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Ask most people in Princeton what the Princeton nightlife scene is and they immediately get this look on their face like “yeah right”. But where have these people been? We do have a life after dark here in Princeton, you just need to be in the know. Here is a guide to help you – nightlife in Princeton as we know it (and in no particular order other than starting downtown.)
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Mediterra is a buzzing night spot. There is a live band on Thursday nights and the place is always full with regulars clocking in after work. Quite a good ladies night scene as well. Great Kir Royales and they also serve some unusual drinks like Negroni.
The Yankee Doodle Tap Room – Located within the Nassau Inn on Palmer Square. With wooded paneling and warm fires in winter, it offers a traditional Princeton setting. Don’t forget to check out the Yankee Doodle mural above the bar and the Princeton graduates on their photo wall.
JB Winberies – word out on the street is that JB Winberies attracts the “younger crowd” whatever that means. It has very much the sports bar atmosphere. Having a drink on your own here ladies is a surefire way to get hit on (depending on whether you want to or not). Lots of regulars.
Teresa’s bar nets you great looking bartenders like NY actress and model, Emily. She makes a mean G&T! Not a lot of space at the bar, but a good way to get a cozy vibe with your drink (and great food of course).
Alchemist & Barrister – The A& B is an institution in Princeton and with that, comes a following of regulars. The bar scene heats up after “family dinner” hours are over and rocks until the wee hours of the morning depending on which band is playing (and they draw quite a pool of talented musical artists). You can let your hair down here.
Small World Coffee features bands on Saturday nights especially the likes of local artists like the emergency funk squad whom we all love. Great bands result in a very funky dance scene and because no alcohol is served, it is a place where both young and old can enjoy together.
Lahiere’s Bar on Witherspoon Street is not such a quiet scene as people might think. A popular venue for our ladies nights. Chris, the bartender knows many of us by name. Friday and Saturday nights are really busy especially pre and post dinner. Lots of pretty people here and David Lauren frequents when he’s in town!
Sotto 128 on Nassau Street in the former location of The Annex is a dramtic change. A bit heavy on the black and orange motif, but a lively place with an active bar. On Thursday’s the lounge area is home to Drinking Liberally, a political activist group here in Princeton. Triumph Brewery on Nassau Street is Princeton’s own micro brewery and is quite a busy scene. They have live music and a pumping bar scene – popular amongst some students as well as the locals and the area corporate crowd. The Ivy Inn on Nassau Street is a place where, if you can believe it, all the au pairs in our town go to and there’s karaoke for those so inclined! A bit rough around the edges
The legendary D Bar at the graduate school frequented by those in the know i.e. university students and au pairs.
Main Street Bistro – Although located in the Princeton Shopping Center, this lively little restaurant also has a bit of bar scene and they seem to have somewhat of a calling for martinis from the dinner guests.
Tre Piani is run by our good friend Jim Weaver. Although this restaurant it is located at the Princeton Forrestal Village, a few minutes from town, the bar scene is really cool and can result in some rather rambunctious behavior (which is good). They have live music and the dance floor is rolled out on Friday nights.
Catch A Rising Star Comedy Club – Hyatt Regency Princeton. Catch provides a casual and friendly atmosphere where interaction between the comedians and audience give shows that extra kick. Servers are on hand to bring your favorite beverages and food throughout the show.
Big Fish Bar at Market Fair is very much a corporate scene. Lots of people head there after work and for the pre-dinner scene. However on a Saturday night, the younger ones do take over.
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Alchemist & Barrister
28 Witherspoon Street, Princeton NJ
609-924-5555
Conte’s Bar & Pizzeria
339 Witherspoon Street, Princeton NJ
609-921-8041
Catch A Rising Star Comedy Club in The Hyatt Regency Princeton
102 Carnegie Center, Princeton NJ
609-987-8018 for reservations
Ivy Inn
248 Nassau Street, Princeton NJ
609-921-8555
Mediterra Restaurant
29 Hulfish Street, Princeton NJ
609-252-9680
Small World Coffee
14 Witherspoon Street
609-924-4377
Sotto 128 (formerly The Annex)
128 Nassau Street, Princeton NJ
609-921-7555
Tre Piani
120 Rockingham Row, Princeton Forrestal Center
609-452-1515
Triumph Brewing Co
138 Nassau Sreet
609-924-7855
Yankee Doodle Tap Room in The Nassau Inn
10 Palmer Square, Princeton NJ
609-921-7500
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