Western Ranch Motor Inn
A throwback to earlier times, the Western Ranch is among Syracuse’s best-kept secrets. Nestled in the heart of Syracuse at 1255 State Fair Boulevard, the Western Ranch Motor Inn is more than a restaurant; it’s a living piece of history. This beloved establishment, serving guests since 1955, is a testament to timeless charm, warm hospitality, and culinary excellence. The Western Ranch Motor Inn is open daily, serving dinner from 4pm to 9pm, with a late-night tavern menu from 9pm to 10pm. On Fridays, the bar and restaurant open early at 12pm, offering the perfect opportunity for a leisurely lunch or early start to your weekend plans. For more information and to see their live music schedule visit westernranchinn.com or check them out on Facebook for updated music, events, and specials information!
The Western Ranch Motor Inn was the brainchild of Ward Sturge, who founded it in 1955 with a vision of creating the most modern, welcoming retreat for travelers in Central New York. From the beginning, the rustic knotty pine interior set it apart, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere that felt like a home away from home. The original neon sign, still proudly lighting up the boulevard, is a nostalgic nod to its mid-century roots. In 1980, the Gaworecki family took ownership, bringing their personal touch and dedication to preserving the inn’s charm while evolving with the times. Under their stewardship, The Western Ranch has become a community landmark, blending its historical ambiance with wifi! Did you know that the Western Ranch Motor Inn is famous? It has been featured in movie scenes for American Dresser and The Mountain with Jeff Goldblum, as well as countless Syracuse University student film projects, commercials, shorts, and reality TV shows! It’s a rare piece of living history that welcomes guests to come and enjoy! Here’s a fun fact I just learned: it boasts a quirky claim to fame as an atomic bomb shelter, a unique detail that adds to its rich character. Through the decades, the Western Ranch has hosted countless diners, travelers, and special events, earning a reputation as a cherished gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
It’s always a great time to visit the Western Ranch and to make it even better, they offer incredible daily specials that showcase its culinary range with house made delights! On Monday they offer specialty burgers crafted from premium ingredients, including bison and elk, with your choice of cheeses and fresh toppings. Each burger is a masterclass in flavor and cooked to perfection. On Tuesdays grab some jumbo wings and hand-breaded chicken tenders in bold, house-made sauces like “Everything Bagel,” Bourbon Sauce, and Garlic Parmesan! Wednesday: Cans & Clams night, featuring tender little neck steamers and plump jumbo shrimp cocktails and of course beer specials. Treat yourself on Thursday to steak night with aged, hand-cut NY top sirloin, grilled to juicy perfection. Who doesn’t love fresh fish on Friday with unbeatable seafood specials such as haddock and Lake Ontario perch filets, as well as deep-fried frog legs, all fresh, flaky, and expertly prepared. Try your fish dish Nantucket style with crackers and butter! Saturdays boast a robust menu of beef, seafood, and BBQ options, ideal for weekend indulgence. Oh, and before I forget, the pizza is always made with fresh dough and the perfect treat (especially when paired with the amazing wings or tenders) for any day of the week! No matter what day you visit the Western Ranch Motor Inn, you truly can’t make a bad choice with anything on the menu! I think its impossible to leave with anything short of a full belly and a happy heart!
Kyle, the kids and I arrived at the Western Ranch on a snowy Friday evening. The Western Ranch has an irresistible charm that’s so hard to put into words, you just must experience it for yourself! It has this charmingly retro vibe, filled with nostalgia and warmth and it was precisely what we were looking for on a chilly Friday! Our Friday night visit was a delightful journey into the past, with holiday cheer adding an extra sparkle to the experience. On this Friday evening, the restaurant was transformed into a holiday wonderland. Twinkling lights, garlands, and festive decor created a magical ambiance that enveloped every diner in holiday spirit. The lively crowd added to the warmth, making it feel like a large, joyful family gathering. Our meal began with hand-breaded chicken tenders, fried to golden perfection. The exterior was crispy and flavorful, while the interior remained juicy and tender – a true testament to the kitchen’s skill. Maggie, our boisterous preschooler insisted on a cheeseburger (also know as a bam burger) so we ordered the huge half pound fresh black angus burger, served with fries, for them to split. I have to admit that Maggie made a great choice as the kids were thrilled with their cheeseburgers and fries, which were generously portioned and packed with flavor. The fries were golden and crispy, and the burger was thoroughly cooked yet still juicy – perfect for little diners with big appetites. Kyle opted for the Western Ranch’s signature dish, the unbeatable Open Prime Sirloin Steak Sandwich. This masterpiece featured tender, juicy steak served atop buttery garlic bread, crowned with crispy onion rings. Each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures, with the steak’s rich flavor complemented by the crunchy onion rings. Honestly, just order this sandwich, I promise you will be thrilled with this choice! I just couldn’t resist the Fresh Lake Ontario Perch Filets, which were deep-fried to perfection. The fish was flaky and delicate, encased in a crisp, golden coating that added the perfect crunch. Paired with a vibrant house salad featuring tangy Italian dressing and crumbly bleu cheese, as well as a side of their perfectly seasoned fries, it was a dish I’ll be dreaming about for weeks! The meal concluded with two show-stopping desserts: the Chocolate Raspberry Chambord Cake and the Oreo Raspberry Cheesecake. The Chambord cake was a luscious combination of moist chocolate layers and a subtle raspberry undertone that added elegance to every bite. The cheesecake was creamy and indulgent, with the perfect balance of rich Oreo and sweet raspberry flavors.
The Western Ranch Motor Inn is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cherished Syracuse institution that has stood the test of time. Keep them in mind for your upcoming events as they have availablity for up to 40 people. From its mid-century roots to its modern-day charm, it offers a unique blend of history, tradition, and culinary excellence. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, a meal here is an experience to savor – a step back in time paired with flavors you’ll never forget. Do yourself a favor and check out a piece of past, today!
