If you find yourself in Ithaca, New York, make sure to visit Hound and Mare, an inviting café that stands as a testament to the city's vibrant culinary scene. Located at 118 N Aurora St, this charming spot has quickly become a local favorite, known for its delightful breakfast and coffee offerings. Hound and Mare strikes the perfect balance between a cozy atmosphere and a modern café vibe, making it an ideal gathering place for friends and families alike.
One of the standout features of Hound and Mare is its carefully curated menu. While it may not boast sheer volume, each item is crafted with quality in mind. From the Melrose sandwich, featuring a delicious blend of bacon, fried egg, and cheese on a fresh bagel, to the satisfying breakfast burrito that could easily feed two, there is something to please every palate. Coffee lovers will appreciate the expert craftsmanship displayed in their signature drinks, such as the lavender latte and Maple latte, both beautifully balanced and intentionally curated.
The atmosphere of Hound and Mare is equally noteworthy. With a rustic yet urban warehouse feel, it invites guests to linger awhile. The lively ambiance is accompanied by a carefully selected soundtrack, featuring artists like Adele, creating an engaging backdrop for your meal. Customers such as Yunong Shi have remarked on the café's homey charm, where the service is both friendly and efficient. The vibrant decor and communal seating make it a nostalgic nod to community gathering spots of the past.
On the drink side, Hound and Mare offers a diverse selection ranging from refreshing iced teas to bottled beverages like Trinity Valley Cocoa Milk. Whether you prefer the smooth richness of a well-crafted cappuccino or the invigorating taste of hibiscus iced tea, there is a drink to complement your meal perfectly.
While popular among locals, Hound and Mare is not without areas for improvement. Some patrons, such as Basit Naeem, suggest that a more welcoming approach towards tourists and larger groups would elevate the experience even further. Nonetheless, the café’s charm, quality fare, and relaxed atmosphere make it a must-visit destination.
In conclusion, Hound and Mare is more than just a café; it is a culinary experience that captures the spirit of Ithaca. With delightful food, expertly crafted drinks, and a warm ambiance, it promises a memorable outing for breakfast lovers and coffee aficionados alike. Don't miss the chance to indulge your taste buds and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Hound and Mare is ready to welcome you Wednesday through Sunday, and trust me—arrive early; the morning rush speaks volumes about its popularity!
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Izzy P
27/07/2025
Delightful breakfast/dessert/coffee spot in Ithaca, New York. We had read that they have some of the best breakfast sandwiches in the town.... and they did not disappoint! Ordered a couple of breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burrito (possibly large enough to feed 2 adults) and a couple of coffee options. The bagels for the sandwiches were smaller than we are used to in New York, but they were fresh and delicious. The food menu was not extensive, but all looked like good choices. The drink menu was pretty extensive. Service was friendly and quick. It looks like they are open Wednesday through Sunday. We were there on a Sunday morning and they were busy. There were a few tables on the sidewalk and then a decent number of tables inside. I did not order the avocado toast, but it looked amazing...
Yunong Shi
25/06/2025
A nice local space. The cappuccino was well-crafted—smooth, rich, with microfoam that held a lovely leaf pattern. The breakfast sandwich (court fox?)—steak, egg, cheddar, and caramelized onions on a sesame bun—was hearty and satisfying, though a touch too sweet and tangy from the onions or sauce. Service is quick, the pastry counter temptingly stocked, and the vibe is low-key but lively. It feels like a modern café built atop the bones of an old community gathering spot—and that’s a good thing.
Basit Naeem
17/06/2025
Hound and Mare got to be one of the best places for breakfast. I had their Melrose sandwich and avocado egg toast from their menu. From the drinks I had ice coffee and their macha which were so good. Highly recommend this place for breakfast. Staffs just need to be more welcoming to tourists and large groups/families.
Drew Hoover
08/06/2025
We stopped by for a normal breakfast and coffee before heading out of town and were blown away by the Hound and Mare! Their signature coffees were spectacular - especially their fall themed drinks. The bagels were fresh and the sandwiches were made quickly and tasted delicious! We ordered pretty early in the morning, and by the time we left, there was a line almost out the door!
Melissa Fergusson
30/05/2025
Hound and Mare is a coffee shop with a nice ambiance and a rustic/urban warehouse feel off the downtown commons in Ithaca. I’ve been looking for a coffee shop with great breakfast food in Ithaca, and this place definitely fits the bill. If you’re looking for something a bit more gourmet, but still in a relaxed environment this is the place to go. There are plenty of food and drink options to choose from which are creative. It was also nice to hear Adele playing in the shop, one of my favorite artists! I got a lavender latte (which was flavored just right - not pictured but delicious) and the breakfast burrito. It comes with homemade salsa that has the right balance of acidity and kick. It was also a very generous portion size. My husband got the Maple Latte, iced, and the Melrose sandwich which is a bagel sandwich with bacon, fried egg, cheese crisp (which is really good), and he added roasted tomatoes. Definitely a tasty bagel sandwich! We also tried a couple of the pastries which were also well done - the scallion cheddar scone and the pumpkin cream cheese muffin which wasn’t too sweet. Would definitely come again!
Susie Ippolito
13/05/2025
A coffee spot that serves a crave-worthy kale salad!! My prayers have been answered. Everyone there is incredibly kind, and the food is consistently fresh and delicious. It's a great spot to work solo, meet with friends, or people watch out the front window or at one of their outdoor tables. It's a great little spot that will quickly become a fave!
Maddie Keppel
18/04/2025
Excellent breakfast sandwiches, pastries and salads! Love that it is female owned and inspired by family recipes! The service is efficient and the ingredients fresh. We love the pacific and melrose sandwiches. A maple or lavender latte is also hard to pass up!