Let me tell you, Yelpers, there's a reason why Carol's has a rare nearly 5.0 rating from 70…read morereviewers as of today. Or perhaps I should say "reasons" why. To start, this place has such a genuine small-town vibe, it's almost surreal. Live music, artwork from locals, the hand-lettered signs on the bakery items on display. I've made it a custom to stop in Owego about once a year, although I missed it last year. This year, I went about 20 miles (each way) out of my way to visit this gem of a coffee, sandwich, and bake shop. I found a parking space right in front, and immediately the live singer/guitarist could be heard from a speaker at the front door, but unobtrusively, delivering a very professional sounding "Brown Eyed Girl." I think that was the same song he was singing when I last visited two years ago. I was greeted by the staff like I had only been away two days, and the singer glanced my way and nodded a welcome as though he, too, remembered me. The coffee mug is perhaps the largest I've ever seen, and the DaVinci egg salad sandwich was also generously executed (recommendation: spring for the olives for an extra 25 cents). On the way out, I picked up two Dream Bars (a peanut butter and a coconut) to prolong the Carol's experience for just a bit. Yes, there's a reason, too, why they're called Dream Bars.

Stopped by Carol's Coffee & Art Bar as part of a recent visit to Owego. I'm definitely a fan any…read morecafe or similar space that integrates art into their environment, and there were quite a variety of lovely pieces at Carol's - many by the owner, but also included are other local artists. The menu, of course, also has "Carol's Favorite 'Comfort Food' Sandwiches" on the menu, all named after famous artists. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm a huge Van Gogh fan, so I ordered the "Van Gogh" sandwich that comes with oven roasted turkey breast layered on sourdough bread and lettuce, tomato, and mayo. The sandwich was good, but I have to say that proportions of the ingredients felt a bit off. I also noticed during the prep of my plate that the chips came from opening a bag (a bulk version similar to ripple chips you'd just buy at the store). In a cafe space like this, you can't necessarily expect people to be making everything from scratch... but I think it's just helpful to note to keep expectations in line. The drink that I ordered was made well (their beverage selection is at the very back of the menu). You can definitely tell that this is a community space, and it seemed like a number of locals filtered in throughout the lunch. There are notes on the tables that advise of a 90 minute limit for sitting at the table (not something I've ever actually seen before), and there's wifi available for use by customers. Perhaps an awkward experience was just related to the overall service? You grab a menu and choose your table if you're dining in, but you end up paying at the counter. Personally, if I'm going to sit down to eat then I'd prefer to have the check brought to the table and pay that way. The space is a bit cramped by the counter, so it seems like it'd benefit to minimize the foot traffic that has to wait there. And perhaps this is silly, but upon paying for the lunch, the server handed me my receipt and said "Just sign here", and then seemed to be somewhat... abrupt? I feel like I'm pretty low maintenance when dining out, but it just left me going "OH. Okay. Time for me to get out of the way" (it's worth noting that at the time, there was nobody waiting around, or to get to, the counter). Still, it was enjoyable to stop at Carol's Coffee & Art Bar. It's a more unique space with nice offerings.

The ambiance was very nice. The employee's were very sweet and helpful. The donuts and coffee were…read morevery yummy!! I highly reccomend this place and will definitely go back.

Okay so I've been here a few times, and honestly I should stop more often because I live rather…read moreclose. They have what is in my opinion a better donut than Dunkin donuts down the road. (I'm still partial to Krispy Kreme however that's quite a drive from here.). The place is rather large, the dining area indoors looks like it's good for at least 30 people anyways and then the outdoor porch weather permitting is probably good for another 20. I arrived about 15 minutes after they opened and the line was forming pretty quickly however it also moved along pretty quickly. The person that takes your order is not the same person that gets your donuts and puts them in the box, so that seems to streamline things pretty well. There's a display up by the cash register with one of every donut that is currently being sold that morning/day so you can make your selection easier. The menu is a little more extensive than donuts, as they also have hoagies and shareables and of course coffee/ juices. For whatever reason, somebody decided to put donuts with beer... Yeah I don't know... But, if the mood strikes you they have a very fine selection that they rotate from time to time of draft beer. It's a pour your own kind of a thing and they also sell growlers. There's of course t-shirts and other random souvenirs that not only have the company logo/wording but Owego in general. Bottom of mind this place is definitely worth a visit.

Incredible cupcakes for a gender reveal! Creative,…read moredelicious, perfectly packaged, simple to order and pick up. I plan to order for events next summer!

From the owner: Specializing in unique and creative special occasion cakes, cookies, cupcakes & cupcake bouquets .read more

This is my new favorite ice cream shop! I got the yeti and it was so yummy. I will definitely be…read moregoing back. The lines were small too. The employees were very nice. I love that it's outdoors and they have tables to sit at.

First time visiting, would definitely come back. The outdoor seating with the umbrellas is nice and…read morethe speed of the service was great. Great ice cream, nothing crazy but definitely worth stopping by

I stopped by Roasted Coffee Bar after breakfast nearby in search of an espresso drink. The cashier…read morewas immediately so friendly, and I always appreciate a place that will make your drink in your own mug rather than force disposables on you. They also have a whole menu of seasonal drinks (about 10), including chai and matcha lattes, which is so fun. I got a white chocolate strawberry drink called Ballet with AJ in honor of next weekend's town strawberry festival. Roasted Coffee Bar also sells local products, including candles, honey, earrings, and of course, coffee beans/ground coffee. Finally, instead of calling my name or drink, the barista, clearly a fellow fan, just yelled, "Who's got a Harry Potter mug?" Love the staff, decor, and ambience, which was otherwise quiet. I look forward to returning if I'm ever in town again.

This place has a calm, relaxing atmosphere. The food is so yummy and the drinks too. I had a Danish…read moreand an ice coffee. The ice coffee was so yummy!! I ordered Sarah's sunglasses. The staff is super friendly and inviting.

Omg this place is the best!!! The boba tea is always amazing! They use fresh real ingredients and…read morethe mini tapioca boba are always delicious and perfect! The treats are so good! This is my #1 place to go to when I go home! This is a must go to!!!

As a gluten free person, this place is a gem! The people here are very kind. My friends and I love…read morethe calm and cute ambiance, and of course the food and drinks! We came for the belgian waffle special, which they were able to make dairy free for the vegan of the group, and were all gluten free automatically.

Friendly service! Yummy Ice cream! Great prices! And right around the corner! What more could you…read moreask for ;)

Delicious, creamy soft serve ice cream and reasonable prices. Very friendly and pleasant staff and…read moreoutdoor seating too.

No wait. Yum, yums waiting for me to devour. A cornucopia of deliciousness. Sweet little gals…read morefriendly & ready to process your order of decadence. Small, but cozy walk-in shack.

I've been coming here since I was a kid and it's only gotten better…read more Cute place with great prices. Our part of 4 cost $12. The sizes were a lot larger than we expected. The outdoor seating area is clean and they have an area for kids to play. Service was fast and the employees were super nice. I'll always go here anytime I'm in the area.