Protagonist Books & Coffee
8 W Main St, Ithaca, NY
Crema's Take
“Nestled in Ithaca, this charming indie bookstore and espresso bar pairs thoughtfully curated titles with quality Copper Horse coffee, creating a genuine third space where literature and community activism feel equally important. The staff genuinely delights in helping customers discover their next read, and there's something special about lingering here with slow-poured espresso drinks while sunlight filters across the shelves—it's the kind of place where first dates happen to feel magical and regulars feel like they're part of something that matters.”
What to expect
Espresso-focused. A slow-sit spot, good for meetings. Family friendly. Wifi.
Google Reviews
This is the cutest little bookstore and coffee spot in Dryden, NY! I came by here when I visited a friend who lives in Ithaca, and also participated in their Fantasy Friday Knights series as an author. I wish I lived closer so I could come here more often. The store is kept…
Charming, welcoming space with top-tier customer service. Not only does this bookstore & coffee shop have everything you've come to expect and love about books and brew, but the business is strongly community focused and supportive. They take customer safety and support…
Beckoned by the welcoming flag and promise of sapphic books, my now girlfriend invited me here for our first date. The vision of her in the sunlight looking at the books will forever be burned in my memory as the place I fell in love with my person. The first date here has now…
I absolutely adore this store! It really is a beacon of hope in these scary times. I love how they're so committed to not only their community but to social activism. Their whole team is the absolute best. Their manager is SO nice! And the owners?! Amazing. I love woman owned…
Best coffee around. Highly recommend. Cheaper than Dunkin and you get quality Copper horse coffee from a local coffee roaster. They can order you a book if u don't see it and also carry local authors books as well. Cute deco inside. They have make a lot of attention to…
Fabulous little bookstore with a big heart! The staff are amazingly friendly and helpful, I saw them pausing what they were doing to help people find books! It has a lovely selection that feels very curated to have something for everyone. I went to the tea and tarot event and it…
Crema Reviews
You might also like
Mama Said Hand Pies Cafe - Ulysses
★ 4.9 (134)
Tucked into Ithaca, this cozy café is built around gloriously flaky hand pies…
Seneca Sunrise Coffee
★ 4.8 (219)
This cozy Ithaca gem has earned its stellar reputation by nailing the…
Qahwah House Coffee - Ithaca
★ 4.9 (105)
Qahwah House Coffee is a spirited neighborhood gem where the manager Anwar and…
Botanist Coffeehouse
★ 4.7 (199)
Botanist Coffeehouse is a thoughtfully plant-filled Ithaca gem where you'll…