Beloved Binghamton Neighborhood Tavern Closing Its Doors

An owner of a Binghamton bar says it's "the end of an era" as the establishment prepares to shut down after operating at the site for decades.

Dan Dee Bar & Grill on the city's east side has been operated by David and Tracey Gow for the past 25 years. But the history of the place dates back nearly a century.

Tracey Gow told WNBF News that she and her husband have decided to retire.

Although the kitchen at the Dan Dee closed Saturday night, Gow said the tavern will probably remain open for a few more days.

In the early 20th century, a pool room and cigar store operated at the site of the bar at 215 Robinson Street. A 1933 newspaper ad for the "Dan-Dee Grill" promoted "home-cooked spaghetti and meat balls" as well as beer.

David Gow's grandparents, Floyd and Evelyn Allen, owned the bar from 1957 to 1974.

The tavern operated under a series of other names for several years until it was reestablished as the Dan Dee Bar & Grill in 1991.

Tracey Gow said the property had been on the market for a couple of years. It actually was under contract for about a year but that deal fell through.

Gow said the place was known for its chicken wings, along with the blue cheese and ranch dressings made by her husband.

She said many people regarded the Dan Dee as "kind of like the hidden gem" on Binghamton's East Side.

She said "we're going to miss all the people" who supported the business over the years.

And, while she views the closing as "bittersweet," she said "it's time for us - we're ready."

The property is scheduled to be sold at auction on June 25. Gow said she hopes someone might buy the place and reopen the tavern to continue the tradition at the Robinson Street site.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.