Binghamton’s biannual Restaurant Week event is back! Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will mostly operate through takeout and delivery meals, with a few restaurants offering dine-in options following proper safety guidelines. All meals run from $10 to $30, including appetizers, main courses and desserts for either lunch or dinner. Our Pipe Dream writers tasted and reviewed six different menu offerings — including new pizzeria The Stone Fox and vintage-inspired speakeasy 205 Dry. Restaurant Week runs through Nov. 12, so make sure to take advantage of these deals and explore the diverse tastes of Binghamton, either in person or from the comfort of your own home.
A local favorite among students, The Colonial offers classic American-style food with a casual, cozy atmosphere, right in the center of Downtown Binghamton. The popular gastropub offers a wide array of comfort foods, ranging from brunch to lunch and dinner options and boasts an expansive drink menu.
The Colonial regularly participates in Restaurant Week and, despite the pandemic, this year is no exception. They made the necessary adjustments in order to successfully continue with the tradition, which included adding the option for takeout to the usual dine-in and outdoor seating options.
Read the full review of Colonial
Right around the corner of Washington Street and Hawley Street, in a revamped red brick building, is The Stone Fox, a newly opened artisanal pizza eatery and bar. When I entered the establishment, the first thing I noticed was that The Stone Fox truly made the best use of the space. With ample double-decker outdoor seating, string lights overhead and classic rock and 90’s hip hop blasting from the speakers, The Stone Fox created an inviting, social and energetic atmosphere in an on-trend setting.
Read the full review of Stone Fox
Social on State has become a staple of Downtown Binghamton’s restaurant scene, known for its abundant selection of tapas and its moody ambiance. This Restaurant Week, Social on State offers a $25 three-course dinner menu with both dine-in and takeout options.
Upon entering, I was escorted to the outdoor dining area, which was nestled behind the restaurant. Ornamented with hanging lights and remixes of radio hits from the early 2010s playing through its speakers, Social on State has the perfect atmosphere for a date or eating with a couple of friends. The restaurant abided by social distancing guidelines and its friendly and welcoming staff ensured safety was paramount.
Read the full review of Social on State
Dos Rios Cantina is a pretty nice place located in the Downtown Binghamton area, right next to The Colonial on Court Street. I would definitely recommend going there for a day out with friends or other casual dining events.
The inner decor is similar to that of a pub-style restaurant, added along to a colorful outdoor seating area. There’s even a bar if you’re interested in getting delicious drinks with your food. When you walk into the building, first you see a wall with a huge colorful mural that brings the Day of the Dead vibes. The lights resemble sombreros and the seats were quite comfy.
Read the full review of Dos Rios
If there’s one thing quarantine has proved to us, it’s that very few things beat a good drink. I was lucky enough to head to 205 Dry, a restaurant I heard about many times throughout my college career. I had honestly been meaning to go, but always justified staying home by telling myself I’d save money. But this year, Restaurant Week and working for Pipe Dream gave me the opportunity to get the full experience of this unique gem for a fraction of the price.
Upon arriving at State Street, I noticed that 205 Dry looked more like a tiny bookshop than anything else, deliberately built on the 1920s speakeasy theme of the restaurant. After walking behind the false bookcase, my photographer, Sid, and I were greeted by massive oak paneling, dim, hazy mood lighting and friendly waitstaff.
Read the full review of 205 Dry
If you ask any Binghamton local or Binghamton University student for restaurant recommendations, Lost Dog Cafe & Lounge is sure to make the list. Located on the intersection of Water Street and Henry Street in Downtown Binghamton, the cozy cafe is beloved by community members of all kinds. Despite the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses, the Lost Dog Cafe & Lounge is still up and running, participating in the biannual Restaurant Week.
Lost Dog Cafe & Lounge is a small restaurant in Downtown Binghamton, founded by musicians and Binghamton natives Marie McKenna and Elizabeth Hughes in 1994. Once part of an all-female band in New York City called the Derangelles, McKenna and Hughes sought to bring their love of cafes back to their hometown after performing in New York City for over a decade.