Hound and Mare
118 N Aurora St, Ithaca, NY
Crema's Take
“This cozy Ithaca spot masters the art of the breakfast sandwich—think perfectly toasted bread with melty cheddar, crispy bacon, and caramelized onions—while pulling thoughtfully crafted espresso drinks with the kind of microfoam detail that shows real care. The rustic warehouse aesthetic paired with window seats perfect for lingering makes it feel like a genuine neighborhood gathering place where the service is genuinely warm and the matcha is just as thoughtfully prepared as the cappuccinos. Bring a friend, bring your dog, and settle in for a slow morning of good coffee and even better food.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
This place is such a cozy little gem ☕✨ I ordered a breakfast sandwich and an iced matcha, and everything was SO good. The sandwich was perfectly toasted with melty cheddar, fluffy eggs, and crispy potatoes packed inside every bite was warm, savory, and comforting. And the matcha? Smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of sweetness 💚 What really made it special though was the adorable private seating by the window. It felt like my own little morning nook perfect for slow sips, people-watching, or just enjoying a quiet moment. The sunlight coming through made the whole experience feel extra dreamy. Such a cute spot for a cozy breakfast date or solo self-care morning. I’ll definitely be back
Don’t miss this little gem of a spot when visiting Ithaca. The service is gentle and kind and the food is delicious; prepared with care and creativity. Pick a window seat and watch the world go by while sipping coffee. As you leave with a full, happy belly, look up and smile…
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.
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...
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!
Crema Reviews
You might also like
Botanist Coffeehouse
★ 4.7 (190)
Botanist Coffeehouse is a thoughtfully plant-filled Ithaca gem where you'll…
Gimme! Coffee
★ 4.6 (607)
Gimme! Coffee is a beloved corner café that takes its espresso seriously,…
Coal Yard Cafe
★ 4.5 (466)
Tucked into a converted coal weighing station, Coal Yard Cafe brings genuine…
Creekside Cafe
★ 4.8 (172)
Creekside Cafe is a beloved breakfast and lunch spot tucked into Ithaca where…