The Antlers

This is a four instead of a three because of the service. We went to The Antler's for my brother's birthday. Our friend lives in the area and said it was reliable, although she hadn't been in some time.

The interior is pleasant, if a bit dated. The service was friendly and genuinely concerned about our having a good time. But the roast duck was extremely dry and overcooked. The replacement when we returned it was only slightly less dry, but we were all done by then. To add insult to injury, the menu said the duck was $35, but the check charged $39. When I told them that as be went to leave, they just said "thanks for telling us".

The rest of our meals were fine, but nothing to write home about. They are not outrageously priced, but it is not a budget dining experience, so they need to do better.

Let's start with the service. We've been twice and both times the servers and entire staff have been both professional and personable. I think the staff makes up more of the experience we tend to think until we have a bad encounter.

The food... it's better than the staff. The steaks are incredible. They are on the expensive side but worth it if you're going to spend the money on a steak.

HORRIBLE customer service. Arrived 5:30 on a Saturday evening. Met with, Do you have a reservation? Um no...your parking lot has less than 50% of the spaces filled and I see 15+ empty tables....sorry no reservation no service. I have all of my tables reserved for an hour from now.... REALLY??? Called after we left to talk with the MGR...yea same person who couldn't give a "BLEEP" that she turned business away. If you are visiting the Ithica area STAY AWAY!!

UPDATE after the business manager replied. The we bait saiid, no wait and to come in prior to our arrival and while sitting in the parking lot. We we visiting the area and were recommended to try this place. There is no planning in advance, it is visiting a local establishment on a BAD recommendation. Dear Mr Business Owner, I am quite aware of how reservations work...I am more aware of walk-ins and customer appreciation for their patronage. You sir do NOT understand customer service or value customers who are new to your restaurant.

For our date night, we decided to give this place a try. The overall welcome was not warm, maybe because we didn't have reservations. We were seated and things were stellar after that. Our server was amazing. As usual I narrowed my choices down to 3-4, she was instrumental in helping me decide as she was very knowledgeable and had eaten items on the menu. My burger was cooked to perfection. My date got the 3 course special. His soft pretzel bites were really good (I don't even like soft pretzels) and he had an ample supply of fish and fries. He had to take the dessert home. The drinks were quite tasty also. The strawberry fields was very refreshing and the jackalope was also tasty if you like drinks with a little spice. The establishment was very clean and the atmosphere was very inviting. I would definitely go again.

Great local restaurant outside of downtown Ithaca. We went on prime rib night. Very reasonable price and they did not rush our group.

Bri was our waitress for dinner and she was really great as was the food, we would love to go back if we have time!

What a great little roadside restaurant! They open at 4:30 PM. We arrived approximately ten minutes early and waited in our car in the parking lot. We saw the chef actually come outside to harvest tomatoes from their garden. It was then that we knew we were in for a treat. The interior of the restaurant is rustic. It feels like you are dining at grandma and grandpa's house in the country. Our server was new but she took great care of us. The menu had so many interesting options. It made it difficult (in a good way) to choose. I have never seen a beef flight anywhere else before. I went with the delmonico this time. It was perfectly cooked. The fried green tomatoes were another standout. The bourbon Manhattan I had with my meal was the perfect addition. I can't wait to return here to try some other things from their menu.

We were a bit late and arrived at the restaurant at 8:50pm. Grateful that the servers did not hesitate to lead us to the table. We started with the Baltimore crab cake which is surprising good - deep fried with delicious spice and the crab meat tastes flavourful. The 22 oz cowboy steak cooked to medium rare is very juicy with strong meat flavours that surely any steak lover would enjoy. The baby short ribs are one of the most tender ones I have ever tasted. Services are amazing too and the interior setting is cozy and comfortable. Definitely recommended for anyone visiting Ithaca!

One of the priciest restaurants in the Ithaca area, but you get what you pay for. They're quite busy, so I'd recommend booking a reservation in advance.

The free bread they provide is bussin. Don't get a bread basket, as you're paying six dollars to just get some olive oil.

I got the roasted duck, which frankly slapped. I'm a sucker for duck, and it was exactly what I wanted, Portion size was healthy as well.

Service was generally quick and kind

The food, atmosphere, and staff were superb. There were 8 of us dining, we all had different items off the menu, and no one had a complaint about what they were eating. That's pretty remarkable for us. Steak, fish, pasta, seafood perfect. Only warning...Have Reservations, make them well in advance, and try for a time that is early, 6 PM or before.