Funk N' Waffles, It's Not For Breakfast!

Location(s)

If you haven’t heard of Funk N’ Waffles, it’s understandable – the restaurant only opened a few years ago and is hidden beneath Chuck’s bar in the alleyway known as Campus Plaza off of S. Crouse Ave. However, one trip to this hip café and I know you’ll be back, not only for the waffles but the entertainment as well!

Funk N’ Waffles was the brainchild of two Syracuse University students, Kyle Corea and Adam Gold, who began experimenting with waffles during their junior year, making and serving them at house parties for their friends. Kyle and Adam grew more serious about starting a business when they entered the $40,000 Panasci Business Plan competition during their senior year. They made the semi-finals, and although they didn’t win, they were awarded the honor for Creative Excellence, and their work for the competition gave them the momentum they needed to actualize their retail business. Within six months of their graduation, Kyle and Adam had a deal on the table to take over the La Tazza coffee house in Campus Plaza, and ever since they’ve been serving up funk and waffles to many satisfied customers.

Known simply as “Funk” to most SU students, it has become a popular venue for live music and “open mic” nights. The eclectic décor gives Funk a cozy and artsy feel, with brightly colored walls, mismatched vintage furniture, and dim lights illuminating the student artwork that adorns the walls.

Of course, a wide variety of both savory and sweet Belgian waffles are the main draw, but Funk serves up artisan roasted coffee and espresso, grilled panini sandwiches, fresh free-range egg sanwiches, Purity Ice Cream from Ithaca, and fresh fruit smoothies as well. Personally, I never visit Funk and don’t get a waffle. My all-time favorites are the Spinach, Feta & Salmon Waffle (for dinner) and the Whole-Wheat Walnut Waffle served with bananas and honey (for breakfast…or dessert!) If you really feel like indulging, or sharing with multiple friends, then try Funk’s most popular Brownie Waffle Sundae, a chocolate waffle topped with ice cream, chocolate sauce and fresh whipped cream. Unfortunately, I’ve never been brave enough to try it, but I’ve seen many munchie-crazed college kids scarf it down! Funk even features a waffle topped with Syracuse’s favorite Dinosaur BBQ pulled pork!

During the day, you’ll most likely find Funk to be a quiet café, with students reading, studying, on their laptops or enjoying the company of small groups. However, when evening hits the crowd picks up, especially if there is live music lined up for the night. Check the events calendar at www.funknwaffles.com to see the schedule of upcoming bands, or for open mic nights. Depending on the event, there could be a cover charge (Many SU student organizations hold fundraising events at Funk) but it’s usually never more than a few dollars.