Summer Food Collaborations
Ithaca isn’t just reopening, it's always reinventing!
Outdoor dining has allowed for creative partnerships and existing business to safely serve their community. You can feast on fried chicken, made-to-order pizzas, fresh local ingredients, and meals made from scratch. Partnering up with craft beverage makers and even the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. The outdoors space, contactless ordering, and socially distanced tables allow you a safe way to savor the taste of Ithaca!
Silo @ Liquid State Brewing Company
Now permanently at Liquid State Brewing Company, Silo has moved its award-winning menu to the craft brewery and beer hall in Ithaca's West End District. From their famous fried chicken and mac & cheese to vegan curry Silo Food Truck offers homemade recipes that blend the comforts of Southern cooking with a unique ethnic twist. While highlighting local organic produce and ingredients from regional farmers and vendors. Liquid State Brewing Company has a great variety of drinks to pair with your food, including fresh ales, lagers, ciders, as well as local wines. Find Silo at Liquid State Brewing Thursday and Friday 4-8 PM, Saturday 3-8 PM, and Sunday 3-7 PM.
Stone Bend Pizza
Stone Bend Farm Pizza is a family-owned farm and woodfire pizza oven. All of the ingredients served up are grown by Stone Bend or are locally sourced. You can find their pizza at pop-up events all week. Including on Thursday at Press Bay Alley and every Tuesday night at Firelight Camps.
Northstar House
Searching for a hidden gem within walking distance of Ithaca Falls? Head to Northstar House for great food, lively libations, and stay for the nice vibes! The food is why most people come, but they do have an extensive bottled beer list, 12 rotating drafts, and an excellent selection of spirits and wines to choose from. The menu is always fresh and seasonal. The chefs use local, organic vegetables and meats whenever possible, and are working towards serving foods from within a 100-mile radius. Indoor seating has not yet reopened, take food to-go or on beautiful evenings you can enjoy your food and drinks on their outdoor patio open Tuesday through Saturday, from 4 pm to 9 pm.
Bar Argos
In the open space between the boutique Argos Inn and the swanky Argos Warehouse sits an outdoor cocktail bar serving libations to lift any spirit. At times, Argos will host food trucks with creative choices for all food preferences. If preferred, guests can bring food with them and the Argos team will provide them with silverware. The Argos Warehouse, currently closed to the public, will hopefully be reopening in the fall of 2021 along with the indoor location for Bar Argos. Check their Facebook or Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with changes to their schedule and openings of their spaces.
South Hill Cider
South Hill Cider has plenty of open space for picnic tables and a stunning sunset view from Ithaca’s South Hill. You can sip a glass of cider while enjoying the numerous food partnerships that South Hill Cider has curated for their patrons. Their most recent partner is with fellow Ithaca Farmers Market prepared food vendor, Just Desserts. This bakery is serving up classic wood-fired pizzas all night. You can find them every Thursday in July from 4:30-8:30 PM
The Taughannock Falls Inn Restaurant
If you regularly drive along the Gorge Road you may have seen that the folks at the Inn at Taughannock Falls have been busy expanding and renovating their outdoor patio. Now, guests can not only make reservations to dine in their restaurant and indulge in some of the finest American-Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying gorgeous 180º views of Cayuga Lake, but they also offer cocktail service fireside on the deck or in any of their outdoor spaces, including in their new garden patio. Their menu offers a variety of fresh local ingredients and multiple vegan and gluten-free options.
On the Street Pitas @ the Cayuga Waterfront Trail
Looking for lunch or dinner with a view? Grab a bite from this classic Ithaca Farmers Market vendor and stroll the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. You’re sure to find a bench with a stunning sight along the waterfront. You can find them in the Jewelry Box parking lot every Tuesday-Saturday 11 AM-8 PM.
Waffle Frolic Food Truck
Now permanently located on the Commons. Waffle Frolic has brought a unique, delicious, and ethically sourced dining option to Ithaca since 2010. Founded by two Ithaca College students, Frolic captures the spirit of Ithaca combined with a bold, urban edge found in larger cities. Offering a wide variety of sweet and savory waffle combinations, a full espresso bar, grilled cheese sandwiches, smoothies, Purity Ice Cream along with a plethora of vegan and gluten-free options.
Snacks & A Show
Mama Said Hand Pies
Will have a food truck parked at the Hangar Theater an hour before select evening performances, with delicious show-inspired hand pies! Mama Said at Hangar will be open Thursdays, Fridays, & for KIDDSTUFF and Mainstage Saturdays. You can find Mama Said Hand Pies at their permanent location in Press Bay Alley right next to Lucky Hare Brewing -- a delicious grab & go option.
CFCU Downtown Ithaca Summer Concert Series
Missing live music? Head to the Bernie Milton Pavillion in the Ithaca Commons for the FREE Downtown Ithaca Summer Concert Series! Food trucks and family-friendly performances begin at 6:00 pm each Thursday till September 9, 2021. Click here to see the performers. In addition to all the great eateries in and around Aurora St., you will find food carts as well as being able to indulge in wine and brew from local sponsors.
Ithaca Area Markets with the Best Picnic Food Options:
Main Street Market in Trumansburg
Offering fresh, locally prepared foods to eat in or take out, Main Street Market proudly supports and showcases Ithaca’s local farmers and producers. From beer and cider on tap and retail to truffles and Wide Awake Bakery breads and treats. This market is much more than a grocery store.
Brookton’s Market
Located less than 10 miles outside of downtown Ithaca this small country store boasts 24 taps of NYS craft beers and ciders. Not to mention Finger Lakes wines and locally sourced produce. With a mission to support and showcase the talents of their vibrant community through relationships with local farms, producers, artisans, and performers whose music joyously fills the store regularly. Brookton's Market is also a great stop for anyone who plans to visit Shindagin Hollow State Forest.
Trumansburg Farmers Market
Every Wednesday from 4 pm to 7 pm locals and visitors can indulge in all things farm-to-table at the Trumansburg Farmers Market, which runs from May to October. Visit their website to find out what local vendors will be featured, what their life music line up is, and plan a visit to grab a snack to go or a farm-to-fork meal to prepare at home.
Ithaca Farmers Market
Meet under the pavilion for a day of foodie and gift shopping. The Ithaca Farmers Market offers goods from chefs, farmers, and artisans who are located no more than a 30-mile radius from Ithaca. Come hungry and enjoy your finds at the surrounding picnic tables or shop and plan a picnic at the nearby Stewart Park or Dewitt Parks (the market is at Dewitt Park on Tuesdays).
Ithaca and Tompkins County continues to prioritize the safety of our community and its visitors. We ask that you wear masks when interacting with others and when you are unable to properly distance. For more information about COVID-19 and our community, please visit: visitithaca.com/covid-19-information-visitors
