Mate Factor

Used to go there often, but since I moved I miss it so much! Such an awesome place!

This place has really great Belgium waffles. It was really buttery and probably not good for my health but was just very delicious!
The Reuben I ordered isn’t very Reuben-​like (they don’t use rye bread nor do they use corned beef, and they didn’t toast the bread so it was a bit soggy).
I love their iced mate latte drink! It’s like a latte but instead of using a shot of espresso they use yerba mate tea. It has a very distinct flavor to it – almost like milk tea. It was very delicious and I definitely recommend it!
Also, the interior design is awesome. It has a nice old wooden cabin feel to it.

Green smoothie was epic! I also had the waffle and it was so hearty and sweet and amazing. They use real ingredients and it shows. The shop is beautiful as well, I was even invited to their home! Lovely!

Ahh as an alum, finally made it here after missing all the open business times during the school years. Their hours are sporadic at times, so make sure you check before coming by.
Friend and I ordered the waffles and spinwich (eggs and spinach on a roll, added turkey) with two mate lattes. Waffles are served with syrup, butter, and whipped cream. It’s really delicious and worth the price (less than $ 6). Spinwich was amazing too. Added the turkey because I wanted some meat, totaling less than $ 10.
Mate latte is like a tea latte. It’s a strange combination but very interesting. First sip was bitter but gets better and better. Try it!
Minus one star for the service. It’s basically self-​service but the woman who took our order didn’t have the best attitude. It seemed like most of the servers are only friendly to regulars :(
Great décor and vibe though. Warm fireplace :)

Absolutely the best café to spare time at Ithaca. The environment is cozy and kinda an European style. The owner is warm and greeting. Nothing to complain. I super love this one!

On a trip to Ithaca we stumbled into this place on the Commons because it was one of the only places open early morning. It’s very cozy, fireplace, big wooden tables, comfy chairs, etc. We each got a waffle — amazing. Delicious waffle.
But that’s all the praise that I can heap on this place. Waffles are good, décor is cozy. We ordered drinks when we ordered our food. The food came out BEFORE the drinks (2 lattes). It was about 10 minutes or so for the food (to be expected) but for DRINKS? Ridiculous. The barista /​counter person was chatting with other patrons sitting at the counter while we were waiting for our drinks. Only when our server asked him where our drinks were did he start to make them. We were sitting fairly close to the counter and the café was slow at that time so I doubt that he could have forgotten about us.
The worst part, though, was the stony way that we were treated when we were ordering and paying. The patrons in front of us in line had a nice cheery (if a bit strange) conversation with the employee (same guy who made the drinks). When we went to order it was very clipped, short, curt, and bordering on rude, especially when compared with the other interactions that this employee had with other patrons. Is it because we were a same-​sex couple? An inter-​racial couple? Or because it was our first time there and weren’t sure what we wanted? Because we were obvious out of towners? Whatever the case, it was very blatant and made us both feel unwelcome.
Wish that I had done a little bit of research before going into this «Twelve Tribes» run place — I would have taken my money elsewhere.
The waffle was good, though. Why does bigotry have to be so tasty?!

A lot of vegetarian options, healthier options than the chain places, and adorable interior setup. It feels like walking into a gypsy caravan out in the woods. So cute and fun!

I had the spelt waffle with the vanilla ice cream and berry sauce. It also came with maple syrup and butter which I asked for on the side
And there was plenty of whipped cream as well.
The waffle wasn’t crisp like I wish it had been, but it was fantastic nonetheless.
While we waited for it to come out, we also tried the maple sandwich cookie — super decadent and sweet.
I want to come back for the waffle, but also to try the sandwiches, wraps, and salads!

I can only speak to three things here: The Island Sunset smoothie, the Waffles, and the staff.
BEST WAFFLES. Good smoothie. Kind staff.
I don’t say that lightly, and I don’t usually like waffles, but these are amazing. Not too sweet, Dense but soft but not thick and not too light either, they are simply perfect. I want to go back to Ithaca just for the Waffles.
The Island Sunset smoothie was also delicious, and I only got it on the recommendation of another customer who told me he got them all the time. I could see why. It was sweet, but not syrupy sweet — just the natural sweet of a lot of fruit mixed together.
The staff were really kind. They let me and my boyfriend come in to use the bathroom even though they were closing, and they talked to a lot of the customers, giving it a really family vibe. I’d love to be a regular here.

Great Belgium waffles, nice portions for the money, atmosphere is very relaxing and the staff very accommodating!

I haven’t tried other stuff but IMO they serve the best waffle in town. Mate Latte is really good, too.

I’ve been going to Mate Factor for years, and I have my staples. I always get the Mate tea and their chili with jalepeno chedder bread on the side. The chili is great, but the bread is absolutely spectacular! It’s thick, soft, spicy, and soaked in butter. One of my favorite dishes anywhere, and this place is super affordable. I also love the look and feel of the café, it is very warm, earthy, and inviting. The wooden interior is magnificant. Our server was very friendly and we enjoyed talking with him. Go here!

This is a hippy paradise. There are even trees growing inside. I think they are fake, but who knows. I wondered in here unplanned because I’m a big fan of «Mate» as a coffee substitute. The name sold me. I don’t often see cafes centered around mate, so I was naturally curious.
The café, coop exudes a coop vibe, a place to kick back, work, read, re-​energize. I chatted with the owners up front and thought it was hilarious how they explained Mate tea as «sort of like coffee, but with a different high.» Haha, it made me feel like I was doing something illegal.
I ended up ordering a fresh squeezed juice, while my friend got a Chai tea. My juice was incredible, full of fresh veggies and tasted fantastic (while being under $ 6) and my friend’s Chai which I tried was also unbelievable. It has a funny name to it which I can’t recall right now, but if you ask the employees… they might tell you a fun story as to how they got the recipe for the Chai ;).
I even stopped by on the way back to pick up a «Mate» cold pressed juice with kale, collards and mate tea. It was $ 6 and was pretty intense. I can’t say I liked the taste, but drank it anyway because it seemed like something that would be good for me. I’m not dead yet so hopefully I extended my life for a few years ;).
Haven’t tried any of the food here, but had such a memorable experience and loved the inside of this place that I wouldn’t hestiate to come back next time I’m in Ithaca.

Adding another star because their vegetarian chowder was fabulous — served with a smile & free tea — at chowder fest.

Nice people, super cool shop, lots of seating, the coffee selection isn’t large by any means (mate though), some relaxing music, but only 15′ of wifi so tough for me to get school work done. Internets, le sigh. Thanks for a good visit to the commons.

Went here before a show at the state theater. I am not sure about the claims of cult activity… however all the employees do look exactly the same from their pony-​tails and beards, down to the center part in their hair. Chili was hearty, but nothing overt spectacular. The coleslaw is quite good. They are also very affordable, and the interior is pretty interesting.

Walked in, didn’t feel very welcomed. Nice interior design. Food wasn’t that good. Gave an extra star because the mango maté was delicious. The whole place gave me bad vibes. My tip to the owners, be a little nicer to everyone who walks in. They are giving you money. At least give good service.

Some of the best food we had visiting New York. great salad, sandwiches and smoothies. oh and I almost forgot about the soup and tea too.
Everyone seems nice here. I highly recommend it!

Waffles might be as easy make but very few places make it this delicious and homey! Full score for your waffles with the blueberry compote! Definitely try out their mochas, they’re super indulgent (maybe not together though might get too sweet)
The staff is so friendly and welcoming and funny! They decorated my dad’s cappuccino with his (super long) name!

Stopped in here on a mini-​vacation to Ithaca. I loved the interior the second I walked in, everything was made of wood and looked hand crafted.
They had a great tea selection — I had a rosehip tea and my boyfriend went with mint and they were both delicious.
The best part of our visit was the service, after we ordered the barista told us that it was on the house!