For this year’s fall Restaurant Week, my photographer, Jaiden, and I took a walk towards the center of Downtown to 73 Court St., where newly opened bar and grill After Five brings the charm of a neighborhood hangout to Binghamton’s dining scene.

True to its name, the restaurant opens at 5 p.m., so whether you’re looking to catch a game, challenge your friends to a round of pool or simply unwind over food and drinks, After Five has a laid-back atmosphere and classic comfort food, and for this year’s Restaurant Week, they offer a three-course dinner for $25.

Upon our arrival, the owner, Brittney Kline, introduced herself and warmly welcomed us alongside the hostess, our waitress and the food runner, all of whom were incredibly accommodating and gracious throughout the evening.

For appetizers, I ordered the house street corn dip, served alongside tortilla chips. The dip brought together the tangy, smoky and cheesy flavors of Mexican street corn, with a creamy consistency that made it easy to scoop onto each salty and crunchy chip.

Jaiden chose the mozzarella sticks, which had a crispy, thin, golden-brown coating that surrounded an incredible cheese pull with every bite. The accompanying marinara sauce was simple and classic, with a sweetness balanced by a subtle acidity that cut through the richness of the cheese.

For our entrees, Jaiden and I both chose the classic After Five Burger, with mine cooked medium and Jaiden’s prepared medium rare. Served on metal trays, the burgers fit into the restaurant’s casual and rugged aesthetic. Each featured an enormous, juicy patty with a satisfying grilled flavor, tucked between a perfectly toasted pretzel bun.

The bun, slightly sweet and salty, added a buttery richness that complemented the beef. The toppings of lettuce, tomato, garlic aioli, thick-cut peach bacon, cheese and tangy pickles brought the burger together, with caramelized onions adding a mellow sweetness that carried through each bite.

Alongside the burgers, the shoestring fries were light, seasoned with salt and a noticeable hint of black pepper. They were satisfyingly in-between soft and crispy.

I finished my third course with After Five’s fried Oreos for dessert: Light, crispy and flaky on the outside and dusted with powdered sugar on top, the inside was a softer, chocolatey center that melted in your mouth with each bite. Chocolate syrup was drizzled across the plate, adding another layer of sweetness, while the raspberry syrup brought a subtle fruity contrast to the richness of the chocolate.

For her third course, Jaiden ordered a cosmopolitan to accompany her meal, which arrived in a vibrant pink hue with a lime garnish. The cocktail had a bold flavor, balancing sweetness and citrus with a kick. It was an enjoyable drink to sip on, she said, especially in the bar area tucked behind the restaurant, while enjoying the classic and indie-inspired rock music that filled the space.

It’s safe to say After Five captures the spirit of a classic neighborhood spot, one that feels just as suited for a casual weeknight dinner with your friends as it does for a fun night out to get drinks. Be sure to visit and try out After Five before Restaurant Week ends Oct. 29, and any time after that!