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Coal Yard Cafe

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A quaint neighborhood cafe in Ithaca, Coal Yard Cafe offers delicious breakfast and lunch with unique dishes and specialty coffee in a cozy, rustic se...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Cozy interior

Coal Yard Cafe

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A quaint neighborhood cafe in Ithaca, Coal Yard Cafe offers delicious breakfast and lunch with unique dishes and specialty coffee in a cozy, rustic setting.

"This is it!!! Great cozy place for breakfast or lunch! Incredible tasting and wonderful staff—LOVED IT!!!!"

TIP

Avoid Peak Hours

Visit during off-peak times to minimize wait times for your food.

Consider Takeout

If seating is limited, taking your food to go is a viable option.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Thursday 8AM

Cuisine

American

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(607) 277-0734

Address

143 Maple Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Quack Jacks

Quack Jacks

Johnny cake pancakes topped with perfectly cooked duck breast and drizzled with balsamic reduction.

Google Review
Cozy & Inviting Atmosphere

Cozy & Inviting Atmosphere

A warm, neighborhood cafe with rustic decor, leather chairs, and an electric fireplace.

A Quick Guide to (Some of) the Best Brunch Spots in IthacaThe 5 Best Places To Grab A Coffee In Ithaca
Unique Coffee Creations

Unique Coffee Creations

Beyond traditional espresso, explore intriguing coffee drinks like the orange-flavored cafe niro.

Google Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#coalcitycafe #breakfast #yummy #ithaca #collegetown #fyp
@ms.susan1986
8 likes • 465 views

Avoid Peak Hours

Visit during off-peak times to minimize wait times for your food.

Consider Takeout

If seating is limited, taking your food to go is a viable option.

Charlotte is back for day two of our Paws & Pour Adoption event at Coal Yard Coffee. Ahe is ready to find her new home. Come by today until 4pm to meet her. #comeandgetyourlove #adoptme #adopt #shelterpet
@iacsanimals
95 likes • 833 views

Outdoor Seating

Enjoy a more relaxed experience by opting for outdoor seating, especially in warmer weather.

Explore Coffee Menu

Don't miss their unique coffee drinks alongside traditional espresso options.

Tips

from all over the internet

Avoid Peak Hours

Visit during off-peak times to minimize wait times for your food.

Consider Takeout

If seating is limited, taking your food to go is a viable option.

Outdoor Seating

Enjoy a more relaxed experience by opting for outdoor seating, especially in warmer weather.

Explore Coffee Menu

Don't miss their unique coffee drinks alongside traditional espresso options.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Coal Yard Cafe is celebrated for its cozy atmosphere and unique, flavorful dishes like the signature Quack Jacks. Diners love the creative menu and specialty coffee drinks. However, some reviews mention small portion sizes and a less-than-ideal service experience when it comes to tipping, with occasional instances of food being served in takeout containers even when dining in.

"Its a VERY small place but it packs a punch with flavor and kindness. I had the crepes with berries and they were delicious. Seating can be hard to come by but once you're in you get a menu and order at the counter and they will bring your dish out. I walked out and left my purse on the chair and a kind fella chased me down. Would definitely stop again."

Patricia Coughlin

"The food left a lot to be desired. Not a lot of flavor and the portion sizes were small. I felt there was more volume in the cup of coffee than the food. Also kinda disappointed to have it served in a take out container even though we were eating in the Cafe."

Amanda Gorges

"Expect to get judged if you don’t pay tips for nonexistent service! There was one time I ordered a coffee to go and didn’t pay tips, because I ordered at the counter and waited right there to pick up myself (It’s not like they took my order at the table and had to bring it to me and clean the table after me or anything.) Before the barista made my coffee, she was exchanging eye contact with the cashier. The cashier was frowning and waving her hand under the counter, which I assumed signaling her that I didn’t pay tips. The barista rolled her eyes, made the coffee, gave it to me with a terribly unpleased look and didn’t say a word. The worst experience ever!
Though I liked their sweet potato hash from previous visits, I have never visited this place since then."

Mengting Huang

What People Like

Unique and flavorful dishes
Cozy and charming atmosphere
Creative coffee drinks

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service regarding tips
Food served in takeout containers
Occasional small portion sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

The cafe is known for its unique dishes like the 'Quack Jacks' (pancakes with duck breast), flavorful breakfast and lunch options, and interesting coffee creations in a cozy atmosphere. Reddit

Google Review

The cafe serves breakfast and lunch. It's recommended to check their specific operating hours before visiting, as they are a smaller establishment. Reddit

Google Review

The place is described as very small, so seating can be hard to come by, especially during peak hours. Visiting during off-peak times or considering takeout is advised. Reddit+1

Google Review+1

While not explicitly detailed in the provided data, the menu does mention 'gluten-free' as an option for some dishes. It's best to inquire directly about specific dietary needs. [^data]

Yes, the cafe offers outdoor seating, which can provide a more relaxed dining experience, especially during warmer weather. [^M1, ^R5]

where to eat in Ithaca, NYGoogle Review

The atmosphere is often described as cozy, warm, inviting, and like a grandmother's living room, with rustic decor and a comfortable neighborhood feel. [^M3, ^M6]

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The Coal Yard Cafe in Trumansburg is a sweet little breakfast spot with a walk up take out window, and a new pop up stand that just opened on Ithaca’s West End Inlet Island, and Allechant has lunch and Sunday brunch curbside pickup as well as charming outdoor table service in warmer weather. Creekside Cafe in Trumansburg has a lovely brunch menu - seating is limited so call ahead, or grab takeout and take it to a park.

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Tucked away in a neighborhood near Cornell, you’ll find an enticing food menu with a variety of specialty coffee drinks. Here, you will not be limited to traditional breakfast fare, be sure to look at their lunch menu and sandwiches during your next brunch. Local Pick: Spice up your morning by ordering the Ranch Eggs or take a sweeter route and order the Ithaca Mudd off the drink menu.

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The best way to describe this tiny café is by saying that it’s probably like your grandmother’s living room. Warm, fresh home-cooked meals are served to you as you wait in a small, cozy room with an electric fireplace. Though I might be a bit biased, as it’s my personal favorite and go-to Ithacan brunch spot, Coal Yard provides a lot that none of the other brunch spots can offer.

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Mouthwatering omelets, scrambles, and breakfast sandwiches – need we say more?. The Coal Yard Cafe is a popular stop for its variety of savory, filling, and unique morning fare. With its location’s long and storied history – for many years, the building housed businesses that sold coal to Ithaca residents – the setting is as unique as the menu.

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143 Maple Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA(607) 277-0734 View Menu Open in Google Maps. Nestled on Maple Ave in Ithaca, NY, Coal Yard Cafe is a charming haven for coffee enthusiasts and food lovers alike. As soon as you step inside, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee envelops you, promising a delightful experience ahead.

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What was once was a coal yard back in the day, the Coal Yard Cafe has since transformed into a quaint spot in Ithaca for breakfast, lunch and—of course—coffee. Leather chairs, a cast iron fireplace, and rustic decor make Coal Yard your comfortable and cozy neighborhood cafe.

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- Rating: 4.1/5 (138 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 143 Maple Ave. Ithaca, New York - Categories: Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch, New American- Read more on Yelp

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Best breakfast spots?! : ithaca

Cafe Dewitt, Lincoln Street Diner, Carriage House Cafe, MIX, Sunset Grill, State Street Diner, Coal yard cafe, Waffle Frolic, for some options

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Coal Yard Cafe (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide