Ithaca, NY boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and burgers hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of its residents and visitors. From classic cheeseburgers to gourmet creations, Ithaca offers a diverse range of burger experiences. This comprehensive guide explores 34 of the best burger joints in Ithaca, catering to various tastes and preferences. We'll cover everything from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, ensuring you find your perfect Ithaca burger.
Best Burgers by Style
This section categorizes the top Ithaca burgers by style, making it easier to find your ideal bite.
Classic Cheeseburgers: The Timeless Appeal
These are the burgers that define the genre. Simple, delicious, and satisfying.
- The Nines: Known for its perfectly cooked patties and melty cheese.
- Collegetown Bagels: Surprising but true, their burgers are a local favorite.
- Hector's: A classic diner experience with a burger that hits the spot.
- The Ithaca Farmers Market: Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients make these burgers a treat. (Availability depends on market schedule)
- John Thomas' Diner: A retro diner serving up old-school deliciousness.
Gourmet Burgers: Elevated Eats
These burgers elevate the classic with unique toppings and high-quality ingredients.
- State Street Grill: Creative burger combinations with fresh, local ingredients.
- Tap & Barrel: A gastropub with a focus on craft beer and gourmet burgers.
- Coltivare: Farm-to-table cuisine, including some amazing inventive burgers.
- Glenwood Inn: Upscale dining with a sophisticated burger selection.
- Ithaca Beer Company: Pair your burger with one of their craft beers.
Vegetarian & Vegan Burgers: Plant-Powered Perfection
Ithaca offers excellent options for those seeking vegetarian or vegan burgers.
- Moosewood Restaurant: Famous for its vegetarian cuisine, including flavorful veggie burgers.
- Agava Restaurant: Offers creative and delicious vegetarian options.
- Wegmans: Surprisingly, Wegmans offers several high-quality vegetarian and vegan burger options.
- The Shop: A popular spot for vegan and vegetarian options in a casual setting.
- CommuniTea Cafe: Offers various vegan and vegetarian sandwiches, some of which could be considered burgers.
Unique Burger Experiences: Beyond the Ordinary
Ithaca has restaurants offering burger experiences that go beyond the typical fare.
- Za'atar: While not strictly a burger joint, their creative menu sometimes features burger-like options.
- Little Venice: Their unique menu often includes creative burger-inspired dishes.
- Epiphany: Sometimes features burgers as specials that are highly regarded.
- Goody's: A casual spot that will always surprise you with unique options.
- Burrito Shack: Yes, you read that right! They have a surprisingly good burger option occasionally.
Burgers with a View or Ambiance
Here are burgers best enjoyed for their location or the atmosphere they offer.
- Cascadilla Inn: Enjoy a burger with a view of the stunning gorges.
- The Boathouse: Beautiful location on Cayuga Lake complements their delicious burgers.
- Press Bay Alley: Lively atmosphere with a great burger selection.
- Rongovian Embassy: A unique and quirky establishment with tasty burgers.
- Nando's Peri-Peri: Not strictly known for burgers, but they offer a unique and spicy option.
Finding Your Perfect Ithaca Burger: A Detailed Breakdown
To help you navigate this delicious landscape, let's delve deeper into some notable aspects of Ithaca's burger scene.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Burger
- Price: Ithaca's burger prices range widely, from budget-friendly to upscale dining experiences.
- Atmosphere: From casual dives to elegant restaurants, the atmosphere significantly impacts the dining experience.
- Ingredients: Locally sourced ingredients, organic options, and unique toppings contribute to a burger's quality and character.
- Patty Style: Thickness, type of meat (beef, bison, turkey, veggie), and cooking method all influence the taste and texture.
- Bun Type: The bun is an essential component; consider whether you prefer brioche, potato, sourdough, or a classic sesame seed bun.
A Few More Notable Ithaca Burger Spots (26-34)
The following establishments also deserve a mention for their burger offerings:
- Al's Restaurant
- Red Star Restaurant
- B&B's Burger Bar
- The Marriott Ithaca Downtown
- Skyline Restaurant
- The Graduate Ithaca
- Lost Dog Cafe
- Mac's Drive-In
- Cornell Dairy Bar
Note: Restaurant menus and offerings can change. It’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant directly before visiting, especially for limited-time specials.
This guide provides a starting point for your Ithaca burger adventure. With so much variety, exploring Ithaca's burger scene is a delicious journey! Remember to share your favorites in the comments below!
