There really isn't much to say about this place. It's your standard American food, semi-imaginitive burgers, tacos, fries, salads etc. Its decent, but it's very forgettable. The portions are large for the price compared to other collegetown locations, but for some reason, even though I walk by the place almost everyday, I have never had a desire to come back after my first visit. The service is kind of lacking, but I truly can't figure out why I always avoid this place; it's not like its bad or anything.
Review Source:Possibly the most chill spot in CTown besides Stella's. If you're looking for a more social and Greek atmosphere this is it. Drinks are relatively cheap and strong, the taste isn't all that standout but they get the job done. In terms of food, it's your standard pub affair, nothing too special.
Review Source:Food: 4 stars, standard grill stuff, has some uniqueness and tasty, breadth of menu is nice.
Cost: 4 stars, things here are relatively cheap compared to the other stuff in ctown and the quantity is on par.
Atmosphere: 3 stars, this place is f***ing noisy and crowded. It is a bar, but its located way too close to the regular dining tables.
Service: 2 stars, Holy incompetence Batman! These servers are entirely useless and the kitchen is slow as can be. One time our table ordered 2 of the same things, and one came out 20 min before the other. And this is just a piece of fried fish we're talking about.
Presentation of food: 2 stars: Food is coming out on little trays that I eat with in elementary school. Cmon this is a restaurant you are running, use a f***ing plate.
Average: 3 stars.
Sure, Rulloff's is a pretty low class establishment, but after a few Saranacs at the barn on Friday, the fish fry and some Yuengling is just what the doctor ordered. It could probably be a bit cheaper but for the most part, Rulloff's is not too hard on the wallet. Arrive expecting a decent burger, some beer and slow service, and you'll get just what you came for.
Review Source:There are days when you're just craving a burger. A fat juicy burger loaded with cheese, bacon, and sauteed onions. For me, that day is today.
The Grub --
* Black and Bleu Burger ($9.95) - blackened with Cajun spices and topped with bacon, crumbly, Bleu Cheese and sauteed onions
Venue Review --
Walking into Rulloff's the place is much bigger from the inside than I imagined as I passed by every day on the way to class. There's ample seating for groups of two and four as well as additional seating at the bar, perfect for groups, sports junkies, and any other crowd really. The chairs aren't the most comfortable (very thin padding) but it's a cozy spot with lots of memorabilia such as a lovely deer's head hanging over your table as you chow.
Food Review --
Rulloff's is an American bar, so it was only natural that I'd get a burger. The Rulloff's burger and Black and Bleu burger were both highly rated so I asked our waiter to surprise me with one of the two: he came back with a medium-rare Black and Bleu. (did you catch the rhyme?) My first impression was that it was kind of on the petite side. When I order a burger, I want something big and juicy, one that takes two hands to eat and gets messy when I bite into it. This burger could fit in my palm which was really too bad.
However, what the burger lacked in size it made up for with a man-sized burger taste. The bleu cheese provided both texture and a perfect saltiness melting right into the crevasses of the thick patty. Sauteed onions and bacon lended a smoky and outdoorsy flavor to the mix. The tomatoes and lettuce were fresh and crisp. All that between toasted buns made for a nice combo. Also, I snagged some of my buddy's sweet potato fries and they were pretty tasty as well, very comparable to those that you'd get at Stella's a few doors down.
Service Review --
Our waiter was the spittin' image of Jason Segel. Actually, not Jason Segel, but better yet, Marshall Eriksen. I met Jason Segel a couple years ago back in San Francisco (made him a mojito while working at the Fairmont Hotel) so believe me when I say this. Though I didn't catch our waiter's name, he was very good at what he did, quick to refill our glasses, very friendly and even offered to split our group's check before we asked. His warm service came as a surprise after the negative reviews about Rulloff's service on Yelp.
Overall Impression --
First time at Rulloff's and it was a nice treat. It definitely appeased my burger craving and was much better than expected after reading all the other reviews on Yelp (mainly dissing their service). I should've probably grabbed a brew of some kind since they have a great variety on tap. Maybe next time? It's supposed to be a fun place at night with a busier and more raucous lot.
My first week in Ithaca, I remember coming to Rulloff's for my first Collegetown meals. I never went back until four years later, during my last week at Ithaca.
And now I remember why I've never went back.
It's not so much the food, as Rulloff's serves decent American fare. Burgers, fries, chicken salads, etc... you get the point. It's about 2-3 stars mediocre, but what ruins the Rulloff's experience for me is the service.
During my most recent patronage, I walked into Rulloff's to see one table of four and pretty much an empty house. It was beautiful outside, so we asked the hostess if we could get seated on the sidewalk tables. We were seated immediate with our menus. No less than 15 minutes later, our server came outside with waters and silverware roll-ups. She started walking away until we told her we were ready to order.
About 10 minutes later, another party of 2 sat outside to our left. Our server walked out to take their order immediately. A few minutes later, she came outside with our food orders and placed them on the other table -- did she forget she JUST took their orders, not to mention they didn't even have waters or silverware yet? When they told her that was not what they ordered, she apologized, brought them over to our table, and asked us if it was ours. We told her it was, and I reminded her that I had ordered a decaf coffee 15 minutes ago. After we started eating, she came back to ask how everything was. I had to remind her again, that I wanted my coffee. By the time I got my coffee, I had finished my pancakes.
I don't know when I'll be visiting Ithaca again, but when I do, I know for sure I won't be coming back to Rulloff's.
I feel like Rulloff's deserves two stars for the pub-style food, but three for being a perfectly decent place to grab inexpensive drinks with friends, which is what I'm doing most often when I'm there. My most recent experience there was for lunch last Thursday and it was another reminder that there are much. better. places. to get lunch in Collegetown. My husband was in between classes and I was on my lunch hour, so we walked over from campus and were seated immediately. We placed our drink and food orders right away, and Alex was tickled pink that the special of the day was a free pint of beer with every burger. He ordered the Rulloff Burger and I had the Turkey California. I may not be a whiz in the kitchen, but I'm fairly certain that it doesn't take half an hour to slap together a sandwich and fry up a burger and some fries, especially when only about a third of the tables are occupied. On a street that is within spitting distance of campus and where most lunch patrons are either Cornell students or employees, taking that long to make lunch is a bit absurd. By the time we got our food, we had only ten minutes left to scarf it down, pay the bill, and hoof it back before the lunch hour was over. Needless to say, we'll be going elsewhere for lunch in the future and sticking to Rulloff's only if we're meeting friends there for drinks.
Review Source:One of the most popular locations for a Friday dinner among friends, I fail to see the draw. First of all it smells like a fraternity basement, like pitchers and pitchers of spilled beers that have sown their odor into the floorboards. After the first 10 mins the smell slowly fades away, shorter if you go later for the bar. An enormous menu is placed in front of you, and you choose from any of the mouthwatering specialties. Unfortunately, once the average service delivers your food in an average amount of time, you find your food to be just about as average as a fast food joint - at twice the price.
The sole redeeming factor is the bar, cheap pitchers and beers. It's a staple, and very central to Collegetown. I would highly recommend it if your roommate steals your newly purchased 30 rack of Coors Light, and your are too lazy to go to Wilson Farm's.
There once was a time, long, long ago, when Rulloff's had the best burgers, not only in town, but on the planet. I'd eat there almost every day. But those days are long past, and what's left is a subpar college bar.
Today, the burgers the place used to be famous for are never cooked properly, never seasoned properly, and don't taste like very much of anything. The soup used to be excellent, but now is merely meh. The salads and drinks are OK. But given the much better fare found within a block of the place, there's really no reason to ever go in anymore, unless you want to read the story of Rulloff, which you really only need to do once.
2-3 stars for the food itself. Its awesomeness as an actual bar bumps it to a 4, though. For the food, I like the clam chowder a lot. The Aloha Burger is decent, as are most of the other burgers. But the Strawberry Fields salad and some of the brunch items are pretty mediocre (although I guess that's what you can expect at a pub-type restaurant).
The drinks, on the other hand...I'm a fan. Inexpensive, generally really good. During college, you couldn't have convinced me to leave Dunbar's on a Thursday and give up those $3 LIITS (which are now $4). This year, when I've gone back to visit my boyfriend, we've gotten them at Rulloff's for the same price of $4 and (blasphemy, but) they are SO MUCH BETTER. Beers are also good and there's a pretty good draft selection. Mixed drinks are usually hit or miss, but more hits. I've had a few too many ultra-weak or ultra-strong vodka sodas, but the gin & tonics are good, and I'm sure it depends on the bartender. Another drink to try? Electric Gatorade. Just...trust me.
aah! the good old days.. sitting in rulloff's with the awesome ravioli and sangria.
and the huge serving of ceasar salad, which was quiet good itself.
with some creme brulee.. i always had a great time here.
Especially if someone was playing the piano (usually after evening).
dim lights, wooden interiors, good food and endless conversations.
:)
I love the college-town feel of this bar, but descending to the basement made me change my tune. Â When I say "basement", i mean just that. Â Concrete floors, exposed wires, the works. Â The basement looks like an afterthought, a red-headed stepchild of the restaurant/pub, the black sheep they banished to the bell tower. Â From the outside, the restaurant looks like a cute, local, welcoming pub. Â The first floor screams the same. Â Just don't go down those stairs - I beg you.
Overall, though, it's got some highlights. Â For starters, I felt like I was really in Collegetown, USA when I walked in. Â The downstairs bartender seemed to be sipping on a PBR (but it could have just been apple juice) and hanging out at his post. Â The feel is extremely laid-back, no frills.
Perhaps Wednesday is not the hoppin' night for this place and I've got it all wrong, but Rulloff's lacked a certain buzz, a collegiate energy, that I love so much in a college bar.
In my many, many visits to Rulloffs, I have never had a bad experience. Ever. This was definitely on my "to visit" when I came back the Slope Day after graduation.
I've been here for:
Brunch - the waffles are out of this world.
Other meals - I LOVE the customised pasta. Always hit the spot every time.
Trivia - Get there early to get a table!
Karaoke - Best song selection I've seen out of many karaoke bar trips.
Going out - I've typically only come here when I'm looking to hang out over a pitcher and it's been a great time every time.
Really fun and laid back college bar where undergrads, grads, and even parents/ profs can enjoy themselves. Agreed with most reviewers that the food is mediocre at best and on the higher side. French onion soup is way too salty. Â BUT the bar is great!
Sunday night trivia is a favorite amongst all students! Get there early to grab a table. They also have Monday night karaoke, Â taco Tuesday, and my absolute favorite 1-2-3 Wednesday. Â Come Wednesday for $1 pints, $2 and $3 pitchers. Â It's basically a frat party at a bar, always packed, always a good time. Â
The staff is really friendly and they have a decent selection on tap. Â They also have $7 Rolling Rock pitchers all the time if you're a poor college student, which you probably are if you are here. Â For only a few bucks more and a lot better taste, spring for Yuengling or Magic Hat #9.
I've enjoyed the Rulloff's burger (note: you'll need to ask if you want red onion with it), sweet potato fries, the California burger, one of the turkey paninis, and tasted the French Onion Soup (vegetarian).
Overall, I've always enjoyed my food, but the best option is always the burger. I know people who also swear by the BBQ chicken salad.
If you're looking for a quick dinner and attentive service, this is not the place. But, it is great place when you have some time to spare to unwind with some friends, enjoy some good food, and have a few beers (Rolling Rock is super cheap although I tend to spring for the Shocktop).
This is one of my least favorite restaurants to eat at in Collegetown. Â The food is usually subpar and the service is terrible and slow. Â I love the ambience and the bar, and my friends like coming here for pitchers, so I have been more than I'd like.
Some of the dishes I've had:
Salmon on a Cedar Plank: Â Had to send it back because the Salmon was so overdone... and I have never sent something back before!! Yikes. Â The only edible thing on the plate was the three asparagus spears.
French Onion Soup: Â Have had wayyy better. Â It's made with vegetable broth, so I think if it were beef or chicken stock it would have much more flavor.
Shepherd's Pie: Â Decent, nothing spectacular. Â One of the best things I've had here.
The prices are reasonable, but for the quality of food they are way too much. Â I have come here hoping to spend an hour but spent much longer because of the slow service. Â I run out of water without it refilled for long periods of time.
Come here for the bar, but not the food! There are much better restaurants in C-Town.
Old time dive bar right in Collegetown with tons of dark wood and great character. Â The food is good for what it is. Â I had a delicious sandwich, Â the California turkey on rye with fresh roasted turkey and sprouts and avocado- wow, I am still thinking about that sammie.
I have not been here at night as I would imagine it's a huge shit show. Â The beer is iced cold and priced right and the bartenders know how to pour a drink and converse. Â Wow!!
Oh yeah and they have huge as your head pancakes. Â Check it out.
If I am going to hit college town for lunch or dinner, Rulloff's is my restaurant of choice. They have an extensive menu giving you plenty of choices to fit your cravings. I think their burgers are among the best in college town, along with their sweet potato fries.
The restaurant has two floors providing plenty of seating for the busy crowds that rush in on weekends and weekday nights. For those that can drink, Â the bar provides an alternative place to wine and dine and enjoy the ambiance. When things get busy they will accommodate the crowd and open the bar in the bottom as well.
Rulloff''s has a laid-back atmosphere with dart boards,trivia nights, and the college town favorite...karaoke night. Overall, it is a great place to meet up with friends and eat some quality food.
Yum!
This place is pretty good; they serve regular American fare, but it's nothing special either. (Though I must say, I do quite enjoy their sweet potato fries).
I suppose the best part about this place is the drinks! They do some drink specials with pitchers and beers, which fit into a college student's budget.
The atmosphere is casual. There's seating upstairs and downstairs and the place can get pretty crowded. The staff is relatively nice, though once in a while, you may get a sort of rude server. But hey, gotta give them credit, dealing with college kids all day and all week must get pretty stressful. Especially if they're inebriated.
Whenever I come to Ithaca, my first stop--besides Collegetown Bagels--is Rulloff's! I love, love, love Rulloff's! The ambiance is friendly and fun and the service is consistently good. They have a great beer and wine selection, and the food is surprisingly tasty for a pub style place, which can really be hit or miss. Their greek salad is my favorite, their daily soups are scrumptious, and their desserts are delicious! It's fun to come here during the day or in the evening. It's a pretty happenin' place on the weekends. I just wish that they sold t-shirts!
Review Source:Rulloff's is my favorite bar in Ithaca (which doesn't say much since it's Ithaca) and they also have good food. They're located right in Collegetown so it's really convenient and their menu is really big so everyone will find something they like. I really like their burgers with sweet potato fries and chicken fingers.
Also, I like this place because you can rent the downstairs area for free for student org gatherings and can cater food and drinks for a reasonable deal.
I like their dinner menu more than the lunch menu. My favorite is the Rulloff Burger, which is made with garlic bread. Other friends who went with me had burgers and pasta. Those who ordered burgers liked their food but my friend who had pasta didn't like it at all. Some of the food on her plate was a little undercooked. We also waited for awhile for the food to come.
Review Source:Don't bother with the food here, standard bar fare but lacking in taste, also pricey for such mediocre food. If they opened a BJs, Chili's, or even something as mainstream as TGI Fridays, this place would take a beating.
Good things however are the pitchers are decently priced, good selection on tap of most mainstream bears, can't ever go wrong with Blue Moon.
Atmosphere is what you'd expect from a typical bar scene, low lighting and lots of wood everywhere. On a plus thing, service is decent and they don't complain about getting separate checks, even for a party of well over 7 people.
I've been here a few times for dinner, and it's actually pretty good (if a little pricey). I usually get the Jambalaya, which is the tastiest I've had in Ithaca. The most amusing thing about dinner service is always this one waiter that I ALWAYS get. He's friendly in a really awkward kind of way - like when I ordered a Caesar salad and he asked me what kind of dressing I wanted on it. "Err... Caesar..." I replied. He came back 5 minutes later to ask again.
As far as being a bar goes, I'm not too fond of it, except on Sundays. The bartenders kind of suck because they're always "busy" chatting with their friends so it takes forever to get a drink. There ARE two bars - one is downstairs, but they're always "out" of the beers on tap.
Actually, the only reason I ever come here is because of trivia night on Sundays. There are unlimited team sizes, so it gets really crowded. Perfect excuse to get smashed on a Sunday. Also the various team names are hilarious.
I ate at Rulloff's last night for about the 15th time. The food is always good and that's why I keep going back. I usually go for the burger or chicken fingers (definately get the chipotle aioli for dipping), but they serve classier (and more expensive) food as well. The menu ranges from about $8 - $25 so you will find something, no matter what you are looking for. The higher priced menu usually includes some pretty creative dished - so its not just the standard fare.
I tried the pulled pork last night and while it wasn't bad, it definately had a mass produced flavor. I didn't really expect any better as Rulloff's isn't a BBQ joint and doesn't have a pit. In any case - if you really need a pulled pork sandwich there aren't may choices so you might as well try it.
Their Mexican, on the other hand, is consistently good. That's the MO of Rulloff's - everything is good, but nothing will bowl you over (except that chipotle aioli!!). Highly recommended.
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