Syracuse mayor extends weekend Walton Street closure for dining, shopping through September

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The weekend conversion of Walton Street in Armory Square into a two block, open air café and shopping area will continue through the month of September.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh on Friday announced that the City of Syracuse will continue to close the 100 and 200 blocks of Walton Street for outdoor dining in the right of way on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at least through the weekend of Sept. 25.

“The public response to outdoor dining on Walton Street has been even stronger than we anticipated. The City started this program to draw shoppers and diners downtown and to help businesses serve more customers despite COVID-19 restrictions on indoor capacity, and it’s working on both counts,” Walsh said. “It’s been a great partnership with businesses in Armory Square who have helped plan the program and added other attractions like outdoor music and ‘parklet’ outdoor eating spaces.”

“Sales at Kasai Ramen grew exponentially with the start of outdoor dining, and it’s continued to get better every week,” Kyle Mastropietro, owner of Kasai Ramen restaurant at 218 Walton St., said. “I think it’s opened our business to people who would not have otherwise seen us. It is helping in very way you want to grow your business, and from what I see, it’s helping other businesses grow, too.”

During the street closure, transit access to the Armory Square district is available through Centro and the SYNC Bicycle share program. Parking options include the Atrium garage at 115 W. Fayette St. and the Clinton Street garage at 401 S. Clinton St., along with  other nearby options that include the Washington Street garage, Armory Square Trolley Lot, Fayette-Clinton lot, and the Center Armory garage, per the City’s news release.

“Outdoor dining has been a great hit for Pita Dream. The additional foot traffic has been a huge support for us as a new business,” said Fahed Saada, owner of Pita Dream, which opened at 214 Walton St. this summer. “It brings back life to Armory Square.”