This place is amazing! The ice creams are so good, and there is a great selection of flavors! Only in town for a short while, but I've managed to have Cornell ice cream almost every single day.

Great ice cream, very large portions. Bring an empty stomach.

Some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had. And I’m very picky. The texture of the ice cream is smooth and creamy with a delicious taste. They must use some sort of organic or natural milk, making it extra rich. Wow! So good.

I work close by on campus, so I go here almost every day!!! The workers are always nice and offer very quick service! You can buy sandwiches, coffee (prepared coffee drinks and bags of ground coffee), fruit, ICE CREAM, AND MILK!!!! Plus Cornell Dairy Bar merchandise (t-shirts, car decals, coffee cups and travel mugs, etc) all of which look super cute and high-quality. I've never tried their ice cream but it always looks suuuuuper good. And it's REALLY popular! They accept many forms of payment! Cash, card, meal card, p-card, etc.

This place has delicious ice cream. The Triple Play Chocolate ice cream is so chocolatey. Friendly staff and the hot Numi tea hit the spot on a cold rainy day!

Ice cream was so good, this place is definitely worth a stop if you're in the area. It is on campus, so you'll need to follow their COVID-19 guidelines and wear a mask while getting your ice cream. There are lots of seats outside.

This ice cream place is a great place to stop by to eat a sweet treat before class or when you visit Cornell. Although I did not care for the brownies on the brownie sundae, everything else was great!

The ice cream here is amazing! It is creamy, rich and delicious! There are so many flavors too (too much approach-approach conflict!) Don't be shy to taste several flavors before you decide on one, or may be two..or....so yum!!

Delicious ice cream, creative flavors, friendly servers, hotdogs, sandwiches, indoor and outdoor seating.

As creamy as Shtayburne Farms’ ice cream. Flavors are delicious but make sure you’re paying attention to the difference between their premium vanilla base and French vanilla base. One is custard but both are amazing. After 9 scoops(!), Bear tracks and Bavarian raspberry were the winners. If you’re a fan of San Francisco’s Bi-Rite or Vancouver’s Earnest, this shop and Shtayburne won’t disappoint you.

Very nice staff, amazing prices, and good ice cream! It's a nice place to bring your kids or to hang out with friends. The distance from main campus is fine because the bus stop is just across the street.

There is a small museum inside the building, if you are visitors, I highly recommend it. Fun fact: Many flavors are developed by students. Icecream is awesome.

Not to be dramatic, but their Bavarian raspberry ice cream is perfection. The "kiddie" scoop was huge, so the value is also pretty stellar. If you're a nerd like me, you'll probably enjoy heading upstairs to walk along the Cornell Dairy Observation Deck.

Parking: Right across the building ample parking. Paid during business hours. Free on weekends. We were in Ithaca and wanted to try ice cream. Luckily it was close and we wanted to visit Cornell University as well so we have visited cornell dairy and I am glad we did because its very difficult to come by ice cream that tastes so good or GREAT. HATS off to the quality, same as gelato. I loved caramel flavor and there was something three bear with brownie and caramel. It was superb. I had to buy 2 extra bowls to take with me.

The ice cream is very good! I had the Chocolate Gorges and I highly recommend it. Quick and friendly service. I was a little surprised that they had plastic spoons instead of wooden spoons.

Rich, super delicious dairy products! Lots of space just outside the shop to hang out with folks, read/chill, and possibly go for seconds:) I tried several flavors before deciding - all I tasted were ones I’d get on their own, from the chocolate based to fruit centered.

They’re always changing their flavors. I liked the mango, chocolate and Bavarian raspberry.

Get an iconic scoop of ice cream and set out on the Cornell Botanical Gardens for a perfect summer treat.

The ice cream is fresh made and just amazing. There has been a line to the door the entire visit. Must try location!

Really tasty ice cream and grilled cheese. Went with my boyfriend. They are very conscientious of any food allergies and do everything to prevent cross contamination

Lots of good flavors of ice cream sourced from their own cows (Cornell University) on campus.

The Best ice cream bar ever, the staffs are so nice and great service.

Nice selection of ice cream. Very nice staff.

Great ice cream. They were super busy because it was drop off weekend, and it was still organized and everyone was so friendly.

Epic, huge sundae with high quality ice cream for only $5. Cornell may be expensive but this isn't!

It's such a wonderful treat made right there on site. Many wonderful flavors. I didn't know the place existed on campus since there are no signs on the outside of the building.

I adore the reasonably priced and delicious Ice cream available at the Cornell dairy bar. I tried to make it stop every time I come through Ithaca. However, beware that hours on Google are never accurate. Always go to the website for current hours. The hours change frequently due to the academic semesters at the college.

Outstanding selection of unique flavors. Almost too many to choose

Being an ice cream connoisseur, and trying to find the best spots wherever I roam, I have to drop a review. I love campus dairies - I've now gotten to experience Babcock Hall at Wisconsin and Cornell. I was impressed by the variety of flavors, quick service even when the place was busy, and customizable menu. It's apple season, so the apple ice cream flavors were a treat. The favorite for me, though, was a hot fudge sundae with raspberry chip, black raspberry, whipped cream, nuts and cherry. The ice cream is perfectly creamy with no waxy sensation (as can happen is butterfat content is a little too high.) Flavor is well-balanced, though I could've used a little more mint in the mint chocolate chip. The students who work here get to take part in making the ice cream, which is made in-house. Parking is easier after 5:30.

Some of the creamiest ice cream I’ve ever had! A wide range of flavor combinations and flavors for those sensitive to dairy. Ice cream scoops and pints are sold at a great value and it’s recommended to take a pint or two home for the family. I highly suggest taking a tour of the dairy bar while visiting, the building has lots of knowledge to learn from.

A great experience for the the fam while visiting Cornell campus. I believe the ice cream is made from their own dairy cows? Nice modern, open space, convenient parking. They have interesting flavors which are created by students for their final projects. Ice cream was very good. Would highly recommend if at Cornell.

Awesome range of ice creams! Bavarian Raspberry is my favorite! There is a nice seating area to enjoy your ice cream or just walk into the plantations across the street for a nice walk while having your ice cream. Staff is really nice and friendly. Recently I discovered the Boston Milkshake and it was very fulfilling and enjoyable.

Good to excellent ice cream flavors, reasonable prices, generous servings (huge sundaes!), unfailingly friendly service. The only downside is limited opening hours, but when it's open, hands down the best place for ice cream in Ithaca.

Amazing ice cream, lovely staff. Hot fudge sundae, yeah!

If you are at Cornell this is a must stop destination! The lines can be long but the ice cream is worth it! Great favors, good variety, and near perfection in creamy goodness. ❤️

They serve student created ice-cream flavors.

greatest ice cream ever made, great flavors!! too bad it is not widely distributed

I love ice cream, this is probably the best I've ever had. There in only one place in Wisconsin that comes close. I'm a little disappointed that my son just graduated from Cornell and this is probably the last time I will be having Cornell Dairy Bar😥. Great ice cream and great school!!!

As this is located in my school (I graduated last summer tho), hopefully, this review is not biased but I will always say that I lovvveeee knowing that Dairy Bar exists until today. Not only serve ice creams as their main game, but they also sell to-go food boxes like salad, sandwiches, etc., Dairy Bar’s authentic cow milk (pls do try the chocolate low-fat one – I’d kill to fly there and buy a box of it), even fresh coffee and non-coffee beverages, snacks, yogurt, and others. But let’s delve more into the ice cream, my strong players will always be Triple Chocolate Plate and Bavarian Raspberry Fudge. The raspberry one was introduced by one of my Big Red Besties as I’m not a fan of anything with berries (except the real berries), but she insisted I to try a spoon and I was immediately falling in love. I miss you Cornell (never expect I’d say this out loud!). Hope I can visit again!

Cornell University ice cream made on site and serve to the general public. They also have milk for sale, too. For the lactose intolerant, they have sorbet as well. Highly recommend if you are on campus.

Some of the creamiest ice cream I’ve ever experienced and a great value as well. Even the kiddie scoop is sure to satisfy your inner child and the 1 dollar waffle cone upgrade is well worth it since they are able to pack substantially more ice cream at the same price. Some flavors are better than others and the locals recommend the Bavarian Raspberry. Went on a weekend and waited about 5-10 minutes

A good visiting spot for ice cream. It is very cheap 10 bucks for 3 scoops times 2. So many choice of ice creams and all ice cream made on campus. The ice cream is very smooth. Be sure to get their milk too. Their milk is more creamier which you cannot get at the local supermarket.

Creamy ice cream with several flavors to choose from. I really loved the Bavarian raspberry fudge! There was a pleasant raspberry flavor throughout it. The blonde lady scooping the ice cream was awesome!

Among all my college days, there’s a memory that will forever remain etched in my heart, as vivid as if it happened yesterday. Truly the best ice cream experience of my life.

Finally got to try ice cream after more than 10 years since I graduated. Delicious ice cream. The observatory gallery is a must to visit

+4

Excellent ice cream. Delish flavors made there. You can also find milk, cream, and yogurt. Probably a good idea to be ready to wait, it can easily get packed by both Cornellians and visitors alike. You can also go right next door and check out an exhibit on how the milk is processed. And the tanks are is lit at night. Grab a chair and enjoy a scoop!

Their ice cream is awesome! Creamy and rich; a must for ice creamholic

A delicious variety of ice cream flavors, and all the employees were friendly and helpful.

Great flavor ice cream with a reasonable price, nice area during our campus tour. Warning: The big size has 4 scopes, too much for two.

I recently visited Cornell Dairy Bar and had an amazing experience! The ice cream here is hands down some of the best I’ve ever had. Made with fresh milk from the Cornell Dairy, it’s incredibly creamy and rich in flavor. They offer a wide variety of flavors, and every one I’ve tried has been delicious. The portions are generous, and you can really taste the quality in every bite. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making it a great place to relax and enjoy your treat. It’s a popular spot for students and locals, and for good reason! Whether you’re in the mood for a classic scoop or a fun sundae, you’ll find something to satisfy your sweet tooth. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the prices are fair for the high quality you’re getting. I love that it’s located right on Cornell’s campus, making it the perfect stop after a walk around the beautiful grounds. Overall, Cornell Dairy Bar is a must-visit in Ithaca, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you love ice cream, this place is an absolute 10/10!

Ashok Jayakumar

Cornell dairy bar with the viewing windows upstairs where we can watch the equipment and process to make ice cream is worth the visit. Delicious creamy ice creams with good indoor seating.

Linda Whitaker

When I lived in Ithaca for 2 years, this was one of my favorite places to stop by. I truly think their icecream is one of the best I have ever had. It taste amazing and it's super clean. I miss this place!

Judy Raether

Fantastic ice cream! Best I have ever had, and I've had a lot in my 64 years of ice cream-loving life! The entire experience at Cornell was remarkable. I recommend taking time to do the self-guided tour of the Dairy building, which would include the Viticulture science display. Don't miss the Botanical Gardens and Arboretum while on campus!

+9

PRT COOL SERVICE INC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cornell Dairy Bar – Cornell University, Ithaca, NY A must-visit spot inside Cornell University’s campus. This place beautifully combines quality, tradition, and flavor in every detail. It’s perfect for enjoying a handcrafted ice cream or a fresh sandwich in a spotless, cheerful setting with truly outstanding service. Visiting Ithaca without stopping by the Cornell Dairy Bar would feel like leaving something unfinished. This is our second visit to the university, and once again we were impressed by the excellence of their products. Every ice cream flavor is authentic, creamy, and perfectly balanced, each with its own unique touch that reflects the passion and expertise behind it. You can taste the quality in every bite — fresh ingredients, original combinations, and a level of care that speaks for itself. Knowing that behind these creations stands Cornell’s renowned Department of Food Science, which educates and advises major companies in the dairy industry, makes every scoop even more meaningful. A place where passion for good food meets academic excellence. Without a doubt, if you’re looking to try something truly different and of the highest quality, this is the perfect place. 🍦🎓

Алексей Шевченко

Amazing one! Many seats inside, but you can also eat outside. Their own ice cream is perfect! There're a lot of tastes available. Sometimes they run out of some, but it happens everywhere. The place is very clean. The staff is extremely polite, friendly and positive

LL C

I know you can get the ice cream in the cornell store but nothing beats going to the store itself (they have special merchandise). The seasonal apple maple ice cream was to die for. Also got some special souvenirs, including cheese and a mini carton of milk! Love this place.

Shubhendu Dey

This place is an excellent spot for a quick bite of a sandwich and a generous scoop of ice cream. I visited here to celebrate my son’s graduation from Cornell, and he raved about it. The place is well-maintained, clean, and the service is top-notch. The dairy department at Cornell offers great courses and provides consulting services to many big companies, helping them launch successful dairy products. It’s a great place to visit! it’s a cheerful spot with a distinct local flavor, offering not just ice cream but an experience tied to the heart of Cornell’s traditions.

Marcus

Stopped by here to check it out. Had a nice small observation gallery upstairs with some nice to know facts and details about their products. Went down to get a pint of ice cream and a t-shirt as a souvenir. Eating area is always cleaned as they have markings whether a table is cleaned or needed to be cleaned.

Meldina Muminovic

We came here yesterday after work with our 5 yr old daughter because it was super hot day and what a better way to cool off than with some delicious ice cream. Staff here is super nice and friendly. My daughter had her favorite ice cream mint chocolate chip and my husband had cookie dough. My ultimate favorite one now is Caramel Three Chimes which was recommended and picked by “Paige” who was supper friendly and helpful. I highly recommend them. 10/10

Kenneth Liang

A must visit in Cornell. The ice cream was delicious and a great value! A kiddie (1 scoop) was good enough for me. I appreciated how they pack ice cream into the cone first before placing the big scoop on top. We also had the chipotle chicken wrap and chicken avacado sandwich which were great. Make sure to also visit upstairs to see their processing facility. It's where they process their milk and make the ice cream. Neat stuff.

Margaret Hahn

Loved visiting the new Cornell Dairy Bar. Last time I visited, it was in a different location. Loved new dairy bar! Service was fast and efficient. I ordered the chocolate chocolate and the peanut butter cup. Hands down: best peanut butter ice cream I've had. Both were creamy and flavorful with a great mouth feel. They weren't too sweet and had a good balance of ice cream and fillings. Highly recommend!

H D

Ice cream was amazing! Rich and thick, there where 7 of us so we ordered a variety of flavors. Staff was nice and attentive. Chocolate milk was also great!

Christopher Lasa (Chris)

First time to try Bavarian Raspberry Fudge and I loved it!!! I've never tried anything like it before and I highly recommend it. Looking forward to try more ice cream varieties at Cornell Dairy Bar!

+3

Santos Shetty

Not to be missed. The ice creams and the flavors are simply amazing. They are always in rotation. Some of the texture of ice creams were incredible. Try the Ezra Coffee or the Blackberry Custard with bits of fudge. Great Food Science hall area to sit and enjoy ice cream on a hot day.

+5

Uno Roro

Amazing ice cream, amazing staff, amazing pricing, amazing portions...I think that covers it. Everything is made by them, and when the milk is from the cows on campus. The staff are so patient while you try the different ice creams. They are also very knowledgeable about all their ice cream flavors. There's plenty of tables and chairs to kick back and enjoy your sweet treat. One of the best ice creams I've had!

+6

Jennifer Tang

For delicious and fresh ice cream, i can’t complain about the prices! It’s actually very reasonable and even more when you get the pint ones. The selection is great because it’s a good mixture of basic ones and innovative flavours. I really can’t remember the name of the flavour I got but the base was açai and it’s mixed with swirls of fudge and coconut flakes. I actually loved it because it was so unique and delicious. The space is very clean and well kept. If I went here for school, I’d definitely love to grab an ice cream and study because it’s so spacious and bright. I guess one complaint is the staff seem kinda snappy? I kind of get it though because that’s how it is for most university facilities that are run by students, but we were clearly tourists and it would’ve been nice if they were patient and welcoming because we were new to this! Otherwise, I’d still highly recommend and I’m definitely coming back when I have the chance to. Really want to try the ice cream sandwich! (Which is in the freezer along with the pints)

Saved money by getting 4 scoops at once.

I love eggnog latte and ice creams here

Ice cream is the best. Inside Cornell university

The Cornell Dairy Bar has delicious, inventive flavors. The students make a new flavor every year, and it is highlighted across campus. The flavors are delicious, and they're really chock-full of amazing ingredients. The only problem I have is that the Scoops that you can get when you actually go to the Dairy Bar very very small. They are about the size of a third of an ice cream scoop Purity ice cream. They are delicious, but the staff is staffed by students, and at times they are short with you. Overall I highly recommend, and everyone must go at least once while they're on Cornell campus, but if you're looking for the average size scoop, you will be disappointed. You will pay a very expensive price for a very small amount of ice cream.

Ice cream is good but no sampling and adding a dish to a cone is 29 cents is pretty wild …

Came here for the first time - average offerings with a unique experience. Parking was easy with school out of session - not sure how busy it gets when students are in town.

Great place to stop by during the summer! Sundaes are big!! Excellent customer service

Great staff. Good place to visit frequently if nearby. One caveat though, if you’re going to get a basic flavor, just go to a dining hall for ice cream if you have a meal plan It’s not worth spending BRBs to get vanilla ice cream on a waffle cone when you can get the same thing but all you can eat vanilla in a dining hall. On the contrary, if you like their exotic flavors and refuse to settle for the classic chocolate, vanilla, mint chip, etc. then the dairy bar is the perfect place for you. This is a review of the bar itself, not the facility. If you’re looking to tour the facility that’s a different matter.

Delicious ice cream at reasonable prices, only mild complaint is that certain flavors can be fairly sweet. Seasonal flavors such as pumpkin are offered, and you can buy them by the pint.

Good ice cream, but I was disappointed when I read the ingredients. There are stabilizers and emulsifiers. I was hoping for something else I guess

Not always open on Sunday, but was open as of 9/14/25. Pretty good ice cream, scooping was fair/generous.

Great ice cream, dairy gallery and service. Fun to see a different part of campus.

Maria C

Very nice staff. Very clean building. Very expensive ice cream. Two of us had two scoops and a cup and it came to over $15. There are a lot better places to go in town. They don't give out samples anymore. I've never been to a place that doesn't. Don't think I'll be back.

efxf22

Nice, clean ice cream place that also sells milk, cheese, ice cream pints, ice cream sandwiches, and deli sandwiches. Good selection of ice cream flavors as well.

+7

Greg Knapp

A great spot to visit it you are exploring campus. Excellent ice cream that make wonderful shakes. You can buy dairy products and maple syrup in bulk to go. If you fall in love with their ice cream, they have a variety Cornell Dairy Bar wear and logo items to choose from. In addition they have fountain drinks, a variety of fresh coffees to choose from and a small grill. You can eat inside or out on a nice patio.

+2

I did not try the ice cream though I should have probably because that is the attractant to this place. I had a ham and cheese sandwich and it was just OK. They warmed it in a microwave.

Super creamy but lack flavor, long line but moves fast.

Nice atmosphere and they offer a good amount of dairy products. The food on the other hand is terrible. If you’re going to offer something, it should be held to a higher standard than this or don’t offer it all.

Ice cream is too sugary & not creamy enough, while space is noisy & echoey…but the saving grace is it’s close to the Cornell Plantation & affordable paid public parking lot

Service? Amazing. I loved everyone I spoke to. The atmosphere? It's a clean college bodega style lobby with seats in the lobby. Ice cream? Imagine cold stone but with richer flavor, less creamy texture by 20% but still 60% creamier than retail ice cream. And just as sweet. Holy moly it was sweet AY-EF. Way too much sugar in every bite. You could cut the sugar down by half and it would still adequately sweet. That's just the ice cream. A nonstop bombardment of sugar on my tongue. And then when you bite into a fudge piece or something, god save the bloody queen. If it wasn't so flavorful and creamy, I wouldn't have eaten more than a few spoonfuls.

Pranav Bhounsule

Great place for expensive but tasty ice cream. They can work up a little on the amount of ice cream they put in for the price.

Waited in line for 20 minutes the older guy asked what I wanted I said milkshake he was more then happy to help me but the younger girl ran up all rude and was like we will not make you a milkshake she's not letting any of them make anything more complicated than a scoop of ice cream

You'd think the brainiacs at an ivy league school like Cornell would know how to update their web site and other sites to show new summer hours. 15+ people disappointed at noon today. Great ice cream. A regional classic. Always great ice cream.

It's a nice place to enjoy food at Dairy Bar, which sells products processed and produced by Cornell University. If you have a chance to come to Cornell University, you can enjoy food while looking at the botanical garden in a special space.

+1