Northstar House
| Address: | 202 E Falls St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA |
| Phone: | +1 607-216-8580 |
| Site: | northstarpub.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 5–9PM 5–9PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 10AM–2PM 9AM–8PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
LJ
LJ Rhoads
This was our first visit to Northstar.....and we have mixed feelings. When we walked in, the first person to approach us was very stoic, but polite. We waited a few minutes and she came back to take us to a table. She did not ask us our preference for seating (i.e. by a window, outside, tall table, etc.) she just took us to a table and said "here you go", set the menus down and walked away. We sat down and a few moments later, another waitress approached our table. She was trying to tell us about the specials but the table we were sat next to was so incredibly loud, we could barely hear her. She took our drink orders and came back with 4 small glasses of water and the one soda. We tried to ask her some questions, but still difficult to hear with the noise from the 4-top beside us. I even mentioned to her that I couldnt hear her and yet, no attempt from the staff to quiet these guests. Dont get me wrong, I enjoy a lively conversation and expect people to have a memorable experience when they go out. However, I do expect people to act respectable in public.....but this group was over-the-top loud and rude....using foul language in just about every sentence (more like bar/club than restaurant etiquette). My 14 year old was very affected by their behavior. She acted more respectable than these young adults did. Even when their food came out, they managed to continue their obnoxious conversation, only now with food in their mouths. They finally left about 1/2 way through our entrees and immediately, our experience got better. The neighborhood setting is quaint and the menu is unique. We like trying new places and different foods. Everything we had was tasty and fresh and well prepared. Prices were average. It was fun to have different people giving us service, from the hostess seating us, to our waitress taking our orders and then another waitstaff person delivering our apps, and yet another delivering our entrees. Disappointments were that we could not get local wines by the glass (and very limited selection by the bottle) and that we never received a water jug for our table or our water glasses refilled. We will probably give it another chance...there were items on the menu wed like to try.
SU
Susan Perri
A close friend and I made Northstar our weekly hang out spot for almost two years. The food is only so-so, but the place is in our neighborhood and has decent beer so it worked. One night we went with my daughter and another friend and a group of waitresses sat near us on a break and stared rudely at my daughter. When questioned about it, the waitress in question (Lisa) denied anything happened. The she said that she and her fellows had stared because my kid had drank water direct from the bottle and they just "werent used to that." I told her it was very inappropriate and was not pleased with the situation. I also shared with her that we had been loyal customers for years which made this treatment all the more unsavory. I shared the scenario via Twitter by stating that it is ridiculous to go out to eat/drink, spend money, and have to deal with rude wait staff and management that does not take customer service concerns seriously. I never received any reply or response from Northstar. Months later, my friend attempted to go back to Northstar for dinner and was told she would have to leave. Apparently we are not welcome there any longer for bringing this situation to light. Unbelievable! Do yourselves a favor and skip it. Mercado, Bandwagon, or Ithaca Beer have much better food and atmosphere.
MA
Matt Shults
Ive been there twice. Food is extremely unique, probably their best selling point. Though I cant vouch for over a month ago, contrary to other users, there was a "please wait to be seated" sign on the host podium; and in any case I was greeted promptly by said host. Server was prompt and the food was good. If I can concur with one aspect of the negative reviews, they do seat you whereever, but keep in mind the window seats seem reserved for family-size groups. The bathrooms were very dark and was hard to see; but good food and good service are my top 2 concerns unless something else is just so totally out of order it has to be noted. As for food, its unique, as I mentioned. Im used to less quality food in bigger portions for the same price at other restaurants. This is less-portioned better quality food for between $10-$16. But keep in mind its all locally grown food, so they have to either offset portion or price (at least thats my take anyway), and I hate taking leftovers home so that part doesnt bother me any.
LI
Linda Dintino
Walked in tonight for food. The host was very welcoming and let us know he was going to seat us right after he put in an order. We decided to sit at the bar. The bartender walked by me, looked at me and glanced away. He walked by us again before coming back through and giving us a slapping down a drink menu. We told him we were eating as well. He went through the draft list in a rushed rude manner which he excused by saying its been a rough day. We asked him for the food menu. He gave it to us and walked away and said hed be back. We decided to leave due to how rude he was. Will think twice before going back again.
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Briana Villari
Slow service. There was a cricket crawling around my feet and flies buzzing around my food as I was eating INDOORS. We tried to return a beer selection that we did not like and they refused to take it off the check. They said had was asked to return it earlier while the beer was still cold they would have accepted it. We took ONE sip out of it. Which has me concerned with the health safety of this restaurant. Would they have poored it back? Food was decent. Overall, it was not a pleasant experience.
DA
David Williams
Went in for a meal and drink. No one at the door to greet me or a sign stating customers needed to wait to be seated, so I went to a table and waited for service that never came. Waited about 10-15 minutes. Other tables were prepared for others, and staff walked back and forth several times, but no one came to even acknowledge my being there. Did not want to fight for service the rest of the night so left.
JA
Jay Sturm
Menu changes as constantly as the season, so you know that whatever youre getting is seasonal and fresh. The chef and staff are no joke and I stand by my comment as their fried chicken sandwich likely being the best Ive ever had. Great beer and liquor selection as well. Food and drink curated by foodies and drinkers? Yes, please. Northstar is always on deck when we visit Ithaca.
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A Private User
This is a great bar/restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. They have a great beer list (draught and bottles) The brunch served on weekends is great enough to cure any hangover. I got the Huevos Rancheros and it was amazing. The dish was simple, but great cooking and ingredients made it very tasty.
JA
James Boring
4th good meal here. yum. love this part of town. the art and music here are good also. i see a bar tucked away in a corner, cant tell if its a good place to drink but the vibe is good. OH. and they have an Amarula coffee driink special. someone knows whats good. i recommend a double shot.
