Princeton, New Jersey Beautiful, Historic, Micro City, so much to see & do
Food scene
Here is an array of placed to eat from ice cream to fine dining. They are in no particular order and are meant to be some recommendations for you when first visiting Princeton. I tried to make a list that hit lots of categories for all types of taste buds. Once you experience Princeton, you will see there are so many more places to eat, you will not be disappointed!
A Princeton staple pub with good food and drink, something for everyone on the menu. The restaurant is 8 or 9 steps below ground and has a dark underground feeling so if this isn't the vibe you want, I'd skip it. Located in Palmer Square in the heart of Princeton.
Winberie's Restaurant & Bar
1 Palmer SquareA Princeton staple pub with good food and drink, something for everyone on the menu. The restaurant is 8 or 9 steps below ground and has a dark underground feeling so if this isn't the vibe you want, I'd skip it. Located in Palmer Square in the heart of Princeton.
This is an upscale Italian restaurant that has been in Princeton for years. It has a good smaller menu and is right in the heart of town on Witherspoon Street. BYOB
La Mezzaluna
25 Witherspoon StThis is an upscale Italian restaurant that has been in Princeton for years. It has a good smaller menu and is right in the heart of town on Witherspoon Street. BYOB
This restaurant is more restaurant than cafe. It has a good menu and typically a long wait to get a seat. It is small on the inside, but charming with outdoor scenic seating. It's in Palmer Square and the heart of Princeton. BYOB
Other Princeton Restaurants owned but the Momo family are Mediterra, Eno Terra, and Terra Momo.
17 locals recommend
Teresa Caffe
23 Palmer Square EThis restaurant is more restaurant than cafe. It has a good menu and typically a long wait to get a seat. It is small on the inside, but charming with outdoor scenic seating. It's in Palmer Square and the heart of Princeton. BYOB
Other Princeton Restaurants owned but the Momo family are Mediterra, Eno Terra, and Terra Momo.
This is a seafood lovers dream, they have a very extensive seafood menu, knowledgable staff and great ambiance with some outdoor seating. The seafood is prepared very well and is right in the heart of Princeton on Nassau Street. BYOB
24 locals recommend
Blue Point Grill
258 Nassau StThis is a seafood lovers dream, they have a very extensive seafood menu, knowledgable staff and great ambiance with some outdoor seating. The seafood is prepared very well and is right in the heart of Princeton on Nassau Street. BYOB
This is an underground gastro pub / brewery/ night spot They are a brewery and have a basic menu that they do well. The bands at night have a good local following.
34 locals recommend
Triumph Brewing Company
138 Nassau StThis is an underground gastro pub / brewery/ night spot They are a brewery and have a basic menu that they do well. The bands at night have a good local following.
This restaurant is relatively new to Princeton and has become a very popular place to dine. The food is absolutely delicious and the wait staff treats you like an old friend. The ambiance is pleasing and inviting with some outdoor seating. This restaurant is off the beat and path, but short walk from the University.
One comment, the noise level can gets high on a Saturday night and for those hard of hearing, pick a different time to visit. The acoustics in the restaurant magnifies the noise.
10 locals recommend
LOCAL GREEK
44 Leigh AveThis restaurant is relatively new to Princeton and has become a very popular place to dine. The food is absolutely delicious and the wait staff treats you like an old friend. The ambiance is pleasing and inviting with some outdoor seating. This restaurant is off the beat and path, but short walk from the University.
One comment, the noise level can gets high on a Saturday night and for those hard of hearing, pick a different time to visit. The acoustics in the restaurant magnifies the noise.
The name says it all. They serve massive Hoagie/Heros at a reasonable price. They are designer sandwiches filled with ingredients not for the light eater. They are a local and University favorite and often have a line, especially on a Friday or Saturday late night
18 locals recommend
Hoagie Haven
242 Nassau StThe name says it all. They serve massive Hoagie/Heros at a reasonable price. They are designer sandwiches filled with ingredients not for the light eater. They are a local and University favorite and often have a line, especially on a Friday or Saturday late night
Ice cream shop with coffee tea and espresso. This is a local favorite that make their own ice cream at the Halo Farm in Trenton. There are dozens and dozens of delicious flavors. The shop is right in the heart of Princeton right off Witherspoon Street.
14 locals recommend
Halo Pub
9 Hulfish StIce cream shop with coffee tea and espresso. This is a local favorite that make their own ice cream at the Halo Farm in Trenton. There are dozens and dozens of delicious flavors. The shop is right in the heart of Princeton right off Witherspoon Street.
If you need a cupcake this is the place to go. Right in the heart of Princeton, House of Cupcakes is usually busy, with a large variety of cupcakes (vegan and dairy free and nut free options).
House of Cupcakes
34 Witherspoon StIf you need a cupcake this is the place to go. Right in the heart of Princeton, House of Cupcakes is usually busy, with a large variety of cupcakes (vegan and dairy free and nut free options).
Roots
3495 US-1Great Asian fusion food, very good service very good price point. Try the kimchi
KC Prime Restaurant Steakhouse
4160 Quakerbridge RdSeasons 52
3535 US-1Masa Sushi
415 Nassau Park BlvdElements Asia
4110 Quakerbridge RdOlives Caterers
22 Witherspoon StAgricola Eatery
11 Witherspoon StWitherspoon Grill
57 Witherspoon StBrick House Tavern + Tap
4901 Stelton RdWalking Distance from the apartment
EFES Mediterranean Grill
235 Nassau StSightseeing
Princeton University
Grounds For Sculpture
80 Sculptors Way
Princeton University Art Museum
Elm DriveBAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
112 N Main StMcCarter Theatre Center
91 University PlAmazing Escape Room Princeton
3490 US-1Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
10-58 Old Lincoln HwyRight in your 'backyard' you will find the Princeton Canoe and Kayak rental. 609.452.2403. Here you can take a kayak or canoe up the Delaware and Raritan Canal. You can also boat in Lake Carnegie.
7 locals recommend
Princeton Canoe Rental
483 Alexander StRight in your 'backyard' you will find the Princeton Canoe and Kayak rental. 609.452.2403. Here you can take a kayak or canoe up the Delaware and Raritan Canal. You can also boat in Lake Carnegie.
Griggstown Canoe and Kayak Rental
1076 Canal RdAlexander Hall
Turning Basin Park
Shopping
Princeton Market Fair station
Quaker Bridge Mall station
Whole Foods Market
3495 US-1Wegmans
240 Nassau Park BlvdWest Windsor Community Farmers' Market
877 Alexander Rdright in the heart of Princeton, shopping restaurants sight seeing museums Princeton University, many local events including communiversity, weekly farmers market seasonal ice skating rink
21 locals recommend
Palmer Square
3 Palmer Squareright in the heart of Princeton, shopping restaurants sight seeing museums Princeton University, many local events including communiversity, weekly farmers market seasonal ice skating rink
Local Historical Site
Rockingham Historic Site
84 Laurel AvePrinceton Battlefield State Park
500 Mercer RdUpdike Farmstead
354 Quaker RdLocal Farms
Hidden Spring Lavender Farm and Gift Shoppe
890 Belle Mead-Blawenburg RdGravity Hill Farm, featuring Roots to River Farm & the Farm Cooking School
67 Pleasant Valley RdTerhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil RdHowell Living History Farm
70 Woodens LnDuke Farms
1112 Dukes Pkwy WRecreation
This 123-acre park is the main active recreational facility in the township. The park is home to the West Windsor Water Works Family Aquatic Center. The park includes a playground, walking-jogging paths, two basketball courts, two dog parks, a skate park, two tennis courts and two pickle ball courts
West Windsor Community Park
This 123-acre park is the main active recreational facility in the township. The park is home to the West Windsor Water Works Family Aquatic Center. The park includes a playground, walking-jogging paths, two basketball courts, two dog parks, a skate park, two tennis courts and two pickle ball courts
A 3000+ acre park offers, golfing, weekly happy hours, walking, biking on and off trail, boating (paddle, kayak), hiking, volleyball and a 400 seat amphitheater with seasonal concerts. Summertime offers many regularly scheduled events such as the NJ State Triathlon, Dragon Boat Race, Regattas, sporting events and outdoor free concert series and much more.
30 locals recommend
Mercer County Park
1638 Old Trenton RdA 3000+ acre park offers, golfing, weekly happy hours, walking, biking on and off trail, boating (paddle, kayak), hiking, volleyball and a 400 seat amphitheater with seasonal concerts. Summertime offers many regularly scheduled events such as the NJ State Triathlon, Dragon Boat Race, Regattas, sporting events and outdoor free concert series and much more.
Traveler advice
Don't miss
A day trip to Lambertville NJ/New Hope PA
A local favorite day trip is a quick 20 minute drive to Lambertville, NJ. This quaint town is filled with many art galleries for all tastes and price ranges. Walk over the bridge to New Hope PA where you will find many more shops, art galleries, and an eclectic array of stores and restaurants. These towns are alway bustling, get there early for a good parking spot. The Delaware River runs between both towns and there is a scenic tow path that can be walked or biked on for miles and miles.
Don't miss
The Jersey Shore
Take 195 East till you can't go any further, and you'll be at the JERSEY SHORE, closest beaches:
Belmar -Active, lots of people, a few restaurants and bars with in a few steps of the beach
Manasquan -Active, lots of people a few restaurants and bars both on the boardwalk and a few steps from the beach. Great vibrant town too.
Spring Lake -Quiet family friendly
Asbury Park -Hopping with activities of all kinds, vibrant boardwalk and city, day and night
close by- Point Pleasant, Avon by the Sea, Sea Girt, Bradley Beach.
Don't miss
Princeton University Special Guest Speakers
Check out the Princeton University calendar for guest speakers, from Authors, Scientists, Politicians, there are scheduled guest talks on the Princeton campus quite frequently.