Glenwood Pines jumped out at me given its great location on the west edge of Cayuga Lake just a few minutes from the heart of Ithaca. I figured it'd be a good, no frills lunch option with some distant lake views based on the pictures I'd seen online. There's no formal wait service as you have to order food/drinks at the bar, and also head back to the bar to pick up your food when it's ready. Food is served in clunky plastic take out containers. It was a slow wait as it took 20-25 minutes for them to prepare the food. While waiting, I had a chance to explore the interior of the place, and was quite impressed with their collection of bobbleheads on display. Some were of presidents, while many were of pop culture like superheroes/villains and animated television characters (I liked their line up of Simpsons bobbleheads)...definitely gave off some quirky dive bar vibes. We ordered a local beer, mozzarella sticks, a cheeseburger, and a chicken sandwich. The mozzarella sticks were the frozen food service kind without much of a taste, and served with bland marinara sauce. The cheeseburger was quite small and also lacked any seasoning/flavor. The side of onion rings were also underwhelming and not worth the cost. The chicken sandwich was probably the best of the items we ordered, but was mediocre otherwise. All in all, the food was average at best, with nothing being particularly memorable, so worthy of an overall 3/5 Yelp rating from me. While I wasn't expecting a gourmet meal, it seems many of the reviews you find online are inflated due to the views of Cayuga Lake off in the distance. While it's a really nice location, they could do better in terms of food quality, so I likely would not return, and recommend others to drive an additional 8-12 minutes into Ithaca for better quality food. read more

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Great place to watch sports. Excellent crab cakes and jalapeño poppers. The deep fried mushrooms were just so-so. The happy IPA on tap was delicious. Order at the bar. Bus your own table. Enjoy the view of Cayuga Lake. read more

Glenwood Pines - American Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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Standard bar food menu, mostly fried options. Things were just ok. Great sauce on the fish sandwich. Nice casual ambiance with a summer local vaca energy. Service wasn't great. Part of the process for ordering is clearly stated outside and inside, but keep in mind you won't be told when your food or drinks are ready, verbally, visually or otherwise. You'll have to stand right at the bar, wait for food to be put out, and read the ticket yourself to see if it's yours. Always respect an upfront, clear process, even if 'unique' but really strange to have customers waiting in front of staff and not have them even nod to you or (even at a regular or low volume) announce what they're putting out. Understand the casualness of the set up with to go containers, but wish they had recycling options. read more

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Service was excellent , food is great and location is excellent !!! They have been in business for over 40 years read more

Loud and cramped. "Famous" burger was dry, flavorless and unappetizing. Service pretty unremarkable single person taking orders leading to a super long line. Wouldn't come back read more

Great place! We were staying in their lower lot through Harvest Hosts. Went up to the restaurant to grab us some dinner. While I waited for the food, I grabbed a Moscow Mule with the local Ginger Beer. Tasty! We ordered the Pineburger, a single for her and a double for me. We both really enjoyed the burgers! They were perfectly cooked to our requested temp and they were super juicy and flavorful. We got a few sides to complement the burgers. My wife loved the fries, and I thought the Onion Rings and Corn Fritters were very good. For dessert we grabbed a Coconut Cream slice for my wife and a slice of Peanut Butter Pie for me...both tasty! My wife LOVED the Ithaca Root Beer, said it was the best she's had. The staff was wonderful! Great place and great experience! read more

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Ugh, what happened to this place. Went for years while I lived here. It's been 7-8 years since my last visit. Finally back in the area and stopped in for a lunch, excited to hit up this old staple and its delicious lakeside food. Is it new owners? Or old owners not giving af? In order of importance to me: Food was wildly disappointing. Not one of our 6 person group was remotely impressed. Food was bland or in some cases rotten (our cole slaws were bubbling and tasted funky... wish us luck). They need to invest in a spice rack and bring back the tasty, fresh quality food they used to serve. This place is/was renowned for a reason, but that reason is now gone. Everything is now served in plastic containers and with plastic cutlery. So beyond environmentally wasteful, and also, who wants to eat a fish fry against plastic? FFS hire a dishwasher or install an electronic one. Where did the wait staff go? Why get rid of it? Bar staff was very curt and not having anyone's indecision as groups of people stood in front of the menu trying to figure things out. There was table service for a reason. You also have to go pick up your food at the bar when it's ready. They'll just call your name and if you're not in the vicinity you'll have no idea. A former institution that sadly will be cut out of my rotation when I'm in the area. Hopefully they bring it back to what it was. read more

Stop serving food in to go containers, what in the actual heck is that about. Plus it's a waste of money for your business . The burgers and fries were cold and we ate it there, not like we left with it. Wings were probably best of all. Won't be going here again. Terrible vibe and the staff is rude. No one wants to order food at the counter as soon as you walk in. Get it together or this place is done for read more

Our visit today was very disappointing... 4 out of 5 of us ordered the Pines burger. The burgers were obviously in a chaffing dish because they tasted kind of squishy with no flavor. The onion rings, fries, and the fish sandwich that our fifth person had was very good; but other than that, very disappointing and probably will not return unfortunately unless we all would opt for the fish next time. read more

Food was fresh and good. Very nice. Fish Sandwich looked great. Burger like mom used to make.

I came here 7 years ago and it was a great place to eat. I recently went last week and was really disappointed. Food served in plastic take out boxes, bland tasteless burger meat, and barely any sauce. The quality has plummeted. I got the original Pines burger and like I said, the meat tasted like nothing. read more

Really good burgers. Steak sandwich not as much but wasn't bad. Steak was bland but it wasn't chewy or anything. Corn nuggets (fritters) were crunchy and sweet. Really liked the onion rings. Family loved the boned and boneless wings (not buffalo sauce, the other one) lol can't remember what it was called. Yummy bloody Mary's (had 2) with well vodka at $6.50 each. Amazing. Order at the bar, take your drinks and go find a cool spot to sit either inside or out (we sat outside). Lake view too!!! read more

Glenwood Pines - Good deal - American Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Came here on a Friday evening and it was honestly only about half full. You order at the bar here - there aren't any servers so it feels more like a bar than a restaurant (they do have what I believe is a full bar too). I got their famous pine's burger and a side of apple sauce. The burger is served not on a regular hamburger bun, but rather what seemed like a french roll. Honestly, it was a good decision - the bread was really good. However, the rest of the burger was pretty mid in my opinion and I don't know what separates it from other burgers. The food came out fast and the pricing is quite good - I paid about $12 for my whole meal. read more

Glenwood Pines - Pine's Burger + apple sauce - American Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Not the same now that there's no waitstaff but still a good place to get a decent burger, especially in nice weather.

This was a wonderful family restaurant. It has never healed after the shutdown. They have forgone the table service. For a sit-down takeout place with food in a plastic box and plastic utensils. It's lost all of its prior ambaunce. And it is no longer a social gathering place. It's a giant shame. read more

I didn't expect much when we pulled into the parking lot but darn it, I was 10 minutes past the hangry stage and needed food now! My husband is from the finger Lakes area and his meat Cornell chicken quite a few times at home. I've never had it at a restaurant so I thought I'd give it a shot. I was blown away at how much flavor the chicken breast had in it. It was a nice crusty roll that complemented the juicy chicken. I would definitely come here again and order the same exact thing. read more

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To visit Ithaca without a visit to Glenwood Pines would not be complete! the burger is just so outstanding. It's a good bakery bread instead of a bun is perfection. Eating that magnificent burger while taking in Cayuga lake... Even better. read more

Glenwood Pines - The famous Glenwood Pines burger. I don't feel like it photographs well. But it's excellent! - American Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Ok, the service is not how it used to be but it's ok. The ambiance feels like a fishing cabin which I like and they have a nice little arcade which makes it feel like you fell back into '09. The food was also good, pricey. Also, not worth the portion itself. read more

Super-casual bar and burger place with wonderful staff, views, and overall vibe. It felt we had gone back to a better time in some ways. We had read their burgers are among the best in Ithaca, and while I would not say they are The Best we've had (for us, Ithaca Ale House holds that honor), they were nonetheless excellent here. The French bread roll is a nice touch Don't be turned off thinking it'll be crusty/crunchy; it's soft and just right. Will definitely be back! read more

I'll admit I tried this place after hearing about it on " Designated Survivor ". You order at the bar and all food is in To go containers. We ordered the infamous Pineburger and the fish Reuben with a double order of onion rings. I recommend sitting in the lower level for the fantastic view of Cayuga Lake. Both sandwiches came with thousand island dressing. They were very tasty though the Fish Reuben bun was a little burnt. read more

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We stopped here for a quick meal after a day of hiking in Ithaca and Moravia. We both got burgers and they were delicious! We got a side of Fred's that were small but very good. We also ordered a side salad that was fresh. The bar staff was friendly, attentive and helpful. The restaurant has a nice old vibe to it! It's almost like a rustic version of a diner. We were very happy with our choice to eat here. The parking lot was busy almost every time that we drove by! read more

The food was delicious. The service was excellent and quick. The beer was cold and tasty. Highly recommend this place. I will definitely be going back. read more

Had a great dinner here with family after spending the day at Cornell. Great burgers, great beer with a beautiful view of the lake! Staff was friendly and welcoming. Looking forward to coming again in the fall. read more

This is a must stop on a visit to Ithaca... Incredible views from multiple levels of outside seating. Fast friendly service at the counter. Everything is packed up to go even if you stay on premises to eat. We love the fish sandwich, the fish Ruben and the pine burger. Small but decent selection of beers on tap read more

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I went back to visit Ithaca and came here to relive fond memories of chasing the hair of the dog. They did away with the table service which you think would make things work faster and more efficiently. However, the bartender was incredibly surly and the kitchen was in the weeds. The Pinesburger lives up to its reputation, but 5 bucks for a tiny handful of fries is pretty rich. The Pines is a shadow of its former self and you should steer clear. read more

Fish fry was delicious! The barkeep was warm and wonderful and took care of business. It had been more than fifteen years since I last visited, so I'm here to report that a lot of work has been done on the building. It's beautiful inside and outside with a lot of outdoor space to picnic. read more

As a long time favorite, Glenwood Pines never disappoints. Once a full service restaurant, it has been reinvented as a "self serve" style establishment. Don't let it deter you. The food quality is still above par. During our last visit (10/12/24) the restaurant was serving a steady crowd of diners who all appeared happily satisfied. After ordering at the bar, and being told it would be a half hour wait, our food arrived in only 20 minutes, hot and delicious. The staff is friendly and the view is beautiful. One of our absolute "go to" spots if we're traveling through Ithaca. read more

We were hiking nearby and someone recommended eating here claiming it's where all the locals go ... sho'nuff the parking lot was packed. We found out why: extremely friendly staff serving simple but outstanding food. The friendliness of the folks was beyond compare and even though everything is served to go, they offer free refills on beverages. The pictures don't even come close to showing how delicious the food was but it was well worth the 30 minute wait. Thanks for a great experience !! read more

Glenwood Pines - Jalapeño burger - American Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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I live in the area. I haven't been to the Pines since the pandemic. It's really sad now. They still serve food as if it's the pandemic. Everything is take out. They removed everything that had style. It's a waste of time and money to go there. read more

Crab cake sandwich and fries were very good. Had a delicious margarita in a can too. Quick service. Order and pick up at counter. Inside and outside seating. read more

Glenwood Pines - Lime margarita and a beer - American Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Just like so many great restaurants in upstate NY. They are so consistent. Their burgers are amazing. The fries were just right. You now order at the bar and basically everything is takeout. However they still have seating and a great view of the lake. Just like clockwork a great meal was served up in 15 minutes. Can't wait to do this again. A burger on a French roll Yummy read more

Food was not so great. Waitstaff had attitudes. Food was not even brought out to you and was given to us in throw-away food contains (wasteful). Bathrooms were incredibly small and smelled so bad, you could smell them in the dining area (Definitely not handicapped accommodating).Tables were sticky. Food was frozen or dried and not many options. Kids shrimp didn't even taste like shrimp. It was like processed mushed-together junk. Thanks but no thanks. read more

I was regular when traveling thru Ithaca. It has changed and unfortunately not for the better. Gone is table service and real plates and utensils. Menu options are reduced and posted on the wall. Ordering is done at the bar then you wait. Food comes in styrofoam containers, plastic utensils and beverage in plastic cups. I could tolerate that if the food was great but it wasn't. The burger was greasy and the side of fries was small and not hot. It still had the roadhouse flavor and likely remains a local favorite that is living on reputation. Overall it was disappointing. It would be improved with friendly wait staff and a dishwasher. The bartender acted like you were imposing. Go elsewhere. read more

I'm rating it this low to attract attention and hopefully they will pay attention. This place is an ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER! All the food is served on extremely durable, reusable to-go containers whether you're eating in or taking out. Everyone that eats in THROWS THEM IN THE GARBAGE! They put more plastic in the landfill in one lunch hour than I do in a year. Why not at least use paper? Or better yet, hire a dishwasher and use reusable plates like every other restaurant in town. It's a burger joint. Good burgers I guess but I won't go there again until they become a lot more environmentally responsible. read more

This place is a gem. The lady who took my order was very nice. This place is more than a burger and bar place. It's a place where the town can get nice meal and hang out. It's a place ithaca beer company wants to be. I'm glad it was our last meal in Ithaca before going back to reality. read more

I enjoyed the food, and this place could have been a regular for us... BUT. I was incredibly unhappy with how wasteful they are as a restaurant. They put every order in a to-go container, all drinks come in a single use plastic cup, and they put all the food in a plastic bag. This is for every order, no matter if you dine in or out. They could be immensely less wasteful for dine-in orders by simply using reusable, hard plastic plates and cups, along with providing a bag only when a customer asks. I can't remember if the to-go containers were recyclable or biodegradable, but it wouldn't matter either way if they're being thrown out into a normal trash bin. read more

Ever go back to a restaurant years later and it disappointingly doesn't live up to your memories? I returned to "The Pines" 33 years after eating there while attending a nearby college. This time I brought family members who had heard me rave about it for several years so I was prepared to be razzed. But "The Pines" crushed it. Same beautiful views and "nostalgic"interior but freshly painted and clean. The burgers, onion rings and fries were perfectly cooked and the simple service was fast and friendly. I didn't have the famous Bloody Mary because we were heading to wineries but I'm sure it's still the best! read more

Great food, service, and ambience! Outdoor dining. You place your order at the counter.

Heading back from Ithaca to Auburn, my husband wanted "a simple burger, nothing fancy". Well, that's just what he got! Glenwood Pines is a very friendly place to walk into with food order at the bar, served in take out containers to either eat in the restaurant or to bring outside to their lovely multi-level outdoor dining area, complete with a beautiful view of Cayuga Lake! Service was prompt and friendly, the atmosphere inside was somewhat dark, and very dated, but cozy. We chose to eat outside on this beautiful day. As for the food, my husband really enjoyed his burger. I had a fish fry with some kind of corn fritters. Don't get those fritters!! The fish was good however. This restaurant does not pretend to be anything other than it is it. It is an honest friendly place to go in a beautiful location. read more

A family friendly gem overlooking the lake. No wait service- Self service ordering and pick up at the bar which was cool. Drinks were strong, good beer selections and very good food. We went twice because it was so good. Ordered pulled pork- excellent , tender, not sloppy with sauce to hide the pork served over slau on a fresh roll. Also enjoyed the spicy sausage an peppers on ciabatta and a burger. Portions were large! No need for side orders of fries etc. but if you do- get one to share. Each drink is served with a personalized and possibly disposable restaurant cup. Didn't see a recycle option for them which is sad. Saw a lot of them in garbage which is sadder. Took ours home to reuse. All in all a great place to stop after the beach or hikes in the area. Lots of outdoor and indoor seating. Very relaxed vibe. read more