As a newcomer to Ithaca, it seems like Gimme! gets a lot of love here. I get it. Slick packaging, good coffee. The advantages of a Starbucks without the burnt coffee. The Shop isn't like that. It doesn't have the slickness that comes from chain marketing. What it does have, though, is really stellar coffee, a great atmosphere, and a tattoo parlor in the back.
A whatnow? It certainly sets a certain tone to have the buzz of a tattoo needle sounding out from the back room as you try to get some reading done over a cup of coffee, but I dig it. I like the plants and the shabby chic (can we still say that?) atmosphere. I like that when I'm too hopped on caffeine to have another cup, they have a good tea selection and (what I hear are) excellent juices. The baked goods leave something to be desired, but so be it. My judgment of a coffee shop does not live and die on their munchies.
The bottom line is that The Shop is fun, and a great place to get some work done over a nice pour-over.
This is the best coffee shop in Ithaca. Now how can I say this given that I don't even drink coffee? Well, because every time I take a "first date" here, I end up getting either lucky or stalked for several weeks. I hypothesize that the shop gives my dates the false impression that I am cool. I'm not sure what it is about the Shop that gives them this idea; perhaps its the great coffee, neat artwork, plentiful viewings of hipsters or maybe its the awesome looking tattoo parlor in the back. Unfortunately, visiting the shop is the closest I'll ever get to a needle, or being the cool kid for that matter. So back to those dates; they usually dump me when they realize its all a ruse. Frankly they should have noticed this when I ordered the ice tea. And by the way The Shop's iced tea is absolutely fantastic!
Review Source:It's got the best atmosphere for any coffee shop in Ithaca. Â A lot of tropical plants here. Quite a sunny local coffee shop. Â The coffee quality is great- hand tampered espresso shots. Â The customers are chill- as are the employees. Â I think you can also get a Tattoo here while drinking coffee. Cool!
Dinosaur cookies!!! Â Â What is it with Ithaca and dinosaurs? Â I feel like this is a good hood for them. Perhaps they like to munch on the tropical plants when nobody else is around. Â
They also have the dinosaurs at Level B you know?
I love this place. Â There's free internet, great coffee and the staff are incredibly friendly. Â The Shop has a great community vibe-- being a regular, I enjoy running into friends and neighbors who have also made it their local spot. Â Coffee-wise, they have a better variety of pourovers than Gimme. Â Since having come to The Shop, I've learned to appreciate the different types of coffee. Â Phoebe, the owner, is super helpful if you need advice choosing a blend or bag. Â Other reviews have mentioned that the place tends to run hot or cold-- I think this was more of a problem last year. Â The AC this summer was spot on, we'll have to see about the heat for the winter. Â They also now accept credit cards.
Support local businesses and visit The Shop!
Coffee made by the  cup via porover method for only $1.50!..  They have Gimmee Coffe's Raosst to chose from as well as Counter Culture, as well as lesser selectiosn from lesser knwon roasters such as 1,00 Faces, and a Cafe Kubal up In Syracuase.....  They sell whole beans from these roasters too.... Punk is included amongst the live music.  The owner is friendly too, especially if you are a customer who loves coffee or one who just wanst to knwo more about it..  Only problem now is that there are two coffee spots taht are mandatory when I'm in Ithaca, this palce and any of the Gimmee shops.
Review Source:The Shop has quickly become my favorite place for coffee and/or snacks in Ithaca! Â It's off Aurora St., one of the main streets that border the Commons so I'm not sure how many people actually wander by it unless they already know it's there but once they find it, how can they not come back? Â The Shop serves Gimme!, the local powerhouse, as well as other interesting brands of fair trade, small batch coffees which is exciting. Â They offer traditional brewed coffee as well as french press and the ultimate pour over method. Â In the summer, they've even got aeropress iced coffee!! Â
The Shop is cozy and funky, featuring funky artwork on the walls, live music, a selection of board games, and a variety of odd origami animals scattered throughout the counters and table tops. Â The fact that they share space with a tattoo shop makes it even more of an interesting space. Â Oh and their baked goods are fantastic! Â I'm not sure where they come from but the vegan cupcakes and chocolate covered macaroons are my favorite.
I was walking down Seneca the other day on my way to CTB, but was lured into this shop by the cute sign outside ("You want coffee. I serve coffee. Coincidence?") and the fact that I am a huge fan of Gimme! Coffee. I decided on a latte with hazelnut, and I think it was one of the most delicious drinks I have ever tasted. The foam was amazing and the latte art was well done. I loved it so much I went back the next morning (waiting until they opened!) before heading out of town. The barista looked a little bemused to see me again so quickly, I believe. The bar has been raised! Tastiness combined with a neat atmosphere and convenient location will make this a great place to get some work done over the school year, I believe.
Review Source:The Shop is one of my favorite places in Ithaca to hang out, drink coffee/espresso, and occasionally try to do some work (which I can never do in my apartment). It's bright and beautiful and full of books, zines, games, and in the evenings, shows!
In addition to what's already been described, they have an awesome new pourover stand, and sell Cognoscentea by the pot, which I love for a marathon homeworking session. There are about five tables and some counter space. They stay open til 11 on weekdays and have free internet - an aspect in which they seriously surpass Gimme! It's perfect for a late night snack or drink. But don't forget! It's cash only.
All the baristas are friendly, and Phoebe, the owner, gives great recommendations on drinks and snacks, and is generally really helpful. It's in a great location, not far from the Commons and not completely off the hill. It's also close to a corner store, and some places to eat. When I'm at Cayuga Street's Gimme! I often regret being so far away from anything other than baked goods. I could go every day for the rest of my life and not get tired of it. You might say it's just the caffeine keeping me alert, but it's not! We're so glad The Shop is here.
Coffee shop serving Gimme Coffee with amazing vanilla lattes, that is also part
-tattoo shop
-art gallery
-and a venue!!
They are open till 11pm most days except sunday, the latest coffee chop in town, with free wifi, so this is the place I have found one of the most useful being a new resident of Ithaca.
They publicize their events almost exclusively via facebook, so that is a helpful page to have when looking for something rad to do at night in a small college town!
The only downside is that like Gimme they also are cash only... but the support of alternative arts and music is a great community service that should not be overlooked.
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