If you know Ithaca for its iconic Commons or the culinary magnetism of Collegetown, you might have overlooked South Hill—an increasingly vibrant neighborhood subtly stealing the spotlight with its inspired food scene. Just south of downtown and hugging the slopes that cradle Ithaca College, South Hill boasts charming cafés, inventive bistros, beloved bakeries, and even a few under-the-radar food trucks. Whether you’re a student, local, or visiting foodie, these South Hill classics and newcomers deserve a spot on your must-try list.
South Hill’s Foodie Hotspots: Where To Eat
Head down Coddington Road or meander around Hudson Street, and you’ll discover an inviting mix of flavors catering to every palate and pocket.
*South Hill Cider*
Address: 550 Sandbank Rd
Tucked away on Sandbank Road, South Hill Cider isn’t only a destination for farm-crafted cider—it’s also a rural retreat for thoughtful small plates and chef-driven brunches. Open seasonally, the tasting room menu leans into locally-sourced cheese boards, charcuterie, and wood-fired fare, often featuring farm-fresh specials. Pair a glass of artisanal cider with their hearty local bread, or come for Sunday brunch with views of the orchards—an upstate experience that’s a genuine treat.
- *Cuisine*: Farm-to-table, small plates
- *Price*: $$
- *Why go*: Bucolic setting, locally-focused food, creative cider pairings
*Agava*
Address: 381 Pine Tree Rd (right at the edge of South Hill near East Hill Plaza)
While technically straddling the line between South Hill and East Hill, Agava is a go-to for locals when craving inventive Southwestern cuisine. Housed in a converted train station, its rustic-chic ambience sets the tone for wood-fired pizzas, shareable tapas, and robust entrées with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. Don’t miss their live music nights and Wednesday taco deals. Locals rave about the seasonal farm-fresh ingredients and creative cocktails shaken up at the lively bar.
- *Cuisine*: Southwestern, wood-fired pizzas, local ingredients
- *Price*: $$-$$$
- *Why go*: Creative dishes, great atmosphere, regular live music
*Gimme! Coffee South Hill*
Address: 506 W State St (a short hop uphill from downtown, considered South Hill’s “gateway café”)
No Ithaca food adventure is complete without a cup from Gimme! Coffee. Their South Hill outpost is a peaceful study spot full of regulars and coffee aficionados alike. Enjoy pour-overs, locally baked pastries, and a rotating selection of single-origin beans. Vegan treats and gluten-free goodies round out the menu, making it an inclusive stop for everyone.
- *Cuisine*: Specialty coffee, pastries, light fare
- *Price*: $-$$
- *Why go*: Warm neighborhood vibe, top-tier espresso, a pillar of Ithaca’s café culture
*South Hill Bagels (formerly Ithaca Bakery’s South Hill location)*
Address: Near Hudson St and Coddington Rd intersection
An offshoot of the famous Ithaca Bakery, South Hill Bagels serves up classic New York-style bagels fresh out of the oven every morning. Think lox and cream cheese, veggie scrambles wedged into sesame bagels, and hearty breakfast sandwiches. Students and neighbors alike pack this spot on weekends for grab-and-go mornings or a quick sit-down bite.
- *Cuisine*: Bagels, breakfast sandwiches, baked goods
- *Price*: $
- *Why go*: Best local bagels, early-morning buzz, reliable quick bite
*The Food Trucks of South Hill*
Look for a rotating lineup of food trucks stationed near the Ithaca College campus and along Coddington Road, especially during the warmer months. Some to watch for:
- *Poncho Villa*: Authentic Mexican street tacos with fresh salsas and made-to-order burritos.
- *Circus Truck*: An Ithaca legend, serving out-of-this-world breakfast sandwiches, hot grilled cheese, and even vegan options, often near the IC main entrance.
- *Cuisine*: Mexican, American, sandwiches, vegan
- *Price*: $-$$
- *Why go*: Cheap, craveable eats with a loyal local following
Hidden Gems: Specialty Sips & Sweet Treats
*Crown City Bread*
**Often finds its way into farmer’s markets and local shops (ask for it by name!)*
Artisan bread fanatics should keep their eyes peeled for Crown City Bread, whose small-batch loaves and sweet treats are distributed in local co-ops and markets near South Hill. Their pastries—think croissants and sticky buns—sell out fast, and regulars swear by the fresh, naturally leavened sourdough.
- *Cuisine*: Artisan bread, pastries
- *Price*: $-$$
- *Why go*: Small-batch quality, true hidden gem, farm-to-loaf ethos
*Serendipity Catering/South Hill’s Home Kitchens*
South Hill boasts a robust tradition of home-cooked feasts—from pop-up dinners to community events. Keep an eye out for flyers or follow local groups for special dinners highlighting international flavors: think Indian curries one week and Mediterranean mezze the next, all made with home-cook care. It’s a quirky, ever-changing aspect of the neighborhood that you’ll only find by word-of-mouth.
- *Cuisine*: Varied, international, event-based
- *Price*: $$
- *Why go*: Authentic meals, community vibe, perfect for foodies seeking something new
Special Mentions
South Hill is uniquely Ithacan—diverse, community-oriented, and quietly trendy. On any given evening, you might stumble across a backyard barbecue fundraiser, a cider release event, or a surprise pastry drop at a café counter. The neighborhood crowd ranges from college students to local families to visiting artists, all finding common ground over great food.
Planning Your South Hill Food Tour
For a memorable bite-and-stroll day:
- *Start early*: Grab a bagel at South Hill Bagels and a coffee at Gimme!, then take in the downtown valley views.
- *Lunch & afternoon*: Taste wood-fired lunch fare at Agava, then swing by food trucks for a snack.
- *Evening*: Relax on the patio at South Hill Cider with small plates and cider flights.
- *Weekend treat*: Track down Crown City bread at a farmer’s market or specialty store—or follow the scent of cinnamon to a secret neighborhood bake sale.
From homegrown kitchens and indie bakeries to farm-to-table restaurants and pop-up trucks, South Hill’s dining scene is beautifully down-to-earth and refreshingly inventive. Next time you’re hungry for a new food adventure in Ithaca, look up the hill—your new favorite meal might just be waiting for you in South Hill.