Looking for the perfect spots to have a cozy lunch in Princeton New Jersey? Fortunately, you don’t have to look far, as Princeton has a number of places to relax and have lunch by yourself or with friends and coworkers. In fact, Princeton is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in NJ thanks to its walkability, low crime rates and outdoor activities.
Whether you’re looking to pack your own healthy lunch or order from a chicken restaurant like La Rosa Chicken and Grill, there is no shortage of lunch spots in Princeton. Below are some of our favorites and the reasons why.
If you’re planning to spend time outdoors and catch up on your favorite book or crossword puzzle, an open green space will provide the perfect backdrop. Turning Basin Park sits on nine acres and has a covered picnic pavilion plus plenty of green space.
Marquand Park also has ample space for an outdoor lunch thanks to its mature trees and rolling hills. It also features a giant sandbox, play structure and walking trails, which is ideal if you’ll be bringing along kids. You can also check out Greenway Meadows Park that features a small playground and soccer fields, along with places to set up a picnic lunch.
You may not think of having a relaxing lunch at Princeton University, but it’s certainly an option worth exploring! Princeton is an open campus that welcomes people from all over the world! You can even take a walk around the campus to look at the buildings and architecture. Even Princeton hosts its own events on the lawn, such as their annual picnics and movie nights. Bring your own lunch or try one of the dining options on campus.
If you like the idea of having lunch picnic-style but prefer to be near the water, Princeton has you covered! Carnegie Lake is a reservoir that formed from a dam on the Millstone River. It's a beautiful, clean lake surrounded by trees, which look especially stunning come fall. You might even catch a glimpse of the Princeton University's crew team that still rows on the lake today.
If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat and a quiet space to work, check out one of the many coffee shops in the area such as Small World Coffee, Rojo’s Roastery or classic Starbucks. These places offer a quaint atmosphere with comfortable chairs and tables. Bakeries are also worth checking out, as some offer indoor and outdoor seating where you can grab some coffee and a sweet treat for lunch.
Princeton also offers plenty of dine-in restaurants - and you don’t have to settle for fast food. As mentioned above, La Rosa Chicken and Grill offers healthy chicken options like grilled chicken and fresh salads, along with freshly prepared sides. And you don’t have to wait long, giving you more time to enjoy lunch! There are also many delis, cafes and breakfast restaurants in the area that feature tasty lunch menus.
Lunch is an important meal of the day, especially if you skip breakfast. Hopefully these ideas have given you inspiration on how to enjoy lunch in Princeton NJ. Whether you’re looking for something quiet and relaxing or accommodating and vibrant, this area has it!