5 Bygone Binghamton Restaurants

Many do not realize that a good portion of the Vestal Parkway was once farmland and unpaved past what was known as Harpur College, now Binghamton University.  Now you look at one chain after another.  In the first addition of Bygone Binghamton, I treat you to some restaurants that once graced the Greater Binghamton area.  Once very popular eating places in Binghamton, Vestal, and Johnson City, now just a memory from Bygone Binghamton.

Pancho's Pit - Located in Johnson City on Riverside Drive (they also had a location in Endicott), Pancho's Pit was famous for wonderful homemade food at unheard of prices.  Do you remember the bucket of spaghetti with meatballs, spinach pie, lamb speidies and the best meatball sub in town?  Gosh I miss this place for a quick bite and a cheap beer!

Henry's Hamburgers - I barely remember that candy cane-like striped building on Main Street in Binghamton but I'm told they were the 3rd biggest hamburger chain behind McDonald's and Carrols!  Remember Carrols?!  I think I still have my Elmer Fudd glass!

Lum's - After shopping at Stars on the Vestal Parkway (later Sugermans), I would beg my mom and dad to take me to Lums for one of their famous beef sandwiches or giant hot dogs.  And you couldn't go to Lums without ordering a giant birch beer from the barrel.

The Vestal Steakhouse -  Also once located in Vestal, The Vestal Steakhouse is one of those restaurants that people have so many memories of and that's no bull.  Who doesn't miss that iconic bull as you travel down the Vestal Parkway.

The Red Lion -  Famous for the homemade black walnut cake, and pewter Old English pub-style dining presentations, the Red Lion always served up great cuisine in West Endicott.  Located across from En-Joie Golf Club, it later became Russell's Steak House.

What are some of the restaurants that you miss the most?  Share your memories here.