Our visit to Ithaca Brewing Co on May 26th, 2024, was a disappointment and a missed opportunity for improvement. Here's where it all went wrong:
After a lovely morning showcasing Ithaca's beauty to family, we opted for lunch at Ithaca Beer Co. Despite previous rough visits, we decided to support local business. Upon arrival, it was moderately busy. We were informed of an hour wait for an outdoor table but immediate seating indoors. We chose indoor seating.
Despite being seated for over 15 minutes, our server only brought water and promised lemons and our beverage order soon. Another ten minutes passed before she returned with lemons, oblivious to our empty water. Our attempts to flag her down were in vain, as the staff mainly congregated at the counter.
After a significant wait, our drinks finally arrived, and our food order was taken. By then, we'd been seated for over half an hour. Meanwhile, the couple seated after us had received their orders promptly.
Our server later informed us of kitchen delays, promising our order in 15 minutes. An hour passed before our food arrived. To our dismay, my husband received the wrong order, and my brother-in-law's pizza was served to us, only to be taken away after two minutes because it belonged to another customer.
Despite the apologies and promises, the service continued to disappoint. The mishaps extended to neighboring tables, with orders mixed up, including a beverage flight being delivered, retrieved and then delivered to another table, and food allergies ignored.
Despite our patience, the server's indifference was evident. Even attempts to provide feedback were met with apathy or hostility from the staff, including management.
This lack of professionalism and disregard for customer experience is not an isolated incident. As locals invested in our community's businesses, it's disheartening to see such neglect.
Ultimately, every customer's experience matters, and it's clear Ithaca Beer Company has room for improvement in both training and leadership. As patrons who want to see local businesses thrive, we hope this feedback sparks...
Read moreNestled in the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes, Ithaca Beer Company stands as both a local treasure and a destination worth the trip for anyone who appreciates good beer, good food, and a welcoming atmosphere. On approach to you see some facility buildings, turn right and the actual brewery stands. On my recent visit, I found that this brewery blends the best of small-town charm with a level of quality and professionalism you might expect from a nationally known craft brand. Just outside of downtown Ithaca, the brewery feels tucked away in the countryside. Surrounded by greenery and open skies, it offers an inviting mix of rustic comfort and modern design. The building itself is spacious and airy, with a farmhouse-inspired aesthetic that reflects the region’s agricultural roots. A large outdoor beer garden with picnic tables, string lights, and plenty of room to spread out immediately set the tone for a relaxing afternoon. Inside, the atmosphere was equally welcoming. The taproom is bright, lively, and buzzing with conversation. Staff were attentive and genuinely friendly, creating an easygoing environment where both locals and visitors felt equally at home. Of course, the star of the show is the beer. Ithaca Beer Company has been around since the late 1990s and is best known for its flagship Flower Power IPA; which was excellent. I made sure to try it fresh on draft, and it did not disappoint—bright, citrusy hops balanced by a malty backbone that made it as approachable as it was flavorful. Beyond Flower Power, the tap list offered an impressive variety: crisp lagers, hazy IPAs, sours, and seasonal drafts. Ithaca Beer Company offers a little bit of everything: expertly brewed beer, delicious food, friendly service, and a setting that encourages you to slow down and savor the moment. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast making a pilgrimage or simply someone looking for a great spot to relax with friends, this place delivers. A...
Read moreIt breaks my heart that I have to leave this review. This is for both the restaurant and their beer. I have been in love with this place pretty much since it opened, I would tell everyone that the best burger I've ever eaten was at IB. I've been going for years; bdays, anniversaries, vday, any time I could. However, after my last birthday I can honestly say I'm not sure I will be going back. Usually the burgers are juicy and buttery delicious. This past time it seemed like I got a cooked steak that was put in a food processor and then grilled. The taste and texture were not enjoyable....at all. I would have chalked this up to a one off, but the next time we ordered take out our food was similar; a mediocre burger and a half cooked flatbread. I didn't want to believe it, but the proof was in front of me. Now, on to the beer. I have loved Lakeside Lager for years, I buy an 8 pk every weekend and rain, snow, or sun I am outside every Sat. night with my pup having a fire. Last week I was on I think can 6 and when I opened it it was like a punch in the face. The smell of the can was so bad. I tried a taste thinking maybe it was just skunk but no. It was so much worse. Like something out of the bottom of a person. I dumped that can thinking I just got a bad one but the next 2 were the same. As soon as I opened them and got hit with that smell it just grossed me out. I dumped the last 2 cans. Now here we are, 2/13/2023 and the first 2 I have opened from this pack have that smell. I am not hopeful for the rest. I am truy upset about this, I honestly don't think I can ever drink this beer again without thinking about that taste and smell. Once, twice, maybe I could put it off. But this is 2 cases now, I don't know if the brew has changed, or if they had a bad batch and shipped it anyways, but this week was a game killer for me. I'm sorry Ithaca Beer, but you...
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