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.

This is hands down the best brunch place I have ever been to. Things to know: you NEED to call to…read moremake a reservation (seating is very limited inside). The owner is so kind. I accidentally missed my reservation because it was the day before and I hadn't realized but he still accommodated and we were able to be seated still in the barstool area. The food is amazing. I always order Eggs "Edinburgh." Best poached eggs I have ever eaten. I used to think poached eggs were mid and then this place opened my third eye. I don't even liked smoked salmon but they do something special here it is so good. I can't remember the dessert's name and its not on the menu but they have this orange/poppyseed/coconut cake that is the best cake I have ever had in my entire life. I feel like I'm glazing so hard it doesn't even sound genuine, but my truth is every single other brunch place is mid compared to here. It is a very cutely decorated place and the servers are so kind. I would go back to Ithaca just for Allechant's Eggs Edinburgh and cake. I think of their food often. I chase that high that those eggs gave me, but nothing ever compares unfortunately, and I am just left disappointed. One day I will be back for you, Allechant.

Great spot for dinner in Ithaca! I love the house-made desserts!…read more I tried the mussels for appetizer which were very good. Not too heavy or salty. For mains I tried the vodka gnocchi and the cod stew. Both were excellent! I think if I were to return I would get the cod stew though- it is much more unique. Only complaint about the gnocchi is I wish there was more cheese on top. Desserts were divine! I love how they display them all on the table by the fireplace! We tried the pumpkin cake and the poppyseed coconut almond cake. I truly don't think I could pick a favorite. I wish the whipped cream was also homemade though. I came for dinner on a weekend night (with reservations). Service was solid. Overall, I would return! I will definitely be coming back to try their brunch!

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.

Best cinnamon roll in ithaca! Good coffee too and cute interior…read more Ambiance is nice- pretty spacious, easy parking, fun plants. The cinnamon roll is so good! Love the cream cheese frosting! The bottom is also caramelized which just makes it so much better! The cotija jalapeno scone was okay- I probably wouldn't get it again. I'm not the biggest fan of cotija in general- it's too mild for me... overall not a bad scone, just not for me. A very foamy latte- yum! Overall, I would highly recommend! You must get the cinnamon roll!

Cute shop, friendly barista who was great to offer suggestions. The latte was good and it's always…read morea good sign when you have a line at all times.

The barista was very friendly. I do think the coffee took a long time to come out, which wasn't…read moreideal. My cortado was rich and tasty and my friend loved her Latte. The space itself is kind of cramped, but the local goods and overall decoration is great. I would definitely go back.

Great coffee spot and got myself 2 bags of coffee beans…read more They mainly have medium roast but they still taste very bold

Gimme has always been a treat. Gimmes prices, however, have…read morenot. Overly expensive for the quality of the drinks. Workers are always kind, and ambiance is clean and modern. FOOD: 2/5 (due to price) SERVICE: 5/5 AMBIANCE: 5/5 12/15= 80% Would recommend

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?

Had a nice breakfast here on my last day in Ithaca! The inside is super spacious with plenty of…read moreseating, and I like the plants on the shelves. There are also two single restrooms. You order at the counter, and the menu is pretty extensive. The employees were super friendly. I got a protein bowl (eggs, spinach, avocado) for breakfast as well as a cup of lemon chamomile tea (came in a huge mug which I liked). The food came out pretty quickly.

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

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!

So delicious with excellent service!! Kimbap, bulgogi, and fruitade are all amazing, highly…read morerecommend

Nestled between two popular Collegetown spots, Le Cafe is a charming new Korean cafe with a cozy…read morevibe. The first noticeable thing when you enter is undoubtably the welcoming ambiance, accentuated by the flowers and fairy lights. This place feels like it belongs in Commons rather than Collegetown. Ctown doesn't really have a lot of cafes beyond Cornell campus so I was initially excited for a nice change of scenery. However, I must say that I'm slightly disappointed. The staff were extremely friendly during the times I visited. They offer a variety of reasonably priced drinks such as their homemade fruit juice. I've tried their grape juice and it was VERY sweet -- consider yourself warned! Their kimbap is okay, but I probably wouldn't get it again. Their snack and drinks corner is absolutely adorable and makes it easy for those that want grab-and-go snack or beverage. It's super charming and makes Asian snacks accessible, saving you a trip to the Asian supermarket. As a group study spot, I probably wouldn't recommend it! The area could feel a bit tight. I came with a friend for a study session and the tables weren't big enough to hold both of our laptops. There's also seats near the windows and and blue sofas to sit but for both, you would have to work at an awkward angle. Overall, it's a good place to hang out casually with friends or to do a coffee chat.

Great coffee. The shop is inside a grocery store which we didn't realize. It was hard to find.read more

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

Vegan but still really yummy!…read more Honestly loved their donuts and biscuit- on par with normal donuts/biscuits! The filling of the boston cream donut taste like a vanilla snack pack pudding which I personally don't mind but still prefer non-vegan boston cream donut filling. Jelly and vanilla sprinkles were both yummy- no complaints! My favorite was the apple cider donut- the perfect crisp exterior and soft cakey moist interior. These were also warm! We also tried the Western which has vegan egg cheese and bacon on their house-made biscuit. Biscuit was delicious! I don't personally love vegan cheese, but rather enjoyed the smokey flavor of the bacon. Overall, I would definitely return, but would pass on the boston cream and get more of the apple cider donuts! I would probably also get another break fast sandwich.

This is what I would consider a hidden gem in Ithaca because I've driven by it a hundred times and…read moredidn't even know it. My friends and I came here for 2 reasons. 1. I'm lactose intolerant and 2. 1 of us is vegetarian. This place checks all the boxes and we both can order without having to worry about anything. They also have wheat free options which is another plus. I got the breakfast wrap and it was probably one of the best wraps I've ever had. Definitely stepped out of my comfort zone trying it because I've only had the cheese on it but none of the other ingredients. I also got the strawberry mango smoothie with oat milk and it was the perfect match to my wrap. My friends had already eaten here and were raving about how good the cheese fries were and how I could actually eat them and they really were so good! Over all it was such a great experience and I love the diner vibes. The parking is a little iffy because it's in the same area of Dominos so it's a little limited but there's a parking garage around the corner and street parking is always an option. I have a new favorite place to eat where I can order and enjoy what I'm eating in peace.