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    Downtown By Chef Jay Pisculli

    4.4 (36 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Rolls
    Katie K.

    I was really torn between 3 and 4 stars. I loved the ambiance, our server was so friendly, and I loved the amount of GF + GF alternatives on the menu. However, for the price and general vibe of the whole place, we were expecting to be a little more impressed with the food, and it was decent, but not enough to really write home about (which would make it more of a 3 in my book). I did like my GF gnocchi, though. The portion sizes are also giant, which was a bummer because we don't have a fridge in our hotel for leftovers.

    Brunch Menu
    Jennifer C.

    My cousin and I decided to have brunch at Downtown by Chef J, located in the former Beer Tree Brewing space. The restaurant is part of a larger collaborative concept, and we had been there the day before during the Binghamton Martini Walk. We really liked the atmosphere, so we decided to return for brunch after seeing several appealing options on their menu. I booked a reservation through Resy, and upon arrival, the host already had a table set for us. I was pleasantly surprised that while the restaurant uses the modern metal dining chairs common in many places, all of theirs were cushioned and surprisingly comfortable. Our server was polite, knowledgeable, and helpful in walking us through the menu and drink options. One small disappointment was that the cold brew coffee listed on the menu was unavailable, which we only learned when we tried to order it. We opted for hot coffee instead. My cousin ordered the shrimp and grits, while I chose the deviled eggs and mac & cheese. The restaurant's décor leans industrial but has warm, inviting touches throughout, particularly in the bar area. The food arrived quickly. The shrimp and grits were well-seasoned and flavorful--my cousin really enjoyed the dish. Unfortunately, my selections fell a bit flat. Both the deviled eggs and mac & cheese lacked flavor for my taste. I asked for hot sauce, which helped, but I also noticed there was no salt or pepper available on the tables, which had to be requested. When the check arrived, I noticed that both the deviled eggs and mac & cheese were each $2 more than what was printed on the menu. I brought it to our server's attention, who confirmed the discrepancy by checking the printed menu. While they ultimately honored the lower, printed price, I was told that the system reflected updated pricing and that the printed menu was outdated. I was informed that the discount was being given as a courtesy--though it felt more like an error that should have been proactively addressed. While the overall ambiance and service were pleasant, the pricing inconsistency and lack of flavor in my dishes left me unsure if I'll return. I'd advise future diners to double-check the prices on the printed menu versus what appears on the final bill--especially since it happened with two separate items during my visit. For what it's worth, the prices for the shrimp and grits and the coffee matched what was listed.

    Matt S.

    After having an amazing brunch here, decided to return with family to try the dinner service and it did not disappoint. We had reservations for a high top and the waitstaff were very prompt and knowledgeable of the menu. Everything was cooked perfectly and was delicious. We will definitely be returning soon!

    Anna K.

    Came here for date night - we made reservations but no need for it. We were promptly seated and had a great host - Kira. She made some great recommendations and we enjoyed our meal. A bit on the buttery side but no complaints here!

    Louis L.

    I had been here before, but before the revamp by Chef Jay Pisculli. So I already knew the beers were good and the space was really nice, but hadn't tried the new brunch menu. Welp ... now all I dream about is the duck egg benedict with sliced duck prosciutto, poached duck egg, hollandaise, english muffin, with a side green salad in a champagne vinaigrette. Wow. Can't recommend enough.

    Medium rare hamburger

    First things first. This review is for the rooftop portion of the restaurant. The limited good news is the crispy deviled eggs were interesting and unique. Now the really bad news. We ordered via the QR code and ordered an appetizer, the deviled eggs, and two hamburgers. All the food arrived at the same time. I really dislike when that happens...why order an appetizer if it arrives with the entree? The picture is my wife's burger. Clearly not medium rare as ordered. If I had gone to veterinary school I think I could have saved this cow. The only staff available was the bartender. She neither offered to replace or refire. My burger, also medium rare, was at least 50% edible. Customer service and satisfaction was clearly not a priority August 20 update. Within 12 hours of my post, the management reached out to apologize and make it right. They offered to refund the entire check. I thought that we should pay for the deviled eggs, since we ate them and they were great. You can't I ring the bell, but they have done their best with an unpleasant experience

    Deviled eggs & Chocolate Cronuts!
    Jessica H.

    We were stopping in Binghamton for lunch and the first joint we planned on was closed. Thank goodness cause this was the best brunch we ever had. I called and asked if we needed a reservation and they said; "how many? ..2 we can fit you in come on in!" Well already this kind of service is awesome. The brunch menu was just the right size. Our server was great, food arrived promptly and was so delish! Highly recommend for brunch.

    Bread service
    Rachel B.

    Very cool looking, nicely decorated. Didn't love the patio area, didn't seem as fancy. Food was decent but seemed under-seasoned. Service was very good. Also they only serve NY state beer, wine and liquor so the drink menu was somewhat limited.

    Crackling deviled eggs
    Jon L.

    Nice restaurant and staff. Food is very good with some nice items in a hip industrial-ish space with cool outdoor dining too. Look forward to coming back.

    Sea Bass, amazing!!

    Our second visit. First time was restaurant week and had a limited menu but was great. This time we had the full menu and both had amazing meals. Wife had the Chilean Sea Bass. Beautifully prepared and presented. I got the sirloin which was just amazing in both prep and presentation. Good drinks, friendly attentive people and just a great experience!!

    Chimichanga appetizer was outstanding.

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    2 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Great ambiance, really special meals and appetizers- you can tell he's creatively worked up this menu. Live music sometimes.

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Great food and service. I had the Ribeye and wife had the filet. Both cooked to perfection.

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    Chris R.

    Thank you very much, Matt. Please return soon!

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    2 years ago

    Once again chef Jay did a wonderful job preparing our meal! The service was wonderful and the ambiance was inviting.

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    Ask the Community - Downtown By Chef Jay Pisculli

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    Crowbar is officially the best hangout space in Binghamton right now!…read more Nestled in a nook between State St. and Washington St., when you walk in the first thing you see is their incredible display of old LCD TVs circling the bar area, which really sets the tone for the vintage gaming aesthetic. Everything about this place is on-theme, right down to the items on the menu. While the food is definitely bar fare, don't underestimate it; every single one of their offerings is crafted to perfection! My favorites include the Sauer Loser hotdog (mouth-watering combo of sauerkraut and mustard on all beef franks) and the Flamin' Hot Smothered Cheetos (an elevated take on the spicy snack)! As for drinks, they have a fun array of game-themed cocktails and mocktails. Yes, you heard right, mocktails! And they are all incredible. My favorite is the Wowza Bowzer mocktail, which has a little bit of a kick with habanero bitters. The Waka-Waka-Waka cocktail (mule) features a Pac-Man shaped lemon slice eating a cherry, which is a fun touch! But, as we know, we come for the food and stay for the games, so what's available? Well, they have over 30 vintage games ranging from arcade classics like PacMan and Mortal Combat to more interactive favorites like DDR, hoops, and racing games (check out their website for a full listing). Plus, a couple pool tables and a few chill spots in the 2-story location (which includes a few quiet nooks with seating between the floors). While this space is definitely kid-friendly, it is only open to 21+ after 9pm, which provides a great experience for families and night crawlers alike!

    Super sweet spot with hella cool games to play, love the 90s aesthetic, and the bartenders and…read moreservice was great. Super fun highly recommend

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