If you’ve spent any significant time in North Syracuse, you know the corner of Grant Blvd and Pond St isn't just a random intersection. It’s a landmark. Specifically, it’s home to Change of Pace Sports Bar Syracuse NY, a place that feels like it’s been there forever because, well, it basically has. It’s the kind of joint where the floor might be a little sticky after a heavy Saturday night, but the wings are consistently some of the best in Central New York. No fluff. No pretension. Just a lot of TVs and a lot of blue cheese.
People talk about "neighborhood bars" all the time. Usually, they're just describing a place that sells cheap beer. But the Pace is different. You walk in and you’ll see a guy who probably hasn't missed an Syracuse University basketball game since the 80s sitting right next to a college kid who just turned 21 and is looking for a decent burger. It’s a melting pot of orange-clad fanatics.
What’s the Deal with the Wings at Change of Pace Sports Bar Syracuse NY?
Let's get the big one out of the way. If you’re coming here, you’re likely here for the wings. In a city that treats chicken wings with the same religious fervor as Buffalo, the competition is brutal. You have your heavy hitters like Tully’s (for the tenders, obviously) or the Blarney Stone, but the Pace holds its own with a very specific style.
They don't over-engineer them. Honestly, the beauty is in the simplicity. They’re crispy. They’re saucy but not "soup-at-the-bottom-of-the-bowl" saucy. Most regulars will tell you to go with the hot or the garlic wings, and they aren't wrong. There’s something about the way the skin bubbles up that just works. It’s that perfect high-heat fry that renders the fat out so you aren't biting into rubber.
A lot of places in Syracuse try to get fancy with "artisanal" flavors. You won't find a pomegranate-habanero glaze here. Thank god for that. Instead, you get the classics done with the kind of consistency that only comes from a kitchen that has put out thousands of orders a week for decades.
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The Atmosphere During an SU Game
The energy is different here. You’ve probably been to those corporate sports bars where the "cheering" feels a bit forced or people are mostly looking at their phones. Not at Change of Pace Sports Bar Syracuse NY. When the Orange are on, the volume goes up to about an eleven. It’s loud. It’s sweaty. It’s exactly what a sports bar should be.
The layout is pretty straightforward. You’ve got the bar area, plenty of tables, and TVs everywhere you look. There isn't a bad seat in the house if you’re trying to catch the game. It’s one of those spots where you can show up alone, grab a stool, and by the second half, you’re high-fiving the person next to you because Judah Mintz just hit a contested layup. It’s communal.
More Than Just a Game Day Spot
While the sports aspect is the big draw, the Pace actually functions as a legitimate neighborhood restaurant. Their menu is surprisingly deep for a place that identifies primarily as a bar.
- The Burgers: They’re hefty. No smash-burger trends here, just thick patties that require two hands and several napkins.
- The Pizza: Surprisingly underrated. It’s got that Central NY crust—slightly thicker than New York City style but not quite a pan pizza.
- Sandwiches: The steak sandwiches are usually the sleeper hit of the menu.
The service is what you’d expect from a seasoned crew. It’s efficient. Don't expect a thirty-minute conversation about the tasting notes of a craft IPA. The bartenders are there to move drinks and keep the peace, and they’re damn good at it. They handle a rush better than almost any staff in the city.
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Why the Location Matters
Being on Grant Boulevard puts it right in the heart of a real-deal residential area. It’s not in the middle of Armory Square where you have to pay twenty bucks for parking or deal with "club" vibes. You park in the lot, you walk in, you’re home. That accessibility is why it has survived while so many other bars have folded. It’s convenient for the people who actually live in Syracuse, not just the tourists visiting for a weekend.
The Reality of the "Old School" Vibe
Let’s be real for a second. If you’re looking for a gastro-pub with dim lighting and Edison bulbs, Change of Pace Sports Bar Syracuse NY will probably give you a bit of a shock. It’s old school. The wood is dark, the lighting is bright enough to actually see your food, and the decor is heavily tilted toward sports memorabilia.
Some might call it dated. Locals call it "not broken, so don't fix it." There’s a comfort in knowing that the place looks exactly the same as it did five years ago. In a world that’s constantly changing, there’s immense value in a bar that stays exactly the same. It’s a time capsule of Syracuse sports culture.
The prices have stayed relatively grounded, too. While inflation has turned a night out at most places into a major financial investment, you can still grab a beer and a plate of food at the Pace without feeling like you need a second mortgage. That’s a huge factor in why the "regulars" stay regulars.
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Navigating the Crowds
If you’re planning on going during a major game—think March Madness or a big Syracuse-Duke matchup—you need a game plan.
- Arrive early. Like, earlier than you think. If tip-off is at 7:00 PM, you should probably be walking through the door by 5:30 PM if you want a table.
- Be patient. When the place is packed to the rafters, the kitchen is under a mountain of wing orders. It’s worth the wait, but don't expect a ten-minute turnaround when there are 200 people in the room.
- Check the specials. They often run deals tied to the games that aren't always plastered on the front page of the menu.
The Verdict on Change of Pace
Is it the fanciest place in Syracuse? No. Is it the quietest? Definitely not. But Change of Pace Sports Bar Syracuse NY represents the soul of the city’s sports scene. It’s gritty, it’s loyal, and it’s consistently good. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why we go out to watch games in the first place—to be around people who care as much as we do, and to eat some food that’s definitely not on any doctor-approved diet list.
If you’re new to the area or just passing through for a game at the Dome, make the trip over to Grant Blvd. Grab an order of wings, ask for extra napkins, and just soak it in. You’ll get it once you’re there.
Actionable Next Steps
- Try the "Pace" Wings: Don't get overwhelmed by the menu. Start with a medium or hot order of their traditional wings to get the baseline experience.
- Follow the Schedule: Check the Syracuse University athletics calendar before heading out. If you want the "rowdy" experience, go during a game. If you want a quiet lunch, go on a Tuesday at 1:00 PM.
- Cash and Cards: They accept both, but having some cash on hand is always a "neighborhood bar" pro-tip for quicker service at the bar rail during half-time.
- Explore the Neighborhood: Since you’re already on the Northside, take a drive through the surrounding streets to see some of the classic Syracuse architecture that defines this part of town.