Restaurant in Ithaca, United States
East State Independent
BoL on East State Street is Ithaca's strongest argument for casual dining that actually delivers. The setting is relaxed enough for a low-key celebration but the execution is a step above what the category usually offers locally. Easy to book, central to downtown, and a better call than it might first appear.
BoL is not a destination restaurant in the way that The French Laundry in Napa or Le Bernardin in New York City demand a special trip. It is something more immediately useful: a casual Ithaca address on East State Street that punches noticeably above its category. If you are expecting a low-key spot to simply get through dinner, recalibrate — this is a place that rewards attention, even on a Tuesday.
The case for BoL is direct: it sits at the intersection of relaxed atmosphere and genuine care in execution, a combination that is harder to find in Ithaca than it should be. Casual does not mean careless here. The room on East State Street keeps things unfussy, which makes it an easy call for dates, low-key celebrations, or a meal with out-of-town guests who want quality without ceremony. Think of it as the counterpoint to the more ambitious dining rooms you might seek in larger metro markets , closer in spirit to what Lazy Bear in San Francisco does with warmth and intention, scaled down to a college-town context and priced accordingly.
For a special occasion in Ithaca, BoL works well precisely because it does not oversell itself. There is no pressure to perform a big night out. The setting is relaxed enough that conversation stays easy, which matters more than most people admit when choosing where to mark a birthday or close a deal over dinner. If you want the theatrical end of the spectrum, Ithaca's options are limited , you would need to look toward Atomix in New York City or Smyth in Chicago for that register. BoL is the right local answer when quality matters more than spectacle.
Reservations: Easy to book , walk-in friendly for most services, though calling ahead for weekend evenings or groups is sensible. Dress: No formal code in evidence; smart-casual is more than sufficient, and most guests lean casual. Budget: Specific pricing is not confirmed in our data , check directly with the venue for current menu pricing before committing. Location: 222 E State St, Ithaca, NY 14850 , central, walkable from Cornell-area hotels. Groups: Contact the venue directly to discuss capacity for parties larger than four, as seat count is not confirmed. For broader Ithaca planning, see our full Ithaca restaurants guide, our full Ithaca hotels guide, our full Ithaca bars guide, our full Ithaca wineries guide, and our full Ithaca experiences guide.
Smart-casual covers it. BoL reads as a relaxed dining room rather than a formal one, so there is no need to dress up , but showing up in gym wear would feel out of place. A step above everyday is the right call.
Go in expecting more than the setting implies. BoL operates in a casual register, but the execution is a tier above what that usually signals in Ithaca. Come with curiosity rather than low expectations and you will get more out of the meal.
Bar seating availability is not confirmed in our current data. Contact the venue directly to ask , in Ithaca's casual dining scene, bar seats are often available without a reservation, but it is worth checking ahead, especially on weekends.
Yes, with the right expectations. BoL suits celebrations where the priority is a genuinely good meal in a relaxed room , a birthday dinner, an anniversary that does not require white tablecloths, or a meal with someone you want to impress without making the occasion feel stiff. It is not the venue for a grand, theatrical night out, but it handles the personal and meaningful register well.
For a neighbourhood-cafe feel with solid daytime credentials, Cafe Dewitt and Carriage House Cafe are the closest comparisons in tone. For something faster and more budget-focused, Asian Noodle House and Franco's Pizzeria handle the casual, affordable end of the market well. Ithaca Beer Co is the better call if your group wants a drinks-forward evening rather than a meal-first one.
Specific seat count and group policies are not confirmed in our data. For parties of five or more, contact the venue directly before booking. Ithaca dining rooms at this level tend to be on the smaller side, so advance notice is advisable for any group larger than four.
Booking difficulty is low , this is not a restaurant where you need to plan weeks out. For a standard weeknight, same-day or next-day availability is likely. For weekend evenings or a group, a few days' notice is reasonable. Ithaca's dining scene does not carry the reservation pressure of New York City venues like Atomix, so you have room to be spontaneous.
| Venue | Cuisine | Awards | Booking Difficulty | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BoL | Easy | — | ||
| Cafe Dewitt | Unknown | — | ||
| Carriage House Cafe | Unknown | — | ||
| Asian Noodle House | Unknown | — | ||
| Franco's Pizzeria | Unknown | — | ||
| Ithaca Beer Co | Unknown | — |
Key differences to consider before you reserve.
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