The best bars & nightlife in Ithaca

17 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 17 places · showing the latest additions first

Bike Bar

Nightlife

Bike Bar is a bicycle inspired Ithaca tap room pouring 12 rotating craft beers from Finger Lakes standbys to global curiosities, plus a few…

314 E State St Ste 100

“Bike Bar is a bicycle inspired Ithaca tap room pouring 12 rotating craft beers from Finger Lakes standbys to global curiosities, plus a few ciders and cocktails like Blood Orange Vodka or Grandma's Old Fashioned.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, October 12, 2026

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Whether you're meeting up after work or plotting a casual weekend adventure, Ithaca Beer Co pours fresh brews in a taproom with industrial…

122 Ithaca Beer Dr

“Whether you're meeting up after work or plotting a casual weekend adventure, Ithaca Beer Co pours fresh brews in a taproom with industrial decor that feels easy to settle into. Go for a weekend tour, then hang out and sample what's pouring with your crew.”

From the Ithaca newsletter, October 7, 2026

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Argos Inn - Ithaca's Boutique Hotel turns a beautifully restored, LEED certified historic mansion, once the Mayor’s house and even Duncan…

408 E State St

“Argos Inn - Ithaca's Boutique Hotel turns a beautifully restored, LEED certified historic mansion, once the Mayor’s house and even Duncan Hines’ world headquarters, into your go-to for Bar Argos drinks in the parlor or on the patio, plus a next-door late-night Warehouse and occasional hyper-local Roman-style pizza.”

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 30, 2026

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Lively nightspot offering cocktails, DJ'd music & dancing in a casual, contemporary setting.

410 Eddy St

“Lively nightspot offering cocktails, DJ'd music & dancing in a casual, contemporary setting.”

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Bar Argos

Nightlife

At Bar Argos, bartenders steer you toward classics or clever house inventions in a room glowing with a custom zinc bar, two-century bricks,…

408 E State St

“At Bar Argos, bartenders steer you toward classics or clever house inventions in a room glowing with a custom zinc bar, two-century bricks, and beeswax-touched plaster. It’s the spot for unhurried conversation, a well-made drink, and maybe a Roman-style pizza assist.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Whether you're post-hike or just dodging email, South Hill Cider delivers Finger Lakes terroir in the glass with guided tastings, small…

550 Sandbank Rd

“Whether you're post-hike or just dodging email, South Hill Cider delivers Finger Lakes terroir in the glass with guided tastings, small farm-to-table plates, and a lineup that ranges from single-orchard pours to cocktails. Live music, lawn seating, and that Cayuga Lake Valley view seal the deal.”

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 26, 2026

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The Westy

Nightlife

Since 2010, The Westy has been Ithaca's West End staple for craft beer and good hangs... a perfect low-effort plan this week. Choose from…

516 W State St #100

“Since 2010, The Westy has been Ithaca's West End staple for craft beer and good hangs... a perfect low-effort plan this week. Choose from 50+ beers with 20 rotating taps or 50 whiskeys, then claim a spot in the huge beer garden for darts, a friendly game of pool, and popcorn-powered people-watching.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 28, 2026

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American fare with modern flair, a rotating 20-tap craft lineup pouring brews from across the country, and a patio made for warm Finger…

301 E State St Apt 1

“American fare with modern flair, a rotating 20-tap craft lineup pouring brews from across the country, and a patio made for warm Finger Lakes nights. Ithaca Ale House is your easy win for catching up over shareable apps, a solid meal, and a pint that keeps conversation going.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 10, 2026

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When you want a spot that feels polished without being precious, The Regent Lounge nails it with modern craft cocktails that keep pace with…

130 Statler Dr

“When you want a spot that feels polished without being precious, The Regent Lounge nails it with modern craft cocktails that keep pace with big-city trends and a menu of shareable small plates and easygoing dinners. It’s equally good for quiet solo sips or gathering the group.”

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Ports of New York Winery brings multigenerational French winemaking chops to the Finger Lakes, with techniques carried forward from a…

815 Taber St

“Ports of New York Winery brings multigenerational French winemaking chops to the Finger Lakes, with techniques carried forward from a family winery founded in 1919. There is a tidy little museum and a shop too, which makes it a fun, low-key local detour when you want something different.”

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 27, 2026

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Nowhere Special Libations Parlor leans into the good stuff, with deep Whiskey, Mezcal & Tequila, and Rum menus that reward lingering…

114 W State St

“Nowhere Special Libations Parlor leans into the good stuff, with deep Whiskey, Mezcal & Tequila, and Rum menus that reward lingering curiosity. Slide in for a well made cocktail, compare pours, and leave with a new favorite bottle name to brag about.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 18, 2026

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The Heights

Nightlife

The Heights keeps it classy with Mediterranean-inspired American seafood, meats, and pizzas, plus a patio that just begs for a lingering…

903 Hanshaw Rd

“The Heights keeps it classy with Mediterranean-inspired American seafood, meats, and pizzas, plus a patio that just begs for a lingering second glass. Wine Spectator thinks so too, naming The Heights Restaurant and H Bar one of nine standout wine restaurants in Upstate New York.”

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Tres Leches

Nightlife

Tres Leches brings a polished, low-key lounge to Collegetown with Mexican classics and Latin American inspired craft cocktails built on…

403 College Ave · ✓ checked Sep 17

“Tres Leches brings a polished, low-key lounge to Collegetown with Mexican classics and Latin American inspired craft cocktails built on fresh-squeezed citrus and homemade syrups. Ideal for a quick unwind or a longer hang, especially if mezcal is your love language.”

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 21, 2026

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Bickering Twins Restaurant & Tequila Bar keeps things relaxed and reliably tasty with tacos, enchiladas, and salads that feel like a…

114 N Cayuga St

“Bickering Twins Restaurant & Tequila Bar keeps things relaxed and reliably tasty with tacos, enchiladas, and salads that feel like a midweek win. Settle in with a margarita or a tequila flight and let the classic flavors do the talking.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 5, 2026

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New York Cider Company turns Finger Lakes heirloom and wild apples into crisp, extra-dry ciders using sustainable farming and traditional…

245 Hayts Rd

“New York Cider Company turns Finger Lakes heirloom and wild apples into crisp, extra-dry ciders using sustainable farming and traditional techniques. Clean, nuanced, and unapologetically dry, it’s the bottle that plays nice with your weeknight dinner, backyard catch-ups, and those moments when beer feels too heavy.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Bookies Sports Bar & Lounge delivers watch-the-game energy with craft beers, signature cocktails, and an elegant wine list, plus…

119 E State St

“Bookies Sports Bar & Lounge delivers watch-the-game energy with craft beers, signature cocktails, and an elegant wine list, plus crowd-pleasing apps, burgers, pizzas, and calzones. A friendly perch overlooking the Downtown Ithaca Commons where the vibes stay high even if your team forgets how to play defense.”

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Vinifera Ithaca is the spot when you want precision in the glass and a room that hums at that just-right volume. Expect rare spirits,…

304 College Ave

“Vinifera Ithaca is the spot when you want precision in the glass and a room that hums at that just-right volume. Expect rare spirits, carefully chosen vintages, and classics or signatures poured with intention, then quietly celebrate finding your new go-to.”

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 15, 2026

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