clearly displayed annoyance. Hey, how were we supposed to know? By the end of this exchange, I was afraid to make eye contact or speak to the man. We even spied him drinking at the bar with some friends. That's fine ... as long as it doesn't interfere with your service. We'd ordered guacamole as an appetizer, and some mashed, fried plantain concoction. We found a large piece of peel in our guacamole, and the plantains were dried out and bland. I was afraid to point this out to the waiter, but my friend was not shy about it. The waiter did apologize and bring us a new serving. Our main course came, and thankfully, you can't mess up basic enchiladas and pork tacos. They were okay. Unfortunately, my mom makes better, and she's as non-Mexican as you can get; and it's free. *** My recommendation only if you don't mind paying a bit above what I'd say is fair for this type of food AND you order the basics. Don't go fancy. This is they type of restaurant where they do only a few things well enough and everything else seems to be an experiment with its patrons as the guinea pigs ***
(2)
Emilia W.
Jaclyn was amazing with service!
(4)
Liz O.
The food and atmosphere are excellent--Love that it's an old church re-vamped into a fun mexican place, and I was pleasantly surprised with every bite I took. (excellent quesedilla appetizer with mango and goat cheese, and the roasted veggie ravioli was to die for! Loved the vanilla flan as well) Service was just ok, and the sangria was very disappointing. Sangria should be wine based with tasty fruit---this seemed more like jungle juice in a frat house. Yikes.
(4)
Frank P.
I think this was a product of so people telling us we should try the Mission and having great expectations that didn't pan out. Certainly can't say the food was bad by any means. Don't think I can say it was really good either. Coolest part was the building? They claim the food is pan American but really didn't see much of a difference between their menu and a Mexican/Tex Mex type menu. Could probably name a few other Mexican style restaurants in a 15 mile vicinity that are just as good and cheaper. Ok maybe you don't get the cool church building.
(3)
Jon P.
Good food, great service. The hanger steak was very good as were the crab cakes. Nice atmosphere and worthy of repeat visits.
(4)
Colleen B.
Get out your passports and go early! When you walk into this old church turned Mexican restaurant you will be transported to old world Mexico. And you'll probably have to wait for a table. We went at 5:45PM on a Saturday night during a holiday weekend and we still waited about 20 mins. The bar was crowded and the drinks were so-so (hey someone else uses Jose Cuervos Tequila mixer), but the wait is worth it for sure. The food and menu selection are the main events. The chips and salsa arrived right on time and both were perfectly fresh. Some other menu highlights: Tostones=fried plantains with garlicky mojo sauce....think crunchy potato crisps Guacamole=so creamy! And at $3, puh-lease go for it--that is so cheap. Burritos and Enchiladas=the portions were so generous and perfectly cheesy. Any of the Antojitos or "little whims" were a great way to try some new things on the menu without completely stuffing yourself. We tried the Empanadas and the Brocqueta de Puerco. DO NOT miss the Brocqueta de Puero it was a pork lovers dream! For entrees, my mom and I split the Salmon entree and the sides were nothing to write home about, but the tomato-avacado salsa needed a straw on the side cuz it was good enough to drink! Yum! Ok so we were completely stuffed by this point, but one must press on to dessert. The banana bread pudding was luscious and the tres leches was sweet and creamy. Ole!
(5)
John C.
Old church that has been given the mexican make-over. Nice decor, busy spot at lunch. We were in a hurry so we ate at the bar. The bartender was super. Food was above average and very fresh tasting.
(3)
A B.
I was here about 2 years ago when I lived in Syracuse for the summer. This place was excellent!!!! I wish I went more often, but I went the night before I left Syracuse =(
(4)
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
Address :Doral Arrowwood,975 Anderson Hill Rd
Rye Brook, NY, 10573
Rachel B.
When traveling for work, we always end up in Syracuse at least a few times a year. We travel in groups, so finding somewhere to eat at night involves perfecting the art of compromise. After many repeated trips to the Dinosaur Barbecue and just about every chain restaurant around, I was happy to stumble on something new. The Mission Restaurant has a fun menu filled with plenty of items for herbivores and omnivores alike. Offhand I can't remember what I ate, but it was something that was not "steroetypical mexican" (think, beans, cheese, sour cream), and it was outstanding. I've not been there when you had to wait, but it's not that big so I coud see how there would be the potential for waiting. The service is kind of hit or miss. Two times I had good- really good service, one time, not so much. The decor is funky and intriguing, and the history of the building (an old church, a stop on the underground railroad) makes you want to learn more. They've also got a rainbow sticker on the door- not sure if it's queer owned, or just queer friendly, but either way, I think that's a plus.
(4)LIVE to E.
Not sure what the big deal is about this place. The food is good but nothing special. I guess its the best Mexican food Syracuse has to offer but that doesn't say much, and I shouldn't have to pay more than a franchise like Chevy's....at least there I can use the extra cash towards drinks.
(3)Leslie T.
If you're looking for something a bit bigger and with a larger menu than Alto Cinco, The Mission is for you. Inside an old mission (hence the name) the place has funky charm to spare. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is warm. They also have a lot of vegan and vegetarian options, and plenty of things for carnivores and omnivores, too. I've eaten there several times and have yet to be disappointed. The chicken can be a bit heavy on the vinegar, but that's the only problem I've found. Oh, and if you order a pop, they charge full price for each refill. There tends to be a wait, so if you don't mind, it helps to go early. It also gets VERY crowded when there are events downtown. Overall a great place to take friends & family, dates or out-of-town visitors.
(4)Joe W.
very cool location with a great brunch and dinner menu.
(5)Big E.
Really not very good food and shabby service. Maybe we just caught them on a bad night. But I probably won't go back. Free drink refills: No!
(2)Amanda S.
If you're looking for good American food Mission hits the spot.
(2)Colleen M.
A cool atmosphere, but the food is just ok.
(3)eric p.
i live in the south. we have great mexican food. i don't know what this was, but it wasn't mexican food. whatever it was wasn't very good. building is really cool though.
(2)Owen O.
I really really do want to like this place. It has eclectic and pleasant decor in a cool old church, a friendly efficient staff and reasonable prices. And I happen to love Mexican, Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. But on repeat visits here - at least three if not four occasions - I have never had a single dish that excited me or prompted a desire to return and try more things on the menu (my repeat visits have been prompted by friends who wanted to eat there and invited me to join them). The best way I can describe the food is that it's characterized by fresh and honest ingredients but tends to be bland and uninspired. My viewpoint seems to be shared by some folks I know (who have also been on repeat occasions as I have) but it remains a popular destination so obviously it's a matter of taste.
(2)Nabeel N.
Great experience. Great food, great service, great atmosphere and very inexpensive!
(5)Eric R.
We tried to go in after the lunch rush and the service was unreasonably slow.
(3)Ms. P.
Lord, what is it with Latin food in this town? After numerous recommendations I went here for lunch. Things started badly when the server arrived and acted like we were BFFs from first period study hall. She didn't know how to pronounce even the basics of the menu. But it's lunch service, and she was trying to be friendly, so we rolled with it. The space is gorgeous. I ordered the beef anticuchos (i.e., ka-bobs) with chimichurri sauce and a side jicama-orange salad, and the soup of the day. My partner ordered shredded pork tacos and the same side salad. Every single element disappointed. The soup tasted like Campbell's tomato with a splash of heat and a dollop of goat cheese. My beef, ordered rare, arrived well done and underseasoned -- tough, grey, and bland: yuck. The chimichurri sauce was in some kind of paste form -- you could turn the cup upside down and it wouldn't so much as drip. I'm not a stickler for tradition when you're improvising successfully, but they were not. The jicama and orange side salad was somehow both sweet and bland (how can you mess that up?). The tacos were the best thing we had--and they were mediocre. We were really excited for this place, but we won't be going back.
(2)Linux G.
Great mexican food! Their soup of the day was outstanding!
(5)T D.
I've been here a few times and have never been wowed. Cool location and stuff, but a bit pricey and not quite worth it.
(2)J O.
Dining experience was great. Service and atmosphere are top notch. Food was very good, have to recommend the tamales and the flan. The carne asada was a little tough but very flavor full. Very busy on the weekend and had to wait 45 min to get a seat. .
(5)Bryanna E.
not the greatest. cute decor and friendly staff, but not the mexican i was hoping for.
(2)Kathy D.
The Mission is on my husband's and my list of favorite restaurants and it also makes my girlfriends' and my top list. It is also family friendly and offers a number of items my kids will actually eat! It typically does not happen that all three of these groups like the same places so I know the Mission has broad appeal. The aesthetics are terrific - the restaurant is in a former mission that was also a stop on the underground railroad. The artwork is funky and cool. My husband and I gravitate to the bar or the high top tables closer to the bar as we tend to stick with appetizers with our drinks. And they have a great selection of starters! My friends and I usually go for a more typical meal with our drinks. The menu ranges from traditional Mexican to a more modern and absolutely delicious mix. The menu also changes from season to season with variations on the featured quesadilla, etc. I highly recommend the Mission and its terrific food. The only drawback is that you cannot get a traditional margarita due to an antiquated state law that says that liquor cannot be served within a certain distance to churches. And there are a couple nearby. Hopefully the owner will be successful in getting our state legislators to work to reverse this. So, if you love margaritas and the Mission, give your legislator a call!!
(5)M C.
The decor in this renovated church is lovely, with ocher walls and rustic tables - you really get drawn in. The food was also pretty good, we tried three different types of enchiladas along with beans and rice. The food was served family style and there was plenty to go around. Definitely worth a visit, but avoid the lunchtime crowd!
(4)Andy G.
From entry to exit, I really can't 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, I've 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 it's actually possible to obtain spicy food here, unlike anywhere else I've 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 don't have to ask twice here, and they don't mess around. Overall an excellent place. We left full and happy.
(5)Shana D.
We had a long day at one of the lovely, local state parks in his area. We were a bit dirty, had three kids between the ages of 12 and 2 in our crew, but still wanted a non-chain Mexican restaurant experience. Thank goodness for Yelp's filters. I sought a place ok for kids, and the Mission came up. Once I read that it had historic significance as well, as a former church and a site on the Underground Railroad, we mapped it and headed on over. From the outside, the restaurant doesn't look too promising. However, once you step inside, the old-world Mexican ornaments and bright, cheery paint (great blue ceiling) pull you in. It is in a former church, and the stained glass is lovely and relatively non-denominational. One of the windows had an anchor among the designs. The filtered, early evening light falling on the booths that line one side of the dining room make you feel lucky to be there. Then there's the staff. Our waiter was a delight. He was polite, laid-back, and attentive. He and his colleagues, including the nice hostess, set a welcoming tone despite the occasional antics of our restless two-year old. At last, THE FOOD. Delish! I had the fish tacos. The fish was fried and I wish I asked if I could have it grilled, but I forgot. The chips, all-important, were great. I sampled salsas and like the smoked chipotle the best. Our kids approved (they had quesadillas and tacos). Plates were finished, bellies were full. I'd advise anyone craving Mexican to go here rather than one of the many chains. You'll be so glad you did.
(5)Darren K.
I love looking at this restaurant, from the inside and out. I went in with my family, excited, and had heard about the restaurant from my friend who recommended it to me. I got their queso as she suggested, which took a while but tasted pretty good. We took liberty and ordered our main course dishes, but as we were doing that, we saw in the bottom that we would be charged a fee if we were caught sharing a main entree. I completely understand why they would put that notice in their menu, but to me, that is not cool -- at least to my family. They would be doing a disservice to communal families that revolve around sharing, and partaking meals together in a more intimate way. Heck, if I bought the food, why couldn't I do what I wanted with it -- what's stopping a customer from getting it to go and just sharing it? Needless to say we weren't thrilled by what we interpreted to be a stingy business practice. Now, I know what you're thinking; and that's the pattern that the food tends to "taste bad" after a negative preceding event. I'm being completely objective when I say that the entree they served me was fairly good -- with the exception of their mole stuffed chicken plate. They may earn 5 stars for presentation and usando palabras en espanol in their menus, but the chicken was very undercooked (refer to photo). The meat was rubbery, gummy, lukewarm, and an unpleasant texture. It had some pink coloring on the inside of the chicken. I understand that this pitfall makes sense given the dish is a stuffed meat, and that you and I could see yourself making this same mistake. However, this is unacceptable and needless to say, a health risk. Wait, forget the health risk since I've had worse overseas, it just wasn't /good food/. We told our waitress about it, and she cursorily apologized but proceeded to tell us that the chef is "going to have it," but the blame game doesn't absolve errors like this either and only exacerbates it. It pains me to write negative reviews like this since I have compassion for what reviews like this can do for a restaurant, but better an honest review than a "comfortable" one.
(2)Jane H.
This little red church is hard to miss, but there are several people who pass by thinking it's just abandoned property. The interior of the restaurant is absolutely beautiful, and reinforces the incredible history of the church. I went to Mission Restaurant with four other friends, and we sat in one of their booths. There are a handful of booths and high-top tables near the bar, so I can see how this place can get busy during brunch or on weekends. The server started us off with a complimentary bowl of chips and salsa, and we ordered guacamole and sour cream for an additional $3.50 each. Their guacamole is good, and I would suggest ordering the side of it for chips because it's a good amount that you can easily share between two people. The menu features appetizers, entrees, burritos, enchiladas, and tacos. For each burrito, you choose your filling (which consists of vegetables or meat), salsa, and beans. I ordered the chicken burrito with roasted salsa and black beans. Burritos also come with a side of Spanish rice and a radish salad. The server will also ask you what side you want--sour cream or guacamole--without properly giving you the disclaimer that each costs an extra amount. Sour cream is an additional $.50 while guacamole is an additional $1.50. Had I been informed, I would not have ordered my side of guacamole, as it comes in a small container that is definitely not worth that amount. Before enjoying dinner, my friends and I decided to order margaritas. We each got a different flavor of a frozen margarita ($6). I ordered the mango margarita with sugar on the side, and it was extremely bland with absolutely no fruit flavorings to it. My friends ordered pineapple and peach, and theirs tasted almost the same as mine. They have a wide selection of sangria, wine, and other alcoholic beverages; I would stay away from the margaritas. What really made my experience here negative is how terrible the service was. We waited at least 45 minutes to be served our dinner, and the restaurant at this point did not have many people. When we finally did get our food, I was impressed by the authentic Mexican flavors of the food. My burrito had a spicy kick to it, but it was very enjoyable. My friends ordered tacos and enchiladas; they enjoyed their dishes as well, but said they would be ordering a burrito next time. Altogether, I ended up paying $12.50 for my burrito, when I expected to pay $11. I don't appreciate that the servers don't tell you what will be costing extra, and I paid far more than I would have ever liked. Don't get me wrong--the burrito was good... but not THAT good. I would like to go back to the Mission just to experience the atmosphere again, and maybe try something else on the menu. I would suggest checking it out, but be wary of their additional charges!
(3)Sarah H.
Went to The Mission today for a Father's Day brunch. I always enjoy the food I order here, without exception. Today was no different. Mexican restaurants tend to be challenging for me, given that I am allergic to cheese and avocado. Breakfast/brunch tends to be challenging as well, given my egg allergy. Still, I can find something to eat pretty much anywhere. I was thrilled to see what I believe is a new menu item: a vegan burrito. BBQ tofu with black beans and spinach, with a side of slaw (not the mayo kind!) and rice. It was delicious. Who said Mexican food needs cheese and guac to be amazing? The tofu was firm with a slightly firmer outside, smothered with a smokey barbecue sauce and the juices from the black beans. I officially have a new favorite dish at The Mission. Glad I branched out from my Mission brunch staple of the blue corn waffle. As always, the ambiance at The Mission was great. Inside an old church, the fans keep it cool and comfortable (especially given the humid weather we've been having this summer) and the bright colors and interesting art work leave no room for boredom or bummer feelings. It's a bright and fun place to have a bite. The only thing that knocked points of this score was the service. Our waiter was perfectly kind and sweet, greeting us and keeping our waters filled. I appreciated his attentiveness when we needed him. However, we waited for our food for nearly an hour. Granted, the place was pretty packed (as it always is for Sunday brunch), and I understand the value of slow prep and not rushing things. Food that comes out too fast can be just as much of a problem as food that takes forever. But this wait was pretty extensive, and I believe it tends to be that way here whenever they are busy. Just don't come here if you're on a tight schedule. If you've got the time to chill, enjoy the atmosphere and indulge in some truly fantastic Mexican food, The Mission is worth the wait!
(4)Beverly C.
Although I have been to this restaurant about five times, this my first review. Today as in the past the service and the food were great. We waited longer than usual to be seated and for the food to get to the table, but taste and service made up for it. I had the puerco pibil burrito with the tomato chipotle sauce...all must try...really good.
(4)Ashley W.
We visited the Mission Restaurant during Syracuse's 2015 Dining Week, and were very happy that we did! This was my first visit and I was blown away by the amazing decor as soon as I walked in. The owner has a background in sculpting and it definitely shows. We had great food and a great experience for the following reasons: 1) Attentive Staff. Our waiter was vey diligent about making sure that we had filled drinks and all our needs were met. We were even approached by someone from higher management letting us know that they were keeping the heat high up since the doors were opening frequently, but we honestly didn't think it was cold at all. 2) Great Food & Presentation. As my pictures show, they had great presentation to their food and to be honest it was delicious. We enjoyed our food and the cheese topping on my pasta was superb. 3) Intricate Decorations. As I said, the minute you walk into this church-themed building you are blown away by the elaborate decorations and artistry. I thought the atmosphere here was romantic and comfortable and beautiful. I definitely plan on coming again and sitting in another part of the restaurant just to get another view. Another thing I want to add is that they had one of the larger selections for Dining Week than the many other restaurants involved. Also, the extended their deals another week because it was so successful for them.
(5)Nicole C.
I cannot believe I have not tried this place sooner! This is a great place for both locals and tourists. For those visiting from out of town it is nice to go to this place to get an appreciation the role this location played in the Underground Railroad. We asked our waiter about the history of this church turned restaurant and he happily explained the story to us. This restaurant was a stop along the Underground Railroad and the overall structure has been left mostly untouched since it became a church. First we started with the guacamole which was tasty. I ordered the bean and cheese burrito. When ordering a dish with beans you can order either black beans, refried beans, or a mix of both. When I asked for a mix of both I was happy the waiter then asked if I was a vegetarian. He said that the refried beans were mixed with pork lard. The burrito was loaded with cheese and beans, so much that I was unable to finish more than half of it. I took it home and reheated it in the oven the next day, it was delicious. One friend was trying to cut down on carbs so he ordered a burrito without the tortilla. It was served in a bowl and was delicious. One friend had a Caesar salad with flank steak added to it which he enjoyed. We tried the salsa sampler which came with three types of salsa, one was too spicy for me. Thankfully the waiter had warned us about the spiciness. The menu had a large number of vegetarian options. Their menu actually has a Glossary of terms used on the menu. For those who are unfamiliar with Mexican/Southwestern food this is a nice touch. They offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. I had the mango iced tea, they also offer Tazo tea. I tried the Mexican hot chocolate as part of my dessert which is made with steamed milk, cocoa, vanilla and cinnamon, it was the perfect treat. I also tried the chocolate cake which I enjoyed.
(5)Samantha F.
First and foremost, the ambiance is breathtakingly beautiful. Stained glass windows, authentic decor, and all around very stimulating to look at. The host was genuinely kind and welcoming. Our server, Jackie, was equally as friendly and informative about the menu items. Everyone working there seemed to be smiling and upbeat, it was refreshing. We started with coffee, a mimosa, and a fruit smoothie blended with strawberry, banana, pineapple, milk and honey. Delicious!! For brunch we had the huevos rancheros, and the migas. Just the right amount of spicy! And served with thick toast. FINALLY! Authentic Latin American cuisine! I have never cleaned a plate so fast! And at about $8 a plate, for Delicious Sunday brunch? You can't beat it! This is definitely our new spot! Can't wait to go back for dinner soon.
(5)Kathy L.
Went here for a birthday brunch. Server informed us that he never works brunch hours so he couldn't answer any of our questions. Took ten minutes to get our drinks. I ordered the large guac for around $7. Small portion for price, it needed salt. After half an hour, the hostess saw us STILL waiting to order our food. She set down two complimentary chips and salsa. We started eating them and our server ripped them off of our table and put them back over by the complimentary chips! He said "THIS IS NOT YOURS!" Why would he take it up with us instead of the hostess?? From this point on, we witnessed about 3-5 people come in, order, and leave. It was the most upsetting dining experience I've ever had. 1.5 hours waiting to order, then forty five minutes for our food. I got the nova quesadilla and it was so salty it was inedible. No point in telling our server because he didn't care. Plenty of beverage options and great interior. Be prepared to parallel park. Gratuity is automatically added for groups which the waiter lucked out on because his service was absolutely terrible.
(1)Janet L.
I suppose I really don't expect much from a "Pan American" restaurant. Everything was bland. Sangria was also bland. And wth is up with that tortilla soup? That's not tortilla soup! Do yourself a favor and just take that off of your menu. It's an abomination and tasted like bland crap. Service was also sooooooooo slow. Such a disappointment. Ughhh.
(2)Neal E.
House margaritas were awful. Just all premade mix. Service was painfully slow despite being fairly empty. The food was good though. Still falls way short of expectations for Mexican, but best I have found in Syracuse.
(3)Jesse P.
We made reservations for my partners birthday with our family. We called and made a reservation for 7:30PM thursday. We all got there, nothing was ready. None of us were sat down until 8:15PM. Nobody took our orders until 8:30pm. The only food that came out warm were the appetizers. The birthday boy had to send his back because it was cold. Cold sweet potato fries taste like crap. This place cannot handle large reservations and they should have said so instead of giving us terrible service and leaving a lasting negative memory of their establishment. My drink glass sat empty most of the night. Our food came out around 9:30, when we asked for more drinks we were told "The Bar Closed at 9PM" completely rude and disrespectful! They didn't even serve our cold food until after that time. My cousin told the waiter "I think I am in California, we've had a drink draught on our end of the table for 25 minutes!" The bill was over $700 and the service was awful. The food tasted good, but it was all cold, cold tacos, cold meat, cold rice, cold beans. They only had two waiters for our 20 person dinner party, only 2 cooks in the back. They weren't prepared and should not have taken the reservation for our dinner party. Not a good experience. I have eaten here before and enjoyed it with a few friends, but when it comes to large groups it appears they take the reservations for the money and then give the worse service in Syracuse.
(2)Alfredo C.
The chicken tortilla soup was really good. Very different than any other I ever had, but man, it was really good. The tostones were nice and crispy and the mojo that come with them is super tasty. The tres leches cake was on point and the flourless chocolate cake was nice. I had the pork stew and the pork was tender and flavorful. However, the vegetables on the stew were really tough. Also, $5.00 for chips and salsa. No Bueno amigo. To make matters worse the bill was split evenly four ways instead of each person paying for what they ate.
(3)D W.
Cool church renovated into a restaurant downtown. Parking is a problem though! We got there and hostess told us an hour wait so we waited...within 10 minutes 4 tables opened up so she was not the efficient. We thought we could have a margarita while waiting and we were highly disappointed the margaritas were not made from tequila but beer and wine- no thanks we passed... The wait staff was very good though. I ordered the sherry vinaigrette Salad- way too sour and not that good at all. Overdressed too with that sub par dressing. Short rib taco really really good....stick to the tacos and burritos they were great Flan- great Pasta veggie- a huge plate of cheap penne and not lots of veggies- very chipotle not good at all. Pollo mole- excellent for $19 you got a very small great piece of chicken and the veggies inedible- overcooked and old on the plate...total bummer.
(2)Maureen D.
This is a hip little Tex Mex place in a converted church. We went one evening after an art festival had just come to a close, so the restaurant was busy but still not packed to the gills. We were seated in about half the time the host estimated. The virgin margaritas were fantastic! Guacamole was fresh, tasty and "95%" avocado, to quote my companion. I enjoyed the veggie burrito but would have also enjoyed the black beans I ordered, which never arrived. I assume the waitress forgot because she wrote nothing down. My dining companions each enjoyed chicken enchiladas. The house hot sauce was flavorful (and green)! We were too stuffed for dessert but it didn't seem anyone in the place got dessert. The bathroom situation was a little sketchy with vastly inadequate facilities for women (4 in line at any time).
(4)Irene K.
This is a really tasty find. It's in downtown Syracuse in an old style church. The decor is really beautiful inside keeping with a mission church theme. Lofty ceilings, tile, stain glass windows, and a big seating area are a few of the nice decor elements. There's a small outside seating area too. They serve lunch and on weekends they offer brunch selections. The food was very tasty. It took a while to come out, but we did have a large party. They only had one basket of chips on the table making it difficult to share. They have a custom verde sauce that was delicious. I had enchiladas and they give you two in the order. It was a generous portion and tasty. My husband had a brunch dish and it he enjoyed it. Our daughter had a side of rice and it was a generous portion and very reasonably priced. They goofed up our reservation and ended up squeezing us into two tables next to each other even though the restaurant was empty.
(4)Gary S.
Tired of the cookie cutter eateries that are seemingly the only options? Look a little deeper and perhaps you'll be lucky enough to find The Mission. The Pan American menu can be simple or it can be complex, it's your decision. I've been several times and am always impressed. Who gets tired of REALLY good food served in perfect ambiance?
(5)Ryan M.
I came here with my fiancé, who had been here several times. The atmosphere is really fun and unique. I love old buildings that have been converted into bars and restaurants. We got the queso fundito, which was amazing, and each got tacos. Everything was delicious. The margaritas were solid as well. Definitely recommended.
(5)Solomon G.
Went here on a business contact recommendation. Great atmosphere, waiter/manager was very knowledgeable and made excellent recommendations and was attentive the entire time. Would come back next time I'm in the area!
(4)Sreyoshi D.
Never been disappointed with this place. Was my first stop when I came to Syracuse last Fall, and continues to be a favorite. Read more at sreyoshidey.wordpress.com
(5)James C.
Ordered a pollo burrito along with refried beans with the sides of Spanish rice and cabbage. I enjoyed my meal and the waiter, Doug did a good job, checking several times on me and always kept my water glass filled. I walked 6 miles exploring the downtown in three hours and was very appreciated with water being filled quickly. The place is very unique, a lot of observing around inside the building. Very comfortable and cozy... Recommended this place.
(5)Julie M.
Stopped for lunch today. The food is always good. I had a beef enchilada. What I noticed today is that the lunch service moves incredibly slow. There is no push to get people out of the restaurant. As such, people came in for lunch, probably on a break and they couldn't stay because there were no tables. I didn't have a timeframe to comply with, so I didn't have a problem.
(4)Wilma D.
Visited the Mission Rest after looking for spots near my neighborhood. We liked the church building and the inside decorations. We have sat at tables and a the bar and have no complaints about service. We ordered Chicken enchiladas, yucca fries, maduros (sweet plantains), tostones(crispy plantains), and guacamole. Food was okay. The tostones were a bit disappointing. They are small and looked and tasted old. I had to look at the menu again to remember what we have had, not a good sign. Great food is memorable food!
(3)Ramon S.
When : Friday night Ordered: shredded pork burrito, beef tamales, sweet plantains. My girlfriend and I visited on a busy night. The staff was fast working and polite and we sat within 30 minutes. The food was served quickly. The ingredients were fresh and the recipe seemed authentic which made me very happy. Overall, the flavors were mild. I wish that the flavors had been more bolder. I miss the bold flavors of Latin food and I guess my expectations were high. Would go again? No
(3)Chris H.
Ended up at the Mission after a failed attempt at trying Steve's Restaurant (which does not offer food anymore...) I can honestly say I'm glad we did not make it to Steve's! As everyone else has said, the location is unique. An old church, nicely done up. It was packed when we went in, and originally they told us it would be 45 min. However they quickly seated us after about only 15 min. So that was nice. Chips and salsa were good, to me this is an indicator of things to come. We later learned from our waiter that they aren't big enough to have their own chip roller, but they do get the chips from a local place - ingredients are corn, lime, and salt. They just cook them up. Salsa was very fresh. We got nachos as an appetizer. I can't say they are my favorite nachos ever, but they weren't bad. They spent maybe a bit too long in the over, some seriously burnt chips in the mix. Everyone had a bit of everything for dinner. I tried the fish tacos. Liked the sauce and the cuban slaw. The fish was a bit overfried, but was still fairly moist. My wife got a smothered burrito with the puerco pibil, which was quite good. Girls got enchiladas, also very nice. Littlest ones were chicken quesadillas and chicken tacos. When the smallest one finishes everything, you know something good is happening. She is pretty picky. There was not room for dessert unfortunately. They did not rush us, even though it was pretty busy. Our waiter was quite friendly and full of anecdotes and information. If I had to make a suggestion it would be to find a way to keep the outside outside. We were at a table closest to the door, and every time people came in it was an arctic blast. It was a great find, overall. Thanks to Yelp for helping us go here instead of somewhere like Applebee's!
(4)Jonathan Y.
The Mission continues to be one of our favorite restaurants in Syracuse. The atmosphere is great, the food is good, and the service is great. Tonight, we had about 45 minutes to catch a train and the staff helped us get in and out quickly. We were glad to be able to to show our friends from NYC this little gem in Syracuse.
(5)Greg S.
Friendly service and you can taste the passion in the food. Greeted with homemade salsa and tortilla chips, and offered a flavorful spicy green hot sauce they had just released that was made of jalapeños and garlic--a great start to a memorable meal. For an appetizer we had the Calamares which were perfectly grilled and topped with a tasty orange chile glaze and the roasted chickpeas were an amazing addition for a pleasant crunch. Served on a bed of fresh arugula--this might've been one of my favorite seafood appetizers I've tried anywhere. For dinner my girlfriend had a chicken burrito which tasted just as good as expected with perfectly marinated shredded chicken and packed with flavorful ingredients. I had the plantain-crusted mahi with coconut rice and roasted brussel sprouts. Her dinner was great and typical for the type of restaurant, however my dinner was one of the best I have ever had. The fish had perfect texture/flavor with the plantain crust, and the coconut rice and sprouts complimented it beautifully. To finish we had the flan which was a delicious ending to an amazing dining experience. We cannot wait to go there again.
(5)Keith H.
We've been going here for many years, and have never been disappointed. The service is spot on, the flavors are fanciful and unique. Had the fish tacos tonight and they were out of this world, a great mix of tastes. Prices are in line for this type of restaurant in Syracuse. Well worth the visit.
(5)Jen T.
I think this place holds more nostalgia for me than actual enjoyment. The food was ok, the service was ok, and I probably don't need to come back again.
(3)Nat F.
Great atmosphere, good food and lackluster service. It's hard to beat the surroundings (both inside and out), but I've had better Tex-Mex at nearby restaurants for a lower price. Still, the Mission is worth a visit, if only to experience the historic building.
(3)Christien M.
We had a great Brunch here on our Bicycle trip from NYC to Toronto. Matt the GM was amazing and the food was to die for.
(4)Marlette B.
ERMAGHERD. I live in Watertown ... we have no Mexican food anywhere nearby ... I was in Syracuse and decided to explore ... SO glad I did!! The guac is delicious!! Chicken enchiladas were great!! My heart and my belly are SO happy.
(5)Fo B.
Knocked it out of the park, again. At brunch today, had the chorizo-sweet potato hash with poached eggs and tomatillo salsa. The sharpness of salsa perfectly balanced the richness of the hash. Great design, great execution on this dish. Together with hutilacoche (yes!) tacos last night. So go already.
(5)first l.
We love this place for a regular meal out, but I was very impressed by the work they did for a private event. We held a shower there on a Saturday afternoon and used the brunch menu. Steve, the owner, was a real joy to work with. The process was very relaxed and they did such a great job. It was not at all expensive; the cost of the facility is included in the very reasonable per plate cost. They hold events on Saturdays and Monday evenings when they are not normally open, and the entire restaurant is yours to enjoy. We all had brunch, pitchers of sangria, and a great time. They even sent us home with the extra food from the buffet.
(5)Nick R.
Stopped in around 5PM on a Thursday to have a drink and a quick bite before a show. Sat at the bar with a friend. The bartender was very friendly but the drinks were sub-par. They have a "margarita" that is made with wine "tequila" as they don't have a full liquor license (seriously wine tequila?!). Not a great beverage. The wait staff was also rude. There is very little room between the bar and the rest of the dining room. One of the waiters, an old guy with a long beard, asked me to slide my chair in so he could get by, so I did. Apparently I didn't move in far enough because the next time he walked by he slammed his elbow into my chair! Can't report on the food as I didn't really feel like eating after getting assaulted by the wait staff.
(1)Mindy L.
Love this place! We have had the same server every time! Tall thin man with facial hair...he is the best server ever. He really cares about his patrons. He is attentive and just great. And to make things better...THE FOOD!!!!! SO GOOD!! You cannot go wrong with any of the appetizers. The seasonal tacos are to die for...even better...thw quesadillas with that negro salsa. Great start to a fantastic meal. Now for the main course...I cannot say a favorite...but the portions are always enough for a nice lunch the next day! Now, you have got to save room for some dessert here... i suggest maybe the tres leche and raspberry flan...we had both! To die for. So delicious. Last time we were here, I was meeting my boyfriend's dad from out of town. The server was so kind at the end of our meal, he actually thanked us for not having our cell phones out at all during dinner! He talked about how refreshing it was to see us enjoying ourselves and the food so thoroughly. Love this place.
(5)Bobby L.
This place does something unbelievable here in the Syracuse dining scene. It delivers authentic, fresh, creative, and delicious Mexican food in an unique atmosphere. I challenge you to name another place like it around this food desert. My friend and I split two entrees. One was the special of the night, fish tacos with beans and rice. The other dish was pollo mole enchiladas, also with beans and rice. Both were delicious and perfectly cooked. A particular highlight was the homemade mole sauce, which was to die for. The cubano stewed black beans were also a hit. Service was great, with Doug serving as a MC of sorts. He carried on a great conversation with us, described the food in vivid detail (almost like hearing an entertaining story), and was very attentive to our needs. The biggest surprise during our visit was finding out that the restaurant was located inside of a nondescript church. Talk about a cool location! It's easy to draw a comparison between the Mission Restaurant and Alto Cinco. But don't be fooled, the food here is the real Mexican deal. Bottom line, this place hit it out of the ballpark in my books, in terms of food and service. I'm from San Francisco, where great Mexican food abounds. This place would fit right into that city's highly competitive food scene. But here in Syracuse, the Mission Restaurant is a stand out that can't be missed.
(5)Laura P.
Atmosphere was interesting and unique, as the restaurant is located in a former church. Service was slow, had to wait a bit before we were able to place our drink orders and then about 20 minutes before we got our drinks. Food was decent- I had the cheese and bean enchiladas and they hit the spot.
(3)Lovingfood O.
The Mission is a great place located in downtown Syracuse. It has a fantastic eclectic ambiance inside a former church. Their food is hard to beat locally, I am a major fan of the burritos and other Mexican fare but I have some long term qualms with the consistency of the food (I would have given 4.5 stars if possible). I typically order the same item(s) when I visit the restaurant: a burrito or enchiladas (either chicken or bean) and an order of nachos to share. If I decide to change it up, I typically order the traditional Mexican fare and steer clear of the more American dishes. The Mexican items can be variable in qualit, but most of the time are delicious. Occasionally you encounter a chef who is heavy handed with the salt shaker or just doesn't seem careful with the assembly of the food. The nachos are best when each layer of chips is carefully covered with beans, cheese etc but other times they just slop the ingredients on a mound of chips with no concern of the bottom layers. The burritos are typically very good, but occasionally the pico or beans can be heavily salted and difficult to eat. I wish that they were allowed to serve hard liquor, but their bar is limited to beer and wine. Nothing would complement The Mission like a real margarita made with tequila, but this likely won't change anytime soon as it appears its immediate location restricts the liquor license. The brunch is also fantastic and worth checking out. You have the option of the best of both worlds (lunch and breakfast). Their cornbread is the best I have ever tasted, a must try!!
(5)Mike B.
Went to the Mission yesterday with my wife and we really enjoyed it. We moved here from Dallas a few months ago and have been craving some decent Mexican food and found it here.... finally, after trying others in town. Our waiter Doug was knowledgeable and attentive. Great decor, and solid Mex. We will be back.
(4)Dean F.
I travel for a living and eat at different restaurants all over the country. This was by far the worst Mexican I have had. The chips and salsa were ok. The pico was mostly just chopped tomato. Didn't have a lot of flavor. I ordered the Shrimp enchilada. The shrimp was rubbery and tasteless. The sauce seemed like something out of a can. It had avacado inside also, but it wasn't quite ripe. The spanish rice was like it was from a school cafeteria. The highlight was the brussells sprouts, which were very good, but I have to admit I haven't seen them served along side an enchilada. $20.00 and not worth it.
(1)Cecily Z.
I had heard such great things about this place and, despite the prices, I gave it a shot. I really wish I spent my time and money elsewhere. My friend and I ordered a daiquiri and a margarita, respectively. We can only guess that there was any smidge of alcohol in them because they asked for our IDs. They basically just tasted like watered down juice with chunky slush that we paid $6 for, each. I don't really know how you can mess up a margarita, but they did it. When I finally received my $20 chicken entree, what came to me was a small chicken breast covered in a sauce that hardly complimented the spices on the chicken. The dish came with overcooked broccoli and a small tamale that looked as sad as it tasted. I only mildly enjoyed my experience there because the waitresses were friendly and the atmosphere was relatively relaxing. However, I really don't know how this place keeps getting such great reviews. For the amount that I paid for a meal lacking in quality and quantity, I don't think I'll ever come back to the Mission. Next time I want Mexican food (or a drink for that matter), I'll just go to Alto Cinco.
(1)Jeremy L.
Let's play "Name That Restaurant"! - "Hey do you want to grab some dinner on our break?" "Sounds great! How about Mexican?" "Perfect!" - Arrive at 5:15 on Friday evening. The place is mostly empty- only 2 other tables with customers. Internal monologue: "Great! I can get some decent food quickly, have a beer, and get back to work early. I've got till 7:00." - Order a beer. - Wait 5 minutes. - Get my beer. Me: "We're ready to order." Owner : "I'll be right back after I get this other table's drink order." - Wait 5 minutes. - Place order. - Wait 5 minutes. - Get a basket of mediocre chips and some flavorless pico de gallo. - Wait 5 minutes. - Get the appetizers. - Wait 10 minutes. - Wait 10 more minutes. - Wait 10 more minutes. Chips are gone. Head's a little fuzzy drinking strong beer without any food of substance. - "Any update on when we're getting out food? That table arrived 20 minutes after us, and they already have their meals." - "Sir, if I had any food to give you, I'd have brought it out." - Wonder how an owner of a restaurant can keep a place open with a terrible attitude. - Wait 10 minutes - "Any update on our dinner?" - "You'll get your food when I can get to it." - Look on Yelp to see if there are any delis in the neighborhood. Decide that if there are, they're likely closed since it's not a residential neighborhood. - Get increasingly pissed off. - Finally get your food. You can tell there's some seasonings in there, but is about the blandest thing called Mexican Food since a plain Taco Bell Bean Burrito. - Wolf it down since you're starving, with a healthy dose of habanero salsa to give it some flavor. - Owner of the establishment refers to himself in the 3rd person saying that the owner reads all of the comment cards if we want to tell him about our experience. - Pay for overpriced mediocre food with terrible service. Get back to work, just in time. Time waiting: 70+ minutes. TIme eating: 15 minutes or so. - Decide to warn everyone you can about this place. Epic Fail. *** If you answered "The Mission Restaurant", you're a winner! *** This was early on a Friday evening. When we got there, it was almost empty. When we left, there was a line out the door. As bad as it was for us, I feel REALLY sorry for those that followed.
(1)James C.
I Am A Fan! I ate there today and the food was delicious! I haven't tried their other foods but their enchiladas are amazing! They serve chips are appetizers for free and it is sooooo good! I couldn't finish my enchiladas because I couldn't stop eating the chips and salsa. Food: Great! Service: Great! I had Jaclyn and she was a great waitress. No complaints! She was polite, good with the refills of chips and quick in general. Atmosphere: I really enjoyed the atmosphere... You feel like you're actually in an old Mexican restaurant except for the fact you are surrounded by Syracuse businessmen and families. My friends and I went to eat around the time when the sun was setting down.. so when the sun shone through the cathedral-like windows; it was awesome. Price: Expensive... 11 bucks for an enchilada... With 4 people I dropped more than 50 bucks without tip. Additional comments: Free Parking! 3 different types of homemade hot sauce!
(4)Craig B.
This place is seriously good. They are trying desperately to open Mexican/South Western type places here in Maine (very unsuccessfully), and all I can think of is how much I wish the Mission Restaurant would open a location here in Portland. I miss you guys!
(5)Kirby B.
We went there for lunch on Cinco de mayo. I had mole covered enchiladas. I thought it was very good food, but I was disappointed that the extras (guac and sour cream) were like $2 each. The tastes were good, and it was fun to try the hot sauce/relish options they have. Definitely worth visiting.
(4)Jason L.
Some of the best atmosphere you can find in Syracuse but some of the worst Mexican I've ever had.
(2)Bro H.
Nice atmosphere, average food, high prices. Eh. I got the mole enchiladas, and I supposed they were supposed to be subtle, but I'd describe them as bland. For 12 bucks, less than impressive. Girlfriend's burrito was better, but not amazing. Anyway, I wouldn't argue against going again, but I certainly wouldn't suggest it either.
(3)Chris C.
Having been to the Southwest and to Mexico, I would say I've had good Mexican food many times. So I think I have a fairly decent benchmark when trying other Mexican restaurants. First, the building is very cool. Old church converted to restaurant. I would describe the atmosphere as hipster-ish (word invention). I'm not saying that's good or bad, but just so you know going in. The food is OK. I had the Pollo Mole enchiladas. Nothing to write home about. Mexican food is supposed to be full of flavor, but flavor was really lacking here. We also tried all of their salsas. Again, flavor was really lacking. It's weird how they can make Mexican food taste like that. I've been here twice now and I've had a similar experience both times. It's a cool place to grab a drink and hang out, but you're not coming here for the food.
(2)Alexandria P.
Beautiful restaurant. Good mood lighting and has a really good atmosphere. Great food. And on halloween my waiter was a hotdog.
(5)MaryJo H.
Just had dinner at The Mission. We were thrilled that it was open on a Sunday evening. The place was not busy and we walked right in and had dinner at the bar. The bartender was very friendly and accommodating. I had the crispy black bean tacos. Very good, love the pico and guacamole. Had a good bottle of red with our meal. The wine menu offered lots of choices. One of my favorite restaurants to frequent. The food is consistently good and has a very nice ambience.
(4)Ann K.
The Mission has very good food, probably more typical of what you would find in Mexico than at most other places in the area. I think they describe themselves as Pan-America or something like that and it likely fits. The salsa and guacamole are both good and served with warm chips. A wide range of entrees are very tasty. The mojitos here are pretty good too!
(4)Justen N.
To be honest, I'm not sure what the big deal is about this place. I've only given it two stars because it wasn't so bad that I'm unwilling to give it another shot. In fact, I will definitely try this place again just to figure out what people love so much about it. The one time I went, the food took forever and our waitress, while rude might not be the correct word, was exceptionally disinterested and inattentive. However, I wouldn't rate a restaurant this low just because of that: perhaps I just happened to catch this woman on the wrong night. However, on top of that, the dish I ordered was extremely small-portioned, and certainly wasn't high enough quality to make up for that fact. It's not all negatives, though. The old church building gave the place a distinct vibe that I thought was awesome.
(2)Mark B.
We made a reservation for 8 people with a distinguished visitor at 7:30pm because we were told that was the earliest date for a reservation. On arrival we discovered our reservation was lost - probably made by the kitchen - we had to find another restaurant for eight people on a Friday night. This is unacceptable - all in all an abysmal experience at a restaurant to be avoided!
(1)Billy S.
The highlight of my visit was my burrito with papaya and habanero topping. Absolutely amazing, and original recipe. The rest of the food was very good, the restaurant was spotless. The host was very attentative. Prices were alright, menu was somewhat limited though. Overall I reccomend and would go again.
(4)Cori D.
I live in San Francisco, which is a foodie's dream city, but I crave the food at The Mission - that's how good this place is. The menu rotates with the season, and it's always innovative and exciting. Everything I've ever had is amazing, and the owner, Steve, is friendly and often at the restaurant making sure everything runs smoothly. There is a church within a few hundred yards, which means no hard liquor can be served (some weird, prohibition law or something). However, Steve has found ingenious ways of making delicious beverages with other alcohols, and they are really incredible! Try the Margarita! Yummmm.......I want to get on a flight to SYR right now.....
(5)Dawn G.
Love the decor and that it's the inside of an old church. The service is good as well as the food. The queso fundido (if I spelled that right) with chirrizo is amazing. Burritos are excellent. Second time my husband and I went I had a scallop dish with a chile sauce it was amazing. My husband enjoyed his food the two times we went as well, we will surely be back!
(4)Lisa H.
My absolute favorite mexican restaurant. I have been to so many places now all over the country but I still love the mission! I love the loaded chips appetizer and the margaritas are great! I love this place! Make a reservation in advance if going on the weekend, its very popular!
(5)Paul M.
Fresh, delicious, consistently enjoyable, and great value. The burritos are the standard fare and come with your choice of beans and cheese or meat. Go for the spicy if you like spicy. Good beer and wine to choose from too. Soups, salads, appetizers, and entrees are also good. I don't think I've ever ordered something I didn't like. Servers are friendly, happy, and knowledgeable. Ask for the "hot sauces" to go with your chips. It's (red) hot sauce, pickled serranos (so delicious!) and habanero salsa. Yummy and free! It's a great place for a pre-show dinner, the shortest of walks from the Civic Center. It's also walkable to Armory Square. A good next stop is Clark's Ale House. The decor is fantastic. The restaurant is a converted, historic church. If you're going for late dinner, call first. I've learned my lesson after showing up multiple times after the kitchen closed. I've been eating at the Mission for 12 years. It's always enjoyable.
(5)Carrie S.
"Meh. I've experienced better" is right. I've dined her three times and if you go by the best-two-out-of-three strategy, I would only recommend this if you want basic mexican and don't mind paying for it. The first time I went, the salsa that came with the pre-meal chips and salsa looked and tasted like it came out of a jar. The past two times, we've received pico de gallo at it's most basic and bland. The one thing that has going for it is its freshness. My first meal was unmemorable, literally. I can't remember what it was, except that I was disappointed. The menu and atmosphere portend of good (at the very minimum) Mexican, albeit American Mexican, food. My second meal was actually good. It was a special that evening that was an enchilada with goat cheese and crab. Yum. I was happily forced to rethink my idea of this restaurant. My dining partner at the pork soft tacos and only stopped eating because there were no more and he was close to bursting. My third meal, the latest, was a disaster - on so many levels. Our waiter was rude at best, though he did improve. Unfortunately, first impressions are lasting impressions. When he brought us our glasses of water, he carried them by pinching the tops of the glasses together = his fingers were in my water. I chose not to drink it. When he took our order, he was a a robot; a mean robot. I asked if there were any specials. He responded with a very stiff and forceful, "No." I may be picky, but I would've liked an, "Sorry, no" or even a "Not this evening". As we proceeded with our order, we asked for fried plantains, and we got a quick and abrupt, "We're out." His tone clearly displayed annoyance. Hey, how were we supposed to know? By the end of this exchange, I was afraid to make eye contact or speak to the man. We even spied him drinking at the bar with some friends. That's fine ... as long as it doesn't interfere with your service. We'd ordered guacamole as an appetizer, and some mashed, fried plantain concoction. We found a large piece of peel in our guacamole, and the plantains were dried out and bland. I was afraid to point this out to the waiter, but my friend was not shy about it. The waiter did apologize and bring us a new serving. Our main course came, and thankfully, you can't mess up basic enchiladas and pork tacos. They were okay. Unfortunately, my mom makes better, and she's as non-Mexican as you can get; and it's free. *** My recommendation only if you don't mind paying a bit above what I'd say is fair for this type of food AND you order the basics. Don't go fancy. This is they type of restaurant where they do only a few things well enough and everything else seems to be an experiment with its patrons as the guinea pigs ***
(2)Emilia W.
Jaclyn was amazing with service!
(4)Liz O.
The food and atmosphere are excellent--Love that it's an old church re-vamped into a fun mexican place, and I was pleasantly surprised with every bite I took. (excellent quesedilla appetizer with mango and goat cheese, and the roasted veggie ravioli was to die for! Loved the vanilla flan as well) Service was just ok, and the sangria was very disappointing. Sangria should be wine based with tasty fruit---this seemed more like jungle juice in a frat house. Yikes.
(4)Frank P.
I think this was a product of so people telling us we should try the Mission and having great expectations that didn't pan out. Certainly can't say the food was bad by any means. Don't think I can say it was really good either. Coolest part was the building? They claim the food is pan American but really didn't see much of a difference between their menu and a Mexican/Tex Mex type menu. Could probably name a few other Mexican style restaurants in a 15 mile vicinity that are just as good and cheaper. Ok maybe you don't get the cool church building.
(3)Jon P.
Good food, great service. The hanger steak was very good as were the crab cakes. Nice atmosphere and worthy of repeat visits.
(4)Colleen B.
Get out your passports and go early! When you walk into this old church turned Mexican restaurant you will be transported to old world Mexico. And you'll probably have to wait for a table. We went at 5:45PM on a Saturday night during a holiday weekend and we still waited about 20 mins. The bar was crowded and the drinks were so-so (hey someone else uses Jose Cuervos Tequila mixer), but the wait is worth it for sure. The food and menu selection are the main events. The chips and salsa arrived right on time and both were perfectly fresh. Some other menu highlights: Tostones=fried plantains with garlicky mojo sauce....think crunchy potato crisps Guacamole=so creamy! And at $3, puh-lease go for it--that is so cheap. Burritos and Enchiladas=the portions were so generous and perfectly cheesy. Any of the Antojitos or "little whims" were a great way to try some new things on the menu without completely stuffing yourself. We tried the Empanadas and the Brocqueta de Puerco. DO NOT miss the Brocqueta de Puero it was a pork lovers dream! For entrees, my mom and I split the Salmon entree and the sides were nothing to write home about, but the tomato-avacado salsa needed a straw on the side cuz it was good enough to drink! Yum! Ok so we were completely stuffed by this point, but one must press on to dessert. The banana bread pudding was luscious and the tres leches was sweet and creamy. Ole!
(5)John C.
Old church that has been given the mexican make-over. Nice decor, busy spot at lunch. We were in a hurry so we ate at the bar. The bartender was super. Food was above average and very fresh tasting.
(3)A B.
I was here about 2 years ago when I lived in Syracuse for the summer. This place was excellent!!!! I wish I went more often, but I went the night before I left Syracuse =(
(4)