Looking for a great new place to go with your friends during your weekend back in Binghamton this Homecoming? Here are a few suggestions; each of the following locations is owned by at least one Binghamton University grad.
The Colonial
56-58 Court St., Binghamton
Owners: Alex Jaffe '12, MPA '14, and others
The owners joke that The Colonial has been called the best downtown bar between 56 and 58 Court Street. You could say it has earned accolades within a slightly larger area. In 2016, The Colonial received the Press & Sun Bulletin award for Best Bar in Broome County and the Best Burger prize in the Belly Busting Burger Battle Competition. Open until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights.
Dos Rios
60 Court St., Binghamton
Owners: Alex Jaffe '12, MPA '14, and others
The newest addition to the downtown Binghamton scene is Dos Rios, an upscale Mexican bar and restaurant offering patrons a traditional, yet modernized Mexican cuisine in a high-energy environment. The Mexican-inspired works of art help provide a dining experience unlike any other in Binghamton. Open until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights.
Binghamton Hots
128 Washington St., Binghamton
Owner: David Whalen '05
While Binghamton isn’t where the “hot plate” originated (Rochester has that distinction), it has definitely gained a strong following here. The dish is an assortment of cheeseburgers, hot dogs, home fries, macaroni salad – or anything else the crew can cook up – topped with homemade, Rochester-style hot sauce. Binghamton Hots was named one of the 39 most iconic college town restaurants in the country by USA Today. Open until 3:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights.
Antonio's Bar & Trattoria
100 Oak Hill Ave., Endicott
Owner: Antonio Gobbo, MBA '03
Venture about 15 minutes from the center of Binghamton, and some sweet treats will await you. Antonio's features Greater Binghamton’s only homemade authentic Italian gelato. The restaurant is also known for its full Italian dinners and weekend specials. Sample wines from an extensive list and experience some of the best martinis in the region. Enjoy dinner until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; last call is 2 a.m.
Food & Fire
560 Harry L Dr., Johnson City
Owners: Jose Moreira '00, MBA '03, and Dan Polhamus '00 with Jeff Tiderencel
The owners are longtime friends who are passionate about authentic barbecue and craft beer. To get the good stuff, they had to travel outside the area – that is, until they opened Food & Fire in 2013. The restaurant gives Binghamtonians what they had been doing without for years – barbecue cooked low and slow, paired with unique sides and craft beers.
Whole in the Wall
43 S. Washington St., Binghamton
Owners: Eliot Fiks '78 and Stacey Gould '91
Think natural food doesn’t taste good? Think again! From the restaurant’s famous whole-wheat bread and bagels (baked fresh daily) to its creamy mushroom soup, the menu is filled with one-of-a-kind offerings. Seafood is delivered fresh daily, and there’s a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan entrees. Of course, no description of Whole in the Wall would be complete without mentioning its renowned pesto!
