This place is a piece of Binghamton -- and First Ward -- history.
When I was a kid growing up on Downs Avenue my grandfather would take me to Downs Tavern when he was babysitting (yeah, things were different back then...). I still remember sitting at the bar with the orange soda they always had for me, watching the ball game on TV with my grandpa. Later on, when my brother and I were in school, we always made sure to trick-or-treat at the Tavern on Halloween; they gave the best treats in the neighborhood.
Fifty years later I live in Oregon, but when I come back to visit family each year, I make sure to drop into Downs Tavern for a beer or two. Still in the same location, one of the last of the local neighborhood bars; still with the beautiful real knotty-pine paneling I remember as a kid; still the great homey atmosphere, solid drinks, and great prices. And they still have the game playing on the TV in the corner above the bar. :)
Downs Tavern is a comfortable place; the bar to go to when you just want to relax, have a brew, and maybe chat with a buddy. Three generations of my family patronized this place, and I'll keep coming back as long as I can. I hope they last another 50 years, at least. read more