Last week I posted an entry on the Cornell Barbershop. This week I had the pleasure of eating at the restaurant above the barbershop, Simeon’s. I always thought the large bar with row upon row of hard liquor stacked against the back wall attracted people to the place on The Commons’ corner. I was incredulous that I was actually meeting some administration there to interview a candidate for the position of Dean, already a somewhat awkward position for a 20-year-old college student.
To my amazement, the hostess led us into a more formal back room that I never knew existed. Eight immaculate set tables filled the room including the one for 10 where we sat. I tried to get a spot near the end where I could look out the window and get a view of Aurora St. at the north-south division. Many people walked right by the window and looked in, surprised by this new, more formal extension of the restaurant. I even noticed a former professor walking by at one point.
As I skimmed the first page of the menu, normally skipped by customers, I noticed that the building was a soda shop beginning in the early 20th century up until the 1960s when it was turned in to a men’s clothing store. It eventually went back to being a soda shop before it became a restaurant in the late 1980s.
I didn’t know what size portions to expect, but the Shepherd’s Pie definitely did not disappoint. Along with the quiet ambiance, formal atmosphere and exceptional view of Aurora St. my overall experience at Simeon’s encouraged me to explore more Ithaca eateries outside of delivery or fast food joints. If I can afford it that is.
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