Located in the center of downtown Binghamton, The Loft at 99 distinguishes itself among the many blossoming local restaurants with its classy brick walls and polished wooden floors. The modern and welcoming two-story space is owned by brothers Michael and Kyle Bunker, both classically-trained chefs born and raised in Binghamton.
Loft’s menu is decently upscale, but the two-course brunch offering is priced at an affordable $15, a realistic price for hungry college students on late Sunday afternoon. Kyle says they created the brunch menu with the college student in mind.
Something unique about The Loft at 99 is the sourcing of its menu items from its next-door neighbors. Its coffee is purchased from coffee shop Laveggio on its left, and its bread (we had the pleasure of trying the raisin bread for our meal) was courtesy of Chroma Café and Bakery on its right.
Photo by Han Shi
The brunch special is a two-course prix-fixe. For our tasting, we enjoyed a parfait with the standard pairing of Greek yogurt, granola, and berries. The fruit was wonderfully fresh and the subtly sweet house-made granola added a nice crunch. The second appetizer, featuring a medley of fresh fruit (strawberries, blackberries, and melon) dressed with mint ribbons, provided for another refreshing starter before the heavier fare.
Photo by Han Shi
The first entrée, The Loft Drunkin’ Pasta, featured tagliatelle (a long, flat pasta) and thick cut bacon chunks tossed in an unctuous béchamel sauce. This was definitely my favorite dish as it was something outside of what you would find on your average brunch menu.
Photo by Han Shi
Loft’s eggs benedict will surprise you; two amazing thick, hand-cut bacon slabs sandwiched between creamy poached eggs and crispy English muffins was a pleasant change-up from the typical Canadian bacon found on most menus.
Photo by Han Shi
Brunch is served until 2:30pm on Sundays, so even after a night out, you have time to get yourself to 99 Court and savor a better brunch than you ever would at the dining halls.