So I got a job. You may not have already been aware of this, dear reader, but I was unemployed for a while. It was voluntary, and yet not nearly as fun as you might think. There’s only so much “Law and Order” one can watch in a lifetime.
My job will have a significant impact on your life in one particular way. I will be spending a lot of time in Binghamton. Therefore, so will you, through the magic of The Polytechnic.
We begin this series on indulgence in the Parlor City at my favorite place in all of Binghamton, the Lost Dog Café.
The Lost Dog is part upscale casual restaurant and part coffee lounge. Both spaces are attractively decorated in a sort of fanciful dash of whimsy. There are stuffed crescent moons and tassels of muted colors hanging about the establishment, accenting the exposed ceiling trusses. It’s both charming and calm, while still showing off its playful side.
That’s something of a metaphor for the menu. For example, there is a delicious tuna steak sandwich for lunch. It’s fairly standard, until you realize it’s glazed with a unique honey hot sauce. Every item on the menu has that dash of flair. It’s all very delicious.
No matter what time of day I visit, the dining room is always almost full. This place is very popular among the locals, for good reason. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is très chill, and yet the place is casual enough to visit anytime.
Lately, I’ve skipped the busy dining room and adjourned to the coffee lounge area. Full menu service is available at several tables, a bar accented by a giant mural of the world (as seen from space), and some comfy couches. There are several beers on tap at the bar, along with a selection of teas and coffee.
There really is a lost dog, too. Her name is Clarese. She’s an extremely picky and often intoxicated Chihuahua. She was actually lost at one point. Philosophically, she will always be lost, the proprietors claim.
As much as Clarese would suggest otherwise, the Lost Dog Café really isn’t the kind of place in which to get drunk, if for no other reason than the beer is expensive. However, it very much is the kind of place to have a casual beer with friends and associates while dining on the best food in Binghamton. (Note: This does not include mashed potatoes. While the Lost Dog has above average potatoes of several types, the title of Best Mashed Potatoes in Greater Binghamton will be awarded in next week’s article. Stay tuned for that.)
The Lost Dog Café is located at 222 Water Street in downtown Binghamton. Take Hoosick Street down the hill and stay on Route 7 west to I-87 south. As the Northway ends, follow the Thruway (I-90 west) to exit 25A. Then take I-88 all the way to Binghamton. As you enter the city, take I-81 south. Fairly quickly, you will reach exit 4S for Binghamton/Route 7 on the far right. As you exit you’ll exit again to follow Robinson Street. Next, go under three sets of railroad trusses, then immediately turn right onto Henry Street. Follow Henry Street through Binghamton to Water Street, two blocks before Henry Street ends at the Chenango River. The Lost Dog is on the corner, on your right. There is also a location in Ithaca if you would rather head in that direction.
The Binghamton location is open 11:30 am-10 pm Monday-Thursday, 11:30 am-11 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays. Many nights also feature live music. Yes, it’s worth the drive.
