Planning a trip to Ithaca, make sure you add grabbing lunch at Purity to your itinerary! This iconic spot is not just known for its delicious food, but it also has an exciting claim to fame: they say the Ice Cream Sundae was invented here! So, while you enjoy your meal, why not indulge in a delicious sundae for dessert? It’s a fun way to savor a bit of history while treating yourself!
A Bit of History
Purity, known as the “Ice Cream of the Finger Lakes,” opened its doors in 1936, but the original location was on First Street. (The restaurant moved to its current location on Cascadilla St in 1953.) Leo Guentert, a Cornell graduate and former Nestle employee, and his wife, Sylvia, started their business by making small batches of ice cream using only natural ingredients, and they were a hit among locals, becoming an icon of the Ithaca community.
Great Food & Service
Purity might be famous for its ice cream, but its food is also pretty incredible. My daughter, who was a student at Ithaca College, was a regular customer, and it was the very first of her discoveries about the city that she wanted to share with us.
Purity simplifies food ordering with tablet stations, removing the hassle of purchasing. The food here is truly fantastic, offering classics like cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, and chicken sandwiches, which can be enhanced with their extensive array of condiments and toppings. They also serve a small breakfast menu all day; my daughter recommends the maple fried chicken topped with bacon and cheese on a bagel. I also strongly suggest the delicious bacon cheese fries.
But of course, it’s the ice cream that people flock to here for. The menu offers a wide range of ice cream flavors, as well as specialty sundaes, milkshakes, and an array of toppings. The ice cream here isn’t just delicious; it is made using natural and locally sourced ingredients.
Getting to Purity
Address: 700 Cascadilla St, Ithaca, NY 14850