Local lore claims that the building was originally a brothel, and Phoebe was its madam. The tin ceiling above the bar is original to the building and the name still honors Phoebe, but much has changed since those early days. William Eberhardt opened Phoebe's Garden Cafe in December of 1976 with a bistro style menu and an ornately carved wood bar. The ambiance exuded warmth. There was rich red brick walls, wide wood plank floors and deep green upholstery, all surrounded by lush green plants. The large atrium dining room was added in 1979, increasing seating and opening up the entire restaurant. This new addition instantly became a hit! The immense skylight bathed guests with natural light and even more greenery. In the summer of 2004, Phoebe's experienced a refreshing makeover rejuvenating the atrium dining room with fresh paint, new upholstery, and artwork. The bar and cafe areas received a softer touch with cool linen window treatments and warm shades of burgundy and cream. The coffee lounge, which also opened that year, quickly became a favorite among the nearby university students and business professionals. These changes marked a new chapter for Phoebe's, prompting a name change to reflect the updated attitude and ambiance: Phoebe's Restaurant and Coffee Lounge. Classic elements of Phoebe's remain untouched; the French onion soup, velvety deep dish quiche and enticing crème brulee, for example, but other menu items change seasonally. The Coffee Lounge serves as a full service take-out window for the lunch and dinner menu as well as all of the made-to-order coffee and espresso drinks. The Lounge also has a small seating area and free wireless internet capabilities. Present Day
Phoebe’s Restaurant and Coffee Lounge continues to refresh their menus seasonally to meet the evergrowing community surrounding them. You’ll enjoy lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. The coffee lounge and take out window continue to serve gourmet espresso drinks with beans sourced from Recess Coffee, a local favorite. The ambiance today has kept true to the original vintage style with brass rails, tin ceilings, untouched beautifully hand carved wood bar, warm woven wood window treatments along the cafes, beautiful wide plank wood floors and a soft, light and airy feel in the atrium. The parlor dining room has also received a new look with the addition of vintage Syracuse posters and fresh paint. Luscious plants can be found throughout as the ample natural light provides a great home to the vast amount of succulents, fig trees, ficus etc. Phoebe's old world charm makes you feel right at home in this revitalized area of the city. Located on the Connective Corridor on East Genesee Street across from Syracuse Stage and near Syracuse University, Phoebe's Restaurant remains a favorite stop for Syracuse Stage patrons, Syracuse locals, Syracuse University students, LeMoyne College students, travelers and those visiting loved ones at nearby hospitals. We invite you to join us and make Phoebe's Restaurant your new favorite place.
