5 /5 Paul Meijer: Delmonico’s Steakhouse, Syracuse, NY
While there’s no official mocktail menu at Delmonico’s, the bartender didn’t let that stop them. I ended up with a fizzy blend of grapefruit, peach purée, and orange juice, bright, effervescent, and far more thoughtful than the usual off-menu attempt. A pleasant surprise, especially in a place where the drinks lean heavily toward the classics.
The shrimp cocktail arrived looking textbook, plump, chilled shrimp over a bit of lettuce, but it’s the cocktail sauce that really steals the show. Zesty, tangy, with just enough horseradish heat to catch your attention. Honestly, if they bottled it, I’d be walking out with a case. It brought back the nostalgic zing of my favorite coastal seafood shack’s signature blend.
Then came the small ciabatta loaf with a generous side of herbed butter. Simple? Yes. But undeniably comforting. It’s the kind of bread service that sets a tone, warm, soft, and clearly made with care.
Now, let’s talk about the heavyweight, the one-pound lasagna. A towering stack of pasta, ricotta, beef, and sausage smothered in a marinara that could hold its own against any red-sauce joint. Rich without being overwhelming, and seasoned to that just-right sweet spot between hearty and refined.
Finally, a shoutout to Mari, my server, gracious, attentive, and the kind of presence that elevates a meal from good to memorable. If you find yourself at Delmonico’s, ask for her. You’ll be in good hands.