BINGHAMTON RESTAURANT WEEK: A PRIMER

Restaurant Week has become a biannual Binghamton tradition, for those of us who are too cheap or broke to pay for a full-priced three-course meal in a restaurant, or for those who want to go on a week-long restaurant hop. This week provides the perfect opportunity to sample the fare at a new spot, or swing by that place that’s been around forever. And in the event’s ever-philanthropic form, a portion of the proceeds go to help CHOW stop hunger, and the Animal Care Council. Here’s a brief who’s-who of the chomp-chomps.

Burger Mondays stays true to their name: while they are not unique in serving great burgers (this town is rife with great burgers), many restaurants around here are closed on Mondays. This one is not. Also, you don’t need to worship the meat gods to eat here: there’s a vegetarian option on their Restaurant Week menu. And they also have outdoor seating!

Cortese Restaurant is a Binghamton institution, with the coolest pizza boxes in town, not to mention really rich, hearty pies and excellent Italian food. It’s a classic place that stays true to tradition in their recipes and presentation, and while you’re there, you’re transported to a simpler time, when service and sauce were the only things that mattered.

Citrea is a new guy in town, with really thin pizza (kind of like an anti-Cortese’s), baked in a woodfire oven. Delectable as their pies are, they are not too filling, leaving plenty of room for their outstanding appetizers and dessert. Sit outside and enjoy the ambiance of the river walk while you discover how easy it is to eat a pizza without anyone’s help.

Czech Pleeze keeps it so real, and that’s why we love them: they bring authentic food of a people who have contributed to the culture of our region. Their prices are always incredibly reasonable, but that’s no reason not to see them this week. Just don’t say “check, please;” everyone pays at the counter.

The Loft at 99 is the place to go if you want to experience higher-end dining in Binghamton. But don’t expect teensy-weensy gourmet plates: their food is filling and plentiful. Of course, we’re going to recommend Jesse’s cocktails, even though they’re not on the Restaurant Week menu. Trust us, you want them.

Lost Dog Café is a spirited restaurant in the heart of Downtown Binghamton- some might say it is the heart of Downtown Binghamton. With a vibrant atmosphere and an eclectic menu, you really can’t go wrong here. It’s also a great place to eat if you have any dietary restrictions, allergies, or specific preferences- they are very accommodating!

Crepe Heaven is a classy and authentic creperie on Binghamton’s West Side. Savory or sweet, their crepes are delicious, and so are their espresso drinks. With Bosnian/ former Yugoslavian roots, this family-owned institution also makes delicious sandwiches and desserts.

Chroma Café & Bakery, why are your sandwiches so good? Because you bake your own bread, that’s why. And cookies. And empanadas. And cupcakes. We dare you to go in there and stick to the RW menu without grabbing just one extra cookie to go. And if they’ve got the cardamom pistachio cookies, you need to try one. And bring some to our office. Thanks! And you’re welcome.

Galaxy Brewing Co. is so much more than great beer- though they have really great beer. We haven’t seen their RW menu yet, but if you are carnivorous: the pork chop, the Bleu Planet Burger, the pork belly… all amazing. Anything they put on their menu is bound to be phenomenal- we’ve never had a bad meal at Galaxy.

The Colonial: another new addition to the plethora of restaurants in Downtown Bing. You know that guy you knew in college who you thought was all fratty and maybe a drunk but then a few years passed and now he owns his own business and also has a semi-secret penchant for oil painting? The Colonial is kind of like him: fun and loud, but with a really nice interior, and the fanciest grilled cheese you’ve ever tasted.

The Shop is new, too, but it’s got the personality of a café that was here before you were, because it’s on to something. And that something is delectable small plates of savory food, crepes with locally-sourced ingredients, and a cappuccino we can’t even write about without getting distracted. They’ve also got an atmosphere that’s as addictive as the Gimme! Coffee that they serve.

Blend is the place you always wished that FreshySites was, until you reminded yourself that they build websites and no, they do not make smoothies! A much-needed lighter alternative to the millions of amazing Burgers of Binghamton (sexy calendar idea?), Blend is your place for smoothies and tossed salads, on Gorgeous Washington Street, nonetheless.

Ooh la la, it’s Tranquil Bar & Bistro! What’s a sexy little restaurant doing in a town like this? Oh, just being French. This is where you go when you want to bon appétit… or something. Or to have really amazing brunch, though we don’t think that has anything to do with Restaurant Week; we just thought you should know that their brunch is AMAZING. Surely, their RW offerings will be phenomenal as well.

Social on State makes us think of places in the city (of Binghamton, of course) where you and your girlfriends get all dressed up and get soused on cocktails and have a fancy bonding experience to last a lifetime. With a tapas menu, everyone gets to try a little something, so you can’t go wrong. Boys, you can come along, too.

Sake-Tumi is the only Asian-Fusion Sushi restaurant downtown, and traditionally, they offer a bento box during restaurant week, which is lots of fun. You can feel like a Japanese business(wo)man on your lunch break and have a little taste of everything, then go back to your job at Security Mutual and try speaking Japanese to your colleagues. Good luck!

River Bistro begs the question: Ever wonder what’s inside the Double Tree? Well, there’s a restaurant in there (and a bunch of hotel rooms)! With a menu that draws from a variety of cuisines, it’s worth checking out. And you just may rub elbows with the stars- you never know who’ll be passing through town.

Cafe West 46 is a fairly nondescript little café known for some damn good salads and sandwiches. The banh mi is a must. Their location on Seminary Ave, along with their famous breakfast sandwiches, make them the spot for the off-campus college community.

Chatterbox is another one of the new faces of the Binghamton gourmand community. Oysters and tapas, as if you’d need anything else. Of course, if you did need anything else, they’ve probably got that, too. And cocktails.

House of Reardon is your classic Irish pub, with a savvy wait staff and above-average bar food. Located on the East Side, this is the place you go to have a few beers and some crispy wings, and enjoy the ambiance of their outdoor seating. If you throw back enough brews, you may not remember the specifics of the meal, but you’ll remember that it was delicious.

Little Venice: Everything you’ve ever heard about Little Venice is true. Except the whole apple-sauce-in-the-marinara thing. That’s just silly. The homemade pasta, the hearty entrees, the homemade pasta… it’s the stuff of legend, and one of the reason’s the downtown restaurant is still going strong after almost 70 years.

On the Roxx is located on that stretch of upper Court Street that you usually only go to when you’re looking to buy porn or hang out with strippers. Both activities can work up a hunger, and that’s when you go to On the Roxx. A clear step up from the bar food you’d expect, they offer a wide array of Italian and American inspired dishes.

Cyber Cafe West is not, in fact, a cyber café, because these days people carry their computers in their pockets and their watches. But they are a great coffee shop, beer bar, chess lounge, and of course, music venue. Binghamton’s home for live tunes offers up an impressive array of wraps, sandwiches, and burgers, as well as great desserts, and both caffeinated and alcohol-inated beverages.

Water Street Brewing kind of started this whole brewery-town thing we’ve got going on in Binghamton. They’ve been pumping out pints from their Water Street location since… since… well, they’re just such a part of downtown now that we can’t remember a time without them. With a menu heavy on burgers and sandwiches (and hush puppies!), there’s no going wrong if you’re looking for a casual meal and some incredible beer.

Zona & Co: Somewhere between the American Southwest and Central Asia lies… well, the Pacific Ocean, actually. Zona offers hip fusion food and an outdoor patio. Can’t go wrong with one of their ridiculously overstuffed quesadillas!

Uncle Tony's remembers the 80s, because it’s been in Downtown Binghamton for the last 32 years. With a large selection of American fare, this is a great spot to recall days of yore while eating spiedies. Viva Binghamton!

Taj Tandoor Restaurant is has been Main Street staple for over a decade, serving up authentic Indian food. If you want to be pleasantly surprised by what this part of town (the part of town right by the high school) has to offer, come by Taj’s and stuff your face with some traditional dishes.

Taste of Europe should maybe be called “Taste of Eastern Europe,” or, more specifically, “Taste of Ukraine.” They make some amazing pierogies- and even dessert pierogies- and a mean soup. If your family is from this part of the world, their food tastes like home. Cheesecake Tony says to try the Kiev cake.

Thai Time is located right on Front Street, and is a great place to eat noodles and enjoy a cocktail. But the real star of the show is their back deck, with a beautiful view of Downtown Bing.

The newly christened South City Publick House (formerly South Side Yanni’s) has a menu offers bar food-plus (which seems to be a theme around here). Boasting sandwiches that require two hands, you’d better come hungry… and maybe ask for extra napkins.

Binghamton Hots is where you go to chow down and never look back. Sometimes, we get really hungry, and we don’t care about calories or gluten or ethics. Our cravings become our god, and Binghamton Hots is our temple. So, please, give me both of those hot dogs with some Old Bay fries and no one gets hurt.

Whole in the Wall has great vegetarian options, and is another place that’s super-accommodating to those of us with nuanced dietary needs. With a charming ambiance and a homey feel, you’ll surely remember your trip to the Southside spot, and be intrigued to return.

Remlik’s during Restaurant Week is an excellent opportunity to step it up a notch and see how the other half eats. With amazing oysters (and sushi!), you can’t go wrong with their menu.

Driving by their Robinson Street location, it would be easy to right of Gallagher's as just another Irish Pub. But just another Irish Pub wouldn't have a havarti and sundried tomato cheesecake on their menu, would they? Check 'em out. Quick!

Restaurant Week is good fun, and has become quite the tradition in Binghamton. But there’s something to note: just because prices are lower this week doesn’t mean that you should show less gratitude. Restaurant workers are scurrying their butts off serving way larger than usual crowds. Show your appreciation! Be patient with waits, and please consider the madness of this week when tipping. Bon appétit!

Binghamton Restaurant Week takes place Sept. 15-24. For more info, check out binghamtonrestaurantweek.com.