The best cafes in Lansing

9 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 9 places · showing the latest additions first

Source for gourmet food, gifts & beer with an on-site cafe for coffee, light fare & baked goods.

702 Hancock St (Ithaca)

“Source for gourmet food, gifts & beer with an on-site cafe for coffee, light fare & baked goods.”

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Espresso, drip brews & small-batch roasted coffee beans are the draws at this small cafe.

430 N Cayuga St (Ithaca)

“Espresso, drip brews & small-batch roasted coffee beans are the draws at this small cafe.”

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Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.

748 S Meadow St (Ithaca)

“Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.”

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Espresso, drip brews & small-batch roasted coffee beans are the draws at this small cafe.

506 W State St (Ithaca)

“Espresso, drip brews & small-batch roasted coffee beans are the draws at this small cafe.”

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Since 1973, Cafe Dewitt has been Downtown Ithaca’s cozy standby for breakfasts, brunches, lunches, and flaky pastries made with Finger…

215 N Cayuga St (Ithaca) · ✓ checked Jul 31

“Since 1973, Cafe Dewitt has been Downtown Ithaca’s cozy standby for breakfasts, brunches, lunches, and flaky pastries made with Finger Lakes ingredients. Their locally-sourced menu and 4-time Best in Ithaca brunch cred plus 2-time best breakfast nods make this week’s plan easy.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 8, 2026

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The Waterfront Cafe is your grab-and-go-plus-chill spot for smoothies, acai bowls, avo toast, wraps and grain bowls built with seasonal,…

310 Taughannock Blvd (Ithaca)

“The Waterfront Cafe is your grab-and-go-plus-chill spot for smoothies, acai bowls, avo toast, wraps and grain bowls built with seasonal, locally minded ingredients. Watch the Cayuga Inlet while you sip Ithaca Coffee Company brews, then check their monthly specials this week for a little delicious routine upgrade.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Ithaca’s Coal Yard Cafe turns breakfast into a small adventure with shakshuka, cheddar grits bowls, and the legendary Flap Quacks, aka duck…

143 Maple Ave (Ithaca)

“Ithaca’s Coal Yard Cafe turns breakfast into a small adventure with shakshuka, cheddar grits bowls, and the legendary Flap Quacks, aka duck confit on johnny cakes with local YBF Farms maple syrup. Swing by this week when you’re craving comfort that still feels a little clever.”

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 23, 2026

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Farm to Feast NY is a cafe sharing space with K- HOUSE that’s perfect when you need a quick, tasty pick me up between errands or Zooms.…

121 W State St (Ithaca)

“Farm to Feast NY is a cafe sharing space with K- HOUSE that’s perfect when you need a quick, tasty pick me up between errands or Zooms. They also handle catering for those at-home hangs or team meetings when you want good food without lifting a finger.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 17, 2026

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Alley Cat Cafe is a legit mood booster, pouring good coffee and tea, stacking vegetarian sammies, pastries, and vegan options, and inviting…

112 N Cayuga St (Ithaca)

“Alley Cat Cafe is a legit mood booster, pouring good coffee and tea, stacking vegetarian sammies, pastries, and vegan options, and inviting you into a separate cat room to hang with adoptable felines from Browncoat Cat Rescue. When the week feels heavy, go pet a purr machine and reset.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 19, 2026

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