As a college town with a thriving local music scene, Ithaca has a wide-variety of clubs and bars, ranging from local institutions like the Chapter House to multicultural dance clubs like Common Ground. Whether you feel like going for a few drinks or dancing all night, the list below will give you some ideas on what to do and where to go.
COLLEGETOWN
The Royal Palm Tavern
209 Dryden Road
(607) 272-9636
“The Palms” has a jukebox and booths with sticky old wooden seats, but the Royal Palm Tavern remains the most popular bar in Collegetown. The best time to go is before 11pm to get one of those coveted booths.
Johnny O’s
408 College Avenue
(607) 272-0999
Johnny O’s is the place to go for a raucous good time. Always great music and a great place to meet some of those younger Cornellians.
Level B Bar and Night
410 Eddy Street (underneath Sindbad's restaurant)
(607) 272-3888
Exquisite cocktails, precision staff, and plush decor transport you to another level.
Pixel L
107.5 Dryden Road
(607) 277-7529
A laid-back, no pretense, fun-loving lounge in the heart of Ithaca's Collegetown. They have DJs booked nightly spinning underground of all genres. (by their own admission, they can be a bit partial to hip-hop and electro).
Dunbars
409 Eddy Street
(607) 216-0904
A favorite among the Cornell Hockey team. Small, dark, fun, and always some type of drinking game in progress.
The Chapter House
400 Stewart Avenue
(607) 277-9782
Looking for a terrific collection of beers to be sure you never tire of the same old one? The Chapter House has that and more, over 50 different types, many of which are on draft. Check before you go to see who might just be playing there that night. Be sure to taste the free popcorn and play a game of pool, foosball or darts.
Rulloff’s Restaurant
411 College Avenue
(607) 272-6067
By day and in the evening, Rulloff’s is a restaurant with good food. It becomes a lot more fun after dark. Whether you just sit at the bar on the main floor or venture downstairs to the basement, you are sure to see someone you know or make new friends.
The Nines
311 College Avenue
(607) 272-1888
Sit outside in nice weather to people watch or go inside to listen to live music and eat pizza. Great beer too!
Stella's Kitchen and Cocktails
403 College Avenue
(607) 277-1490
“Casual Swank” martini and wine bar right in the heart of Collegetown. Good people watching. Be sure to check what’s playing downstairs. Regular offerings include jazz or blues.
THE REST OF ITHACA
The Haunt
702 Willow Avenue (off of Route 13)
(607) 275-3447
Live music and DJ’s and drink specials. Go to 80’s night on Saturdays for the most fun dancing in Ithaca!
Mahogany Grill
114 North Aurora Street
(607) 272-1438
The Mahoganny Grill is a nice place for a casual drink and meal. Seating outside in the summer.
Benchwarmers Sports Bar & Grill
214 East State Street
The Commons
(607) 277-7539
Best place to watch any sport, any time. A true sports bar. Great wings and daily beer specials!
Kilpatrick’s Publick House
130 East Seneca Street
(607) 277-8900
Great pub food and great live Irish music weekly.
Common Ground
1230 Danby Road
(607) 273-1505
“A multicultural nightclub” that caters to anyone and everyone. Love to dance? Well, be sure to hit Common Ground on a Friday or Saturday night.
2nd Floor Bar
119 East State Street
The Commons
(607) 277-0291
A recently opened bar with drinks and live music. This bar is popular with Ithaca College students.
Castaways
413 Taughannock Boulevard
(607) 272-1370
Castaways is on the Inlet and often has drink specials, live music or a great party. Castaways has one of the best sound systems in Ithaca.
Micawber's
118 North Aurora Street
(607) 273-9243
A good hang out bar to drink, sit with friends, and play some pool or darts. Great music every night and live music often.
Felicia’s Atomic Lounge
508 West State Street
(607) 273-2219
A cosmopolitan or a mojito? Felicia’s is a relaxed urban-style lounge with outdoor seating area in the warmer months.
Ithaca Ale House
111 North Aurora Street
(607) 256-7977
Newly opened and soon to be a staple in Ithaca. Great food, atmosphere and beer, nearly 20 on tap! Sit outside to people watch during the summer.
