BISTRO 163 BRINGS FRESH MEDITERRANEAN DOWNTOWN

Although we lost a favorite bistro this month, we gain a new one. Bistro 163 is a small eatery in the Metro Center downtown, and it features high-quality food in an unexpected location. With ten years of Manhattan culinary experience, Executive Chef Mike Astin brings a pan-Mediterranean menu to the Triple Cities. We love Mediterranean food, and what’s nice about 163 is that it is accessible: if you’ve never had shawarma before, this is a good place to start. It’s Mediterranean for beginners, but that’s not to say that foodies won’t be impressed (think house-made sausage and locally-sourced chicken). Our favorite thing about this bistro? Chef Astin bakes his own bread daily, and it makes all the difference. And, yes, there are vegan options available. Throw in the organic, fair-trade Guatemalan coffee, and we’re sold.

Visit Bistro 163 at 163 Washington Street in Binghamton, Monday-Wednesday 10am-6pm; Thursday-Saturday 10am-8pm; hours will be extending. Free delivery downtown on orders $30+; call (607) 677-0039. They also host special events and pop-ups: BingBalls, a night of meatballs and sauces, on April 14th, and Good Noodle on April 21st (with $10 ramen bowls; this one is monthly). Find them on Facebook for future pop-ups and events.