The Ithaca Commons

Areas to Explore THE ITHACA COMMONS

When people think of Ithaca, they often think of Cornell University, Ithaca College, the gorges, or the Ithaca Commons. Our awardwinning three-block pedestrian mall in downtown is the city’s cultural and economic center and a truly iconic feature of Ithaca.

The Ithaca Commons is a popular regional destination with a concentration of independently owned and operated shops and restaurants.

You’ll find one-of-kind clothing boutiques, including Benjamin Peters, Breathe, and Petrune, and gift shops like Sunny Days and Mockingbird Paperie. Plus, it’s home to art and crafts stores 15 Steps, American Crafts by Robbie Dein, and One World Market, each providing handmade crafts produced by highly skilled artisans. For the super sustainable types, you’ll enjoy the finds at Home Green Home, Trader K’s, and Autumn Leaves Used Books, which sell recycled items. Also, don’t forget to grab some gear or footwear for your outdoor adventures at The Outdoor Store and Cobbler’s Cottage, which carry name-brand apparel, footwear, and accessories. There’s also Homegrown Skateshop, an excellent shop for those seeking trendy sneakers. Plus, there’s Ithaca Sheepskin selling handcrafted, warm, cozy, and stylish sheepskin garments. To give your palate a little warmup, check out the gourmet foods at F. Oliver’s Oils and Vinegars and/or enjoy beverages from around the world at Cellar d’Or Wine and Cider Shop. Both specialty shops offer tastings of their products. Also, The Cornell Store sells Cornell Dairy cheese curds, ice cream, maple syrup, and, of course, a ton of Cornellrelated apparel and accessories.

Upscale dining experiences such as Mia Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Simeon’s American Bistro, Thompson and Bleecker, and Monks on the Commons are classy settings with gourmet foods served alongside cocktails & spirits. Casual dining places like Casablanca Pizzeria and Sammy’s Pizzeria serve fresh gourmet slices, Waffle Frolic provides a variety of freshly prepared breakfast and lunch options, and Lev Kitchen, our newest eatery opening this fall, serves middle eastern cuisine.

The food court in Center Ithaca offers a variety of food options: Lou’s Cafe serves street foods like hot dogs and hamburgers, Sophia’s Sweets offers freshly prepared Greek favorites, Sangam Indian Cuisine has a buffet of Indian foods, and Tian Jin and Tibetan Momo Bar serve authentic dumplings and other popular Asian cuisines.

Speaking of Asian foods, check out Sushi Osaka, offering many freshly wrapped sushi options and traditional Japanese cuisine. Plus, there’s Kimchi serving authentic Korean cuisine. For a cool hangout where you can satisfy your caffeine craving or sweet tooth, swing by Nothing Nowhere, where you’ll find specialty cafe-style beverages and fresh baked goods. Are you traveling with children? Visit Alphabet Soup, where you’ll find dozens of fun and educational toys, puzzles, games, books, and more! Plus, stop by The Brain Shoppe where you’ll find an incredible variety of brain teasers for the whole family to enjoy.

While you’re walking Commons, pay attention to the exterior of the buildings. Our specialty shops and restaurants are housed in some of the most authentic architectural facades in the area.

Also, explore the Sagan Planet Walk, named after famed Cornell University astronomer Carl Sagan, a scale model of the solar system which originates with the sun on the Commons and stretches 3/4 mile to the Sciencenter. The inner ring planets all fit on a short section of Bank Alley.

T E E R T S A G U Y A C DEWITT MALL FUN FACT: Ever since it was first built in the 70s, dogs were prohibited on teh Ithaca Commons. As of spring 2021, dogs on leashes are now welcome!

T E E R T S A G O I T T E E R T S A R O R U A

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SENECA STREET 79W

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E. M.L.K., JR. / STATE STREET PRESS BAY ALLEY & COURT

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THE COMMONS PEDESTRIAN MALL

Y E L L A Y R I A D E M O H CITY E. M.L.K., JR. / STATE STREET CENTRE

THE ITHACA COMMONS

GREEN STREET PEDESTRIAN MALL

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GATEWAY PLAZA

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