Restaurants
Princeton has a lot of nonchain restaurants, from the college-crowd $4 greasy sandwich holes-in-the-wall (Hoagie Haven!) to the I-hope-you-won-the-lottery elites (Lahiere's). The general emphasis is definitely toward the investment bankers who live in the area, but there are still plenty of affordable places to eat for those nights when the thought of facing the dining hall is unbearable. All told, you'll find American, Chinese, Greek, Guatemalan, French, Indian, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Mexican and Thai food within walking distance of campus.
There's a lot of turnover in Princeton, so do some Googling for up-to-date information. In the meantime, here are a few of the more popular restaurants within walking distance.
Sit-Down Restaurants
Ajihei (11 Chambers St.). Delicious sushi and Japanese food. Not cheap, but commands a loyal following. 252-1158 and 688-8921.
Alchemist & Barrister (28 Witherspoon St.). Mostly English pub fare, with wildly variant prices and styles (good for groups that can't agree on whether they want simple hamburgers or $30 steak dinners). The same kitchen serves a semi-outdoor patio, a bar and a formal dining room. 924-5555.
Carousel (260 Nassau St.). Big breakfasts and traditional diner fare. The ambience leaves much to be desired, but the pancakes (served all day) are worth dealing with a little fluorescent lighting. 924-2677.
Ichiban (66 Witherspoon St.). Standard Japanese fare at moderate prices. Good for large groups. BYOB. 683-8323.
Ivy Garden (238 Nassau St.). Fairly good Americanized Chinese food. When the weather is good, you can sit outside on the patio and people-watch. The restaurant also offers lunch specials during the week. BYOB. 921-2388.
J.B. Winberie's (One Palmer Square). Local bar and grill serving standard American pub grub. The food is pretty similar to a TGI Friday's or a Chili's, although the prices are a little higher. It also serves brunch every Sunday. 921-0700.
Kaliente Mexican Grill (235B Nassau St.). Closer to campus than Mexican Village, this new restaurant offers tasty burritos at reasonable prices. BYOB. 688-8916.
Karen's Restaurant (36 Witherspoon St.). Standard Chinese food with reasonable lunch bargains. Try the delicious, if greasy, roast duck. BYOB. 683-1968.
Masala Grill (19 Chambers St.). Delicious Indian food and great ambience. All dishes are available with spiciness levels ranging from mild to Indian spicy -- try only if you dare. The waiters will sometimes throw in free desserts if you’re extra nice, or a group of pretty girls. BYOB. 921-0500.
Nassau Sushi (179 Nassau St.). This joint, which oddly used be called Nassau Sushi and Bagel, serves up excellent Japanese and Korean fare. Try the more experimental rolls, and you might be surprised. BYOB. 497-3275.
P.J.'s Pancake House (154 Nassau St.). P.J.’s is a Princeton fixture, so there’s often a line outside on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Great booths, great location and great atmosphere, but a little overpriced. Be sure to try the chocolate chip pancakes. 924-1353.
Sotto Ristorante and Lounge (128 Nassau St.). The below-street-level restaurant serves great pasta dishes, has a full bar and features a weekly early evening happy hour with ridiculously cheap drinks and $5 appetizers. 921-7555.
Teresa Caffe (21 Palmer Square E.). Teresa's serves mostly Italian dishes in an elegant, trendy, atmosphere. Prices are reasonable -- specialty thin-crust personal pizzas cost around $10 -- making it a popular date spot. For dessert, try the Nutella pizza. 921-1974.
Thai Village (235 Nassau St.). Standard Thai fare; the pad thai and red curry are crowd favorites. A private dining room accommodates large groups. BYOB. 683-3896.
Tiger Noodles (260 Nassau St.). Good Americanized Chinese food, reasonable prices and friendly service. When the weather warms up, its outdoor patio is often packed. BYOB. 252-0663.
Tom Yum Goong (354 Nassau St.). Tom Yum Goong is a bit of a hike from campus, but the walk is worth it. The small restaurant offers inventive Thai dishes and some of the best red curry this writer has ever tried. BYOB. 921-2000.
Tortuga's Mexican Village (44 Leigh Ave.). A 10-minute walk down Witherspoon, but fresh chips and salsa are on the table when you arrive. Serves authentic dishes in a cozy setting at prices slightly higher than the restaurant chains on Route 1. BYOB. 924-5143.
Triumph Brewing Company (138 Nassau St.). Trendy microbrewery that students describe as "classy, but not stuffy" and "chic, but not trying too hard." The hamburgers are mouth-watering, but there’s also classier fare if you’re up for something more sophisticated. The only downsides are the noise (conversation can be difficult when the restaurant is crowded) and the prices (moderately expensive). 924-7855.
Zorba's Brother (80 Nassau St.). Greek diner with huge servings. Lots of small tables make it a good place for one-on-one lunches. Delicious baklava. 279-0999.
Expensive -- Be Warned
Blue Point Grill (258 Nassau St.). Delicious seafood and the freshest fish in town, served in a variety of ways. Popular for romantic dinners and anniversaries, so it can be tough to get a table on weekends. BYOB. 921-1211.
The Ferry House (32 Witherspoon St.). French fusion. Prices are high, so make sure you're someone's guest. BYOB. 924-2488.
La Mezzaluna (25 Witherspoon St.). Delicious Italian food in an elegant setting. The restaurant itself is quite small, which provides for an intimate, but sometimes cramped, setting. The desserts shouldn't be missed. 688-8515.
Lahiere's (5-11 Witherspoon St.). If you really want to impress a date, this is the place. Lahiere's has it all: a formal setting, good food and eye-popping prices. 921-2798.
Le Plumet Royal at the Peacock Inn (20 Bayard Lane/206 North). Inventive French cuisine, a short walk from campus. The filet mignon and chocolate soufflé are excellent. 921-0050.
Mediterra (29 Hulfish). Eclectic menu of tapas, new American and international cuisines, served in a sophisticated environment. Nice dining patio next to the fountain. 252-9680.
Witherspoon Grill (57 Witherspoon St.). Witherspoon Grill (57 Witherspoon St.). Classy, wood-paneled steakhouse with a well-stocked bar. The outdoor patio looks out onto a bustling square, making it perfect for people-watching. 924-6011.
Yankee Doodle Tap Room (10 Palmer Square, under the Nassau Inn). Not cheap, but its deep booths and upscale American fare make it a hot spot during Parents’ Weekend. 688-2600.
Take-Out Joints
Chapin Restaurant (146 Witherspoon St.). Tiny restaurant (six chairs plus take-out) that serves authentic, traditional Guatemalan and Mexican food. The breakfast specials are cheap and served all day. BYOB. 924-5772.
Chez Alice (5 Palmer Square W.). Gourmet café and bakery, featuring salads, sandwiches and pastries. The passion fruit mousse cake and selection of quiches are delicious. 921-6760.
Chuck's (16 Spring St.). Best place for wings outside Buffalo. Take a group and split a platter of 25, 50, 75 or 100. Burgers, hot dogs and chicken fingers are also good and inexpensive here. 921-0027.
George's Roasters and Ribs (244 Nassau St.). Rotisserie chicken, barbecue and hoagies. 252-0419.
Hoagie Haven (242 Nassau St.). Open until 1 a.m. and within convenient walking distance of the clubs for those nights when you have the munchies. The subs are large and cheap, and the service is quick. 921-7723.
Olive's (22 Witherspoon St.). A truly excellent deli and bakery with something for everyone. The sandwiches are good, as are the multitude of daily hot and cold specials. They also do catering and birthday cakes. 921-1569.
Original Soup Man (30 Palmer Square E.). New upscale fast-food restaurant that serves soups, sandwiches, salads and smoothies. Ask for a free sample before you order. 497-0008.
Panera Bread (136 Nassau St.). Chain restaurant featuring sandwiches, soups, salads and delicious bagels. 683-5222.
Red Onion (20 Nassau St.). Take-out sandwiches at good prices. 924-6667.
Sakura Express (43 Witherspoon St.). The definition of "college sushi joint." Small hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a sushi bar and tall rickety tables. Food is average, but the prices are low and the staff is outgoing and fun. If you go often enough, the chef will greet you by name and tease you about college life while he rolls your maki. 430-1180.
Subway (18 Witherspoon St.). It's a Subway. 924-5063.
Tico’s Eatery and Juice Bar (33 Witherspoon St.). Healthy, reasonably priced lunch spot with satisfying Tex-Mex options. Try the quesadillas and yogurt smoothies. 252-0300.
Tomo Sushi (236 Nassau St.). Delicious, inventive sushi place with a loyal fan base. There are always plenty of specials to choose from, but not a lot of seating. Perfect for a quick lunch. 924-8478
Wawa (140 University Place). Cheap sandwiches, ice cream and coffee -- all night, every night. And the collection of people roaming the aisles at 4 a.m. can help cure any case of the normals. 921-3677.
Witherspoon Bread Company (74 Witherspoon St.). This popular establishment has some of the best European bread and pastries around. It also serves yummy focaccia sandwiches. 688-0188.
Zorba's Grill (183-D Nassau St.). Little Greek joint next to the visual arts building. The gyros are pretty good. 924-2454.
Pizzerias
Conte’s Pizza (339 Witherspoon St.). One of the best-kept secrets in town. If you don’t mind the hike down Witherspoon, you’ll be rewarded with what many say is the best pizza in Princeton. 921-8041.
Domino's (41 Highstown Road). The chain near campus is no different from your hometown's, except that it has different student specials each day. Ridiculously cheap, but nothing fancy. 275-5900.
Iano's Rosticceria (86 Nassau St.). Good pizza, pasta and sandwiches at moderate prices. 924-5515.
Massimo's (124 Nassau St.). Casual eatery famous for serving inventive slices, like the pasta pizza covered with baked ziti, along with more traditional Italian-American dishes. The restaurant itself is small, so seating can sometimes be a problem. 924-0777.
Old World Pizza (242-1/2 Nassau St., next to Hoagie Haven). Offers a somewhat gourmet, brick-oven-type pizza with old-style toppings, so prices are a little steeper. The pizza margherita, with extra mozzarella and basil, is to-die-for. While it offers delivery, the hours are not very student-friendly (it closes at 10 p.m.). 924-9321.
Papa John's (175 Washington Road). A favorite delivery restaurant. The prices are decent, and they offer student discounts. 419-0900.
Ice Cream
If the idea of walking around Princeton with an ice cream cone on a beautiful night sounds like a good study break, there are five options. The two old standards are Thomas Sweet (179 Nassau St.) and Halo Pub (9 Hulfish). "T-Sweets" grew out of a candy store, and their jaw-dropping array of toppings and mix-ins reflects that. Halo Pub owns its own dairy farm, and thus manages to offer premium ice cream at great prices. Both stores can develop a long line at peak hours, but the ice cream is worth the wait.
Number three on the ice-cream tour is The Bent Spoon (35 Palmer Square W.), which specializes in organic/homemade sorbet and "artisan" ice cream (their own creation -- soft, rich and creamy). Prices are high and servings are small, but where else can you find avocado-flavored ice cream? Also be sure to try their cupcakes -- they’re to die for.
In a marriage made in heaven, Witherspoon’s, an ice cream and coffee shop in Frist, serves Bent Spoon ice cream and Small World coffee.
The newest kid on the block is Twist (catchphrase; "yogurt without limits"), which offers low-fat and fat-free yogurt and sorbet with a help-yourself toppings bar. Prices are based on the weight of your serving.
Last but not . . . OK, just plain last at the moment, is Ricky's (140 Nassau St.), which caters to the younger crowd with psychedelic decor and a giant green plastic dinosaur.
Coffee
Looking to sit for a while with something hot? On-campus, you've got Witherspoon's in Frist, as well as a café in Chancellor Green, the daytime café in Icahn Lab, the EQuad Café in the engineering school, and the Office of Religious Life's Murray-Dodge Café (student-run, free and open from 10 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. most nights). Off-campus is Starbucks, located on Nassau Street across from the main gates, and Small World, which has two locations, at 14 Witherspoon St. and 254 Nassau St. Less popular but still tasty are Chez Alice in Palmer Square and The Little Chef down South Tulane Street (the pastries at the second are the best in town). Panera also makes a good cup, if you can deal with the hordes of high school students that frequent it.
