Didn't get to try the kava, but honestly? The vibes alone were worth the trip. The music? Solid…read more The person at the front? Super nice. The energy? Just the right amount of weird. We went on a Monday, so it was completely empty, which only made it feel more like a secret hideaway for people who appreciate a little offbeat charm. Definitely the kind of place you stumble into and think, "Yeah, this is where the interesting people hang out." Would I come back? Absolutely -- preferably on a night where there's more life, and maybe I'll finally try the kava :)

I came here looking for tea, ended up learning about and trying kava!…read more If you haven't had kava before, it's a root that's powdered up and served as a drink. It has calming properties that help people be more social similar to alcohol but without the negative effects. It does taste pretty bitter and it has a numbing sensation (similar to sichuan peppercorns) so their flavored options are recommended for first-timers. The apple cider version was pretty good. I did feel the effect, but did I love it? Honestly, not sure. It felt a bit weird. But even if I decide not to try kava again, their tea was also really good and the owner is a super nice and interesting guy. People who come here are looking for something different, so give it a shot! The inside definitely looks like it used to be an elk's lounge or something. But overall, it's a chill and relaxed space with good vibes.

College town Bagels (CTB) makes for the perfect campus-adjacent spot! Its proximity to the law…read moreschool and academic buildings makes it a go-to for faculty and students alike. The atmosphere feels chill and unhurried. It ranks as one of the few places where you can actually focus on your studies while relaxing. The staff provides consistent courteous and prompt service. I find that impressive given how busy they get. Highly recommend the carrot cake; it tastes exceptionally well-made and delicious.

Great coffee and bagel shop. So many options for bagels!…read more Lots of outdoor seating and plenty of college students hanging out. Great spot to meet up with friends.

A solid spot for brunch in Ithaca!…read more I wish it was located a tad closer to c-town, but when the weather is warm it is actually quite a nice walk (still definitely walkable even in the winter)! We tried the breakfast croissant, the breakfast burrito, and crepes. We also ordered a hot Razz Mocha and an iced matcha (both with oat milk). I wish they had more milk varieties (only had whole and oat). Everything except the matcha was super tasty! I really loved the razz mocha- I will definitely be ordering this again. The crepes were my favorite entree- slightly thicker than your typical crepe, more of a chew. Nonetheless, very yummy. I like the berry compote and whipped cream. I enjoyed the croissant sandwich- ours had lox and egg. Too much egg, but perhaps the right amount of egg if you just want an egg sandwich without meat... Burrito was fine, though a tad watery. There was a bit of a line when we came- Saturday around noon and not much seating. We took our food to-go. Better to come when the weather is warmer- there is more seating under the tend in the back. Have heard mixed things about their other dishes, but I will definitely be returning!

Food was delicious and very fairly priced. Service was friendly and professional…read more Ambiance was cozy with a little funky mix with a nod to its roots

I'm a coffee snob from Houston and this is the best coffee shop in Ithaca, period. (Followed by a…read morereal period.) The aesthetic feels like an escape into a quiet city coffee shop with plants and natural light everywhere. Staff was friendly. Iced and hot lattes are both great. I'd never had a Tasty pistachio latte...until I came here. Ithaca is an incredible place, truly. But if you ever want a little escape or find comfort in city-level coffee shops, check out Botanist.

Lots of coffee choices - my latte was great. Just a few pastry choices for food but my cinnamon…read moreroll was really good! One in our group had a scone which she loved too. Large enough place to have tables, window stool seating & a comfy couch. Nice atmosphere with plants everywhere. Early on a Saturday morning during college break it was very quiet so we took our time. Would recommend & return if in the area again.

We're always on the look out for a good coffee place and this place delivered! I think the best…read moretaste of coffee is drinking it black with no add ins to truly taste whether the bean was roasted properly. Staff were friendly, interior was spacious, and their pastries were yummy. We bought a couple bags to take home because we loved it so much. One drawback, their interior is too nice that people don't want to leave. Lots of customers on their laptops and devices just hanging out. If you want to just sit and relax with a good cup of coffee, sit by the window or grab a cup to go.

Awesome coffee shop that's perfect for coworking, catching up, checking emails or just coming in…read morebecause, you can, duh! Love their branding - I instantly wanted to buy the mugs, tote bags and travel mugs. So stinkin cute! I of course am already overloaded with tote bags so I decided to hang tight. Ordered a macchiato, since they do make it the classic way. Espresso with a dash of steamed milk. From oat milk, to almond milk to regular milk, the choice is yours. Coffee wise, I'm a purist, I like regular espresso. Call me crazy, but just plain arabica non complicated beans are IT for me. I'm a lavazza and kimbo drinker so anytime there's modified beans or over worked or under roasted or whatever it is kind of beans, 90% of the time, my espresso will not come out as I'd normally prefer it. We're in America, so I get it, a lot of people do prefer it like this or perhaps order their coffee with loads of milk and impossible to drink. Either way, I loved this coffee shop for the vibes. Extremely nice cashier, staff and barista. Cute little baked good section and simple espresso based drinks, including chai and matcha. Besides the coffee beans not being to my liking (this is just me) I do love this place and I'm so happy we popped in.

Really great latte selections. Good food. Friendly staff. Highly recommend…read more It was busy, but all went well!

I live on the west side of town and so was thrilled when I saw that FP was coming. The reason for…read morethe two stars? The majority of their tables are two or four tops or larger, and on weekends they're dominated by lone customers on laptops, sipping their drinks at a snail's pace (or obviously done consuming) avoiding eye contact and staying in their seat as they gaze intensely at their laptops. ‍ As a result, I've never been able to sit and enjoy this new contribution to the West End. Once I got a cup to go, and it was really good. Would like to try the food and sit but, sadly, my schedule only allows weekend café going. I cannot compete with the laptop lingerers. Owners of FP, if you're reading this, here is something I'm seeing when I travel around to cafés lately. Maybe something to try on weekends?? Unless you're fine with people lurking with one drink for hours on end and, taking away large tables from new customers?

Delicious coffee!! Loved the medium dark roast latte here…read more They're located inside a local supermarket too

Great coffee and nice people who care about making consistently good coffee (and latte art). What…read moremore can I ask for?

Great place to study or snack when you are stressed about school for Cornell students. Love cats…read moreand love cat cafes bc they will hopefully get a forever home! Thank you alley cat cafes for loving cats. Fun place to relax and play. It's only $10 per hour and you can do 30 min for $5. Great deal for a college student budget.

Wednesdays between 10-12 kids get 30 mins free. They were busy so we were glad we got there at the…read moretail end of the rush. Otherwise, it's $5 a person and as we were told, it's all for the cats. We also saw Marigold, the famous cat from Inside the Mind of a Cat. Personally, I wasn't thrilled about the horrendously bad smell. I understand it's a place with cats but maybe a scented candle or some effort to take away the funk (it really was that bad). We didn't get any drinks or food but it appeared to be common Ithaca fare (if you know, you know). My niece loved it and easily gave 5 stars. The staff were great and quick to offer helpful info. A lot of info, the entire time, if you get my meaning. She talked a lot. Overall, a wonderful experience and opportunity for adopting. I'm glad the business gives back and we will definitely be back. Just hope they light a candle next time.

This is a great stop for a good cuppa. Reasonably friendly staff (busy but quick) often a 5 minute…read morewait in the morning due to a line. Does have a nice buzz of activity while you wait. I love all of the clever 20 or so live plants in the decor ( as a plant guy). Location is great with plenty of parking to be found. Only negative is that the place isn't bigger with some sit down seating. My hope is that they will bust down the wall to the right and get the laundry mat out of there so that there is more room for seating or the line.

Gimme! Coffee is a coffee roaster local to Ithaca, New York that ships nationwide, but has a few…read morephysical locations in town. I visited their location just off the north end of the Cornell University campus. It can easily be missed due to the small signage outside the shop, but if you keep a look out for the exclamation point logo on the side of the building, it's easier to locate. They sell a variety of their coffee blends and quite a few pastries. It's such a small place that they do not have any tables to enjoy your food or drink purchase, so grab and go is pretty much your only choice. Service was quick and friendly. We got an Americano, a mocha, and a piece of their coffee cake. While none of them may win any awards, they were a solid substitute for Starbucks which doesn't have much of a presence in town (plus you're sporting a local business). While I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to visit Gimme! Coffee, it's worth a stop if you're in the area and in need of a caffeine fix.