I remember when the Domenico's opened this gem just after Café Le Reve closed. I have the greatest memories of this place including good company, the smell of robust coffee brewing, the sound of the milk frother, the taste of rich, warm chocolate chip cookies, the faint/muffled creak of the wood floor as you made your way to the counter, the sound of jazz music playing so subtly in the background, the exquisite art on the walls and the familiar faces that greeted you with kindness even in their most stressful hour...to me the Cafe was like a slice of heaven that God commissioned the Dominicos to run. I can still see the morning sun, the dark skies of rain, and the piles of snow from their front windows looking out. The coffee warmed your pallette but the café warmed your soul. Their blood, sweat and tears could be felt everytime you entered those doors because nothing was as more consistent, genuine and full of pride than this oasis. My only regret, is not having been able to visit one last time before it closed. May God bless this great family and their journey ahead.

When I moved to Utica and started working at Munson, I went to Cafe Domenico every day before work. Molly's daily greeting, ready cup of coffee (for here), and fantastic outfits were the perfect way to start the day. I made some lovely connections there and am saddened to hear that the Domenicos' chapter has ended. Thank you for being one of my favorite places in Utica.

The years I spent growing up in Cafe Domenico’s were some of the best & most important of my life. The friends I made & people I’ve built connections with expand further than Emerson & Genesee. Cafe Domenico’s will forever be a part of my life even from a far.

Cafe Domenico has always been my favorite establishment in Utica. As a small child, I loved the Village Toy Shop. As a kid, the areas up the stairs were mountains leading to awe- the secret spot under the stairs, a magical trip into endless imagination. In my mind, the toy shop secretly transformed overnight into an equally magical place, especially to Utica teens just wanting to hang and be cool. Some of my fondest high school memories are of sitting with friends, watching the Lomeo Brothers play from the upper level. As a young teen I can recall countless evenings at the cafe playing scrabble, twenty questions, having best guitar player arguments; as we grew a bit older, listening to Brazil 66, blues origins, and jazz; thinking about creative writing, art, Doubly Mad; having envy for the cool baristas; and as I aged more, the cafe became the best place to grade essays with a paradoxical standard order of detox tea and the strongest and most delicious espresso ever in hand.

What is it that Cafe Domenico seemed to emit and give to so many of us over these years? A bit of Utica soul. Cafe Domenico spoke to people's souls and with its language, it had a soul itself. I am so happy that I was able to pass this bit of soul on to my two kids who too have had the joy of playing in the secret spot under the stairs. Although it brings tears to my eyes knowing they will not have the same Cafe Domenico that I had much longer, perhaps their early memories of the cafe will live on and grow to magical proportions in their minds in the way childhood imagination performs its best work.

Thank you so much to the Domenico family for giving Utica such a welcoming, soulful spot for nearly twenty-two years. Cafe Domenico kept a huge facet of Utica's creativity, artistry, jazz, and soul alive. It helped shape the modern landscape of this unique city that so many of us love. I cannot imagine Utica without Cafe Domenico and am forever grateful and thankful for its existence.

May the cafe spirit live on in Emerson Ave Coffee. Love, best wishes, and support to all.

And again, an immense thank you to the Domenico family.

Kim, Orin, Molly, Nick - words cannot express how much your welcoming, cozy coffee shop has meant to our south Utica neighborhood these twenty plus years. When I go in for my daily iced chai, I know the people in there, I feel at home, and they know me. You have brought art, music, good conversation, good politics, an ethical grounding to all we do. I will miss everything about Cafe Domenico but I am so glad that The Other Side will still continue on and that your presence will still be felt!

I grew up with Café Domenico as part of my life. Many wonderful things and sad things happened to me while I spent my time there, relaxing with the delicious coffee, friendship and at home feeling it gave me. I will never forget it. I will miss it always. Thank you to the Domenico family for all the years of wonderful memories. God bless you.

For someone who often felt like an outsider growing up, the cafe's eclectic nature crafted a space where everyone fit, a rare gem in a landscape of conformity. At Domenico’s, the labels of 'outsider' seemed to dissolve, and were replaced by the warm embrace of a community where diversity and uniqueness was not just accepted but celebrated. Some of the best conversations of my life, often with strangers, happened within the colorful walls and I will cherish them for as long as I live.

Your legacy, brewed with love and served with passion, will forever linger in the hearts of all who found solace and joy within your walls.

Thank you for creating such a beautiful space, and for filling it with so much life. You've created more than just a cafe; you've nurtured a home for the wandering spirits, for those in search of conversation, connection, and a cup of coffee that was, quite simply, unparalleled. Wishing you the best for what comes next!

The very first time I walked into Cafe Domenico I knew I had found something extraordinary...the excellent coffee, the welcoming ambience, the very special people behind the counter. Bless you both for your vision and your dedication to making a safe and soul enriching space in South Utica. I will hold Cafe Domenico forever in my heart.

The Domenico family has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of all age groups in our South Utica neighborhood, but especially for three women in our eighties.
I have been coming to Domenico's since it opened and have often brought out-of-town friends and family to have "meetings" in the upper room.
When COVID descended upon us, my old (and elderly 😉) friends and I were homebound. When it was finally safer and we had gotten vaccinated, we were still cautious, but decided there was one place where we could go and feel safe and welcome and have been coming to Domenico's, since.
The art and pictures, the reading cubby for kids, the friendly staff and the extended time we are allowed to sit and reminisce are precious to us and we are so sorry to see the original owners leave.
I sincerely thank you for providing such a welcoming gathering place and for contributing so much to our area's arts and culture.