Hello dear
Welcome To Alley Cat Cafe
Alley Cat Cafe, located at 112 N Cayuga St in Ithaca, NY, is a charming haven for cat lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. This cozy cafe combines a colorful, eclectic decor with a heartwarming mission to support animal rescue. Visitors can spend 30 minutes in the cat enclosure for a small fee, all of which goes towards the care of the cats. Guests rave about the delightful vegetarian menu, featuring tasty offerings like chickpea curry salad and freshly made coffee selections, although some find the mocha latte a touch bitter. With friendly staff and an assortment of playful kittens, Alley Cat Cafe invites you to enjoy a treat while potentially finding your next feline companion.
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About
Alley Cat Cafe
Welcome to Alley Cat Cafe, a delightful haven for both feline lovers and food enthusiasts located at 112 N Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY. With the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle purrs of playful kittens, this cafe offers a unique experience that combines a cozy atmosphere with the joy of interacting with adorable cats.
As soon as you enter, you are greeted by the friendly staff, including the charming Queen Marigold, who will lead you into a vibrant space filled with cuddly kittens eager for your attention. The ambiance is reminiscent of a sunny cottage mixed with the eccentric charm of your favorite aunt's house—colorful, mismatched decor that instantly makes you feel at home. The walls, adorned with cat-themed art and a lively tea wall, breathe life into this already whimsical environment.
The menu here is a delightful mix of vegetarian options that can easily be made vegan, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Patrons rave about the chickpea curry salad—a tasty quick bite that packs a punch of flavor. For those who are curious about sweet treats, don’t miss out on the heavenly tiramisu, freshly cut and perfectly indulgent, making it an excellent companion for your beverage of choice.
While many guests enjoy the artisanal coffee offerings, such as their rich espresso or richly flavored mochas, it’s important to note that tastes may vary; some might find the mocha a touch on the bitter side. However, this little hiccup certainly doesn’t deter patrons from returning to explore the cafe’s extensive menu of beverages and delights.
What truly sets Alley Cat Cafe apart is its commitment to animal welfare. With every entry fee, you contribute to the care of countless cats waiting for their forever homes. Visitors can enjoy 30-minute increments of kitten cuddling, where you can bond with furry friends like the endearing tiger kitten who loves to play. Just remember, once you step into the cat enclosure, food is off the table—you're there for some quality time with the stars of the show!
Whether you're looking to adopt a new furry companion or simply want to escape with a good book and a sweet kitty by your side, Alley Cat Cafe is an experience unlike any other. It’s a spot where good vibes, great food, and adorable cats collide; a true gem in the heart of Ithaca. So, if you find yourself in town, make your way to this charming café—your future feline friend is waiting!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ First time coming here and I was immediately greeted by Queen Marigold who led to me to the room full of kittens! She was a sweetheart, all of them were! Most of them were sleeping so I didn't disturb them but when I got some toys out to play with the adults, that's when some of the kittens started to wake up. The little tiger I love so much, I'd adopt him if I could! He just wanted me to keep petting him, he was just purring and softly meowing, and I played with him too but he then snagged the toy right off of the pole! Such a playful kitten he is, I'll have to make another visit! All of the cats were friendly, of course some did get a little hostile towards others but not really in a fighting way due to the catnip toys so be mindful that they are cats and will do what cats do. I did get one of the espressos as well before I left and it tastes amazing, only about 6, and it's 5 for 30 minutes to visit the cats so that's not really bad and the money goes towards the cats too! I highly recommend stopping in, especially if you're looking to adopt then take a visit here first because there's plenty of kittens looking for a home. ”
“ What a gem! The mission is wonderful, the atmosphere is a mix of sunny cottage meets your crazy fun aunts house. It’s colorful, mismatched and the tea wall is such a great added touch. I’m a pretty big fan of kitties and coffee, and if you are...you will love this place. Also, staff...you ROCK! The one thing I will say, is the mocha latte was a little bitter...more of a dark chocolate taste. My boyfriend LOVED it, but I do like my mocha on the sweeter side. Wouldn’t stop me from coming back and trying something off of their extensive menu. ”
“ One of my favorite spots in Ithaca. LOVE the cozy chairs by the window. Cute decor, delicious tiramisu that was freshly cut when I arrived. The cats are the cutest, and it's great to support a cafe partnered with a rescue. I especially loved Marigold the resident cat and the book of cats who have been adopted. Awesome place to stop for a treat, study, or hang out with some sweet kitties. Good prices too! Bungus decided I was her enemy but its ok because shes precious. ”
“ Alley Cat Cafe is a small little cafe with a big heart! If you love cats you will love this place. The menu is all vegetarian and can be vegan, but that didn't stop us from trying some bites. I'd recommend the chickpea curry salad it's so good. And a great quick bite. They also have tea options for non coffee drinkers like myself. Cats do not roam the cafe like you would think. Instead, they are past two glass doors. You can enter the room and hang out with the cats in 30-minute increments. You do have to pay 6 increments, but it goes go to a good cause. Once in the cat enclosure, you can't bring food with you. You get to enjoy some time with the sweetest kitties ever. I would recommend this place even for a quick fix of alone time. Or if you want to bond with a cat before adopting one of your own. ”
“ Awesome cafe with great vegetarian eats and drinks, plus CATS! What more could you ask for! ”
“ I think this is either at a new location or renovated. Some of the pictures aren't what it currently looks like. That aside, it was fun petting some cats! 5/person for a 30-minute stay. ”
“ Staff is so easy to get along with. They love their jobs and it's easy to tell. The macaroons are the best I've ever had. And the coffee is amazing. The best part of course, visiting the kitties. Plenty of hiding, sleeping, resting places for them as well as many toys and obstacles for them to be enriched with. They're very happy as well as the customer. Space is relaxed, easy to just chill. LGBTQ friendly. Absolutely the best part of our trip to Ithaca. ”
“ Great place to study or snack when you are stressed about school for Cornell students. Love cats and love cat cafes bc they will hopefully get a forever home! Thank you alley cat cafes for loving cats. Fun place to relax and play. It’s only 10 per hour and you can do 30 min for 5. Great deal for a college student budget. ”