If you’ve never heard of a spiedie sandwich, you’re missing out on one of upstate New York’s most treasured culinary traditions. Born in the Southern Tier region around Binghamton and Endicott, these delicious creations feature marinated cubes of meat – originally lamb but now often chicken, pork, or beef – skewered, grilled, and served on soft Italian bread. The sandwich has become such a beloved regional specialty that New York locals have worked hard to preserve its authentic flavors and preparation methods for generations.
1. Lupo’s S&S Char Pit: Where Tradition Began
Family-run since 1951, Lupo’s stands as the cornerstone of spiedie culture in Endicott. Their closely guarded marinade recipe has remained virtually unchanged for over 70 years, creating the benchmark flavor that defines an authentic spiedie experience.
Locals line up for their perfectly charred chicken and pork varieties, which strike that ideal balance between tangy marinade and smoky grill flavor. What makes Lupo’s extra special is their dual business model – enjoy a freshly made sandwich on-site or take home their marinated meats to grill yourself.
During summer weekends, don’t be surprised to find the parking lot packed with loyal customers who’ve been coming for generations, many who left the area but return just for a taste of home.
2. Spiedie & Rib Pit: Modern Twists on Tradition
Run by another branch of the Lupo family, Spiedie & Rib Pit has carved out its own niche with creative interpretations of the classic sandwich. Their menu features both traditional preparations and innovative variations that might make purists raise an eyebrow – but taste buds don’t lie.
The restaurant’s signature spiedie wrap combines marinated chicken with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of house-made sauce. Their commitment to quality shows in every bite, with meat that’s marinated for at least 24 hours before hitting the grill.
Weekend specials often feature experimental flavors like garlic parmesan or honey chipotle marinades. Despite these modern flourishes, the core technique remains faithful to tradition, keeping the spiedie legacy alive for a new generation of food enthusiasts.
3. Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally: A Celebration of Heritage
Since 1983, this annual summer festival has brought together over 100,000 attendees to celebrate the humble spiedie sandwich. Held at Otsiningo Park in Binghamton, the three-day event combines hot air balloon launches with fierce cooking competitions where local chefs battle for spiedie supremacy.
Amateur cooks stand shoulder-to-shoulder with restaurant owners, each convinced their marinade recipe deserves the coveted trophy. Visitors wander between dozens of food vendors offering every imaginable spiedie variation, from traditional preparations to fusion experiments like spiedie pizza and spiedie egg rolls.
Beyond the food, the festival features live music, craft vendors, and family activities, but everyone knows the real stars are those skewers of marinated meat sizzling on grills throughout the grounds, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas.
4. Binghamton Hots: Fast-Casual Spiedie Heaven
What started as a late-night food cart serving hungry college students has evolved into one of Binghamton’s most beloved quick-service restaurants. Their spiedies come with a choice of chicken or pork, marinated in a recipe the owner claims came from his Italian grandmother.
The restaurant’s signature creation is the “Hot Plate” – a spiedie sandwich topped with meat sauce, onions, and mustard, served alongside crispy french fries. Late night hours make this a popular stop after concerts or bar-hopping downtown.
Despite its unassuming appearance, Binghamton Hots has developed a cult following among SUNY students who often introduce out-of-town friends to their first spiedie experience here. Many graduates confess to making special trips back just to satisfy their spiedie cravings from this unpretentious spot.
5. The Old Union Hotel: Spiedie Excellence
Housed in a historic building that dates back to 1897, The Old Union Hotel combines rustic charm with some of the juiciest chicken spiedies in the region. The thick-cut bread soaks up the marinade perfectly without falling apart – a detail that spiedie connoisseurs consider essential.
Unlike many competitors who pre-grill their meat, the kitchen staff here cooks each order fresh, resulting in exceptionally tender meat with crispy, caramelized edges. The full-service bar offers local craft beers specifically selected to complement the tangy, herb-forward flavors of their signature sandwich.
Regular patrons recommend the “Loaded Spiedie” which adds provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, and balsamic glaze to the traditional format. On Thursdays, their spiedie special draws a loyal crowd of locals who claim these are the sandwiches they judge all others against.
6. Dan Dee Grill: No-Frills Neighborhood Favorite
Nothing about Dan Dee Grill screams special from the outside – just a modest storefront with a simple sign. Step inside, however, and you’ll discover why locals have kept this family-owned spot in business for over three decades.
The Dan Dee Chicken Spiedie Sub has achieved legendary status among Southern Tier residents. Their marinade strikes a perfect balance between vinegar tang and Italian herbs, with meat that’s remarkably tender after 48 hours of marination. Served on fresh-baked rolls delivered daily from a local bakery, these sandwiches represent spiedie tradition at its most authentic.
The small dining area fills quickly during lunch hours with regulars who greet each other by name. Many customers are second or third generation patrons, a testament to how deeply this unassuming establishment has embedded itself in the community’s food culture.
7. Stu’s Place: Hidden Gem with Flavor to Spare
Stu’s Place doesn’t advertise or maintain social media accounts – they don’t need to. This tiny, cash-only establishment hidden on a side street in Endicott relies entirely on word-of-mouth, and the words being spread are consistently glowing.
Owner Stuart Romano still marinates all meats himself using a recipe he claims came from his grandfather who immigrated from Italy in the 1920s. The chicken spiedies emerge from the grill with a perfect char, served on soft Italian bread with nothing more than a squeeze of lemon – purists consider this the definitive way to enjoy the sandwich.
The limited hours (Wednesday through Saturday, 11-3) and no-frills atmosphere haven’t deterred devoted fans who sometimes drive hours for what many consider the most authentic spiedie experience in the region. As one regular customer puts it, “This is what spiedies tasted like when I was a kid.”
8. Lost Dog Cafe & Lounge: Creative Spiedie Innovations
Housed in a converted 1890s cigar factory in downtown Binghamton, Lost Dog Cafe has earned praise for breathing new life into traditional dishes. Their spiedie offerings maintain respect for tradition while pushing creative boundaries that appeal to adventurous eaters.
The spiedie nachos have achieved cult status – marinated chicken layered over house-made tortilla chips with melted cheese, fresh jalapeños, and cilantro lime crema. For purists, their classic spiedie sandwich uses locally sourced bread and adds only a drizzle of house vinaigrette to enhance the marinade’s flavors.
The restaurant’s eclectic atmosphere, with local art adorning brick walls and live music on weekends, has made it a gathering spot where different generations connect over shared appreciation for this regional specialty. Their annual “Spiedie Week” features limited-time creations like spiedie tacos and spiedie-stuffed mushrooms.
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