Oh dining hall. You are as much a part of the college experience as cheap beer and extra long sheets. But after a few weeks of your entrée station, the mere sight of one of your rubbery chicken cutlets is all it takes to have me vowing to live solely on that jar of peanut butter and box of Ritz crackers I have stashed in my room. Fed up, I whip out my phone and quickly order a buffalo chicken calzone from the nearest pizza place. Six dollars and approximately 12,000 calories later, I find myself in a serious state of self loathing, regretting my impulsive decision and lamenting the fact that there are no other options.
Except now there is another option! The second ever Binghamton Restaurant week will be returning to our lovely city from September 21st – September 30th, offering great deals at 20 of the best restaurants downtown Binghamton has to offer. Now you can take a break from your 6 p.m. dining hall/ take-out ritual, get off campus and enjoy some delicious food and awesome atmosphere.
My Campus Binghamton presents the best restaurant week choices for each of your college outing needs:
Dinner with 1B: The Lost Dog Café
Lunch: 3 Courses for $8
Dinner: 3 Courses for $20
Grab your floormates and head out to this trendy café for award winning food and a casual, funky atmosphere. Often featuring performances by local artists and poets, The Lost Dog is the perfect place to chill out and relax with your friends. Grab a cappuccino or herbal tea at the coffee bar, while you dig in to 3 scrumptious courses at this Downtown Binghamton staple famous for delicious dishes like rigatoni ala vodka and Greek chicken.
For a Date: Grande’s Bella Cucina
Dinner: 3 Courses for $20
So things with that kid from your Psych class are going pretty good? While dining hall dates are always precious (and awkward) as he smoothly swipes his meal card for the both of you, if you’re looking for a romantic change of scenery, there is no place better than Grande’s Bella Cucina. Enjoy homemade pasta dishes and red velvet cake as you sit under a twinkling ceiling designed to look like the night sky. With actual shooting stars streaming across the ceiling, how could sparks not fly?
Fun Outing with the Girls: Sake-Tumi
Lunch: 4 Courses for $8
Dinner: 3 Courses for $20
The perfect prequel to Girls night out in Bing? A fusion feast at popular DT sushi-lounge Sake-Tumi! This fashionable two-story restaurant, offers a chic dining area, fusion maki, dessert, and of course sake! You’ll be in awe of the gorgeously presented food while the stylish décor and atmosphere will have you forgetting that you are in upstate New York! You’ll leave raring to start your night on State Street located just a few steps away.
Surprise Visit from Mom and Dad: Little Venice Restaurant
Lunch: 3 Courses for $8
Dinner: 3 Courses for $20
So Mom has been pouring over your baby photos for the past month , and even with that crazy week off 5 days into the semester, she still makes your Dad drive 4 hours from Long Island to have dinner with you on a random Sunday night. As much as you hate to admit it, it’s nice to see your parents and take a break from your exciting but equally exhausting life as a Binghamton student. Update Mom and Dad about your classes and life at Little Venice, an old fashioned Italian restaurant with hearty food and a great family atmosphere.
When You’re Feeling Healthy: Whole in the Wall
Lunch: 3 Courses for $8
Dinner: 3 Courses for $20
If you are looking for a healthy change in your routine, Whole in the Wall is the place to check out during restaurant week. The natural foods restaurant famous for their whole wheat bagels and roasted- pepper hummus, not to mention the “Best pesto in the universe”, offers a wide array of delicious and unique all-natural dishes to satisfy your inner health nut.
When You’re Craving Dessert: Crepe Heaven
Lunch: 3 Courses for $8
Dinner: 3 Courses for $20
Admit it. All those frozen yogurt microblasts from the night owl just aren’t cutting it anymore. Instead, head down to the amazing Crepe Heaven located on Main Street in Downtown Binghamton and conquer your sweet tooth with some real dessert! You can enjoy sweet and savory crepes, sandwiches, all while sipping a delicious hot steamer or espresso.
Be sure to check out facebook.com/BINGRW to learn about all the great restaurants involved in Binghamton Restaurant Week. Remember, a portion of your bill will be donated to CHOW, so you’ll be ditching the dining hall for a good cause!