A Number 5 History Lesson...

Most people in the Triple Cities know that the Number 5 has been the premiere restaurant of the Southern Tier for many, many years.

It's the place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. It's also the place where business people meet, companies entertain clients, businesses hold meetings, and deals are brought to a close.

It's the place to bring family, friends, clients, business partners and others when you want to make sure your experience will be fabulous.

But the history, the atmosphere and the feel of the Number 5 began with its inception as Fire Station Number 5 back in 1897 when the current building was completed. For 75 years the Engine Company Number 5 served the South Side of Binghamton. In the early years the rear portion of the building was expanded upon to house the horses used in pulling the fire wagons.

With the new onslaught of fire station construction in the early 70's, Engine House Number 5 became surplus property and was auctioned off. An Ithaca developer bought the property and began the transformation from firehouse to restaurant. In 1978, Jim McCoy bought the property and developed it into the Number 5 Restaurant we have today.

Hardly a day passes without a former fireman or descendant of the same frequents the restaurant. In 1998, the property was declared a local and state landmark.