Restaurant Week has returned to Binghamton, and The Shop consistently provides an excellent meal. On Friday afternoon, my photographer, Jacob, and I went to the bar and kitchen on 219 Washington St to get a taste of the many offerings featured this season.

The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere with dimmed lights and fun artwork across the walls. Customers filled the room as they enjoyed burgers, crepes and more. We were greeted at the door by the hostess, who already had a table prepared for us, and our server went out of her way to make sure we had everything we needed.

The first course was drinks, and we were brought gorgeous shirley temples. The cherry syrup gave the beverage a beautiful red color, and the flavor filled every sip. There were also pretty green straws, making this first round a great introduction to the meal. However, if you are over 21, they do offer alcoholic beverages, like beers and wines.

The showstopper of the event was the entree round. The Shop offered a variety of choices, including burgers, sandwiches, crepes and salads. With slight variations between the lunch and dinner menus, we were given two meals — one from lunch and one from dinner.

First, we tried the buffalo chicken sandwich with a side of fries, which is featured on the lunch menu. Jacob and I were pleasantly surprised that the chicken was not fried. The fresh grilled meat paired well with the spicy sauce and melted in our mouths. In addition, the lettuce provided a nice crunch to the soft brioche bun. I highly recommend dipping a fry in the leftover buffalo, as the sauce was the highlight of the meal.

Our second sandwich came from the dinner menu and is referred to as the perfect shop burger. Jacob and I agree heavily with this title, as this burger was one of the best burgers I’ve had in Binghamton. The meat was cooked to perfection, and the American cheese covered the entire patty, so every bite had the cheesy goodness. The iceberg and pickles added a freshness to the sandwich, and The Shop burger sauce provided a good tang. The Shop is known for their burgers, and this meal proved why.

Our last course was the dessert option, and we both were given the Nutella crepe with powdered sugar and whipped cream, which is on both the lunch and dinner menus. The crepe was still steaming when it came to us, and the chocolate was smooth and warm all the way through. You can never go wrong with warm bread and chocolate, and this crepe took that combination up a level. While you had to eat it quickly so the whipped cream did not melt, the dessert was the perfect touch to a great meal.

Overall, The Shop is a great place to visit when celebrating Restaurant Week this semester. All the staff is so kind, and the service was excellent. The food is comforting and delicious, and while Jacob and I highly recommend the perfect shop burger if you are there for dinner, both menus have great options to choose from. Whether you can make it there for Restaurant Week or you are just looking for a nice place to go with friends and loved ones, check out The Shop.