<p>hrh - we cross-posted. Actually, S1 and FDIL will be in Syracuse in Sept, so I’m hoping to give them some places to check out. I don’t really know her parents, so I’d feel funny asking them to help at this point. </p>
<p>We originally wanted to invite all out-ot-town guests to this dinner, but it became obvious that almost every wedding guest is from out-of-town (except for bride’s immediate family who would be at that dinner anyway). We didn’t want to feel like we were having 2 weddings, so in consultation with the bride and groom we came up with a smaller list. Around 40% of the guests will still be invited to the out-of-towners (rehearsal) dinner.</p>
<p>Shellfell, gosh. Hard to say what will be convenient if you don’t know where anyone is staying yet. How far from Syracuse is the wedding and are they going to have buses for bring the guests from hotels to venue? </p>
<p>I do live in the area if you want to PM me…but I mentioned Rileys already,on the northside of the city but my wife loves Joeys, on the east side…which can handle small parties, as well as Pastabilities, downtown Armory square, which is a little more urban, with many bars restaurants in the area</p>
<p>This is part of our dilemma. S1 and FDIL have said they don’t care how much driving their guests will have to do, and didn’t want to hear from us that you need to consider your guests’ convenience. So the hotel is still up in the air. Dh and I felt that a hotel in Syracuse would be more convenient for most guests, especially if we have the rehearsal dinner there as well. The wedding itself would be 25-30 minutes away from there. No decision yet on buses.</p>
<p>I’ve checked out some of your suggestions so far. Dinosaur BBQ and Phoebe’s look like they could accommodate us well, but parking may be problematic. The Pascale group seems to penalize groups smaller than 50 with an additional surcharge. In the grand scheme of things it wouldn’t be a deal breaker, but it still turns me off. I’ll check Riley’s and Joey’s.</p>
<p>^ Or hotel rooms. If it is at the casino it would make the most sense to have the rehearsal dinner there and all hotel rooms. </p>
<p>There is also that Inn on Caz Lake and I can’t think of any hotels closer to that than the Craftsman in Fayetteville. </p>
<p>I was married at Lafayette Country Club so all the guests stayed at the Hotel Syracuse. It was very convenient for the out of town guests to get to the wedding. My rehearsal dinner was at some awful restaurant in Liverpool over looking Onondaga Lake. I have blocked out the name, it was so awful and hopefully it is no longer even there. </p>
<p>We did a anniversary party for my in-laws at Joey’s a few years ago. The food was “meh” imo. They do have a private room downstairs, but IIRC the stairs were very steep and several elderly guests had a difficult time getting down them. We had to help them. </p>
<p>There is also Julie’s Place on James Street. It’s been awhile since we’ve eaten there but I recall it was very good. </p>
<p>@emilybee - I hate to bring back bad memories but was your rehearsal at Lemoyne Manor? I grew up in Syracuse and parents still live there. I am getting a kick out of this thread.</p>
<p>The wedding isn’t at the casino, but in that general direction. Are there any good dining options in that vicinity that aren’t at the casino? I wasn’t really finding anything online that wasn’t at the casino which is why I was looking more towards Syracuse. I also figured last minute wedding prep (tuxes, etc) would be happening closer to Syracuse so being out near the casino could be inconvenient.</p>
<p>Not much, in the Vernon area was an old wedding and banquet place called Dibbles inn. Been many years since I been by there though…a Sports bar across the st from the casino, the Recovery room, is a fine place to meet but only a tavern fare. Joels steak house has always been a poor choice imho, but close by. Canastota has Grazianos??..I never been in, but been there for a very long time, I think popular with the locals. MAybe find online</p>
<p>Thanks for that link, emilybee. I don’t disagree with you that it would be useful to know where people are staying, but I also figured if I could present S1 and FDIL with some places we’d consider having the rehearsal dinner that that could then influence which hotel(s) they choose to reserve blocks in. I was looking for resturant suggestions and everyone here has been very gracious to come up with ideas for me.</p>
<p>penzly - that’s about what I came up with in the casino area. I think I saw that Joel’s Steakhouse is now under new ownership who have no clue what they’re doing, so that’s even a less likely option.</p>
<p>I live in New England, but have been to that Grazianos in Canostota mentioned in post #30. I remember it well because although the food was quite good, I remember the ambviance as lacking big time. Maybe they’ve spruced the place up hopefully? in the last few years?? Otherwise, if you choose it, you’d have to do some serious decorating to make it palatable for a rehearsal dinner! That said, I do remember the food was good…</p>
<p>Thanks ccc. If I remember correctly from looking at website photos, it may not be any more spruced up than you remember, but I can ask FDIL if she’s familiar with Grazianos.</p>
<p>Shellfell: I just googled “restaurants in Syracuse with banquet rooms” and the first restaurant that popped up looked nice…Francesca’s Cucina in their “Little Italy”. The room looked cozy for 35 people…not too big, but private looking. Most people would do well with Italian…(I personally could not eat BBQ, but I’m sure there would be something on the menu I could have). Good luck, hope you find a place without too much difficulty…I’ll look for other choices too! :)</p>
<p>Thanks, CCC. I’ve googled too, but was hoping for CCers who had some knowledge of some of these restaurants. I have a tentative list I’ve been compiling, and Francesca’s is on the list. Any Syracuse people with feedback on that place?</p>
<p>CCC, I may well be counting on your help when I get around to dress shopping. I know you’ve been very good at helping CCers with their choice. </p>
<p>I’d be happy to help you with a dress selection, but I am by no means an expert. Just someone that diffuses the stress in my life by going on dress websites and figuring out what the CCer needs in terms of budget, color, size, style, etc. It’s the thrill of the hunt!
Meanwhile, good luck with finding a suitable restaurant for the rehearsal dinner. I’m sure it’ll all come together.</p>
<p>Thanks. Dress shopping won’t be happening for awhile. I haven’t heard yet from FDIL on whether we’re wearing long or short, or any color scheme. I’m not sure she’s even thought about that yet.
Thanks also for trying to help with restaurant selections. I appreciate the support. </p>
</p>