Where Is The Best Place To Grab A Drink In Princeton?

Princeton, NJ -- Now that fall is full swing (or is it?) and adults around Princeton are settled in to their daily routines, there might be one phrase you begin to hear more once the weekend rolls around: Let’s go get a drink?

But where do you go? Let Yelp help you decide.

Yelp! gives voice to anyone who’s ever had a drink in Princeton. So what do Yelp! users think? Below is a sample of reviews of Princeton’s bar scene:

Triumph Brewing Company (3.5 stars; 138 Nassau Street, 609-924-7855):

“A Princeton staple. Great atmosphere....fun place to hang out for happy hour or on the weekends, really any time day or night. I love their stout and their amber ale, the rest of their beers are just ok in my opinion. But those two make up for it...I could drink those all night (and usually do). Once in a while they have a good seasonal on tap too. Sometimes if I haven't been there in a while I get the tasting flight to sample all the beers, only to be reminded of the two I always like best. The food is good, too. They've changed the menu frequently over the years and I think they've gotten a bit less inventive. Many of my favorite menu items are now long gone and have been replaced by more "standardized" versions (what ever happened to the "Epic Burger"??) Either way, the food is still good and I'll still be going to Triumph every chance I get.”

“I'm not a beer snob, and I doubt that their offerings would wow one. But most folks can probably find something carby to sip on. I settled on the Witbier and it was ok, not great enough to tempt me to go off my diet though. I was a bit surprised when someone from our group asked about hard cider and was informed that they don't carry. Most members in our group enjoyed their food, some even raving about certain items. With menu choices that ranged from salads and sandwiches to more trendy dishes such as crab risotto, I went with what I felt would be a safe choice, a bacon cheese burger. The meat was not a frozen patty, but it was also not juicy or cooked to the requested medium. The bacon was the best part. The fries that came with it were ok, but I had ordered it with a side salad. When I reminded the waiter of this he said he would correct the mistake, that never came to pass. My feeling is that there are probably a few well done menu items, but they might not be the usual suspects. Regulars who have sampled several items might fare better in their choices.”

“I have eaten here several times, but was never overly impressed. That is until this recent visit. We ordered the Vegetarian Banh Mi sandwich and the Crab Risotto. I'm always a bit leery to order vegetarian entrees at places that are not known for it. But Triumph outdid itself with the Banh Mi sandwich. It was made with a tempura maitake mushroom as well as some pickled carrots and avocado. It came with sriracha aioli on the side as well as already on the bun. The melding of flavors created by the mushroom, carrots, avocado and the aioli was absolutely delicious. The most difficult part was figuring out how to eat it, because it was stacked so high. I would order this again in a heartbeat. The crab risotto was also delicious and cooked perfectly. One of my best meals at Triumph.”

Winberie’s Restaurant & Bar (3.5 stars; 1 Palmer Square East; 609-921-0700)

“Came for dinner and got the Hickory Burger ($14) which comes with fries. It was GREAT! I particularly liked the chili fried onions they put in there paired with the beef patty and crispy bacon. I was stuffed by the end of it, although I might try this same burger again from their happy hour menu (half price!) next time. My friend got the chicken fettuccine which also looked and sounded splendid. Portions are good and filling amount, just like they should be. For dinner, this place is reasonably priced too! P.S. Sample their burgers and appetizers during their happy hours before committing for dinner later. They're cheap (under $7) and can spare you from a bad investment.”

“This place has not changed in how good it is since I've started coming here 29 years ago. It's a fun, cool bar. Bartenders are awesome. Rafaella isn't one of the best and here a very long time. Love her!! The food here never fails. Whether it's the amazing happy hour, or entree, or salad. Food is always great. I've probably eaten everything on the menu over the years but my favorites are burgers, chicken quesadilla (so yum with black beans, bacon and cheese), buffalo tenders, Ruben sandwich.. Pasta dishes are great.. Can't go wrong here with anything.”

“We came here on a Sunday and sat at a table near the bar and the experience was pleasant. I ordered the shitake mushroom burger, my husband ordered the penne spinach pasta, and my friend ordered the shrimp and rice bowl. Everyone enjoyed their food. I ordered a Pina colada and the waitress totally forgot to put in my order but she made it right by not charging us for it which was appreciated. Overall a pleasant experience. Will be back again.”

Ivy Inn (3.5 stars; 248 Nassau Street, 609-921-8555)

“Love the Ivy Inn... But it is indeed a hole in the wall.. But that's what I like. Princeton has a lot of really nice bars, so its like coming to the hometown bar when going to Ivy. I have been to the Ivy numerous time, but usually frequent the bar when my friend/DJ is cranking the music. I also go rather religiously to Tuesday night trivia. It doesn't hurt that my team routinely performs well. The bartenders are friendly and eager to please.”

“Best neighborhood bar in Princeton...great prices, amazing food, always a good time! The bartenders are super nice too! I highly recommend the chicken salad with sliced apples.”

“Went on a Monday night because it's just about the only place to play pool in the area (haven't found any other tables which SUCKS). But heard this and that about the ivy but it was pleasantly nice on a Monday night, the bouncer/bar guy was very friendly and filled us in on specials and his personal fav/recommendation for beers. We had to wait to play pool as there were guys playing who all had brought their own pool sticks and things and seemed a bit intense for us; in no time we were on the table without anyone in line behind us. Pretty nice pool table it had just been refelted. As for specials super cheap beer compared to anywhere else in Princeton and I hear the food is super good also (great price also like 8.50 for 10 wings). Had a pretty good IPA for 3$ that was 8% ABV. Enjoyed it and would definitely go back.”

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