Ithaca Restaurant Tips by kooka3

Restaurant Name: The Nines

The Nines is located in an old Firestation in College town. The atmosphere is relaxed - lots of wood inside, large bar area, pool tables, etc. There's also an eating area outside. This is right in College Town, so most of the people who come are in the 20-30 range, but there are all sorts of people who come in.

The bar has a bunch of types of beer, a mix of local micro-brews and national brands.

There's often live music. Check their website for current events.

Favorite Dish: The pizza there is wonderful! There are heaps of toppings to choose from, and they aren't stingy with them.

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Theme: Pizza
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 607-272-1888
Address: 311 College Avenue
Directions: This is about a block from Cornell University. People can point you in the right direction.
Website: www.theninesithacany.com/

Restaurant Name: Moosewood

This restaurant has become famous because of all the cookbooks that have been published. My friends in Australian even have copies of them!

The food doesn't disappoint. I never new that vegetarian food could taste SO GOOD!

Favorite Dish: They change their menu all the time, so you never know what you're going to get -- but I've never had a bad meal there, so no worries!

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Theme: Vegan/Vegetarian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: 215 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca
Directions: In the DeWitt Building
Website: www.moosewoodrestaurant.com

Restaurant Name: Gimme! coffee

It's kind of your typical coffee shop, but it's not right downtown, so it has a nice neighborhood feel to it. The people are really nice, and the prices are reasonable.

Favorite Dish: They have a coffee there called Mocha Choka - basically a Cafe Mocha with 4 shots of espresso. If that doesn't get you going, you need detox!

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Theme: Coffeehouse
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Cascadilla Street

Restaurant Name: Taste of Thai

This is arguable the best Thai place in town and also conveniently located on the Commons. It has a nice ambiance/decorations, and the staff is amazingly friendly. Service is quick.

Favorite Dish: We got three dishes and shared - they were all good. We had Pad Thai, Mosaman Curry, and and mixed veggie dish. All dishes come with your choice of meat or tofu.You can also order all dishes on a "sliding scale of spicy" - 0=wimpy, 5=suicidal.

As for appetizers, the Tom Kha soup was great but the Spring Rolls could've been better.

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Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: On the Commons

Restaurant Name: Simeons on the Commons

This is one restaurant to get to, especially if you want to splurge a little bit. I've been there twice now, once for dinner and once for lunch.

Even if you don't want to go for a full meal, or if you're waiting for a table to open up, take a spot at the bar and try some of their martinis. It's a big meet-for-a-drink-after-work place. We went for lunch around 12:30 on a Saturday, and there were only a few other tables taken in the place - but by 2:45 when we left, the place was packed. The waitress said this was normal - people come in off the Commons to have a drink.

Service is great, and the ambiance can't be beat - lots of wood, etc.

Favorite Dish: I've been there for both lunch and dinner, and I got to try lots of dishes (we all tend to share). Everything was excellentt - good pasta, good steak, good salads, good sandwiches. Try their garlic bread with cheese, their "Jenny McGraw" sandwich on French Bread, the giant seafood ravioli, or their sesame crusted tuna.

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Theme: Local
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: (607) 272-2212
Address: 224 E State St
Website: www.simeonsithaca.com

Restaurant Name: Viva Taqueria

This isn't necessarily the best tex-mex, but it's decent, satisfying, and convenient. The restaurant is at the end of the Commons.

Favorite Dish: Pretty much anything is good. The ingredients are fresh and portions are good.

Margaritas are definitely worth getting.

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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: 101 N. Aurora St
Directions: At the end of the Commons
Website: www.vivataqueria.com