Kelly's Dockside Cafe
Ithaca, New York, USA
Enjoy a relaxed dining experience at Kelly's Dockside Cafe, featuring seafood, breakfast, brunch, and cocktails by the water in Ithaca.
319 Old Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
Kelly's Dockside Cafe
Ithaca, New York, USA
Overview
Kelly's Dockside Cafe is a beloved seafood restaurant nestled on 319 Old Taughannock Blvd in Ithaca, NY. Known for its casual and cozy atmosphere, this local spot offers a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood dishes alongside comforting breakfast and brunch options. Visitors enjoy waterfront seating with views overlooking the creek that feeds into Cayuga Lake, providing a picturesque backdrop for any meal.
With an emphasis on quick service without sacrificing quality, the cafe serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails daily from early morning until late evening. The menu includes local specialties, small plates, and specialty drinks like Irish Coffee and Orange Delight, making it a versatile destination for solo diners, families, and groups looking to unwind by the water.
Gallery
Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.
Local favorites
A cozy spot offering casual dining with a waterfront view, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner in Ithaca.
Enjoy quick and attentive service that ensures meals come out promptly, even during busy times.
A well-stocked bar offers a variety of cocktails, beer, wine, and hard liquor to complement any meal.
Known for hearty breakfasts and tasty brunch options featuring local specialties and comfort food.
A casual and cozy ambiance attracts visitors and groups looking to relax by the water.
Options for takeout and outdoor dining provide flexibility for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating ensure comfort for all guests.
Enjoy expertly brewed coffee alongside dishes that highlight regional ingredients and tastes.
Experience
Ideal for waterfront dining any time of day, Kelly’s Dockside Cafe perfectly suits a relaxed meal or a casual drink by the water in Ithaca.
Experience a taste of local cuisine paired with refreshing cocktails while enjoying the gentle buzz of boats and wildlife along Cayuga Lake’s scenic canal. — FoodPlacee editorial note
Start the day with freshly brewed coffee and classic breakfast items like Kelly’s French Toast or Corned Beef Hash while soaking in peaceful canal views.
Gather friends or family for a casual meal featuring seafood favorites such as Cajun blackened catfish, breaded scallops, or a Fish Sandwich with plenty of seating options.
Unwind at the onsite bar with specialty drinks like the Blue Whale or Peppermint Patty, perfect for lingering in a cozy atmosphere after sunset.
For those on the go, efficient takeout service offers delicious comfort foods, from appetizers like Garlic Bread Sticks to hot dishes like the Cheeseburger.
Plan ahead to ensure a table at peak times, especially when visiting with children or during busy weekends; high chairs and a kids’ menu are available.
Guest sentiment
A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.
"Great atmosphere! If you order food with prices and not from the market priced options and you will be happy! Serving staff is friendly and the food is decent. We plan to return."
"We visited early for dinner on a weekday after a day of hiking and were made to feel right at home by our wonderful server as soon as we walked in, and had a lovely time seated outside by the water. The owner of 50 years cooked for us—the Cajun blackened catfish was to die for, and we got to try salt potatoes for the first time. The Rachel sandwich and the grilled Cajun chicken sandwich were also delicious. We really liked the seasoned potato wedges and a refreshing cocktail. The pictures may look simple, but the flavors are amazing. The decor, while a little dated, only adds to the charm. We were on the fence about going and are so glad we did. A must stop!"
"I had the pleasure to pop in with my girl and grab a lovely lunch yesterday here. The server was very polite, and the service was stellar! It was not busy at all, so our food came out quickly (maybe less than ten minutes after ordering), and the ambiance of the back deck overlooking the creek channels that empty into Cayuga Lake was amazing with watching boats, the water, wildlife, and the buzz of Ithaca. The food was very good, the calamari appetizer was extremely tasty, with the breading coming out perfectly with the squid. I got the breaded scallops plate, and my girlfriend got the breaded shrimp. Both were lovely, with each of us sharing bits of our entrees to try out the other’s. My breaded scallops were delicious, not dry whatsoever, still moist and paired well with the breading. My girl enjoyed the shrimps, as did the ones I got to enjoy from her plate. Will definitely return, it is a lovely seafood spot on the water :)"
"Really nice place to have lunch and a drink and sit by the water. We stop here when we come into Ithaca to ride our bikes on the water front trail and visit the farmers market. Very friendly attentive down to earth service. Great food. My salad was very fresh and the chicken was perfect. My husband tried their grilled chicken sandwich and potatoe wedges and he enjoyed it. If your complaining about prices and portions you obviously haven't been to the grocery store lately. Their prices are on par with other restaurants and the views from the canal seating are great. We really enjoy stopping here!"
"We stopped in for a nosh and a drink. Delicious mozzarella sticks and chicken fingers. Such welcoming and friendly service! No frills- cute little back deck on the canal."
"We got the Corned Beef Hash & Eggs as well as the Caesar Salad with Chicken. The Corned beef is made in house and very good. The Caesar Salad was a bit too salty for my taste. They also included red onions and mushrooms in the salad. Whether that is a good or bad thing I believe is up to you. The place itself is cute, it definitely does not have modern decorum, but I believe because of that it gives the place it's charm."
"My daughter and I went camping and exploring all the waterfalls, we decided to stop here for dinner one night and it was great! Very reasonable prices and a great view sitting by the water, the service was excellent and the food came out extremely quick and was delicious! Definitely coming back again."
"I’ve always ordered the chicken sandwich and eggs Benedict. I can say the chicken sandwich is reliable. Eggs Benedict is good. My friends were disappointed with their sandwiches and French toasts. Bummer"
Visit info
Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.
| Monday | 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
The cafe is open daily from early morning to late evening, making it ideal for any meal or casual drink by the water.
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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.