Hello dear
Welcome To Kelly's Dockside Cafe
At Kelly's Dockside Cafe, located on the scenic shores of Cayuga Lake, we blend delectable cuisine with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Our story began with a passion for fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a commitment to creating memorable dining experiences. With 50 years of family ownership, we pride ourselves on exceptional service and a menu that caters to all tastes. Whether enjoying our Cajun blackened catfish or savoring a classic burger on our beautiful back deck, diners can relish stunning waterfront views. Kelly's is not just a cafe; it’s a community gathering spot where great food and fellowship come together. Come visit us and discover your new favorite eatery!
Taste the best
Discover Our Menu
Sauteed Mushrooms
US$6.75N.y Style Cheesecake
US$8.25Jumbo Bacon Burger Platter
US$13.75
Chicken Tenders & Wedge Fries
US$13.75Fried Clam & Wedge Fries
US$13.75Fried Shrimp & Wedge Fries
US$13.75
Breaded Scallops
$US$15.75Fish Sandwich
$US$13.75Chocolate Brownie
$US$8.25 About
Kelly's Dockside Cafe
Welcome to Kelly's Dockside Cafe, a hidden gem situated along the picturesque shores of Cayuga Lake at 319 Old Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY. This charming eatery is not just a restaurant; it's a delightful experience where fresh food, friendly service, and stunning views meet. With its welcoming atmosphere, Kelly's Dockside Cafe is the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day of biking, hiking, or simply exploring the beautiful Finger Lakes region.
At Kelly's, the menu is packed with a variety of mouthwatering options, ensuring there's something for everyone. Start your meal off with an appetizer like the Sauteed Mushrooms in red wine & butter or the ever-popular Kelly's Own Seafood Chowder. The warmth of the service matches the flavors on the menu, as evidenced by customers who rave about their experiences with attentive staff and quick food service.
For those looking for a refreshing salad, indulge in the Greek Salad or the hearty Chicken Taco Salad. Each dish bursts with freshness, a highlight noted by patrons who appreciate the quality ingredients. The Spinach Salad is particularly popular, combining savory bacon and blue cheese to create a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Burgers: No visit is complete without trying one of the delectable burgers. The Grilled Onion Burger or the indulgent Bo Burger, topped with cheese, fried egg, and grilled onions, are favorites that keep guests coming back for more.
- Specialties: For those craving something different, options like the Cajun Blackened Catfish and the Rachel Sandwich showcase the cafe's flair for bold flavors, inviting diners to explore new culinary territory.
But it's not just the food that makes Kelly's a must-visit. The ambiance plays a crucial role, too. Dine outdoors and take in stunning views of the creek, boats gliding by, and the vibrant wildlife that surrounds the cafe. Many customers have remarked on how the setting enhances their dining experience, with one visitor noting the lovely vibe of sitting by the water.
Whether you're visiting for lunch after a bike ride along the waterfront trail or enjoying a cozy dinner after hiking, you can expect to be treated like family at Kelly's Dockside Cafe. As one satisfied diner put it, the staff is "super friendly," making sure every guest feels welcome.
With a blend of enticing dishes, a delightful setting, and a commitment to excellent service, Kelly's Dockside Cafe is more than just a meal—it's a waterfront retreat that invites you to relax and indulge in the pleasures of good food and great company. Don't miss out on this Ithaca staple; it’s truly a place worth visiting again and again!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Really nice place to have lunch and a drink and sit by the water. We stop here when we come into Ithaca to ride our bikes on the water front trail and visit the farmers market. Very friendly attentive down to earth service. Great food. My salad was very fresh and the chicken was perfect. My husband tried their grilled chicken sandwich and potatoe wedges and he enjoyed it. If your complaining about prices and portions you obviously haven't been to the grocery store lately. Their prices are on par with other restaurants and the views from the canal seating are great. We really enjoy stopping here! ”
“ We visited early for dinner on a weekday after a day of hiking and were made to feel right at home by our wonderful server as soon as we walked in, and had a lovely time seated outside by the water. The owner of 50 years cooked for us—the Cajun blackened catfish was to die for, and we got to try salt potatoes for the first time. The Rachel sandwich and the grilled Cajun chicken sandwich were also delicious. We really liked the seasoned potato wedges and a refreshing cocktail. The pictures may look simple, but the flavors are amazing. The decor, while a little dated, only adds to the charm. We were on the fence about going and are so glad we did. A must stop! ”
“ My daughter and I went camping and exploring all the waterfalls, we decided to stop here for dinner one night and it was great! Very reasonable prices and a great view sitting by the water, the service was excellent and the food came out extremely quick and was delicious! Definitely coming back again. ”
“ I had the pleasure to pop in with my girl and grab a lovely lunch yesterday here. The server was very polite, and the service was stellar! It was not busy at all, so our food came out quickly (maybe less than ten minutes after ordering), and the ambiance of the back deck overlooking the creek channels that empty into Cayuga Lake was amazing with watching boats, the water, wildlife, and the buzz of Ithaca. The food was very good, the calamari appetizer was extremely tasty, with the breading coming out perfectly with the squid. I got the breaded scallops plate, and my girlfriend got the breaded shrimp. Both were lovely, with each of us sharing bits of our entrees to try out the other’s. My breaded scallops were delicious, not dry whatsoever, still moist and paired well with the breading. My girl enjoyed the shrimps, as did the ones I got to enjoy from her plate. Will definitely return, it is a lovely seafood spot on the water :) ”
“ 1st time here in a very long time very nice setting staff is super friendly and food was sooo good will definitely be back to try more of their dishes ”