Alex Jaffe knows a thing or two about Downtown Binghamton’s bar scene. As a student, he frequented State Street’s bars multiple times a week like the rest of us (Remember Scoreboard?). Now, as a post-grad, he opened his own.

Jaffe graduated from Binghamton University in 2012 with degrees in human development and psychology. But instead of fleeing the Southern Tier upon graduation, like most downstate students (Jaffe hails from White Plains), he played his next career move on Court Street.

He came up with the idea to open up a bar from a combination of wanting to support the recent Downtown revitalization movement and from a serendipitous series of events that made available a location around the corner from State Street.

“Five years ago, there wasn’t much happening in Downtown Binghamton,” Jaffe said. “Now we have two new breweries, new coffee shops. There’s a lot going on and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

The Colonial is a good fit amongst its brethren: Tom, Marty, JT and Uncle Tony. Exposed brick, flat screens showing hockey games and the central dimly lit bar create a similar sports-bar, upscale-dive atmosphere. In lieu of Bobby Shmurda and Ariana Grande, Elton John and Billy Joel serve as background music. It offers the largest selection of beers on tap than any other bar in the immediate area; of the 21 beers available, two-thirds are specialty craft beers.

Compared to most of its State Street counterparts, The Colonial is a better place for having conversation than to “get down to this sick beat.” The music is low and the seats are numerous.

Danielle David, a graduate student studying business administration, described the bar as “the perfect pregame spot before heading to the hustle and bustle of State Street.”

“We wanted to provide a place where a student could grab a drink with his or her professor and not feel uncomfortable,” Jaffe said. “It’s a place for locals, young professionals, hockey fans, students and homeless people,” he joked.

Perhaps the largest difference between The Colonial and the rest of State Street, is that it’s open from 5 to 11 p.m., seven days a week, as a restaurant.

Offering “bar food with an upscale twist,” as Jaffe describes, The Colonial’s menu is promising on paper. Patrons choose from a variety of unique appetizer options, such as butternut squash risotto croquettes and truffle parmesan French fries. Main course options range from a grilled cheese flight (a single plate with three approaches to the traditional sandwich) and a variety of different burgers and other sandwiches.

While the menu is impressive for its sophisticated approach to bar food, the execution is lackluster. The appetizers cost practically the same as the entrées, but come with significantly less food, leaving customers unsatisfied.

“I enjoyed the food and the relaxing atmosphere, but I left hungry after ordering two appetizers and spending a lot more than my friend who got an entrée,” said Joseph Meloro, a graduate student studying management. “This place has a lot of potential, though.”

It’s important to note that The Colonial is still in its “soft opening,” which might explain some of the kinks, but for David Sass, a senior majoring in political science, that wasn’t enough of a justification.

“The food was good,” Sass said. “But I might have only liked it because it took an hour and a half to come and I was starving.”

Matthew Schwarz, a senior double-majoring in economics and political science, had even harsher words for The Colonial.

“Just go to Burger Mondays.”