Johnny O’s
Located in Collegetown, this is a popular place for fraternity and sorority students.
408 College Ave.
Ithaca
(607) 272-0999
Level B Bar & Lounge
A more upscale bar located in Collegetown, Level B has a lounge and dance floor.
Big Red Barn
This is a popular hangout for graduate students. Anyone 21-and-up, though, can enjoy a beer, and students of all ages can go to listen to live music, hear presentations on community issues, salsa dancing, and engage in other fun activities.
The Nines
The Nines is a great place to relax and have a few beers and a pizza with friends. Local bands, as well as cover bands, frequent this old firehouse often.
Micawber’s Tavern
Only two miles off campus, this bar is very popular with students who live off campus. There is never a cover charge, yet students agree it’s not the cheapest place to drink. But it’s where the hottest Cornell students tend to hang out.
118 N Aurora St.
(607) 273-9243
Royal Palm
This is what you would expect of a college bar. Cheap drinks, run-down interior with past Cornellians names carved into the wooden tables. This is the place to enjoy your college years because no matter what, you can always find friends at the Royal Palm.
209 Dryden Rd.
(607) 272-9636
Stella’s Martini Bar
Stella’s has live jazz music two nights a week. They have a great drink menu with 30 scotches, 19 bourbons, and three dozen martinis and cocktails. It has brought the lack of sophistication back into Ithaca. Food is served daily until 10 p.m., and jazz music is played from 10 p.m.–1 a.m. Smoking is prohibited during the hours food is served.
403 College Ave.
(607) 277-1490
Rulloff’s
Aside from getting their name from a bank robber (check out the Web site), they have a great menu with everything from crab cake sandwiches to burgers, with an excellent Sunday brunch. It’s a bit crowded with Cornell students, but there is never a cover to drink here.
Maxie’s Supper Club & Oyster Bar
Maxie’s offers New Orleans-style seafood and Southern Comfort cooking, live music every Sunday night, Late-night menu, great liquor list, delicious specialty drinks, such as the Maxie-rita and the Oyster Shooter, microbrews, and boutique wines.
Felicia’s Atomic Lounge
Felicia’s has a very simple menu and a very straightforward lounge philosophy that says a lounge is for lounging. The funky decor, with metal panels and velvet couches, fits nicely. They have a good selection of microbrews, as well as a rotating Ithaca beer each week.
Dunbar’s
This is the unofficial hockey bar on campus where you can meet the players after Saturday night games. It doesn’t have the best selection or the greatest atmosphere, but many students enjoy it week after week.
409 Eddy St.
(607) 216-0904
The Haunt
Music ranges from hard rock to boy bands, so it’s a place everyone should check out. Depending on who is playing, there is either a cover or a higher ticket price. To buy tickets in advance call (607) 277-2726. There are also drink specials, a full menu with lunch specials, and a take out menu available.
Chapter House Brew Pub
With happy hour every day except Saturday, and a huge selection of beers on tap, it’s no wonder this is a Cornell student’s favorite hang out. Live bands play almost every Saturday with music ranging from gritty country to rock. Just a $5 cover lets you enjoy these great bands.
Castaways
Every night, Castaways has a different band or DJ with music ranging from reggae to alternative-country. With 75 bottled beers, 12 draft beers, and a full menu, you won’t be disappointed.