Have you ever finished dinner and suddenly been hit with an undeniable craving for something sweet? The kind of craving that can only be cured by ice cream, cookies or something equally indulgent? Then, reality sets in — you don’t have a car, and the thought of trekking across town for dessert feels impossible. Don’t worry, though. Ithaca has plenty of sugar fixes within reach, and this guide will show you exactly where to go when your sweet tooth strikes (with no wheels required).
First stop: Frozen yogurt at Jason’s. This spot tops my list, conveniently nestled in the heart of Collegetown and just a short walk away, especially for engineers wrapping up at Duffield or Hotelies finishing a long day at Statler, since the location is practically made for a post-class treat. If anyone is a fan of frozen yogurt like I am, Jason’s won’t disappoint you. I usually get the birthday cake, chocolate and vanilla flavors topped with strawberries, chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, oreo pieces, cookie dough and M&M’s. (Yes, I’m fully aware that’s a chaotic combo, but trust me, it works.)
The best part about Jason’s is the freedom to customize. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity and refreshing or rich and chocolatey, the topping bar gives you endless ways to experiment. The atmosphere is relaxed, as you’ll often see students laughing over their creations or scrolling through assignments as they take a study break. The staff are always friendly and quick, and the space feels like one of those quintessential Collegetown gems where time slows down, just enough for you to enjoy your dessert.
If you’re lucky, you might even snag an indoor window seat near the frozen yogurt dispensers. There are, however, some seats where you can sit outdoors, but let’s be real: who wants to sit outside holding ice cream in the freezing Ithaca weather that we are now experiencing?
Next, we have Insomnia Cookies, which I’m sure a lot of you are familiar with. Insomnia, hence the name, is open until 3 a.m., making it a great place to grab a late-night treat after studying, hanging out with friends or even just satisfying a sudden cookie craving. Their warm, freshly baked cookies and variety of flavors make it perfect for anyone looking for a sweet treat at any hour.
While Insomnia is known for their cookies, they also serve brownies, blondies and ice cream. Everything at this location in Collegetown, a short walk away from Central Campus (like Jason’s), is baked fresh daily, ensuring that each treat is warm, gooey and packed with flavor. Whether you’re stopping by for a classic chocolate chip cookie or indulging in a decadent ice cream brownie combo, Insomnia Cookies has something to satisfy every late-night craving. The cozy, casual vibe of the store also makes it a great place to hang out with friends or grab a quick snack on the go.
Are you really a Cornell student if you haven’t been to Gimme! Coffee? This iconic spot isn’t just a place to grab a caffeine fix — it’s a Cornell tradition. If you’ve sipped their expertly brewed coffee or savored a refreshing matcha latte, congratulations! You’ve officially taken the first step toward full-fledged Cornell student status. But let’s be honest — coffee is only the beginning.
Gimme! Coffee’s pastries are where the real magic happens. From flaky croissants to decadent muffins and rich, gooey cinnamon rolls, there’s a treat for every kind of sweet tooth. Each pastry is crafted with care, and paired with their signature drinks, it’s an experience that can turn any ordinary study session into a moment of bliss. Missing out on these treats? Luckily for you, it’s never too late to try them!
With a location right in Gates Hall, just a two-minute walk from the Statler Hotel, Gimme! Coffee invites both students and visitors to stop by and indulge. Visiting Gimme! isn’t just about fueling your body; it’s about fueling your Cornell experience, one sip and bite at a time. And let’s not forget the cozy, welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to linger with friends, catch up on homework or simply people-watch. I personally love doing my homework in Gates Hall, with a matcha and pastry in hand.
But the ultimate Cornell rite of passage is The Cornell Dairy Bar. Our dining halls do, in fact, serve ice cream from the Dairy Bar, but the true experience is to go to its location in Stocking Hall and browse the variety of ice cream flavors at hand. Watching the staff scoop generous portions into cups or cones is part of the charm, and the vibrant, cheerful atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to take a break between classes or catch up with friends. Bonus points if you try a few flavors in one visit, and, trust me, a double or triple scoop is an experience you don’t want to skip. Whether you’re a first-year or a senior, a trip to the Dairy Bar is more than dessert; it’s a Cornell tradition everyone must partake in.
Now, let’s take a look at a few off-campus sweet spots that are just a short bus ride away on TCAT Route 30: Starbucks, Auntie Anne’s and Cayuga Lake Creamery.
First, we have Starbucks. Everyone loves Starbucks, and while we don’t have an official chain in Ithaca, we do have a Starbucks location at the Target in Lansing, New York, which can be found through taking the TCAT Route 30 up to Ithaca Mall. I find myself going to this Starbucks frequently, as I work as a swim instructor at the YMCA right next door. Of course, I look forward to seeing my swimmers for their lessons, but I also look forward to grabbing a pink drink and a warmed chocolate croissant either before or after my shifts. Beyond just satisfying a craving, it’s also a small reminder of home, where Starbucks is always around the corner.
Located in the Ithaca Mall as well is Auntie Anne’s, another classic sweet treat that is just a few bus stops away from Cornell’s vibrant campus. While it might not be on every Cornellian’s daily radar, this sweet treat leaves a surprisingly big impact. There’s something about the smell of warm, freshly baked pretzels that hits you the moment you see the shop: the cinnamon sugar (my favorite), the buttery aroma — it’s instantly satisfying. For a few dollars, you get a warm, soft pretzel that’s both indulgent and shareable, making it an ideal snack to split with friends on a Target run. Simple yet unforgettable, Auntie Anne’s proves that sometimes the sweetest experiences come in the form of something classic, warm and perfectly portable.
Lastly, we have what I consider the best ice cream in Ithaca (sorry, Dairy Bar!): Cayuga Lake Creamery. While it’s a short ride away on TCAT Route 30, make sure you take the bus heading toward downtown Ithaca. I remember as a freshman constantly getting the routes mixed up, thinking they both went the same way, so please don’t make the same mistake! Always check the sign on the bus to make sure you’re going in the right direction.
When I think about Cayuga Lake Creamery, I immediately get excited for their chocolate chip cookie dough flavor. The ice cream has the perfect combination of soft, creamy texture and generous chunks of rich, indulgent cookie dough in every bite. But the Creamery isn’t just about cookie dough, as they offer a rotating selection of both classic and unique flavors, from mint chocolate chip to seasonal favorites like pumpkin or salted caramel. Each scoop is generous and satisfying, making it a perfect treat to enjoy while strolling along the Ithaca Commons or sitting in their shop, where they have a wall of post-it notes with different prompts each time I walk in. The last prompt they had posted on the wall was “Who is your favorite teacher and why?” I responded with Professor Segal, one of many professors that I created a close bond with when taking his course, Pursuing Happiness (PSYCH 2450).
Beyond the incredible taste, visiting Cayuga Lake Creamery feels like a little celebration, a sweet escape from the everyday hustle of student life. Whether you’re craving something classic or want to try a bold new flavor, the Creamery delivers ice cream that’s not only delicious but memorable and impossible to resist.
There’s something comforting about grabbing a sweet treat after a long day and knowing you didn’t need to Uber or drive to find it. From Gimme! Coffee’s pastries and delicious drinks to Insomnia Cookies’ warm, late-night indulgences, Ithaca has no shortage of delicious options that are just a short walk or bus ride away. Each spot is reliable, convenient and perfectly satisfying, making it easy for Cornell students to treat themselves, take a study break or celebrate a small victory. These local favorites aren’t just about sugar, but they’re also a sweet slice of campus life, a shared experience and a reminder that sometimes the best sweet treats are the ones closest to home.
Maya Rothbard is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at msr295@cornell.edu.
