Original Grain, a "fast casual" restaurant serving healthy food like grain and sushi bowls, blended teas and more, was brought to Downtown through a partnership between three young, pro-downtown Syracuse entrepreneurs: Matt Godard, owner of the Cafe Kubal coffee roasters and retail shops; Eric Hinman, owner of Urban Life Athletics fitness gym; and Chris Bily, a former partner in the Modern Malt gastro diner in Armory Square.
The grain bowls, featuring bases like quinoa, and other healthful options will be familiar to those who have been to CoreLife Eatery, an "active lifestyle" restaurant that opened adjacent to the Chuck Hafner's Farm Stand at Taft and Buckley roads in North Syracuse last year. Godard calls that a "fair comparison," but says Original Grain brings a more "West Coast" influence to the idea, by bringing things such as acai berries, yellowfin tuna, poke sushi bowls and kelp noodles to the menu, staying true to their "Cali Vibes. NY Fresh," tagline. Bottled water, coffee, tea, bottled kombucha, draft beers and smoothies round out the beverage menu.
The space at 302 S. Salina St is an ideal location to appeal to the Downtown Syracuse crowd. I've now been here twice, the first time on my own and the second for a recent Yelp Elite Event. The inside is a very nicely, modernly decorated space, but is right on the line of almost too hipster. I let it slide, cause there are tributes to 90s acts like Notorious B.I.G. around, and being a huge Biggie fan, it made me go a little lighter on my assessment.
However, the order set up is a tad confusing. The counter facing South Salina Street looks like the right spot, but the overhead menu board lists only drinks, smoothies and breakfast items. Turn your head around the corner to the right towards the angled side of the counter and you'll see the heart of the menu.
The first time I was here, once I figured out how/where to order, I went with their Ruckus sandwich, the name being an homage to 90s hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan's hit single "Bring Da Ruckus." The Ruckus is a sandwich on brioche, filled with braised short rib, pickled onions, avacado, jalepenos, and OG's rad sauce.
Sandwich was made relatively quickly and was delicious. The meat was great, and the pickled onions, jalapenos and avacado added a sweet, tangy, crunchy texture. It was also piled HIGH with meat. A $9 sandwich, but they definitely give you your money's worth on it.
I finally got a chance to give them a second go recently for a Yelp Elite Event. They offered us pulled chicken/pork sliders and several different kinds of their nori wraps. I was excited to try the nori wraps, as I'd stayed away from them not sure whether or not I would like them, but I surprisingly very much enjoyed them. They offered us 3 different kinds - Korean short rib, bahn mi and "mana, nah", their vegetarian version and my personal favorite of the three.
It's a big space, but the way it's set up, I wouldn't recommend coming with a big group for a sit down meal. They also like to blast the music, so a lot of yelling over it if you're looking to converse with your guest. The employees are all very nice and pleasant to deal with.
Overall, I like the place. Being downtown, it's not a place I'll come all the time since it's just not my scene, but I'd definitely recommend everyone giving it a try. read more