AT LONG LAST... GARAGE BRINGS TACOS TO BINGHAMTON

It’s no secret that Binghamton is blossoming before our eyes, like the trees that have abruptly given new meaning to the word “allergies.” But as newness and inspiration flourish all around us, there seems to be something missing. Don’t pretend like you haven’t noticed the giant taco-shaped void that’s been plaguing our town for years. As far as I’m concerned, a city isn’t fully-formed until you can get yourself some fried pork wrapped in a corn tortilla, and fast.

I seriously considered leaving Binghamton, or opening my own taco stand, because I was beginning to go insane from lack of tacos. But that is all about to change: nestled comfortably between Lost Dog and The Shop, Garage Taco Bar will be opening this month, ready to meet our most basic need: tacos.

Garage is run by a father-son team, Tim (father) and Daniel (son) Sharp. Daniel had been seeking a space for a start-up with his wife, Katie, but when they found this primely-located former Texaco, taxi service, and garage, he talked his father into opening an eatery.

“We’re just going at it,” says Daniel. The two are revitalizing the space together (with the help of contractors), using the original structure as inspiration for the interior and exterior design. “We wanted to pay tribute to what it always has been in Binghamton.”

With black-and-white tiling and vintage road maps plastered onto its walls, Garage pays homage to its past lives. “More than half of the building is garage doors, and, downtown, there isn’t really an indoor-outdoor seating area, so we built that heavily into the design,” Daniel says of the patio seating. “A tranquil space: that’s what we’re shooting for.”

In addition to this, they hope to create a place that will cater to hungry customers in a hurry, in true street food style. “We’re trying to be more traditional,” Daniel attests. “We’re going to try our best to make all of our corn tortillas in-house and build [the tacos] all from scratch.”

I must admit that I am completely biased as I write this, though not biased towards or against Garage, our readers, or any other eateries in town. I am biased towards tacos because they are as important to me as the air I breathe, setting aside the fact that I haven’t technically died from the horrendous taco deficiency from which this city has been suffering since I’ve lived here (which has not been very long).

I know that you may be thinking that there are certain establishments that serve tacos in - or near - Binghamton, and while I can’t disagree with that fact, I must assert that the only true and proper way to enjoy a taco is on a soft corn tortilla. As for anyone who cares to argue, we always welcome letters to the editor.

But I digress. Garage will be offering not only the content of tacos in their natural habitat (i.e. corn tortillas); they will also have barbecued meat served in Tex-Mex-inspired style, with “unseasoned meats where you can pick and choose your sauce,” as well as pan-Latin specialties such as fried plantains (maduros and tostones). They will also offer aguas frescas – fresh Mexican-style fruit juice.

“We’ll see what Binghamton thinks, but there are a lot of Mexican cocktails that are based in beer and wine, so we’ll be playing around with those,” Daniel says of the libations that they’ll be offering upon their opening. “Another thing we’re really getting into is Mexican street food, like the traditional corn on the cob.” It’s not easy to find the proper ingredients, like queso fresco, around these parts, but the Sharps are doing the legwork to keep it autentico in Binghamton.

As far as sourcing is concerned, they aim to acquire as much local and organic produce and meat as possible. After all, the secret to good Mexican food is fresh ingredients. Technically, Garage is a taqueria, and for anyone who has never been to a taqueria before, please do go with an open mind. Taquerias changed my life.

“I’m not sure if we’re going to change anything,” Daniel admits, “I just hope that we’re adding to an already great thing happening on this corner here.” At the very least, Garage will complete the trifecta of eateries where Henry Street meets Washington. “We want to create a really energetic space that feels a little more blue-collar, like you can just kick your shoes off after work and have a good time.”

Despite his modesty, Daniel’s vision has more reach: “I really want to build a culture around it - a venue, even. Maybe hit genres that haven’t been hit in the live-music scene.” Even though he doesn’t quite know if this place will change the landscape, his intentions are clear: “I don’t want anyone to leave Binghamton. I’m selfish. I want everyone here.”

I can’t personally say what Garage will be like: if the food will be any good, if I’ll have a good time listening to the live music they plan on hosting, if the sun will shine on their front yard, or whatever. I only know that, with a taqueria in the belly of the Binghamton beast, I’m much less likely to skip town.

Garage is located at 211 Washington Street in Downtown Binghamton. They plan on being open seven days a week, and staying open late. For more information and updates on their opening (all signs point to mid- May), find them on facebook, or at binghamtongarage.com