Bike Bar Ithaca

Bike Bar is a bicycle-themed taproom in the heart of downtown Ithaca, pouring a dozen rotating craft beers alongside signature cocktails, wine, cider and non-alcoholic options. Bicycle frames, wheels and cycling memorabilia line the walls, giving the room a distinct hobbyist identity that sets it apart from Ithaca's other downtown bars.

Atmosphere and Setting

The vibe is casual and unpretentious — a neighborhood taproom with charcuterie and cheese plates rather than a full kitchen, and a weekday happy hour that draws an after-work crowd before the evening's live music or jam session gets underway.

Old-Time Jam

Every Tuesday evening, fiddler Joe Hayward and friends lead an old-time music jam that has become a fixture of Ithaca's acoustic-music community. String players — fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin — are welcome to bring an instrument and sit in on traditional tunes in a relaxed, circle-style format rather than a formal stage show.

Other Programming

Beyond the Tuesday jam, Bike Bar books scheduled live sets spanning jazz, reggae and folk throughout the month, announced primarily through its Instagram and Facebook pages.

For Performers

The old-time jam is genuinely informal — there's no sign-up sheet or stage, just a standing invitation to bring an acoustic instrument and join the circle.

Good to Know

Bike Bar is located at 314 E State St, Ithaca, NY 14850. The taproom is open from 4:00 PM daily, with the old-time jam typically running in the early evening.