This Fall Creek favorite prides itself for using as many local ingredients as possible and crafting a diverse menu for gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan eaters alike. But there are still plenty of options for staunch carnivores, like the whole jerk chicken wings, beer-battered fish and chips and the roasted garlic burger, made with beef from New York-based Autumn’s Harvest Farm. Plant-based eaters will adore the Bounty Bowl (coconut rice, tamari-braised greens and pickled veggies), house curry (local butternut squash, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli and onion in red curry sauce) and crispy fried Ithaca Soy tofu wings, complete with house vegan blue cheese.

The locally-focused farm restaurant grew out of the friendship of three men who go way back: As toddlers, Jed Ashton and singer Elliot Martin ran together through the Stewart Park sprinklers, and as college students, some 30 years ago, they met saxophonist Lee Hamilton in Boston. Once back in Ithaca, the friends knew exactly what they wanted to add to the city’s going-out scene: a diverse, inclusive gathering place for families, aimed at the community. Their vision came alive in 2009, named for the celestial body that “has always been a guiding light for African Americans since the time our ancestors were brought here against their will,” Ashton explains.

Our restaurant critic Peggy Haine paid Northstar a visit last year: It was the burgers that drew our attention. We dug into the huge roasted garlic burger (stoutly standing under melted cheddar, greens, tomato, onion, and garlic aioli on a brioche-type roll) served with a side of Caesar salad, and the “Sorrel, I’m not Sorrel” burger (Autumn’s Harvest ground beef, tart sorrel pesto, Lively Run feta, & garlic aioli on a house-made brioche bun with parmesan potato wedges), both done perfectly medium rare as ordered, totally juicy, and too big to fit into a normal mouth without some serious squushing. Setting the tomato slices aside for later helped.

Babe’s Burger has been spreading around the area with burgers and fries and more in multiple locations, and the Babe’s truck is in Fall Creek next to Northstar House Wednesday through Saturday afternoons and early evenings. The Babe’s truck is also a fixture at events, and they’re cooking inside the Deep Dive kitchen Friday through Monday nights.

Or tucked away down the hill in the quiet and unassuming Fall Creek neighborhood is Northstar with its eclectic and funky parade of flavors. The pub is not afraid to say and serve kale Caesar (though not before grilling), add extra char to Arctic char or make wings of tofu. All this, and the garlic burger is still the most popular item.

The rents will absolutely love the beer garden (if you take them in the warmer months) and the food will blow all of you away – we highly recommend the roasted garlic burger (so good). They also have great brunch but it’s definitely competitive to find a table so make sure you get there early.

Northstar’s mission is to bring locally sourced, healthy and healthy-ish food. They source as many local ingredients as possible, and have a wide variety of beer, wine and cocktails. They take great care to provide gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, and non-allergenic dishes to their customers.

Few places in town have GF pancakes or waffles, and they not only have them but they are good. The brunch menu rotates but everything we've had there for brunch and dinner has been awesome. Highly recommend if you have celiac or just want to avoid gluten and be a little gluttonous.

Options range from legendary spots like Moosewood, the USA's oldest vegetarian eatery, to cozy bistros like Northstar Public House, which serves creative dishes with locally grown ingredients and offers both indoor and al fresco dining.

If you're up for coming down the hill Northstar does a mac & cheese of the day that had been delicious the times I've gotten it. Pretty close to campus and you can walk to Ithaca Falls on your way which is worth the walk!

Northstar House is a pet-friendly restaurant in Ithaca, NY. Leashed dogs are welcome at outside tables. Northstar House offers burgers, macaroni & cheese, salads and more. The menu includes vegetarian options as well.