Syracuse, Central New York Says Goodbye to Strong Hearts: A Restaurant That Will Truly Be Missed
There are some restaurants you visit because you're hungry.
Then there are restaurants you visit because they simply make you feel good.
For my family, Strong Hearts has been one of those places.
My husband has been vegan for several years, and I have been working toward becoming vegan myself. Today, I'm definitely a vegetarian, and finding restaurants that offer flavorful, satisfying plant-based meals isn't always easy.
That's why learning that Strong Hearts is closing after 18 years serving Syracuse was genuinely disappointing. The owners shared that rising operating costs made it impossible to continue, bringing an end to a restaurant that has become a staple in our community.
A Restaurant That Never Disappointed
We've eaten at Strong Hearts many times over the years.
Honestly, we've never left disappointed.
If you've never been, here are a few of our favorites:
Their incredible Southwest Burger
The vegan Chicken Bacon BLT (one of my personal favorites!)
Crispy French fries
Fresh smoothies
Their amazing desserts
And of course...those famous milkshakes!
Even friends and family who weren't vegetarian or vegan would leave impressed. That's what made Strong Hearts so special—it wasn't just "vegan food." It was simply great food.
More Than a Restaurant
Strong Hearts helped introduce many people throughout Syracuse and Central New York to plant-based eating.
Long before vegan options became common, they showed our community that meals without meat could still be hearty, comforting, creative, and absolutely delicious.
Restaurants like this don't just serve food.
They build community.
They create memories.
They become part of our city's story.
Strong Hearts has done exactly that since opening in 2008.
Where Can You Find Great Vegan Food in Syracuse?
Thankfully, our area still has several wonderful places offering vegan or vegan-friendly options.
Here are a few worth checking out:
Nice Biscuit – Outstanding vegan biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, and coffee. Website: https://www.nicebiscuit.com
Thai Love NY – Excellent tofu dishes, curries, Pad Thai, and plenty of vegan-friendly menu choices. Website: https://www.thailoveny.com
Habiba's Ethiopian Kitchen – Ethiopian cuisine naturally offers many delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes full of flavor and spices. Website: https://www.habibaskitchen.com
Purple Banana – Smoothies, açaí bowls, fresh salads, juices, and healthy grab-and-go meals. Website: https://www.purplebanana315.com
The Sweet Praxis – Coffee shop with several vegan pastries and breakfast options. Website: https://www.thesweetpraxis.com
Dakshin Indian Cuisine – Indian cuisine features numerous naturally vegetarian and vegan dishes that are both filling and flavorful. Website: https://www.dakshinsyracuse.com
(Always check each restaurant's current menu, as vegan offerings may change.)
Support Local Businesses
The closing of Strong Hearts reminds us just how important it is to support locally owned businesses.
These restaurants employ our neighbors.
They sponsor local events.
They contribute to the character that makes Syracuse and Central New York such a wonderful place to call home.
When we choose local, we're investing in our community.
From Keys & Deeds Realty
At Keys & Deeds Realty, we believe loving where you live goes beyond finding the right home.
It's about celebrating the businesses, restaurants, and people who make our neighborhoods special.
To everyone at Strong Hearts—
Thank you for 18 years of incredible food, welcoming smiles, and unforgettable meals. You will truly be missed.
And if you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in Syracuse or Central New York, we'd love the opportunity to help you find a place to call home.
Ready to make your next move?
Contact Keys & Deeds Realty today.
