The State Diner — Restaurant in City of Ithaca

I am soooo frustrated with this place!!

1. it’s absolute bull that they’re not open 24 hours like they used to be or at least longer hours.

2. THEY NICKLE AND DIME YOU HERE!!

I’ve been coming here for a long time since before they had their fire. I keep giving it another chance but I think last time I went in was my last one I’m giving them. Every time I’ve come here I didn’t feel like I left happy with what I received for the price. I frequent diners all the time and so I know that based on their prices it’s over the top.

Examples of awful pricing:

Their coffee is $4, it’s not very good, sure you get refills but technically on their menu it says one refill which is abhorrent. They aren’t using high quality coffee - Folgers level quality, so you can make a couple pots at least once with $4.

In contrast:

Other diners have cheaper coffee or they include it in the price of omelets etc.

Their breakfast stuff is more expensive than other places and it’s not better!!

1. their breakfast sandwich is $9 (w/ one meat) and it doesn’t include home fries.

For contrast: at Lincoln st diner you can get sausage bacon and ham w/ cheese (includes home fries for $12.)

2. I got the biscuits and gravy the other day which was super lackluster. $12. For $12 you can put some eggs on it yall.

3. overpriced omelettes. They’re omelletw prices are over the top.

Their meat lovers is $17. 17!!! You can get it for 30% less other places and it’ll be better.

Their veggie omelette is $16. How is that okay?

Lastly they’re one of the only places on DoorDash that has an additional delivery fee.

In fairness with place is fairly clean, reasonable amount of street parking, the servers are attentive.

That being said go to Ooy’s Deli, the falls diner, Lincoln St Diner, the circus truck. Heck you can even go to a nice place like Simeon’s on the commons for roughly the same price as a lot of their items.

Show me an item on their menu and I’ll show you a place where you can get it in Ithaca for either cheaper or...

Taste: 3 Service: 5 Value: 1 Presentation: 2 Overall: 2.7 rounded up to 3

Hi and welcome to another episode of javing it with Javier. Let's see what we are javing today. My friends and I stopped by a small town while travelling to Ithaca for the long weekend to grab some food. Let's dive right into the review.

My friends and I split several dishes. We tried the chicken and waffles, their famous sausage, and their biscuits and gravy. Starting off with the chicken and waffles, the chicken was very crispy in contrast with the very soft waffle. There was less chicken than I had expected though. The sausage was mediocre and it was small too. Probably my least favourite part. The biscuits and gravy were a new try for me but the white gravy was way too salty for my tastes. All in all, everything was average and nothing really stood out to me.

On the other hand, their staff are very friendly and made sure we had our waters topped up and new utensils when we needed them. We also had a nice chat with her which was very pleasant.

Good thing we split the food, as everything was pretty expensive. The chicken and waffles was $20, the sausage which I could finish in 3 bites was $7 and the biscuit was around $15. I felt like it wasn't particularly filling even after sharing 3 dishes.

Overall, my experience here was OK. I didn't get to try too many places in the area so there was not much to compare to. And that's it for today's episode of javing it with Javier. And remember...

If you love classic American diners with a retro touch, then State Diner in Ithaca, NY, is a must-visit. This cozy little spot on State Street has all the nostalgic vibes of an old-school diner, complete with booth seating, bright red accents, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy comfort food, whether you’re a local or just passing through.

For lunch, I ordered the Greek Burger with Fries and a handmade milkshake—a combo that perfectly hits the spot. The Greek burger is served on pita bread instead of a traditional bun, adding a nice twist. However, the patty itself was a bit dry and could have used a bit more seasoning. The fries, on the other hand, were crispy and golden, exactly how you’d want them in a classic diner setting.

Now, let’s talk about the real highlight—the milkshake. This thick, creamy shake, topped with whipped cream, was the definition of indulgence. The retro-style ad on the table proudly states, “They’re Delicious,” and I have to agree! Whether you go for vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, it’s the kind of treat that brings back childhood memories.

Overall, State Diner is a charming little gem in Ithaca that serves up a nostalgic dining experience. While the burger could use a little more flavor, the atmosphere and that killer milkshake make it a spot worth checking out. Perfect for a laid-back meal with a touch of...