There’s a bike shop in Syracuse that serves breakfast. All day.

Mello Velo began as a small bike shop on Westcott Street in 2009 before expanding to include a small cafe in 2011. Earlier this year, they moved their hybrid business to a new, larger space on Canal Street, incorporating both food and cycling culture into their lineup.

Anita Monica, a server at Mello Velo, said the cafe’s relaxed vibe and wide selection of menu items make it a comfortable environment for many different occasions.

“It could really fit all of your needs no matter what time of day you want to stop in and hang out,” Monica said.

The Mello Velo Cafe offers a variety of food and beverage items including breakfast, salads, sandwiches and dinner entrees in the evenings.

Drink offerings include a robust assortment of coffee and espresso options — sourced from Gimme! Coffee in Ithaca — an equally wide selection of teas and smoothies, and a full bar with several beers on tap.

In addition to regularly updated food and drink specials, the cafe’s soups, flatbread pizzas, steak and quiche selections are in near-constant rotation, keeping its menu fresh.

Krisnina Magpantay | Contributing Photographer

The cafe’s connection to the bike shop is seen throughout the space in a number of ways. Several menu items earned their namesake from cycling terms, such as the Bicicletta cocktail, the Fat Bike smoothie and The High Wheeler sandwich.

The restaurant’s decor similarly takes its inspiration from cycling culture. Walls are adorned with vintage bike illustrations, advertisements and artwork. Repurposed bike parts are also worked into the overall design — overhead light fixtures made using chainrings hold the lightbulbs in place and the head tube of a bike frame acts as a toilet paper holder in the bathroom.

The Mello Velo Cafe was designed to accommodate and welcome people from all walks of life.

“I think people come here and they get interested in (cycling) culture, but generally it’s a very judgement free space,” Monica said. “People are supportive of others who are just trying to hang out and be a part of it.”

Ethan Tyo has been a customer at Mello Velo since their days on Westcott, when they were solely a bike-focused operation. Although he was happy to have the bike shop in the neighborhood, he was never a fan of their small second floor space and missed out on trying the cafe in their old location. Since visiting their new Canal Street location, he’s come to enjoy the cafe side of the business, as well.

“I’m quite impressed with the food, drinks and vibe in general,” Tyo said. “I think it’s a big step up.”

Krisnina Magpantay | Contributing Photographer

In addition to its existing base, Mello Velo has had no trouble garnering attention and patronage from new customers, as well. Andrew Goodwin moved to Syracuse this past August and bought his bike at Mello Velo. He’s been coming to the cafe at least once every week, he said.

“They have a good beer selection on tap and really excellent food, as well,” Goodwin said. “They have great vegetarian options, which is a really big plus.”

Kate Hamill, an actress from New York City, is also a regular at the Mello Velo Cafe whenever she’s in town. She’s currently in Syracuse performing in “Noises Off” at Syracuse Stage. Although she has a bike in NYC, she doesn’t define herself as a cyclist.

“It’s my favorite restaurant in Syracuse,” Hamill said. “It’s very relaxed and, indeed, mellow.”

Mello Velo Cafe is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 790 Canal St.

ngabrams@syr.edu

Published on September 26, 2018 at 9:00 pm