Binghamton is experiencing a revival and 205 Dry is leading the effort!! Upon "finding" the doorknob amidst the bookcase we were greeted by a dapper fellow donning a derby hat. We immediately slid into a begone time of chandeliers, couches, and fabulous music. Staff - incredibly attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable Beverages - absolute perfection Food - tasty, filling My only recommendations are to keep chipping at the theme. Perhaps, everyone can dress Prohibition era (with a bit of hip/punk for good measure)? Consider a live jazz music night. We will gladly return!! read more

Excellent service and excellent food. I'm not a cocktail guy so just had a beer and then some booze on the rocks. Very nice looking space. Walked in and got seats at the bar. Had a salad with some grilled shrimp. Very tasty and had some amazing small rice and cheese balls. read more

This restaurant is probably my favorite place to grab a bite! The decor and aesthetic of this place are super on point. I love the speakeasy theme of it and they played it through and through in every aspect of this restaurant - menu, drinks, decor, website, and even the waitresses' outfits. My favorite item on their menu is the OG chicken sandwich. It is just the best chicken sandwich I've ever had - super thick, juicy chicken patty topped with Cole slaw and pickles. I have not ordered something from here that i didnt like. The Buffalo cauliflower wings are delicious and i didnt even miss the meat. The poutine was delicious and the gravy was amazing. The drinks here are so creative - my favorite was hibiscus kiss (and its dry strong). I love bringing people who are visiting to 205 dry because it is stunning, the food is good, the drinks are creative, and the service is amazing! read more

205 Dry - Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (VG) - Speakeasies Near Me - Binghamton, New York

I'm currently doing a traveling nurse assignment out in Binghamton and have been checking out the local spots. One of the nurses I work with recommended 205 dry to me so the BF and I checked it out during restaurant week. Here is a breakdown of my thoughts: Cool "hidden" entrance. The ambiance and decor was 10/10. I felt like I was in a movie. I absolutely loved it. Dim lights, burning candles at the bar, floor to ceiling bar with a ladder, everything was beautiful. The menu was on point. We ended up getting salmon cakes and the asparagus fries for appetizers. Both amazing. So delicious. I love the yum yum sauce that came on the side with the fries. For the main courses we got the chicken sandwich and the grilled portobello/mushroom risotto. Both were on point. I actually told my boyfriend it was the best tasting mushrooms I've ever had. Our waiter, Chris was amazing. He was very knowledgable about the menu and VERY patient with us. He gave us several drink recommendations which we appreciated. They have an AMAZING cocktail list and all of their cocktails are unique. It's so hard to choose! My favorite was the Hittin' The Sauce drink. I love that they have seasonal cocktails as well. My boyfriend is a cocktail lover and he was SUPER impressed by this place. Everything he had he loved. This is definitely a gem in Binghamton! Can't wait to come back. read more

Good service. Nice vibe. Had a special drink as well as an amazing steak cooked exactly how it was requested.

205 Dry has been on our radar for a while, and I regret not visiting sooner. Charming but kitschy entry, great 20's period look inside. Terrific service from Natalie behind the bar; everyone we interacted with was well informed and easy to talk to. We figured we'd share a charcuterie plate then try a 'bigger' plate. The small portion, at $14, was enough for us to share! Prosciutto di Parma, soppressata, various cheeses, onion marmalade, crackers, crostini, honey, sliced strawberries, almonds (though not Spanish Marcona as intimated)-just a great plate of food. We were sated and didn't need to order more food! Cocktails were nicely done, tasty and well crafted. My Negroni hit the spot, and I followed up with a Maine Brewing IPA. Blue eyes enjoyed her Hemingway daiquiris. Four drinks, great plate of food, for $45! read more

The food is delicious (deep fried pickles). The vibes are impeccable. The service is WONDERFUL!!!! read more

See all

Love this place. Love the drinks, I love the menu, great food! Try their cauliflower appetizer, you will not regret it. The nachos are also delicious. The only problem I had with this place is that the drinks used to be not that strong but I guess they're getting better at putting "some" Alcohol in their $15 drinks finally. Great vibe, great place, delicious food. One of my favorite places in town. read more

See all

A real gem in Binghamton. Probably the coolest place to go on a date. The atmosphere is definitely unique and has a great laid back vibe. Food is decent, the setting definitely elevates it. If you gravitate toward classy places where you aren't around people who drank too much, you'll love 205. read more

205 Dry - Speakeasies Near Me - Binghamton, New York

It's just a cool place! The bookcase door was just the start. The food was excellent. The staff was super friendly! I would recommend and will return when I am in town again! read more

Super cool restaurant. Very 2014 tumblr. The service here was really great, my server was extremely helpful and also funny! The food was really good, the poutine wasn't amazing but it was also my first time having poutine so maybe it's just me. read more

Girls night! I, as well as my friends, live on the Pa/Ny border so we often go to Binghamton for a night out. My friend had recommended 205 Dry for us, as she had been there multiple times and loved it. The place was absolutely beautiful, I'm glad I got to see it. We got seated, got our drink order and the server asked for our ID's, not an issue we totally understand, we're all 22/23 and work in the alcohol service industry. She checked, I have a horizontal license, because I got my license renewed after I was 21, not before like you typically do. My friends got their IDs renewed before they're 21, which puts a red bar on it but lets anyone who's reading it know when their birthday is and when they'll be 21, and they are vertical, so we're already passed that age. The server was uncomfortable about the shapes of our id's and brought it to the bartender for someone to give a second opinion, not an issue at all we totally understand. She came back and told us that she would only only serve me, as I have a horizontal license, but my friend's licenses don't look accurate because they're vertical. We explained to her that Pennsylvania state laws for licenses are different, and if you renew your license before 21 you get a vertical license, but because I had done mine late, I got a horizontal one. She then proceeded to tell our friend who is the oldest in the friend group that her license looked fake due to the hologram, I totally understand, wanting to be safe, and it's not an issue. But Binghamton is so close to Pennsylvania, I would assume that they would understand what Pennsylvania licenses look like. I bartend at a bar right on the border, and I've learned how to read different licenses. While I was sitting there, I looked up New York's rules about serving alcohol, and their licensure, and it says if the license has a valid birthday and scans then it is not an issue. We were told we're not allowed to be served drinks, but they offer to serve me a drink. We once again tried to explain why the licenses look like that, in Pennsylvania has different regulations their licenses, and she told us that she's going to go to jail if the police come, and they get busted, I could tell she was really frustrated, but we weren't trying to argue with her, we were just trying to explain. We had no issue with the service, the food everyone had looked amazing, the atmosphere was beautiful, but they've served my friend many times while checking her ID and then rejected it this time, It just didn't make sense and it really really disappointed us that we made this reservation at nine and waited a month for these plans, and couldn't enjoy the place we wanted to go to. i'm definitely going to try to go again. Maybe when all of my friends have to renew their license on their 24th birthday, they can come back and get a drink. read more

Of the greatest dining experiences in my life this ranks in the top 5. From the secret entrance through the book shelf, to the warm hostess greeting, to an exceptional selection of global whiskeys, to a filet that makes you weep that others cannot share in its glory, to watermelon gazpacho that is both summer cool and great date night hot, there is nothing missing from this most glorious of Binghamton NY's gustatory treasures. Ask for Garrett to be your server, and his personal service and sartorial splendor will transport you to a magical dining experience. Chef.Rose creates a menu where every dish is angelic and transformative. Second experience will not be our last. read more

Behind a secret bookshelf lies a magical space, which has a top notch whiskey selection of unparalleled quality and breadth. Cocktails are measured and made to exacting standards, and the food menu option look appealing (did not eat). You can tell they don't just prioritize the Ingredients, but also proper technique to create such fantastic libations. Worth a drive to visit. read more

Stopped here after a show. Had reservations but ended up showing up half an hour early. Place was packed on a Friday night at 930. Standing room only at the bar. Thought the food and cocktails were very average. Service was extremely slow but understandable for how busy it was. Not much for ventilation or air conditioning on a hot summer night. read more

Amazing place! Fabulous vibe. Great food and drinks: they even have Kumbucha. Ask for Garrett, best waiter ever!! He loves to educate on the history of bourbon and Binghamton. read more

Went here for my Sons birthday and it was excellent. The bar is very cool and ambiance is great. Love that it's dark but not so dark that you can't see. The music was a perfect mix and we all enjoyed appetizers, entrees and delicious cocktails! The chef came out to our table with birthday cake for my son, wonderful personal touch! Will be going back there again! Our server was very attentive and explained the questions they had regarding the secret cocktail menu- very cool idea! Would highly recommend and will be going back soon! read more

Great place! The upscale bar food was amazing. I had the chicken cheesesteak and my wife had the balsamic chicken with mashed. Both were great! Also had a couple cocktails which we enjoyed. Service was impressive and the speakeasy vibe was really kool. We'll be back!! read more

used to be a good place to go, Now? well you can not make a reservation for two people just because they will tell you until after 10pm wich is not fare, every time we used to go there we would consume what four people would and still they dont know how much 2 persons can spend a night there. In my opinion they are prioritizing tables with more than four just because the space, well if I'm correct I guess I won't go there any longer!!! read more

Great food. Fantastic ambiance. Impeccable service. Strongly recommend making reservations. read more

205 Dry - Side car and spicy sailor - Speakeasies Near Me - Binghamton, New York

See all

Great food and drinks and really great atmosphere and vibe. A must try! Service was a bit slow but I think waiter had to many tables - we were in no hurry so no impact to us! read more

205 Dry - Great Charcuterie Board! - Speakeasies Near Me - Binghamton, New York

There are so many great restaurants in Binghamton, but 205 Dry is our all-time favorite. The vibes are impeccable, and the food and drinks are always top notch. We dine here about every couple months, and never leave disappointed. The cocktail menu is extremely creative and always changing, and the staff is very knowledgeable about their menu. We love the try the seasonal drinks, and also love the strawberry mule that is a staple on the cocktail menu. We love all of their food. Some of our favorites are the poutine, nachos, OG chicken sandwich, and the creamy cajun pasta. Definitely check out 205 if you haven't, and be sure to make a reservation! read more

Hidden behind a bookshelf in a seemingly empty room is 205 Dry -- Binghamton's answer to a 1920s style speakeasy. Youthful crowd that ranged from students in flannel shirts to young singles looking to mingle. Try to sit in the front room of the restaurant, as that's where the action is. If you sit in the back, take note of the wallpaper -- it's a circa 1920s street map of New York City. The menu isn't highly differentiated but the selection of scotches and whiskeys most certainly is. Overall, absolutely worth a stop when in Binghamton. read more

Came back to 205 Dry for New Years and it was such a great experience I felt inclined to come back and update my review. We didn't have a reservation, but felt like 205 Dry would be the perfect place to start off our night and grab a drink. They were having a Great Gatsby night, which I wish I had known prior to coming in as we would have dressed the theme! I did call earlier that day to ask what time they were opening and the woman on the phone didn't mention it to me. We walked in and the placed was completely decked out to the theme, it was so cool. They really did a heck of a job with the decor and made it fun for everyone, lots to look at, a trunk in the back with an endless supply of Great Gatsby photo props and a themed background wall for picture taking. It really was awesome. They updated their drink menu since we had last come in and for whatever reason I felt like the drink prices were less expensive than the last time we came in but I could be wrong. Regardless, I thought the prices were reasonable and the drinks were amazing and just beautiful once handed to you, you almost didn't want to drink them. Some of the drinks had thyme and other garnishes in them that you couldn't taste in the actual drink itself because they were infused or patted down to pull out the flavors, so that was unfortunate but they still tasted really good. The service was excellent, I was drinking champagne and they had a lot of different options for Prosecco and Champagne by the glass which you seldom see. We also ordered crab cakes as an appetizer and while I'm not a huge crab cake eater, I tried a few bites and they were unbelievably delicious. I mean, so good. This place is definitely unique, their craft cocktails is an art. Don't come here with food allergies, because nothing nothing on their menu indicates it's gluten or dairy free. Which is fine, I don't think every restaurant has to adhere to the world of allergies these days, but nevertheless, just a note. I think this is one of the coolest if not the coolest place in Binghamton. Definitely check it out if you haven't yet. read more

Hi... New Favorite spot in Binghamton! 205 hits all the marks: Food- A+ Drinks- A++ Service- A+ Vibe- A++ I chose 205 Dry as our Valentine's dinner destination. The speakeasy theme is so much fun. From the hidden bookshelf entrance, to the low lightening, music selection, and decor... the 1920's vibes are on point. My boyfriend said, "I feel like I'm in an episode of Boardwalk Empire" and he wasn't wrong. They had a few Valentine's dinner specials, which was a nice surprise. We both went with the special of 8oz filet mignon. It was paired with mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts (with the best sauce EVER on them) and your option of salad or soup. We really wanted to try something of the main menu, so we got the chicken nachos as an appetizer. It was the best meal I've had in a while. Steaks were cooked to perfection. Even the chicken nachos were above average. To top it all off the drink selection is OUT OF THIS WORLD. It was hard to decide what to get. I ended up ordering a Strawberry Mule and it was so good I got another, even though my game plan was to try something different. I will be back, again and again. read more

What a great find in Binghamton!! We stopped here on our way to Ithaca and the hotel staff recommended this speakeasy. The entrance is easy to find but then there's a wall of books. Despite knowing what to look for, it still took us a couple of minutes. When we walked in, this awesome vibe hit us. Amazing cocktail selection and everything was so well balanced. Honestly some of the best mixology around even compared to places like NYC and SF. We got the Brussel sprouts to start and I got a burger with bacon. The food selection wasn't interesting or unique persay but everything was delicious and perfectly cooked and presented. Can't wait to come back during our short visit. The bar area looks like the place to be! read more

205 Dry - Speakeasies Near Me - Binghamton, New York

See all

Came back again because it was so good. Decided to order dessert this time with my Lemo-Lav. I had the ice cream sandwich. What they call a cooking is more of a cinnamon sugar donut. It was very sweet but delicious. read more

See all

This is a great place to go for a date or with some friends. The entrance is very cool with a unique way to enter. The place is always very busy so a reservation can be helpful. The first time we went it was a very long wait but we have gone back several times since and it was a lot quicker. The food is also very good and the prices are fair. Lots of mixed drink options which is unique. Would definitely recommend. read more

Food is good, ambiance is really great for this area, service is good as well. The bar side looks nicer. Cool and unique place! Need more places like this here. read more

I usually don't write reviews but my god, 10/10 on everything. If I could write 6 stars I would. Drinks - on point with amazing unique cocktails (get the Japanese one with nutmeg) Food - on point, good qualityand reasonably priced Presentation - amazing, loved the way the food came out and on time Service - Danielle was our server was so nice and communicative, best service I've had in years. Hostess was nice. Atmosphere - I love the music. Not just top 40 basic hits, good variety with a little EDM. Entrance - if you haven't been here you'll figure out real quick it's a unique dining experience! Wish I took pics! read more

My boyfriend and I stopped in to check out 205 Dry and have a cocktail with some family. The atmosphere is the best part in this trendy little speakeasy. 205 Dry is a restaurant and bar, modeled after 1920s speakeasies. Very interesting entrance - a small lobby with a bookcase on the back wall, which has a hidden door into the restaurant/bar. You have the option of sitting at the bar and having a drink, or sitting at a table and having dinner. The decor throughout was beautiful and charming. 205 Dry is decorated creatively and authentically for the period. There are paintings, posters, Edison bulbs, velvet-upholstered couches and fur throw pillows. The staff add to the ambiance by wearing period-appropriate attire in mostly black and white. The dark restaurant is lit by chandeliers hanging from its high ceilings and candles on each table. The cocktail list is called "205's Giggle Water," offering strong and fun drinks. There are classics like Moscow mules and margaritas, as well as delicious inventions like the "Rosey Posey," a gin drink featuring rose water, that is refreshing and exciting. Overall, a great atmosphere to meet up with friends to chat and share a few drinks. It is quite popular, so you should plan on getting there at 5 on a Friday night if you don't want to wait for a table. read more

205 Dry - Speakeasies Near Me - Binghamton, New York

205 Dry is a Boston/NYC/Chicago caliber Speakeasy! Once you figure out the fun secret to getting in, the decor, drink menu, food menu, ambiance and phenomenal wait-staff transport you from up-and-coming Binghamton to your big city of choice. We heard about 205 Dry from the owners of Imagicka, a neighboring shop, who said it was their favorite downtown spot. As we were just passing through we figured such a strong recommendation from the local experts was worth checking out. What an amazing experience! The street-front decor and entrance give a strong hint to the perfection waiting inside. Tables were well spread-out and we sat at a high top near the beautiful bar. Very Covid-safe with everyone wearing masks and a strong focus on cleanliness and social separation. The cocktail menu is expansive and imaginative; and all that we sampled were top-notch - again, rivaling any big city option! Since we were walking and in no rush we were able to check out several options: I had Rosemary's Baby, with rosemary twigs torched table-side; Smoking Dream, combining gin, St. Germaine and Mezcal; and Devil's Advocate, with perfectly spicy jalapeno slices. My wife went for a few Spring Fling Tiki's; 205 Dry's 2019 Martini Walk Winner! Food-wise the menu is sized just-right; enough choices to always find something new; but not so many to think there isn't focus. I had 2 appetizers: buffalo cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. The spiciness balancing the savory sprouts. Both prepared excellently; no breading and not a lot of oil... so as healthy as those options can be. My wife had the chicken spiedi nachos which were great too! To finish things off, we got a slice of chocolate cake to-go for breakfast the next day. It was outstanding - dense/light/sweet/rich! In addition to the setting, the cocktails and the food, the night was special due to the outstanding service of Rachel and Katie! They spent time getting to know us and guiding our choices; telling us about the owner and how she crafted 205 dry from empty building to finished product, and attentively making us feel at-home and welcome! It is rare to get one staff person to provide this level of customer service; so having two people do this speaks volumes for the culture of 205 Dry! So... if in Binghamton: you must go to 205 Dry! We are planning our next trip to Watkins Glen so we can stop in again on our travels! read more

205 Dry - Devils Advocate - Speakeasies Near Me - Binghamton, New York

See all

Whoever they have cookin here needs a raise ASAP! Went last night for a solo date night & ordered the honey glazed salmon w. creamy butternut squash risotto.... 10/10! Host was really sweet, bartender/waitress was super sweet! The drinks were good, a lil strong, but good! Oh & the crème brûlée is delicious, not too sweet, beautiful texture! Deff recommend trying this spot! read more

went there for our birthday celebration our bill came to over $400. The management told us that we couldn't serve the homemade cake that we brought. In place of the cake, I received 1 strawberry on a plate with a candle in it. i won't be going back!!! read more

Great place to relax with a group. Excellent cocktail!Abundance of choices to drink. Full stock bar .

Very, very cool place put together with a lot of thought... excellent service, food & drinks.. Can't go wrong here must see...

I heard about 205 Dry after they showed up on the restaurant week website. When I looked it up, it seemed interesting. We didn't check it out that week, just because their menu wasn't available on the restaurant week site, and the overall vibe I was getting from what I found online seemed a bit precious. Based on our experiences at other "modern speakeasies" we went today hoping for the best, but expecting to find overpriced cocktails and over the top staff and decor. Our cynicism was misplaced. We arrived on State street just before opening at 5 pm. We drove up and down the street once, because as anyone who has been in this area knows, parking here is not easy. When we passed the restaurant, there were probably about 10-15 people lined up outside waiting for them to open. By the time we parked and walked to the restaurant, everyone was inside, and we walked into an empty foyer lined with bookshelves. There was a sign telling us to find the hidden doorknob or wait for someone inside to open the door to let us in. The location of the doorknob was quite obvious, so we quickly found our way in. When we arrived there was a nice buzz from the 20 or so patrons already seated. The decor was opulent but not intimidating. Marble bar top, crystal chandeliers, books lining the walls, and cosy upholstered chairs surrounding groups of tables. Due to my previous experience in speakeasies, I expected tacky, costumed staff. Instead, the staff was dressed in tasteful, trendy, modern clothing, with a 1920's twist. I noticed several waitresses in typical black cocktail attire, but with a feather headband. Behind the bar there was a woman in high-waisted striped pants, a plain white t-shirt, and suspenders. Another woman wore layered lace tops, and a man wore nice tweed pants and a button-up top. Everyone fit in beautifully with a speakeasy theme, but nobody looked costumed. When we arrived, we were offered a table or a seat at the bar. Since it was just two of us, we chose a seat at the bar. We were promptly and cheerfully greeted by both bartenders at our end of the bar, and given menus which contained their extensive cocktail list, wine list, beer list, and food offerings. The cocktail menu has so many tempting options, I need to go back for that alone. I stuck with classics and had a sidecar (beautifully balanced sweet and sour, and served in a vintage tea cup) and an old fashioned. The old fashioned on the menu is made with maple bourbon. When I expressed concern about it being overly sweet, the bartender offered to make it with rye whiskey instead, and I was very pleased with the result. As someone who always has questions about ingredients and processes, I asked the bartender endless questions. He was not just patient with me, but enthusiastically answered all of my questions and offered additional info. This was especially impressive because within about 20 minutes of our arrival, the whole place was filled to capacity, and there were groups of people standing everywhere waiting for seats. The food offerings are limited, but good. The manager and our bartender both offered up that they are in the process of expanding the menu. From reading other yelp reviews, I guess the limited menu has been an issue. I'm a vegetarian, so maybe I'm just used to limited options, but I had no problems with the extent of their offerings. We were very impressed with the quality of the food. We started with the pickle fries, and I have never had fried pickles like this. They are cut thin and short, like fries, and breaded in a crispy, spicy batter. Gourmet food they are not, but they were a delicious snack. My husband and I each had a burger for dinner. Mine veggie, his meat. Both burgers were served with (really, really good) fries. I didn't like the toppings offered on the veggie burger, so I asked if I could get different toppings, and that was easily accommodated. The veggie burger is a very tasty quinoa and cauliflower patty. I had it topped with goat cheese and sweet/spicy brined serrano peppers. I could eat a jar of those peppers alone. Since veggie patties usually incorporate a carb into them, I frequently skip the bun when I eat them. The brioche bun my burger came on was good enough that my husband ate the bun plain after I pushed it aside. As for the meat burger, my husband says it's the best burger in Binghamton. And it looked like it. He always orders burgers cooked medium, but rarely is he served a burger with any pink in it. This one was beautifully cooked to temperature, with a pink center. Husband was very pleased with the quality of the meat. 205 Dry was a really lovely surprise for us. We did not walk in expecting a lot, but we walked out looking forward to our next meal there. I can see this becoming a regular spot for us to eat or grab a drink. read more

Fashioned after the speakeasies that flourished during prohibition times in the 1920s to 1933 the atmosphere capture the era. Starting from the entrance, they captured the feel and ambiance of the times. Period music accompanies the appropriately titled drinks and dishes. The Roses Posey cocktail comes with a beautiful orchid floating among the expertly mixed ingredients , including rose water and gin. The staff is in period garb and it starts right at the door with the crafty gentleman wearing a bowler hat to greet you, and show you the way to the hidden bar and restaurant. I wonder if the bar has a secret switch that hides the liquor when the flat doors bust in, and the roaring crowd escapes through the back entrance. A wonderful addition to the Binghamton restaurant scene. read more

Great experience and food. We loaded up on appetizers and were pleasantly surprised. Definitely will be back.

I love going to 205 Dry. The atmosphere is amazing and the food and drinks are top notch. Definitely try one of their specialty shots! They are unique and delicious! read more