Clark's Ale House

Clark's Ale HouseClark's Ale House
Clark's Ale HouseClark's Ale House
Bar, Eatery

122 West Jefferson Street
Syracuse, New York, 13202
United States

// CLOSED //

CLARKS WILL BE CLOSING - SATURDAY SEPT 25, 2010, LAST DAY OF BUSINESS

We are sad to announce that after 18 wonderful years Clark's Ale House will be closing. Our last day of bsiness will be Saturday September 25 ! (Yes this week !) We apologize for the short notice but circumstances related to the expansion of the Landmark Theatre were beyond our control.

Words cannot describe how grateful we are for the 18 years of your patronage ! Great People respond to Great Ideas - You, the customers, have made Clarks the very special and unique place it has been. We will miss you all !
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.31
Reviews:
39
Ratings:
39
pDev:
7.19%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Photo of DrinkbythePond
Reviewed by DrinkbythePond from Pennsylvania

4.56/5  rDev +5.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
I was in Syracuse for fishing at a nearby lake, but it was too windy so Saturday was BEER day. We stopped by Clark's in mid-afternoon. I love the setup with barrels outside and inside reminded me of pubs in London. I liked how the beer was sorted by temperature. I wasn't overwhelmed by the selection, but after our other stops for day, we were only there for one. They had a nice mix of styles, local brews, and reliable ones. You can never go wrong with Ommegang Hennepin. The prices seemed right and place was definitely low key. I didn't try the food, but I'd definitely go back for a beer.
May 10, 2010
Photo of skenyon1811
Reviewed by skenyon1811 from New York

4.4/5  rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
This is my favorite bar in Syracuse, with Dinosaur coming in a very close second.

A: The atmosphere here is very relaxing. There is the bar area downstairs and a lounge/loft area open year round. During nice weather they open up the outside patio.

Q: The quality of the food and beer is top of the line. You can tell the clean the keg lines often. They switch beers out often so they would have to.

Ser: All the employees are great. They are friendly and funny, they never make you wait long for a beer.

Sel: I always love the types of beers they bring in. They are never tight with their samples. My only complaint is that sometimes they favor one type of beer over another. They might have 5 IPAs on tap and 1 Stout.

F: The food is sparse but good. You can get there staple, the roast beef sandwich. They also offer cheese platters and soups. I am a big fan of their pickled eggs.

V: The pricing varies. One beer maybe $3 while the tap next to that is $6. You can always go with a $2 Gennee Cream Ale.
Apr 29, 2010
Photo of TonyReaves
Reviewed by TonyReaves from Maine

4.13/5  rDev -4.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
After Dinosaur BBQ, this is the first bar my Syracuse-dwelling friend took me to, and I can see why. I love the two-story layout. By the bar, there are narrow bench-style tables. Great vibe. Friendly, just the right balance between cozy and upscale (which is to say, leaning more toward cozy).

As the t-shirts on the wall say, Clark's has 22 taps and one sandwich. Didn't try the sandwich, but the taps were a good balance of local and regional breweries. They had a house ale on cask brewed by the local Middle Ages brewery. And as far as I could tell, they had one bottle (besides Kaliber), and that was St. Barnardus 12.

Service was prompt and knowledgeable. They serve full pints of Imperial-strength beers for just a couple dollars more. I can see why it's my friend's main haunt.
Mar 20, 2010
Photo of animalchin
Reviewed by animalchin from North Carolina

4.68/5  rDev +8.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
Being a Syracuse native most of my life - my old man always told me that Clark's was the place to be. I was going there even as a kid to have their incredible roast beef sandwiches - which to this day are still absolutely top-notch.

The atmosphere is what in my opinion a bar should always be like. It's never too crowded, and the people that are there are always willing to talk to others.

I'm pretty sure the bartenders there have been the same people since I can remember. They are VERY knowledgeable about the beer they serve.

The beers on tap usually change when I go - the last time I went I was lucky enough to try the Sierra Nevada Anniversary Ale paired with a roast beef sandwich along with their fine smoked Gouda cheese.

Nothing too pricey either - the service and beer choice is makes it all justifiable.

If you ever go to Syracuse, stopping by at Clark's is a MUST. When I'm home from college, I always make it a point to stop here.
Jan 27, 2010
Photo of JustinJTisdale
Reviewed by JustinJTisdale from New York

4.9/5  rDev +13.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
This is my favorite bar. Its the first bar I went to when I turned 21 and with good reason, they probably have the most complete collection of various beers in syracuse aside from maybe a specialty bottle store.

The staff there are great and easy to get to know. Above all else though these people KNOW beer and arent afraid to answer any questions or let you sample a beer or 2 on the house.

The food (although limited menu) is amazing! Greatest roast beef sandwich in the entire world hands down!
Jan 19, 2010
Photo of Minotaur
Reviewed by Minotaur from Pennsylvania

4.28/5  rDev -0.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
This is a beer lover's beer bar. Usually a representation of styles on draft and more in bottle. Some local or domestic: many imported

They only serve a few foods. I don't like roast beef, but this sandwich is fantastic. As are the cheese and coldcut platters.

There is no attitude on the part of patrons or tenders. Everyone there knows the beer or will let you taste it if you have any questions or deliberation.

At one stop another patron got rather sick in the bathroom and made the place very... unpleasant to walk in to. The bartender and workers were overly apologetic to us and worked to make us comfortable. Though we weren't even particularly upset about it.
Dec 20, 2009
Photo of Hojaminbag
Reviewed by Hojaminbag from Colorado

4.2/5  rDev -2.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
First of all, I think I should mention that Clark's takes CASH ONLY, no plastic.

Clark's Ale has is two floors in the armory district of Syracuse. Tall tables downstairs in front of the bar, and normal sized tables upstairs. Some seating outside also.

There are between 20 and 25 beers on tap, and you can get whole pints of half pints. I had a Dark Horse Scottie Karate.

When I went there was also the cask ale festival, which was great. 25 or so cask ales to choose from.

Service at the bar seems fine, it is a walk up counter to order beer and food. Service at the cask ale station was excellent and friendly.

Clark's only serves two sandwiches: roast beer and turkey. That is ok with me, because the beef was fantastic, and it is the perfect night-time beer food. It came with horseradish and brown mustard, which I also dig.

Overall I had a good experience at Clark's, and I will return if I ever get the chance.
Dec 12, 2009
Photo of jzeilinger
Reviewed by jzeilinger from Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -16.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 2
I've been to this place only a few times and they have a really nice beer selection. The big attraction to this place is the good beer selection and alot of beer vibe. It's like the "anti-Blue Tusk". I think alot of beer people, especially transients like myself might go to the tusk, but I've found Clark's to be way cooler. It's a better crowd, relaxed, casual, and a very nice beer selection. My only gripes are the very limited food menu and the fact they only take cash - that's a HUGE drawback for me. The parking for this section of Syracuse pretty much s*cks, that being said, I would frequent Clark's more often if they'd offer more food selection and start taking some plastic. For the business traveler, it's not real friendly. On the other hand, who's the bulk of the clientelle? The locals. I understand, you have to cater to who pays the bills and the occassional transients like myself don't. There's alot I like about Clark's, and alot I don't. If you're into cool beer, I would make this a stop.
Dec 11, 2009
Photo of deapokid
Reviewed by deapokid from Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -14.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 2.5 | food: 5
Visited on 07/18 - reviewing from notes:

Stopped in alone for a nightcap after a few hours over at The Blue Tusk.

Quiet locale for those seeking a peaceful glass of ale and a few bar games. Quaint and small bar is nice to saddle up to, even if the lack of music and extremely small crowd can make it a bit awkward on a Saturday evening.

Positively, all draught beer is served at the proper temperature for its style (two separate coolers are used for the kegs; one set at 42 degrees and the other at 52 degrees).

Bartender was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, chatting up his favorite pilsners and IPAs, while I talked his ear off about the time I realized that they carried Three Floyds Alpha King on draught (this has got to be the only place I've ever even seen their beers... except on eBay).

There are 20 or so taps and I'm told they rotate quite often. Unfortunately, the selection left something to be desired on the night of my visit.

Beers ranged from Brooklyn Brown and Blunderbus (which I tried and enjoyed), Guinness, Genny Cream Ale, Prior Dark, Franziskaner Hefe, Yuengling Bock, Ommegang Hennepin and several other decent selections. There really wasn't anything exciting or outrageous (which I'd come to expect per the Three Floyds). Their current bottle offering (they usually only carry one) was bomber-sized Maredsous Double.

Now for the best part of the evening, the roast beef sandwich, which has to be the best I've ever had.

Meat was pouring out of the sides of the oniony and fresh Geddes Bakery roll and beef was perfectly cooked, moist and delicious. The side of horseradish was also a nice treat, since it was strong enough to kill an ox and so intense my eyes started to water uncontrollably.

Also of note was the price, which was a meager $11 for a seasonal offering and an top-notch sandwich at 1AM. Despite the bar's faults, that was enough to send me off a satisfied customer.
Jul 28, 2009
Photo of icemanrulz
Reviewed by icemanrulz from New York

3.88/5  rDev -10%
vibe: 5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Sitting down to write a review of one of the most revered beer bars in town, I determined that Clark's Ale House is a bit of an enigma. It has all the intangibles of a spectacular beer bar; relaxed atmosphere, classic bar games, and a step-over-your-mother-just-to-get-one roast beef sandwich, but, for me, it falls slightly short of all the hype and buildup. Now, take this with a grain of salt, because I have always been partial to the Blue Tusk, Clark's only beer bar rival in town. But after spending my college years never venturing much beyond the realm of Armory Square, I figured it was time to give it a try.
Walking in, you feel like you're about to enjoy a spectacular beer drinking experience. The bar is thin, just enough room for the bar itself and a row of tables lining the windows. There's also seating above the bar upstairs. The lighting is dim, sporting a plethora of beer paraphernalia. What's more, it's quiet. A place where you can actually sit, enjoy a beer, and not have to shout over loud music, ridiculous crowds, or amazingly, the SU game (they don't have any TVs). I was instantly reminded of a couple great pubs I visited in Belgium and The Netherlands, where the only objective in coming in is to enjoy some of the best beer around with some good friends. But this was where the similarities waned.
I came in with a bunch of beer enthusiasts with the expectation of having a never-ending list of beers to choose from, based on all we had heard of the place. What we got, however, was a decidedly limited list of 22 beers on draught, a smattering of bottled beer, and a bartender who seemed genuinely disinterested in discussing the different beers they DID have available. After the initial let down of limited selection passed, I settled on a Lake Placid Ubu Ale, an old failsafe, and a roast beef sandwich. I sat down with my brew and sandwich feeling a bit disappointed, but that was soon to change.
Believe me when I say, all disappointment from the beer selections faded instantly when they produced their signature heaping pile of roast beef and onions on an onion roll. The sandwich is so good it would make a grown man cry. Clark's only offers a couple food options, but what they lack in variety they make up for in quality. I'm not sure who boasts the best hot roast beef sandwich in the world, but I'd take the Pepsi Challenge with Clark's any day of the week.
After a couple Ubu's, a roast beef sandwich, and a couple failed attempts at Ring the Bull, I felt satisfied overall in my first Clark's experience. The prices were moderate, $6 for the sandwich, which I would easily have paid double for, and competitive for the beer. I will say that you'll get a better selection from bars like The Flying Saucer, The Blue Tusk, or even the Ale House down the road in Binghamton, but the atmosphere and food more than make up for it. As long as you don't have the place built up in your mind like I did that the beer selection is tantamount to the book selection at the Library of Congress, you will not be disappointed. Make it a stopping point if you're in Syracuse, and DO NOT PASS ON THE ROAST BEEF!!
Apr 07, 2009
Photo of mattp
Reviewed by mattp from New York

4.43/5  rDev +2.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
A great place to drink great beers and meet friends. They usually keep several seasonals on tap as well as a rotating selection of year round beers. And where else can you get Croghan bologna outside of Croghan. Unlike a couple of the other beer bars nearby it is possible to have a conversation and hear the other person. No television on premises so don't go there to watch the game.

The food is simple but good. Roast beef or turkey sandwiches, soup, slaw, and cheese and cracker platters.

Now if they would only open a bar in Albany.
Jan 29, 2009
Photo of akronzipfan
Reviewed by akronzipfan from Ohio

4.1/5  rDev -4.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 5
Stopped here twice over the past weekend with somewhat different results. After walking from Empire Brewing on Friday, I took a seat ot the bar and was immediately impressed with the low-key surroundings and the ample beer selection, many of them truly hard-to-find. After looking around I requested the Creme Brulee Stout from Southern Tier. The bartender immediately suggested, rather curtly might add, that I try a half pint first on account of the 10% ABV (I presume). My buddy ordered a hand drawn cask ale and we both had a famous Clark's roast beef sandwich with onions and NY cheddar. The sandwich was simply fantastic and the stout was rather extraordinary. How can something so sweet in one sense somehow manage to be so drinkable as well?

Since I enjoyed the sandwich so much, I stopped back again before the UA-SU football game on Saturday and had another, this one all to myself :) The bartenders in the daylight were INFINITELY more courteous and helpful. I sampled a number of excellent brews before settling on a pint of Spaten Octoberfest which was excellent.

Clark's is a fine establishment, and as noted by many a "must" when in Syracuse. BTW, they have a community chalk board above the urinal in the men's room. It's a PERFECT place to write "GO ZIPS!" just before a sweet victory!
Sep 08, 2008
Photo of Reagan1984
Reviewed by Reagan1984 from Massachusetts

4.36/5  rDev +1.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Last night the Blue Tusk & Dinosaur BBQ.. Today Clark's Ale House.

Clark's was the clear winner when it came to enjoing a few brews with a friendly/informative waitstaff.

Clark's offers just over 20 beers on tap and this selection does a very nice job of crossing almost all of the main styles available. I can assure you that every visitor will find one that they will enjoy. The beer lines were clean (wish I could say the same for the Blue Tusk) and samples flowed freely.

Other patrons were very friendly and we even were asked to try some of the $10 Belgian beer that others had purchased. Very friendly crowd. For the record, yes we later bought them as round in thanks for the taste.

If you are in Syracuse you need to hit both this and the Blue Tusk. If you only have one hour I clearly vote for Clark's Ale House. You will not be disappointed.
Very nice spot
Jun 05, 2008
Photo of number1bum
Reviewed by number1bum from Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev -4.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Clark's is a very unimposing place, not at all pretentious and frankly just a great, laid back place to have a beer. They have 20ish taps and one hand pump with Middle Ages Armory Ale on it, which is great. On a recent visit the tap selection was pretty mediocre, with nothing very exotic and not even a wide range of options in terms of style. That was a little disappointing, but generally the selection and quality are pretty solid. Food is very limited but the roast beef sandwich is the best in Syracuse, so it is a must. You don't need anything else. Prices are VERY reasonable. Clark's is absolutely a place you need to visit on a trip to Syracuse, and if I had to choose between Clark's and the Blue Tusk I'd take Clark's just because I know I can get a great beer at a reasonable price.
Apr 30, 2008
Photo of Drewtholomew
Reviewed by Drewtholomew from New York

3.63/5  rDev -15.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 2.5 | food: 4
Best place to get a beer in Syracuse. They have trivia Wednesday nights at 8, no money to play and winners get a round, usually about 20 groups play. They usually have about 20 beers on tap, one cask ale made for them by Middle Ages in Syracuse, which isnt bad for a change of pace. Good variety of beer and they rotate out at least 2 or 3 beers per week. Food is very limited to roast beef sandwiches beef, barley soup, pickled eggs and cheese and cracker plates. No TVs or music which is nice in a college town. Bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly.
Apr 29, 2008
Photo of twj410
Reviewed by twj410 from Virginia

4.03/5  rDev -6.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
After a long day, Clark's Ale House provided a great place to grab a sandwich and a couple beers. While the menu provided little choice, the restaurant executed the food it served with near perfection. Their selection of beers appealed to a variety of tastes and price ranges.

A trip to Clark's must include their roast beef sandwich. This tender, moist sandwich (with cheddar cheese and onions, of course) may be the best value in Syracuse. For around $5, dinners get a pile of roast beef that overhangs a delicious and fresh onion roll. Fresh red onions and incredible New York State cheddar can be added to the sandwich. Although not available when I visited, roast Clark's also offers turkey or half turkey/half roast beef sandwiches on its chalkboard menu.

Clark's also offered between 20 and 30 different draft beers. Not being from Syracuse, I took the opportunity to try a local beer created by Middle Ages, Syracuse Pale Ale. This Pale Ale proved to be an okay beer to complement, but not overpower, the sandwich. And at under $4, created proved to be a great value for a local beer.

I also took advantage of their St. Patrick's Day special, a two dollar pint of Genesee Cream Ale. A nostalgic reminder of my college days in Upstate New York.

The knowledgeable chef/bartender provided my fellow guests with good suggestions that expanded their beer horizons based upon their "normal beer" choice. His suggestions more than satisfied by companions.

Overall, I recommend Clark's for the unique atmosphere and sandwiches and suggest starting or ending an evening in Syracuse with a seat at any of their barrel tables.
Apr 07, 2008
Photo of blitz134
Reviewed by blitz134 from California

4.4/5  rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
My first stop while out on a Saturday night in Syracuse. Stopped in for dinner.

I find this place cool. Its kind of like a coffee shop except you drink beer. Small downstairs, but some seating up stairs. Very few tables and only 4 bartop seats. But this atmosphere is just cool. Its how I imagine a good pub that you'd stop into daily should be. Not pretentious at all. There was a guy playing an accordian too...pretty cool.

Good selection of beer, no crap on tap. Had some local stuff, some regional and some stuff from the Great Lakes region including some 3F's and some MI breweries. They have a house ale on hand pump as well. Sweet!

Great service. Bartenders knew their beer. Samples were given freely in fresh glasses each time.

I had the roast beer sandwich. This is fresh cut beef. Also had the beef and barley soup, good stuff as well. Limited menu, but this is a no frills place.

Decent prices too. I'll be back here the next time I'm in the 'cuse.
Mar 06, 2008
Photo of sbe1
Reviewed by sbe1 from New York

4.5/5  rDev +4.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
This is the pioneer craft beer bar in Syracuse. The very first and still among the best in the city. I almost always close out the night here when I come upstate to visit friends and family. I don't understand why, but the place is always not very crowded when I stop in there. It has a great low key, quiet atmosphere, like a sleepy English pub. I love this kind of atmosphere and I'm almost glad it's has a small crowd on late weekend nights, even though it's probably not good for their business. Clark's is in a beautiful old building around the corner from the Landmark Theater. Interior is dark wood and brick everywhere, with big windows overlooking the street. Service is knowledgeable, competent, and quick. The food menu is very limited, but very well done. Prices are reasonable for a craft beer bar.

So grab yourself a pint of Prior Dark and a cheddar plate with mustard and horseradish and enjoy!
Dec 01, 2007
Photo of Birdox
Reviewed by Birdox from New York

4.78/5  rDev +10.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Clark's Ale House is an excpetional Brew Pub. Great place to hang out before a show at the Landmark or to just kick back and have some great beer and a delicious roast beef sandwich. They have a great selection of beers and the service is outstanding. The staff behind the bar work well together whether it is getting you a drink right away or letting you sample a beer you may be interested in. They are knowledgeable and friendly. Prices are very reasonable and I highly recommend you stop by the next time you are near Armory Square.
Oct 07, 2007
Photo of WillieMoe
Reviewed by WillieMoe from Massachusetts

4.75/5  rDev +10.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
This is one of my favorite haunts in Syracuse. They always have a great selection of beers on tap, with a wide variety of styles available, to please just about every kind of beer drinker. With no TV or jukebox, this place is all about great beer, good conversation and top notch roast beef. I've been going here pretty regularly for about 4 years now and it never disappoints. The staff are very knowledgable of the beers and can help you out if you don't know what to get. It's an especially great place to go if you're looking to try new and different beers. At Clark's it's all about 22 beers and one great sandwich. (Well you can get turkey in the afternoon as well.) This continues to be my favorite place in Syracuse to drink and be merry.
Jul 29, 2007
Photo of BeerHonky
Reviewed by BeerHonky from New York

4.78/5  rDev +10.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Syracuse, not being the largest city in New York, may seem like an unlikely place for an exceptional beer bar. But don't let you're preconceptions fool you. Syracuse knows beer, and so does Clark's. This is a beer bar and nothing else. No music, no televisions, and no meatheads bumping into you every five minutes. In otherwords, no fuss and no gimmicks.

When I still lived in Syracuse I couldn't go a week without stopping in at least once, if not three or four times. Inside you'll find a quiet and cozy atmosphere that actually allows you to have a good conversation while enjoying some great beer. They have 22 taps with about half of them pouring their old standby's: Genny Cream, Spaten, Amstel, Strongbow, and a few others I can't remember. The other taps change on a "how fast they're finished" basis. Some taps change as fast as once a week. They always have beers ready to fill the lines.

On top of having good beers, they have the best common-man food ever: The fresh roast beef sandwhich. They also have turkey sandwhiches, but those are only available during lunch hours, as the turkey dries out after being under the heat for too long. If you're feeling a little fancier, you can go for a cheese plate with your choice of cheddar, smoked gouda, brie, or (if you even dare) limburger! And lastly, for discerning tastes, you can try one of their fantastic pickeled eggs. I had never had one before coming to Clark's, and now I make my own all the time.

Now, if you ask me, the most important thing about a bar is service. The bar tenders are usually total beer nerds and will help you choose a beer if you don't know what you're getting into. If they haven't offered, don't be afraid to ask to try something first. Just go in with an open mind and don't be a jackass. I can't tell you how many times I've seen college kids come in late at night only to be completely disappointed that they can't get a Budweiser or Labatt Blue. And if beer isn't your thing, they also have a small selection of wines and soda.

Come to Clark's for a relaxing place to read a book, play some board games, or just enjoy a beer in the afternoon sun. You will not be disappointed.
Nov 24, 2006
Photo of williamherbert
Reviewed by williamherbert from New York

4.3/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
To me there are few things more enjoyable in this world than sitting at Clark's at about 7PM on a snowy winter's night, reading the paper or hanging out with friends over a roast beef sandwich and/or a beef barley soup. No loud music, and no TVs, just a nicely-lit brewpub with three distinct sections (bar area, back room, upstairs) with different atmospheres.

The beer selection isn't as vast as, say, the Blue Tusk around the corner, but the prices are good and they are constantly rotating their selections. The roast beef is good 9 out of 10 times (except when it's a little too chewy, but that's a personal preference).

Clark's has Trivia Night every Wednesday at 8:30 and it's free to play. This is usually the busiest night of the week. The bar is rarely packed, but there are always people there. The service does go down with larger crowds, especially when novices with only credit cards or who only like Bud Light are asking to sample every tap in the place. (The bar is cash only, and the nearest ATM is a block away, so get cash beforehand.)

I'd have to say it's my favorite bar in Syracuse. You can sit outside in the summer and watch the cars and people walk by, or sit in the cozy bar area in the winter and try 3-4 beers without breaking your wallet wide open.
Sep 16, 2006
Photo of foamee
Reviewed by foamee from Maryland

4.22/5  rDev -2.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
Clark's is a beer drinkers bar. Although there is a back room and an upstairs, the bar is cozy and intimate. The is no jukebox and no TV. Chit chat and bar games are the only diversions from drinking beer. The ale list and lager list are posted separately and both styles are served at their appropriate temperatures. The 22 beers are mostly regionals with a few internationals thrown in. The bartenders are quite knowlegable and can recommend beers to your taste. The roast beef sandwich is wonderful.
Aug 30, 2006
Photo of tempest
Reviewed by tempest from New York

4.13/5  rDev -4.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
Heck of a bar. Great, cozy atmosphere. Very clean and comfortable. 22 taps of good and great beer. No macro junk clogging the tap lines here.

Very friendly service. The bartenders are always quick with a sample and more than happy to help anyone unsure of what to order. These guys really know their stuff and like I've already said, are quite friendly.

22 taps with 2 casks of quality brew qualifies fairly good, but not great selection. I'm always a little annoyed by the cider taking up taps, but thats just me.

Almost no food selection, but like the beer, what they have is good. Usually one fresh roast beef sandwich, and a selection of cheeses and other good beer food. Also saw Norwiegan sardines on the menu. I hope someone tries that with beer and writes a review.

A must stop in Syracuse, as well as one of the cheapest bars in syracuse. $2.75 Saranac for example. Only a short walk from the Tusk, check it out.
Mar 20, 2006
Photo of greggdogg
Reviewed by greggdogg from New York

4.15/5  rDev -3.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 3 | food: 4
This is a beer bar. Period. It's not pretty, has the feel of a real pub. You are there to drink. Or perhaps eat.

That said, it's small. But it's almost always quiet.

They have a pretty good rotating offering of beer, although not quite the selection of Blue Tusk down the street. Beers are served at 38F or 55F, unless it's the cask-conditioned Clark's Pale Ale (Middle Ages IPA).

As other reviewers have mentioned, the sandwich is great. They recently raised prices, but for a legitimate reason. At $5.50, it's still a pretty good deal but it adds up when you're buying for the girlfriend.
Mar 15, 2006
Photo of dlee
Reviewed by dlee from New York

4.33/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Clarks is next to Armory Square next to the landmark theater about a block away from the Blue Tusk. A great social bar, no TV, no music. A great bright and relaxed atmosphere.

Clarks has been open since 1992, and seems like it needs to be refurbished. It is a bit dirty lately, and the last time I went in it had an odd smell. It could use a fresh coat of paint.

There are about 20 beers on tap, including 1 cask conditioned "armory ale", which is really the IPA from Middle Ages. They rotate their beers regularly, and they do a good job representing all of the popular styles and countries so that everyone should find one that they really like.

the service is good and knowledgable.

There is a small food menu. The cheese and crackers are good. The beef and barley soup is good. What Clarks is known for is their roast beef sandwich which I have had many times. It is very inconsistant, from spectacular to dissapointing. The last time I had it the bun was stale. The time before, though, it was perfect and the beef was tender and medium-rare. Try it with the horseradish. Also, the pickled eggs in the cooler behind the bar are a must-try.
Mar 15, 2006
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Reviewed by slander from New York

4.3/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Last night in Syracuse, dinner with the Carolinas and then back to the hotel. Surprise, it's snowing. I let Mark know that I am indeed heading out to Clark's Ale House shortly, and that he doesn't have to go if he's afraid of beer, and yellow. Most surprising is the call from him 10 minutes later, he's down in the lobby and ready to go by the time I get there...
I don't know where we are but I think, no, I feel like if we went a block and a half that way, hooked a right and then a quick right, we'd be back at Blue Tusk. Can these places be tucked in so close together? No matter. Focus. Clark's. Parked, trodded through the snow in my year round, all weather boat shoes, and drank beer. The bar here is more like a low counter, no stools, no congregating there. It's like "get your beer and go away", but they're cordial and really you can hang and chat if you want. 2 dozen taps in a row and a pair of casks behind the counter. The taps hold a few local Middle Age beers (Winters Wizard, Syracuse Pale Ale, Raspberry Ale), some regionals (Cooperstown Pride of Milford, Sackets Harbor, Saranac Amber & Black Forest, Gene Cream Ale, Magic Hat 9, Harpoon Winter Warmer, Stoudts Abbey Triple, Post Road Pumpkin), beyond (Sierra Celebration, Rogue Dead Guy, Redhook Winterhook), some imports (Youngs Winter Warmer, Belhaven Twisted Thistle, Franziskaner Hefe, Guiness, Spaten, Becks Light), and a few ciders (Strongbow and a pair of Woodchucks). The pair of casks come from Middle Ages (X Anniversary Ale & ImPaled Ale). A pair of raised bar tables sit between the 3 bar counter tables along the tall front windows facing out on Jefferson. Brick here and yellow painted walls there, giant red duct work, beer signs & mirrors, wood posts under the perch above, ivy running the length overhead, and blackboards listing the tap selections and wines up high. At the end of the bar lives a giant roast beast under a heat lamp. The food menu is RB and Turkey sandwiches and a selection of cheeses (Gouda, Cheddar, Limberger, Brie), slicers to the rear and sides in the cooler behind the bar with some wines. To the left of the bar rests a large ring on a string that you have to land on a hook bar game. I saw people throwing it over their shoulder or letting it drop from resting off their heads. Also a stack of board games there (Connect 4, Scrabble, Janga, Checkers, Trivial Pursuit, Cards, Go, Old Maid, Chess).
Accessible from both ends of the room, the perch above the bar holds nearly a dozen tables, the area decorated with framed old black & whites and newspaper ads of ancient Syracuse breweries. In the side room, a handful of tables, a big red phantom tollbooth, darts, and some guy playing a guitar.
Comfortable, beers were fresh, folks friendly enough on this Wednesday night, roast beast, and growler pours here, too.
Feb 20, 2006
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Reviewed by HankNew from Spain

4.08/5  rDev -5.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
While Clark's definitely has a very quiet atmosphere it is an excellent spot to meet for an after-work brew or three. Their selection impressed me with local brews from Sackett's Harbor and Middle Ages as well as Victory Golden Monkey and a Harpoon 100-Barrell Series tap - something rare even in Boston. No swill using up any tap lines unnescesarrily. The service was very friendly and helpful and Clark's seems like a great quiet alternative to the Blue Tusk down the street. Definitely worth a trip for anyone living in, or visiting Central New York.
Cheers!
Dec 24, 2005
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Reviewed by wailingwench from New Mexico

4.25/5  rDev -1.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Cheers: Nice selection of local micros, a few obscure ones, and some Euros. Seem carefully selected, not thrown together in order to have handles be the centerpiece. 2 handpulls, usually Middle Ages. Inexpensive sandwiches that are loaded with juicy meat and a pile of onions (if you're into the red meat thing). Horseradish is to die for. Cracker plates were unique, used saltines instead of usual party style cracker. Gouda good. Spot on service, quick table clearing. 2 Rural Metro Paramedics and a bunch of under 21'ers came in just for the sandwich. A list of games for you to play if bored with talking to the rest of your group. Patio features barrels. Downstairs is more pub feel, upstairs casual/romantic. All in all, a nice place to start the night out or relax over a pint or two.

Jeers: Mayo on tap. Gross. Quiet to the point that it seemed dead, no life. Ring game needs to be ripped out of the wall. We determined that Clarks was responsible for the horrible ass gas that befowled us the next morning. Turkey sandwich not avail after 2 pm. Why 2 pm? I get it that Turkey and Two begin with T, otherwise I see no reason for this. Change it to Ten if concerned with matching letters. The Armory Ale (ImPaled Ale) on cask was past its prime. Limp and lifeless 3/4 into a pint. The cheddar at Aldis is better than the cheddar on the cheddar plate. Sillys in a minivan wouldn't let Matt from MA park his car in front. Again, people seem unable to grasp the concept of parallel (sp) parking. Cash only.
May 23, 2005
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Reviewed by LiamStLiam from New York

4.45/5  rDev +3.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
This is an unsual place.

Imagine a beer bar set in a lunch counter. The roast beef sandwich is the centerpiece of the menu, and it's a decent sandwich. The beer is terrific and the 14-tap line (plus a cask) is usually well-chosen.

This place has some of the most knolwedgable bartenders I have ever met, and the service is spot-on.

I will admit that as others have pointed out, it's not the best beer bar in Syracuse (at least in my opinion, which puts the Blue Tusk at No. 1).

It's usually a secondary stop for me, often for a sandwich to fuel up before hitting the Tusk.

Syracuse, with Middle Ages Brewery, MacGregor's and the Dinosaur Barbecue, is a truly underrated beer city.
Apr 16, 2005
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Reviewed by francisweizen from Washington

4/5  rDev -7.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Clark's Ale House is a nice little bar in downtown Syracuse, but it is not nearly as good as the Blue Tusk. The atmosphere was cool, very British, and yet reminiscent of Ottawa as well. Nice wood all over the place, games of chance (darts, pools, rings) and a cool UK phone box in the back room as well. The quality of the beer was good, but we only had one pint here. The service was pretty fast, but we did order at the bar. They did do food here, but we did not order any. The beer selection here was good, with about 20+ beers on tap, and pretty much all of them were micros. I had the middle ages IPA on cask, and it was very good, and Erica had an Ithaca Flower Power IPA which was also very good. a nice place in Syracuse.
Nov 24, 2004
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Reviewed by Sammy from Canada (ON)

4.1/5  rDev -4.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
14 taps plus a cask. They advertise only the one sandwich, the roast beef, but are working in the turkey. Quiet so you can talk and be heard. Anything can happen there, street performers coming by. You go up to the bar for service. Was full downstairs and nobody elsewhere. Mostly local on tap, with types all over the map, and a couple of guest taps. Good rotation, samples are very minimal. No special glassware. All types came here, and more congenial than other places about downtown. Would come again.
Nov 17, 2004
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Reviewed by John from New York

4.4/5  rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
Visited Clark's last Thursday, 2 Sep 04. The wife and I were headed to town for a concert that evening (Yes w/Dream Theatre - hell yeah!). We decided to head to Syracuse a bit early to catch a bite and a few beers. We arrived at Clark's around 4:30p.m. Showtime was 7:30, so we figured we had about two hours to hang out before heading the fairgrounds to park the car, shuttlebus to the gate and walk to the grandstand. There was street parking available so we parked right in front. It was a lovely day and they offerred outdoor seating so we opted for it, though not before having a look around the inside. The bar area is fair sized with some space at the bar for imbibing and several island tables (or were they peninsular?) with stools across from the bar. There is also seating upstairs and in an adjacent room complete with a red phone box (presumably) from the UK (minus the dirty pixxx). We were immediately greeted by the friendly and knowledgable bar manager/bartender - Abajae (sp?) who was quick with recommendations, samples and banter.

I also learned a interesting bit of trivia. Prior Double Dark, a beer brewed by FX Matt in the late 70s, was on tap during our visit, much to my surprise. It was one of the first out of the ordinary beers I ever drank and I thought it was long gone. Well, the fact is it never went away, it was renamed - Saranac Black Forest. So there you have it.

We enjoyed some tasty brews - fresh cask conditioned MA Impaled Ale (always a fave), Ithaca Flower Power IPA, Lake Placid Frostbite, Ommegang Witte and Spaten Oktoberfest. All very tasty and fresh. While not terribly extensive, there seems to be something on the beer menu for everyone, including buck fifty pints of Genny Cream Ale! ;-) We then finished off our stay with a roast beast sandwich, with horseradish of course, and a Stilton cheese and cracker platter. Satisfaction!

Cash only.
Sep 07, 2004
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Reviewed by sparkydoyle from Pennsylvania

4.45/5  rDev +3.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
As the pioneer beer bar in Syracuse, Clark's doesn't has as many taps as the upstart rival Blue Tusk around the corner, but they do have arguably better atmosphere, more seating, lower prices and, in their signature slow-roasted roast beef sandwich, an outstanding food item on the menu that goes well with beer. (There's also turkey and Stilton platters too. Stilton goes excellently with roast beef, but unfortunately you have to purchase it separately.)

The bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly, are happy to let you try things, and try to serve you quickly. (Tables and chairs are self service from the bar, so you can get your refreshments quickly and spend your money on beer and not tips.)

The taps at Clark's appear more oriented toward the "old reliables" in micros and imports, and local brewerys are frequently featured.
Jun 22, 2004
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Reviewed by bmasters from New York

4.47/5  rDev +3.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
What a beer pub should be without the noise of the media... no espn here just twenty-some beer on tap and although once stated as one sandwich, Clark's actually has three. Roast beef, turkey, and a combo of beef and turkey. The fresh shaved roast beef is amazing, with a slice of hard sharp cheddar and red onion on an onion roll, just add spicy mustard/mayo/ or horseradish and you are eating one of the best sandwiches ever made for the common man. Their beer selection is quite good, local taste to it, and the prices are more agreeable than some other establishments in the area. A sandwich and a pint for lunch for 7-8 bucks, nice. You won't find the necessarily dressed to impress here, mixed crowd with common interest. Don't forget to play the ring toss.
Apr 22, 2004
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Reviewed by nomad from Kansas

4.65/5  rDev +7.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
So many good things to say about this bar… First point is the lack of TVs and music – sounds bland but the lack of distraction forces a focus on the more important things: good drinks, simple albeit mouthwatering food, good people, interesting interior, and fun games.

Clark’s used to make stickers with a motto that read, “22 Taps – 1 Sandwich.” While I didn’t count the taps, 22 sounds about right with a cask that is almost always filled with Middle Ages’ IPA. Selection is mostly locals such as Middle Ages, Ellicottville, Southern Tier, and Lake Placid, but also saw Belhaven, Sierra Nevada, Spaten Opimator, a couple Ciders, and Saranac Root beer as well. The prices are the key – for example, Southern Tier Pale Ale, Belhaven, and cask IPA are all $2.75 at Clark’s while $4-5 around the corner at the Blue Tusk. Across the board the prices are tremendously better than their more popular competition around the corner.

The one sandwich is hot, freshly sliced roast beef with your choice of cheese on an onion roll with an optional slice of red onion underneath. Nice selection of mustards and sauces are accompanied. They have a staff member that handles this and nothing else, and it’s a thing of simple beauty to see him at work. Also served are fairly cheap cheese plates, with choices of Limuburger, Stilton Blue, Vermont Cheddar, and a soup-of-the-day. Everything is fresh and works perfectly with the beer they serve.

Service is excellent as its three staff members dressed in the tie-and-vest black-and-white Publican/French bistro attire. The barkeep was solicitous, informative, and polite, offering samples without a request. A good sign of his attitude was exhibited when a gentleman ordered a Gennesse Cream Ale, which the bartender quickly poured but then proceeded to harangue him with a hilarious verbal beatdown for his cheap and bland choice – the man and his companion laughed because it was true.

For fun they have a nice set of dart boards, a great set-up for the “ring game”, and a list of classic board games like Scrabble you can borrow from the bar. Interior is a modern yet British mash of 20 foot windows, a lofted second floor, trellis everywhere, backless stools, brick walls, and rustic wooden-slat floors.

Less selection than the Blue Tusk but better prices, better service, and a much better atmosphere, as Clark’s is less in-line with being “hip” or edgy. This place has it right. One of the best beer bars I've ever enjoyed.
Feb 23, 2004
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Reviewed by inebrius from Michigan

4.15/5  rDev -3.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
From the outside Clark's is mighty inviting when your walking about the streets of downtown Syracuse on a biting cold late Autumn evening. You can see the jovial patrons, their heads reared back with laughter, through the large paned glass front. The warmth draws you in. The beer keeps you there. A pint of Middle Ages and a warm roast beef sandwich amid the chatter of beer lovers melts the icicles fixed to your eyebrows. Nifty layout holds pockets of seating, against the bar, under a window, in the back room with your best buddy, even an upper level I didn't explore. Dark stained woods around and ivyed trellis above. Cozy.

I will admit I was expecting a bit more selection, they have about two dozen taps, about a third local. The highlight was a draft Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout that fortified me for a frigid jog back to my car. A couple sandwiches and soups and cheeses on the menu, just enough to keep you from being in a hurry if you're hungry. Various wine available as well if you so choose and plenty of reading material in the form of beer periodicals. Well worth a visit if you find yourself in Central New York.
Dec 16, 2003
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Reviewed by HappyHourHero from Indiana

4.7/5  rDev +9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Value Update: 4/19/05
You can get everything from a pint of Armory Ale (Middle Ages IPA) for $2.75 to a $5-$6 glass for a quality barleywine or strong Belgian ale.

Update: 2/18/05
Second hand pump is up and running. Had a pint of Lion's Den Banner Bitter that was unique.
Did I mention the focus here is on the beer? Stainless steel tap lines cleaned regularly to avoid off flavors, and the pint glasses are washed in some kind acid based solution instead of soap so that all beers get the head they deserve.

No t.v.'s and no music means you don't get masses of people trying to talk over top of them. This bar is about beer and enjoying the company of friends. Never been to a pub in England, but I imagine it would be something like this. There's a bunch of stuff to keep you buisy; 3-4 dart boards, "the swinging ring game", along with uno and connect four. The beer list is split between ales and lagers, and each is kept at the appropriate temp. There are a bunch of brew related magazines/ newsletters to keep you occupied. The bartenders are friendly, knowledgeable, and will let you try anything before you buy. The house beer (Armory Ale) is cask conditioned Middle Ages Impaled Ale, and at $2.75 it's a steal. The roast beef IS to die for, if I go out from eating to many of them, so be it. I wonder if I can get out of my apartment lease and rent a barstool?
Nov 15, 2003
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Reviewed by sponberg from New York

4.75/5  rDev +10.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 5
Located in Armory Square - about two blocks southeast of Empire & Blue Tusk. Leave either of these places, walk east on Walton St. (towards the parking garage), turn right on Clinton, then left on Jefferson (on the corner of Clinton and Jefferson, look for the green awnings). Parking on street can get busy, especially at night, but there are parking lots available for $3 or so.

A deceptively large place with a smallish bar as you enter. Lots of brick (it IS Armory Square, after all), signs on the wall (that gigantic rabbit by the door used to be the label for the late, lamented Towpath Hoppin' Mad IPA), and a very mellow, friendly groove to this place. I call this place the Blue Tusk's mellow older brother. 30 or so on tap including many English and local brews, Middle Ages on cask, and a fine roast beef sandwich (the cheese tray is good eats as well). The bartenders and owner love to talk beer. Other rooms offer games & seating, but I usually find myself hanging out at the bar. Don't challenge a regular to the ring toss game near the bar - you'll lose.

I rate the selection as "good" only as compared to the two other downtown bars offering 60+ taps. Beervana indeed.
Jul 09, 2002
Clark's Ale House in Syracuse, NY
Place rating: 4.31 out of 5 with 39 ratings