Stepping into 205 Dry is like stepping into no other restaurant in Binghamton. Hidden behind a sprawling bookcase, this restaurant is the closest a college student may ever come to a 1920s speakeasy.

The establishment is clearly dedicated to the theme, but in a way that doesn’t feel kitschy. Instead, the unique atmosphere allows for a fun and original dining experience. The dimly lit space shimmers with a blend of past and present, each detail layered with intent. Servers pass in suspenders and black dresses, set against walls adorned with old-timey black-and-white photographs, greenery and neatly lined books. Even the music is on theme, blending classic swing and jazz beats with a modern edge.

We sipped on carefully crafted cocktails, including a delectable espresso martini and a drink called the “sunline,” a fruity, spicy concoction adorned with a purple flower. I particularly enjoyed how the heat from the sunline’s green chili olive oil left a tingling but not distracting warmth in the back of my throat. We were impressed not only with the taste but also with the attention to detail in the presentation.

For our appetizers, we ordered the Bang Bang shrimp and chimichurri steak eggrolls. The shrimp tasted fresh and the sauce certainly left our tongues with a bang — a flavor bomb that was the perfect mingling of sweet and spicy. It was our favorite bite of the night.

The eggrolls were also very flavorful, but the highlight for us was their texture. The flaky outside was in perfect harmony with the crunchy vegetables and tender beef. I must confess we did lick the leftover chimichurri sauce off our fingers.

Our entrees were the marmalade chicken thighs and the OG chicken sandwich. The chicken thighs were quite sweet but also charred to perfection, almost leaving a smoky taste on the tongue. The black truffle red bliss potatoes that came with the chicken complemented the dish well.

As for the chicken sandwich, it was very traditional — no new spin, but executed well. The buttermilk breading was crisp and the house slaw, pickles and 205 sauce were a satisfying mix of classic flavors. The fries, short and thick-cut, were addictive.

For dessert, we had the mini blueberry cheesecake and lemon lavender teahouse macarons. The cheesecake was tangy and delicious. Adorned with a tart blueberry compote, it was our second-favorite bite of the night.

The macaron was a nice light treat, although we both agreed it tasted more like coconut than lemon and lavender. It definitely felt like the delicate kind of cookie you’d have with a hot cup of tea.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip to 205 Dry. The staff was friendly, the food was tasty and the ambiance made for an experience like no other. We would definitely recommend stopping by during Restaurant Week for its $35 deal, which gets you an appetizer or drink, an entree and a dessert. You’re not just paying for the food, although the food is well worth the money — you’re paying for the experience.