6 Best Chicken Wings near Ithaca

“More importantly: The food was great and all, but the service was next level! Our server was Maddi (I hope I got the spelling right) and she was bomb! She made great recommendations, was extremely polite, always answered my questions with a smile, and worked with the kind of pride you'd expect from the business owners themselves. The food was 5 star but I'd give the service 6! *I'm not crazy about cash only or mask requirements, but that's their choice and the staff was polite about it and I have no complaints!“

“Las pizzas más ricas que he probado!“

“This is along review because I'm passionate about Ithaca's dining scene. Lotus is the best restaurant on Aurora Street, hands down.

I've been coming here since they opened and have tried most things on the menu. The food quality never dips, and the staff are attentive without hovering and without being salesy.

I've brought out-of-town guests several time, and they always rave about it afterward. Last week I brought a college buddy with 2 young daughters. His wife had never before had Korean food and was reluctant to bring her fussy young daughters. The two girls ended up doing backflips over the fried chicken with honey garlic sauce. For the adults at the table, the bulgogi holds its own against anything you'll find in Fort Lee or Pal Park, NJ, which says a lot. The Kimchi Jjaigee is dyamite! My 21-year-old son's favorite is the Galbi Tang, with a deep taste so unique that he moans with delight when we talk on the phone and plan dinner out for his next visit.

Here's what Lotus won't do, unlike its trendier neighbors: push extra appetizers, upsell you on drinks and dessert, or hand you a QR code at the table begging for a Google review. That's exactly why you'll find restaurants with worse food and higher ratings. Those other places are better at marketing, not cooking. The old-school Korean family running Lotus isn't playing that game. They're just consistently making great food, day after day.
Sure, some of the other restaurants nearby have trendier lighting and nicer fixtures. That's cool but isn't the quality of the food what's most important?

As a local, I get bummed out when I see summer tourists filling up tables at mediocre restaurants on Auruora Street while the type of restaurants that make Ithaca special, authentic Asian joints like Lotus, are half full. (Notes to tourists: In the fall, when Cornell is in session, Lotus is PACKED! Smart, rich kids from all over the world, including real Koreans (!) understand top-notch food and good value.)

If you're trying to decide where to eat in Ithaca, skip the second-rate options with the sexy decor. Go to Lotus for an experience you'll remember. I promise you'll be happy!“

“Great service, exactly as ordered. Very friendly“

“ordered a 32 piece and were not disappointed! got Nashville hot and santa fe. Nashville wasn't very hot but still tasty. wings were great size and cooked perfectly. so juicy. fries also good. just needed a tad more seasoning. 8 out of 10 will order again!“

“Ordered Big Red Zone (chicken bacon ranch) takeout in person. Still tastes pretty good after 15 min walk back to my apartment even though it's lukewarm at this point. Marinara is just the right amount for a calzone although I'd prefer a warm sauce. Menu price $10.75 already includes tax, which is nice for diverse students at Cornell.“