Watch out Number 5 and Remlik’s, there’s a new kid in town, and he’s dark, swanky and delicious. For seasoned veterans of Binghamton dining who are sick of Lost Dog’s rigatoni ala vodka, let me introduce you to the newly opened Social On State.
Located on Artist’s Row (a block of art galleries that give the street its nickname “The SoHo of Binghamton”) at 201 State St., Social is very much trying to be a trendy New York City restaurant. Brick walls emblazoned with chalk, dim lighting, flat screens with sports games and drinks in skinny glasses create a lounge-like casual sophistication.
Social is a tapas restaurant, which to my surprise, does not mean fancy Mexican food. Tapas are appetizer-sized portions that are shared by the table. According to Adam Tuttle, operating partner and manager of JT’s Tavern, the idea for Social was born from a lack of tapas restaurants in the Downtown area.
“It’s a different way of eating dinner because it’s meant to share,” Tuttle said. “It’s a more social way to eat.” Social … get it?
Social’s menu options are vast, from the crispy pork belly with grilled pineapple to the fried ice cream sundae with toasted coconut, there are definitely enough options to please everyone at the table. The restaurant prides itself on its meats and seafood, which makes sense because head chef Jay Pisculli left his job at Remlik’s to work at Social two months ago.
Social also prides itself on its impressive cocktail menu. Original drinks are given clever names like “Social-lite” and “Anti-Social” and made with top-shelf liquor and unique garnishes, like dried chile and sliced jalapeno. “Not So Smoring,” a martini served in a chocolate-and-graham-cracker-rimmed glass, topped off with a toasted marshmallow, stands out on the drink menu and is a testament to the creative approach Social has taken with food and drinks.
It’s the unexpected details and unique ingredient combinations in classic dishes that makes Social a worthwhile spot to choose this Restaurant Week. The pork tenderloin topped with an Angry Orchard cider glaze, a mixture of kale, bacon and shiitake, all drowning in sweet potato puree tasted like trendy Thanksgiving.
Social even takes a new approach to the most classic of American foods — french fries. The “house fries” are extremely thin-cut potatoes served with three dips — an aioli sauce, a bleu cheese fondue and an Asian-style ginger dressing.
“No, you can’t have ketchup,” joked Erik Wagner, the waiter.
The Restaurant Week special includes three dishes for $25 at dinner. If you and your date choose to split the three dishes, there’s an arguably excessive additional charge of $15, so it makes more sense to just buy two dinners.
Even so, Social is still a highly recommended destination with an important lesson: Sharing is caring.