The town of Manlius is located in central New York. Not to be confused with its neighboring village of the same name, the bigger Manlius is a short 12 mile drive from Syracuse. As the town lacks almost any diversity, being 94.7 percent white as of the 2000 census, restaurants in the area are variation-deficient. Ranging from truck-stop-like diners, to mid-upscale eateries, the restaurants in Manlius tend to offer similar dishes, but at different levels of fanciness depending upon the location.
Open since 2002, Emily Kulkus of Syracuse.com describes Cafe 119 as a "delightful little jewel." Although a bit on the pricey side for this town, with entrees available for 15 to 18 dollars as of early 2010, this quaint establishment, complete with plenty of natural light, is open for lunch Monday through Thursday, and dinner Friday and Saturday. Owned by Chuck and Carol Porto, Cafe 119 is complete with a 14 table set-up that fills its narrow eating area. Enticing patrons at one end of the room is a dessert-filled display case.
Regarding specific dishes, Kulkus highly recommends the sliced pork tenderloin and broiled haddock. Peter Schaffer, also of Syracuse.com, recommends the chile-lime tilapia, but warns against Cafe 119's wine selection.
Cafe 119 119 E. Seneca St Manlius, NY 13104 315-682-1628
A classic All-American choice for breakfast or lunch, Dave's Diner is a standard, relaxing option for a simple sandwich or some eggs. As Dave's closes everyday at 3:00 pm, you have no choice but to enjoy the diner in the daylight. While the hours may be limited, the menu at Dave's seems to never end. Featuring 113 different dishes, as well as an extensive list of coffee choices, the menu at Dave's leaves patrons feeling satisfied, if not for the food, for the prices. With the most expensive dish being the chicken breast sandwich with bacon and cheese for $7.69 (as of 2010), this sunshine spot is sure to keep some leftover cash in your pocket. Other menu options include a chicken Caesar salad, a corned beef Reuben on rye, a fresh fried haddock sandwich, and ten different breakfast egg combinations.
Dave's Diner 119 West Seneca Street Manlius, NY 13104 315-682-1966 davesdinercaz.com/Customer_Site.html
Boasting a "very large menu not often found in diners," Kingsley's Family Diner is the joint project of Jeff, Patty, Linda, Kathy and Sean Kingsley. According to the restaurant's website, everything comes out fast, and homemade. Some items recommended by the Kingleys include Belgian waffles, Texas French toast, chicken and beef gyros, tuna melts, club sandwiches, and homemade soups. In the same vein as Dave's Diner, this recession-friendly restaurant has seven different breakfast specials for only $2.10, as of 2010.
Kingsley's Family Diner 315 Fayette St Ste 8 Manlius, NY 13104 315-682-6294 angelfire.com/biz/kingsleyfamilydiner/
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