Wide Awake Bakery — Restaurant in City of Ithaca

I am a huge fan of Wide Awake, and have been since I discovered them about 1.5 years ago. I am not really here to review them, although I do think it’s important to note that Gary’s and Sunflower Farmer are some of the best loaves I have ever run into. Also all their focaccias are outstanding.

I am here to address the bread club problem someone had mentioned. To that person — these bakers need to make a living and have to start the process of making their bread the day before. This means they need to have a semi-decent understanding of the demand for the next day. It is really difficult to understand that demand during the first couple weeks of operation, so it makes sense that they would underproduce in order to make sure they don’t have extras sitting around. I know most would expect a high service level for things like this, but rating them a two is a bit ridiculous, especially since you didn’t even try anything and I am sure you showed up late in the day.

Moreover, the reason they are sold out should stand out to anyone looking for high quality bread. It is good — scratch that, great — bread that should be respected by anyone consuming it instead of expected by anyone contemplating trying it. If you really wanted to support them you would’ve asked how to become part of the club instead of giving them such a bad review because you’re upset you didn’t get to try any.

Again, I love Wide Awake, and am very grateful they are in town now. Please make sure you go over and try it out when you get the chance, and support local...

As a croissant aficionado, I'm always looking for a savory, flaky, and crunchy pastry to pair my morning coffee with. After years of looking all around Ithaca for the perfect croissant, I was all but disappointed and almost gave up. That was until I found Wide Awake at the local farmers market. Since then, I make it a point to grab a 3-pack of croissants to take home every weekend.

But, what happens when I need my croissant fix on a Thursday? Lucky for me, Wide Awake opened a brick and mortar location on Buck Hill road, just across the street. No more waiting for the weekend to get croissants!

This is the neighborhood bakery you dream of. They bake daily, have a surprising variety of breads and pastries, and make some decent espresso. Most of their baked goods use sourdough, except for baguettes and a couple of others. They're welcoming, knowledgeable, and are willing to provide recommendations. The new location has parking space, baking paraphernalia and good coffee.

Word of advice: They're still a small bakery with high local demand. Additionally, a large portion of their production is devoted to their bread CSA (community supported agriculture) program. If you want to reliably get the bread of your choice, you may want to consider joining their CSA. Otherwise, go in like me and be surprised with whatever loaves are available at a given time. For croissants, I recommend getting there early to...

Discriminatory business practice, that turn back customers who can pay for a loaf of bread. They make you wait on line and announce at the counter that you are not able to buy bread because it is reserved for members. This shop should be held accountable for all ithacans to have a right to use their business as long as they are open. This trend is a bad business model that shame you out of their shop being told that you can not buy a loaf. This has happened to me multiple times and is not a good practice....if they want only members. They should not open their door but rather distribute through a window or other subscription route. I have never seen a bread shop turnback customers feeling the that they don't belong there. Sorry sorry this is unacceptable in a community that...