Relax at this Posh New Coffee Shop and Cocktail Lounge in Syracuse

The coffee bar at Pausa Coffee in Syracuse, New York, emphasizes the features of the historic Falker building and features a posh and elegant aesthetic.

As a writer, I often find myself searching for an intimate experience, an energizing ambiance, and a restaurant, cocktail lounge, or coffee shop worth rambling about to share with readers. A few weeks ago, I decided to take a day trip out of Rochester and head for our friendly neighboring city to the east, Syracuse.

Full disclosure, I love riding the rails, so I decided to purchase a round-trip Amtrak ticket on the morning train and head for the Salt City. Within an hour and ten minutes, my train had arrived in Syracuse, so after a quick pit stop at the CNY Regional Market, I made my way to Armory Square.

One of the places on my list to check out was a newish coffee shop and cocktail lounge that recently opened on E. Water Street, Pausa Coffee. Pausa opened their doors on September 20, 2025, with the vision of creating a cocktail lounge and café that encourages a European ethos of taking a pause and slowing down from the daily grind.

An espresso martini sits next to a pair of playing cards at Pausa Coffee.

When you visit Pausa, the first thing you notice is the chic interior design that complements the exposed brickwork in the beautiful and historic Falker building, which was built in 1900. Like many local restaurants and bars in Armory Square, Pausa Coffee highlights and honors the beauty of the historic Salt City landmark, offering enticing views and a posh ambiance.

Pausa Coffee is a café and a cocktail lounge that permits some respite from a busy day, and encourages you to pause and enjoy the moment. The spirit of this lounging vibe takes shape with the intentional placement of playing card decks on all of the tables. As you sit and wait for your Pausa latte, a signature craft cocktail, or a curated charcuterie board, you’re invited to open up a deck, shuffle the cards, and play your favorite games.

Pausa is a small escape when traveling through Syracuse in Upstate New York. In a way, it is a portal to a relaxing time, alluring and full of elegance. This is truly a lounge where locals are spending time out with friends, and savoring the moment. If you find yourself in need of an espresso or just want a cool lounge to hang out at with a nice craft cocktail, Pause Coffee is the place to be.

A view from the backside of Pausa Coffee looking toward the front end of the lounge. You can see the beautiful antiquated wooden floors and the general vibe of the space.