Marking a new tradition, my photographer, Nadine, and I returned to The Grove to sample their Restaurant Week menu. Situated in the heart of Downtown Binghamton, The Grove is a popular name in nightlife and dining alike. In the spirit of the season, the space was decorated from floor to ceiling with spiderwebs, skeletons and specters.

As we were seated by the big windows, we chatted about how the natural sunlight makes for the perfect place for a fall lunch. The restaurant was filled with cheerful, midday chatter as sports games played on the TV. Amid the cozy, bustling atmosphere, Nadine and I carefully perused the menu and made our picks.

As we ordered, we were greeted by a friendly and accommodating waitress. I have food allergies and often find dining out to be difficult. The Grove has proved to be a consistently safe option where I can eat comfortably. The restaurant offered a three-course lunch for $18, and a three-course dinner for $30.

Nadine and I decided to try different menu items to really experience the range of flavors offered. I began with buffalo cauliflower bites as my appetizer, a spicy way to start the meal. The bites were the perfect portion, doused in buffalo sauce, yet still remained crispy inside. They were delicious and came with a side of ranch to cool things off.

Nadine opted for the fried calamari, breaded rings that paired pleasantly with The Grove’s special mayo. She described their ideal flavor balance of salty and crispy, especially when the garlic and onion flavors of the mayo were included. The lunch menu also offered French toast sticks and a classic Caesar salad option.

For our main course, I chose the chicken quesadilla, absolutely filled with pico de gallo and cheese. The quesadilla was cut into tiny triangles, which were the perfect sizes for dipping into the flavorful side salsa. The salsa had a bit of a kick, which the other side of sour cream helped balance out. I had chosen the same quesadilla last year and raved about it, so I was excited to once again experience my favorite part of the meal.

Nadine ordered the crispy onion burger, paired with fries. As the burger arrived, we were taken aback at how tall it was, being topped with fried onion rings, cheese and more Grove mayo. The portion was so generous that we split the fried onions and still decided to take the rest home to enjoy later. The patty was cooked perfectly, and Nadine enjoyed the flaky and soft bun that perfectly kept the big burger together.

The lunch menu also offered a sunset salad with various protein choices and a chicken sandwich. As the meal progressed, Nadine and I enjoyed people-watching and listening to the bustle of the restaurant as more diners came in for the Restaurant Week specials.

As we worked through our second course, we were approached by local business owner Brittney Kline, who checked in with us about our meal. We had a lovely conversation about Restaurant Week, and Kline was kind enough to give Nadine and me coveted matching sets branded with The Grove’s name. The staff was incredibly welcoming and genuine, making the lunch experience all the better.

After debating between carrot cake and cheesecake, Nadine and I both decided to finish off with the New York-style cheesecake. It came beautifully plated, topped with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. It was simple and sweet with a graham cracker crust. Nadine described it as “exceptionally creamy,” and we both loved the slices. There was also the option of an early buzz green tea shot to send off the meal with a bang.

Our visit to The Grove was the perfect lunch outing. Though The Grove is a much-frequented nightlife spot, their food is not to be overlooked. For a practical price, Nadine and I left with full stomachs and leftovers to spare. Between the adorable seasonal decorations, welcoming staff and delicious flavors, The Grove is a must-visit for the perfect Restaurant Week menu.