New Jersey

Princeton University, The College of New Jersey

From Stephanie A., Princeton Class of 1974, and Princeton Parent, Class of 2011

Halo Pub and Halo Fete
9 Hulfish St
Princeton, NJ

The little town of Princeton has more ice cream shops per capita than just about anyplace else!  Halo Pub, at the bottom of Palmer Square, looks like an English pub, but the only thing on “draught” is delicious ice cream from the Halo Dairy in neighboring Lawrenceville.  The prices are incredibly reasonable…about $1.50 for one scoop.  Do try the seasonal fruit flavors.  All tips go to actor Paul Newman’s Hole-in-the-Wall Gang summer camp for underprivileged children. Next door, Halo Fête features exquisite gateaux-like creations, all made of ice cream.


The Bent Spoon
35 Palmer Square West
Princeton, NJ

Another must-do, the Bent Spoon makes wonderful gelatos and sorbets, along with delicious cookies and tiny cupcakes.  The shop itself is minuscule. So be prepared to wait in a long line outside.


Teresa Caffe
23 Palmer Square East
Princeton, NJ

Mediterra Restaurant and Taverna
29 Hulfish St
Princeton, NJ

Both owned by Eno Terra, these restaurants feature delicious Italian food. And Teresa’s is open until at least 11PM on weeknights, which makes it the ideal place to have a late dinner.  Teresa’s does not take reservations, so don’t go there on a weekend night, unless you’re prepared to wait for hours.  The pizzas and pastas are uniformly delicious, and there are many unusual selections. Mediterra has a pretty patio and a big and lively bar area with free seating, so even if you don’t have a reservation, you can usually get in.


Elements
163 Bayard Lane
Princeton, NJ

For a marvelous nouvelle cuisine experience, try Elements, an expensive restaurant, but well worth the price for a special occasion.  Brunch is especially pleasant.


The Witherspoon Grill
57 Witherspoon Street
Princeton, NJ

Next to the Public Library, Witherspoon Grill is a big, lively American food restaurant.


Small World Coffee
14 Witherspoon Street
Princeton, NJ

No review of dining in Princeton would be complete without a shout-out to Small World Coffee, which offers delicious coffee, good baked goods and other delectables, and free wi-fi. You’ll see a lot of professors, grad students and locals there at all hours of the day.