Lost Dog Café voted best downtown restaurant in Binghamton by readers

The Binghamton area is known for having diverse and varied food options, with quality at the forefront — and downtown Binghamton is the area’s hotspot for the best food around.

In a recent poll, we asked our readers to tell us their favorite restaurants in the downtown area — and more than 500 of you responded. Your favorite restaurants range from ones open since the 1940s to ones that opened less than six months ago, from steakhouses to diners.

Without further ado, here are the best restaurants in the Binghamton area, according to your votes.

5-tie: Station 45 American Chop House (4.6%)

Station 45 American Chop House in Binghamton, pictured on Dec 22, 2025.

Despite its relatively recent opening date, Station 45 is inherently tied to Binghamton’s history thanks to its location in the renovated former Lackawanna Train Station. While the restaurant may have opened recently, its menu has been honed to perfection, with the eatery known for great cuts of meat, fresh seafood and drinks.

Go: 45 Lewis St.; 607-203-1815; station45chophouse.com.Hours: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

5-tie: Chris’ Diner (4.6%)

Chris’ Diner, located at 192 State St. in downtown Binghamton.

When it comes to classic diner food, no place in downtown Binghamton does it like longtime favorite Chris’ Diner. Thanks to its iconic Greek mural located on the side, Chris’ Diner is hard to miss when visiting downtown — and the restaurant’s value pricing means a meal won’t break the bank.

Go: 192 State St.; 607-723-6854; chrisdiner.com.Hours: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.

4: Polish Bistro European Kitchen (6.1%)

Polish Bistro European Kitchen located at 163 Washington St. in downtown Binghamton.

The newest restaurant on the list, Polish Bistro opened its doors in early 2026 and has quickly captured the hearts (and taste buds!) of Binghamton locals and visitors alike. Located in the Metrocenter Plaza, it’s hard to get closer to the heart of downtown — and the classic Polish fare including pierogis, potato pancakes and goulash is a great reason to visit.

Go: 163 Washington St.; 607-217-4282; Polish Bistro on Facebook.Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, noon-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

3: Little Venice (11%)

Little Venice in downtown Binghamton, pictured on Feb. 13, 2025.

As a longtime staple of Binghamton dining, Little Venice has been serving the Southern Tier since 1946. Specializing in homemade sauce and hot pies, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at this family establishment.

Go: 111 Chenango St.; 607-724-2513; littlevenicerestaurant.com.Hours: Noon-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, noon-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday

2: Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar (14.4%)

Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar in Binghamton.

An iconic spot for date nights, anniversaries and important events, Remlik’s is Binghamton’s clear choice when it comes to fine dining. Located in the historic Kilmer Building, the restaurant exudes class — a fact diners note in the ambiance, service and incredible food.

Go: 31 Lewis St.; 607-217-4513; remliks.com.Hours: 3-8 p.m. Monday, 3-8:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 3-9 p.m. Friday, 2-9 p.m. Saturday.

1: Lost Dog Café (20.6%)

The bar at Lost Dog Café.

As the only restaurant on the list to garner more than 100 votes, Lost Dog Café sits firmly at the top of the downtown Binghamton dining scene, with more than 20% of respondents marking it the top dog. As a local mainstay since the 90s, Lost Dog is the beating heart of downtown Binghamton’s restaurant scene, and remains a favorite of residents, students and visitors alike.

With its eclectic decor and ever-changing menu headlined by the restaurant’s famous rigatoni a la vodka, Lost Dog genuinely leaves a lasting impression on diners, and is commonly brought up by those who have left Binghamton as a one-of-a-kind business.

The eatery plays a key role in the city’s Restaurant Week and hosts a yearly Pride Month party and LGBTQ afterparty following LUMA — cementing it as not only a favorite restaurant in downtown, but a true community anchor that has defined Binghamton for decades.

Go: 222 Water St.; 607-771-6063; lostdogcafe.net.Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; noon-3 p.m. brunch on Sunday, regular menu from 3-10 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Lost Dog Café voted best downtown restaurant in Binghamton by readers