If you’re searching for a restaurant to visit while in Binghamton, Lost Dog Café & Lounge is usually one of the first places recommended, and for good reason. Its beloved classic dishes, paired with a colorful and welcoming ambiance, make it the perfect spot to sit down and share a meal with loved ones. Since its opening in 1994, Lost Dog Café & Lounge has remained one of Binghamton’s most iconic restaurants, and this Restaurant Week, the Water Street favorite continues its tradition of bringing the community together.

For this semester’s Restaurant Week, I had the pleasure of having dinner at Downtown by Chef Jay Pisculli for the first time — an upscale establishment bringing an air of elegance to Binghamton with its unique approach to American cuisine.

The first time I went to Craft, I was an energetic high school student visiting my older sister in college. Now, as a junior at Binghamton University, it seemed fitting that my first Restaurant Week article should feature this bar and grill.

Having served the downtown Binghamton community since 1946, Little Venice is a delightful choice for house-made Italian cuisine this fall. Located at 111 Chenango St., the restaurant has been passed down from generation to generation and is currently owned by Romeo and his son, Piero, with his daughter, Gina, acting as general manager.

Opening just a month ago, Petunia’s is a new American restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Binghamton on Court Street. My photographer, Emzie, and I went in the morning to try its Restaurant Week lunch menu, and we were greeted with a bright and friendly energy. Petunia’s, true to its name, has a floral and homey energy, reminiscent of somewhere friends in a sitcom would hang out

Situated on an unassuming street corner in Binghamton’s South Side, Spice of India continues to make a name for itself as a go-to restaurant in the city’s dining scene. While it started small as a pop-up delivery service run by owner Manish Verma out of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Commercial Kitchen, the establishment saw major success and has operated as a brick-and-mortar location for over a year.

Located in the heart of Downtown Binghamton, The Grove is a hub for tasty food that doubles as a karaoke bar and hot social spot on the weekends. My photographer, Áine, and I dined here on Thursday in honor of the newly released Restaurant Week menus. Offering a three-course lunch for $18 and dinner for $30, The Grove brought a new twist to their already delicious food options.

Located on 81 Clinton St., Parlor City Vegan continues to push the boundaries of the culinary arts through their masterful takes on vegan dishes. As my photographer, Aislinn, and I walked into the restaurant, we were immediately greeted by our server, who sat us down at our table. Illuminated by fairy lights and dim overhead lamps, we admired the carefully designed space. Black and white checkered tiles covered the floor, succulents and framed artwork adorned the walls and wooden seating lined the space, resembling the tasteful simplicity of French decor.

Nestled at 34 Chenango St., Alexander’s Cafe is centrally located right by the Greater Binghamton Transportation Center, which makes it the perfect place to stop for a bite after a long ride from home or an adventure with friends. Its proximity to student housing also allows for a quick stop between school and work. A spot for studying, working, a romantic afternoon or even just a bite in the middle of a busy day, Alexander’s Cafe creates a welcoming environment with great food for those with a variety of tastes.

Blazin’ Saddles

Having just opened its doors to customers last month, I visited Blazin’ Saddles, a country-themed bar and restaurant joint, for its inaugural Restaurant Week alongside my photographer, Kaley, to sample their Southern-inspired dinner menu.

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Nestled in the heart of Binghamton’s historic Washington Street is Stadium 138. The bar first opened its doors in the end of 2023 and has since become a staple of Binghamton’s downtown dining scene, winning SUNY Barstool’s 2024 Best Bar competition in its first year of eligibility.

On a crisp autumn evening, my photographer, Christina, and I headed to Downtown Binghamton for dinner at 205 Dry, a charming speakeasy and restaurant that embodies the swanky atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties. While opening the front door, one must be forgiven for believing they stepped foot into a private library. Hidden behind an unassuming wooden bookcase lies the real entrance to this gem on State Street.