Spring is finally here, which means people are itching to get outside. Princeton sidewalks will start to fill with shoppers and tourists as the temps heat up. All that walking around works up an appetite, and since there are so many eateries in town, why not stop for some food and beverage?
Luckily for us, we can still stay connected with the great outdoors by selecting a restaurant or a shop with outdoor seating. Many say food tastes better when enjoyed outdoors, so this may be why Princeton has a number of sidewalk cafes, making dining al fresco a breeze (pun intended). Here is a guide of outdoor dining in Princeton. If I’ve missed a restaurant, please add it in the comment section below.
Agricola – A new restaurant in town offering New American food, and can seat 14 outside.
Alchemist & Barrister – This is an old favorite with section that’s more like a sunroom located next to the passageway connecting Witherspoon Street and Palmer Square East.
Blue Point Grill – This is one of the best seafood restaurants in the area. They have space heaters and are partially covered by awnings.
Photo Credit: Camillo’s Cafe
Camillo’s Cafe – This Italian restaurant is at the back of the Princeton Shopping Center. They have tables covered by an awning along its side.
EFES Mediterranean Grill – Enjoy Turkish cuisine on Nassau St. Limited seating.
Gennaro’s Restaurant – Italian fare served just north of the borough on the northbound side of Rt. 206.
Hinds Plaza – This is next to the library and has several tables. During warmer weather the tables have umbrellas, and the Farmers’ Market provides musical entertainment around lunch time. You can grab your lunch from any nearby merchants like Olives, Sakura, Red Onion, Iano’s, or from stands at the market, and sit and eat. It’s almost like a food court… just the best one ever!
Ivy Inn – This Nassau Street pub just expanded their menu and has seating in the back.
La Mezzaluna – Italian food with a few tables out on Witherspoon.
Photo Credit: Main Street Bistro
Main Street Bistro & Bar – They have the Clocktower Cabana Patio Bar in the courtyard of the Princeton Shopping Center. They serve food and tropical drinks. It’s like being on vacation.
Mediterra – Feast on Mediterranean cuisine while overlooking a courtyard with a circular fountain and Palmer Square West. Very European! They’re looking into heating (infrared) that will work with their new retractable roof.
Mehek – Indian restaurant offering a few tables on Nassau Street.
Metro North (Princeton) – It’s on the outskirts of Princeton and offers more space with seating for 50.
Mistral – Courtesy of the owners of elements, this new eatery will open in weeks, and will be on the corner of Witherspoon and Hulfish with a large patio for 40.
Nassau Sushi – On Nassau Street but has outdoor eating in the back off to the side. You can get glimpses of Nassau depending on where you sit.
Palmer Square – While there are no tables, there are benches available. You can sit and enjoy a sandwich and drink if you don’t mind a more casual meal.
Panera Bread (Nassau St.) – They have a new pasta menu. Limited seating on the sidewalk.
PJ’s Pancake House – Serving more than just breakfast to a few tables on Nassau Street.
Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company – A handful of tables on Palmer Square East and Hulfish.
Small World Coffee (Nassau St.) – Limited seating on the sidewalk.
Thai Village – Thai food with some tables on Nassau Street.
Thomas Sweet (Nassau St.) – Shares a few tables with Zorba Grill recessed off Nassau.
Tiger Noodles – Most popular Chinese restaurant in town located on Nassau Street with recessed outdoor dining.
Witherspoon Grill – Sit at the back of Hinds Plaza and watch people walking along Witherspoon Street or popping into the library.
Photo Credit: Yankee Doodle Tap Room
Yankee Doodle Tap Room – Another great Palmer Square location to eat al fresco. This beautiful patio is quite popular, serves New American cuisine, and has umbrellas and space heaters.
Zorba’s Grill – Shares a few tables with Thomas Sweets recessed off Nassau.
Thanks for this! Reminds us that Spring is a comin’ even if it doesn’t feel like it…
Deborah, you’re right, it doesn’t feel like spring yet. Luckily, some places have space heaters. 😉
Thanks Robin for putting this great list together. Now all we need is spring 😉
“Now all we need is spring”. Yes, the sun is nice but the air could use a little heat.
Once it hits 55 – 60 I’ll start eating al fresco!
So true Nirit! I’m thinking things should heat up in two weeks. In Europe people start filling the sidewalk cafes above 50 degrees. 😀
This was an excellent line up of restaurants with outdoor seating. I love dining “al fresco”.
I had high hopes for Agricola but was disappointed that their menu — like so many restaurants in the area — is not friendly to vegetarians. Bhavana and I rarely eat out anymore.
It would seem, however, that the Spring calendar and the actual weather of Spring are not quite here. Despite the sunny weather, it’s been in the mid 30s (ºF) most of this week with highs in the 40s. Still a bit too chilly for me to sit outside to enjoy a meal. Brr. Can’t wait for the real spring to start.
Khürt, I find that if you ask, the chefs can be accommodating to vegetarians. I thought I saw a mushroom dish on Agricola’s menu. It’s limited, at least for the time being. The mushroom risotto is AMAZING at the Yankee Doodle Tap Room. There are good tapas at Mediterra. There’s always Hinds Plaza. You can basically bring a picnic and the entire family can sit at a table in the summer and enjoy dinner outdoors and watch the people go by!