Mercer County is full of historic small towns with quaint main streets that offer several one-of-a-kind restaurants. Although this part of New Jersey also features several chain restaurants, such as Houlihan's, the Olive Garden and P.F. Chang's, if you live in or visit the area, you should stop by one of its well known and well liked dining establishments.
J.B. Winberie's is a Princeton classic, nestled in the heart of Palmer Square. Locals, students and visitors can relax in the casual bar and grill atmosphere, and nosh on salads, wraps and burgers for lunch or dinner, and stay late for drinks at the bar area.
Winberie's
One Palmer Square
Princeton, NJ 08542
609-921-0700
For a more upscale dining experience in Princeton, eat at Mediterra. The restaurant is classy and quiet, and the tables are always full. The menu offers an eclectic mix of dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. In addition to a distinctive menu and full bar, the restaurant provides live music on Tuesday nights and, during fair weather, outside seating.
Mediterra
29 Hulfish St.
Princeton, NJ 08542
609-252-9680
mediterrarestaurant.com
From the outside, Triumph Brewing Company appears to be a modest restaurant, tucked in between the shops on Nassau Street in Princeton; however, this view from the street is deceptive. Enter and walk down the restaurant's long entryway, and you will find yourself in a surprisingly large, two-story restaurant and brewery. It has a spacious bar area, making it an ideal location for appetizers and a drink. The restaurant has upstairs and downstairs seating; the menu is short, but features entrees and nightly specials that will please every palate.
Triumph Brewing Company
138 Nassau Street
Princeton, NJ 08542
609-924-7855
triumphbrewing.com
Nomad Pizza is crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, making it an ideal location for locals to spend time with the family and socialize with friends and neighbors. People flock to this small restaurant for pizza made with organic and locally grown ingredients. Do not let the crowds frighten you off; service is reasonably fast, so you will be seated promptly. The menu features a wide selection of pizzas, but focuses on simplicity, and even a basic Margherita pizza is full of flavor. Pie sizes are small in comparison to what you might get at a local pizzeria, so if you are going with a hungry crowd, make sure you order enough, and be prepared to pay cash, as credit cards are not accepted.
Nomad Pizza
10 East Broad St.
Hopewell, NJ
609-466-6623
nomadpizzaco.com
Art and culture enthusiasts appreciate Rat's Restaurant, situated in the middle of Grounds for Sculpture, a public sculpture park with an indoor exhibition area. The restaurant is known for its views as it overlooks a lily pond. The structure of the building and surrounding area was created as a tribute to Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Rat's menu is French inspired and the restaurant describes its food as "cosmopolitan home cooking."
Rat's Restaurant
16 Fairground's Road
Hamilton, NJ 08619
609-584-7800
ratsrestaurant.org
