The Elm Tree Inn

A nice surprise! The place was essentially empty, which always makes me nervous but we took our family of 11 and were pleasantly surprised by how much of the food was homemade and very good. You must try the onion salad dressing on a big house salad that has plenty of toppings. Chicken wings were excellent (again, homemade hot sauce!). The reubens and wedge fries also much better than expected. Certainly worth a try! The staff was also very friendly and accommodating. The only downside is the interior which is very out dated, but I guess that helps them to keep the prices so reasonable.

First time my wife and I ate here, 1/31/2014.We very much enjoyed our meal and the waitress was very kind and attentive. It is a very simple atmosphere [nothing fancy], just like my wife and I like. The food was very good, and the salad bar was fresh. Not our favorite restaurant, but with a coupon, a very good deal for a very good meal. Well worth trying.Thanks.

Good food at reasonable prices. Felt like a bigger version of Grandma’s house. Good for kids. Not fancy, just good eating.

The Elm Tree Inn has been one of my favorite places to visit when I’m in Cortland/​Ithaca area for nearly a decade. The owners Nancy and Chuck are the kindest people and have done a terrific job creating a warm environment for everyone. Their Prime Rib is the BEST prime rib I have ever eaten and their Fish fry on Fridays really sets the precedent! I had my graduation party here and the food was great and everyone loved the environment plus they worked with our budget to make it affordable for us yet still exactly what we wanted. There is a large banquet room upstairs and a HUGE dining room downstairs. The bar is small, but it’s cozy and fun! They have a pretty good selection of liquor and beer and the bartenders usually have a good drink special or shot special. They also have a pool table and jukebox ith a pretty good selection of music and I’ve been to karaōke there too (Not sure if they still have it but worth calling to find out if that’s your style). I’ve seen Biker rides use the Elm Tree for a designated stop on charity rides, a lot, and they can always accommodate parking because they have a HUGE parking lot. The Elm Tree truly deserves the 5 star rating I gave them and I can’t wait to head to NY this holiday season and visit the Elm Tree for my favorite fish fry and again for my favorite Prime Rib!