Mama Said Hand Pies-Press Bay Alley

### Discover Mama Said Hand Pies: Your Flavorful Journey in Ithaca's Press Bay Alley

In the vibrant and unique setting of Press Bay Alley in Ithaca, New York, you'll find a culinary gem known as Mama Said Hand Pies. This local bakery offers a delightful twist on traditional baked goods, specializing in handcrafted "hand pies" that feature an array of both savory and sweet fillings, drawing inspiration from flavors around the world. For residents of Ithaca and the wider Tompkins County area, Mama Said Hand Pies isn't just a place to grab a quick bite; it's an experience that promises a burst of innovative taste, often with the added benefit of locally sourced ingredients and options for various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan selections.

Mama Said Hand Pies has quickly gained a reputation for its creative menu and commitment to quality. Customers have expressed pleasant surprise at the "variety of options in the store, savory and sweet, GF and not GF." Whether you're craving something hearty like a Japanese Beef Curry hand pie or a sweet treat such as a Blueberry Lemon, the bakery aims to deliver a satisfying experience. Their dedication to preparing food "the way people did generations ago" – often making ingredients from scratch, like bone broth and cheese – underscores their passion for authentic, homemade flavors. While some hand pies might be best enjoyed fresh or reheated at home to restore their optimal texture, the rich fillings and unique taste combinations consistently leave a lasting impression on New Yorkers seeking an artisanal and flavorful meal or snack.

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### Location and Accessibility

Mama Said Hand Pies is conveniently located at 118 W Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA, specifically within the bustling and eclectic Press Bay Alley. This location makes the bakery highly accessible for anyone in Downtown Ithaca and beyond. Press Bay Alley itself is a hub of micro-retail spaces, renowned for its vibrant, entrepreneurial spirit and unique local businesses. West Green Street is a main thoroughfare in Ithaca, ensuring easy navigation for those driving or utilizing public transportation.

Press Bay Alley is situated just a short walk west of The Commons and one block east of Green Street's transit hub, making it a pedestrian-friendly destination. While specific parking at Press Bay Alley might be street parking or nearby lots, the general accessibility of Downtown Ithaca via various modes of transport, including walking and biking (with a bike repair station in Press Bay Court), ensures that reaching Mama Said Hand Pies is straightforward. The alley itself is designed to be inviting, providing an engaging environment where visitors can explore multiple local businesses, including Mama Said Hand Pies. This integrated location within a lively local ecosystem significantly enhances the bakery's appeal and convenience for Ithaca residents.

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### Services Offered

Mama Said Hand Pies offers a diverse and intriguing menu centered around their signature hand pies, alongside other complementary items and services. Their commitment to inclusive options and global flavors is evident in their offerings:

• Savory Hand Pies: A wide selection of hearty, flavorful hand pies with various fillings. Examples include Japanese Beef Curry, Pepper Jack Beef Empanada, Potato & NYS Cheddar, Mushroom Oaxaca Cheese, Poblano con Queso, Spanakopita, Tempeh Patty, West African Meat Pie, and more. They often feature locally raised meat and vegetables.

• Sweet Hand Pies and Pastries: A delightful range of dessert hand pies and other sweet treats. Popular options include Blueberry Lemon hand pie, Cherry Pie, Blueberry Pie, Irish Apple Pie, Ricciarelli cookies (almond), Chocolate Ricciarelli, Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Vegan Jam Tarts.

• Gluten-Free (GF) and Vegan Options: A significant highlight is their dedication to accommodating various dietary needs. They offer GF versions of several savory pies like Mushroom and Oaxaca Cheese, Pepper Jack Beef Empanada, and GF/DF West African Meat Pie, as well as vegan options like the Vegan Irish Knish and Vegan Jam Tarts.

• Fresh and Frozen Options: Many of their hand pies are available both fresh for immediate consumption and frozen, allowing customers to stock up and enjoy them at their convenience at home.

• Housemade Sauces: Many savory hand pies are served with complementary housemade sauces, such as salsa verde or Sosu Kaani (a Senegali-style hot sauce), enhancing the flavor experience.

• Drinks: A selection of unique beverages like various flavors of Bruce Cost Ginger Ale, San Pellegrino Limonata, Just Water, Spindrift, and Harney & Sons teas.

• Catering Services: Mama Said Hand Pies offers catering for events, providing their hand pies and other items for larger gatherings, with options to specify event details and dietary needs.

• Online Ordering: Customers can conveniently order ahead through their website, facilitating quick pickups and ensuring availability of desired items.

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### Features / Highlights

Mama Said Hand Pies at Press Bay Alley distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that resonate strongly with its local customer base in Ithaca:

• Diverse Global Flavors: A standout feature is their adventurous and expansive menu, offering "flavors from all over the world." This provides a unique culinary journey for customers looking to try something beyond conventional bakery fare, from Japanese Beef Curry to West African Meat Pies.

• Accommodating Dietary Needs: Their extensive selection of Gluten-Free (GF), Dairy-Free (DF), and Vegan options is a major highlight, making their delicious products accessible to a wider audience with specific dietary requirements. This inclusiveness is highly appreciated by the community.

• Commitment to Local Sourcing: Mama Said Hand Pies emphasizes using "locally sourced ingredients" and "humanely raised meat," which appeals to environmentally conscious customers and those who prioritize supporting local farmers and producers in New York.

• Handmade Quality: The bakery prides itself on taking "time to prepare our offerings the way people did generations ago," including making their own cheese and dough from scratch. This dedication to artisanal, homemade processes results in deeply flavorful and authentic products.

• Convenient Press Bay Alley Location: Being situated in the vibrant Press Bay Alley means customers can enjoy their hand pies in a lively, unique urban environment, combining their visit with exploring other local shops and eateries.

• Fresh and Frozen Versatility: Offering both fresh-baked and frozen hand pies provides excellent flexibility for customers, allowing them to enjoy a warm pie immediately or stock up for later convenience.

• Savory and Sweet Balance: The balanced menu featuring an equally enticing array of savory and sweet options ensures that Mama Said Hand Pies caters to all types of cravings, from a hearty lunch to a delightful dessert.

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### Contact Information

To experience the unique and delicious hand pies from Mama Said Hand Pies in Ithaca's Press Bay Alley, here is their contact information:

Address: 118 W Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA

Phone: (607) 280-5941

Mobile Phone: +1 607-280-5941

It's always a good idea to check their website or call ahead for the most current operating hours, daily specials, or to place catering or larger orders, especially given the dynamic nature of a popular local establishment. Their online ordering system is also a convenient way to secure your favorite hand pies.

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### Conclusion: Why Mama Said Hand Pies is Suitable for Locals

For the residents of Ithaca, New York, Mama Said Hand Pies in Press Bay Alley is an exceptionally suitable and appealing local bakery that perfectly embodies the spirit of the community. Its unique offerings, commitment to quality, and accessible location make it a standout choice for a wide range of local users.

Firstly, the sheer diversity of their hand pie menu, blending international flavors with both savory and sweet options, provides an exciting culinary adventure right in the heart of Ithaca. For New Yorkers who appreciate creative, flavorful food made with care, the promise of "packed with flavor" fillings and unique combinations like Japanese Beef Curry or various gluten-free empanadas makes Mama Said Hand Pies an irresistible draw. Their dedication to offering extensive gluten-free and vegan choices further solidifies their appeal to a health-conscious and diverse local population.

Secondly, the bakery's location within Press Bay Alley is a significant advantage. This vibrant, walkable area fosters a strong sense of local community and makes for an enjoyable visit, whether you're grabbing a quick bite during lunch or exploring the unique shops. Its central position on West Green Street ensures easy access for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers from across Ithaca and Tompkins County.

Finally, Mama Said Hand Pies' commitment to using "locally sourced ingredients" and preparing items from scratch resonates deeply with the values of many New Yorkers who prioritize supporting local businesses and sustainable practices. This blend of authentic, global flavors, inclusive options, convenient location, and a strong community ethos makes Mama Said Hand Pies a truly suitable and cherished establishment for locals seeking delicious, handcrafted baked goods in Ithaca.