The Best Coffee and Takeout in Princeton

May 17, 2023
Beatrix Bondor

Having spent five years as a Princeton undergrad (I took a gap year during the pandemic), I consider myself somewhat of an expert on where to grab a quick bite or cup of coffee. Please enjoy my list of favorites!

Coffee Spots

Sakrid Coffee Roasters

Located just across from Rocky College at 20 Nassau Street, Sakrid is a popular place for students to study or meet up for a great coffee. Its nitro cold brew on draft is especially excellent, as are its cinnamon lattes!

Interior of a coffee shop with light wood floor, high top tables, a bar with stools against the window and floral chandeliers

Rojos Roastery

Rojos is a small-batch, artisan coffee shop located in Palmer Square. It is devoted to maintaining relationships with independent producers, encouraging sustainable, smaller farming practices. Although it has limited seating space, its coffee is fantastic!

Exterior of Rojo's Coffee, shingled building with a rounded bay window

Coffee Club: New College West (pictured) and Prospect Avenue

The Coffee Club has two locations on campus: one in Campus Club on Prospect Avenue, and a second in New College West. With the goal of providing an inclusive space and excellent drinks, Coffee Club is run by students; baristas are often classmates and friends! 

Coffee shop counter with loft above it, light wood railing and paper lantern chandelier

Small World

Small World is a very popular coffee shop on Witherspoon Street, and many students would recommend it above all other coffee places in town as quintessentially Princeton (t-shirts and stickers are commonly spotted on campus). With lots of seating, it is a great place to meet friends and professors.

Exterior of Small World Coffee with a bench, floral planters, red lacquer paint and "Small World Coffee" awning

Starbucks

Less exciting but definitely worth mentioning is the Starbucks located on Nassau Street just opposite FitzRandolph Gate, the official entrance onto Princeton’s upper campus. Always a convenient option for a caffeine boost or a treat!

Exterior of Nassau Street Starbuck, tudor style building with green "Starbucks Coffee" lettering

 

TAKEOUT IN TOWN

Olives

Takeout food market that features breakfast sandwiches, hot premade specials, salads, all kinds of sandwiches and wraps, bakery items, and snacks.

Exterior of Olives, white building with black and purple "Olives" awning

Jules

Great thin-crust, organize pizza with various toppings and gluten free options.

Exterior of Jules Thin Crust, red brick building with white shutters and trim, a Jules Thin Crust sign and red awning

Princeton Soup and Sandwich

Underrated takeout–outstanding soup and sandwiches!!

Exterior of Princeton Soup & Sandwich, white building with black trim, black "Princeton Soup & Sandwich" awning, and black metal chairs and tables with orange seat cushions

Playa Bowls

Morning booster or afternoon treat–bowls and smoothies of all kinds.

Exterior of Playa Bowl, red brick building with white window trim and black letters reading "Play Bowls"

Maruichi Japanese Market

Opened March 2023, Japanese market and deli with great sushi takeout, produce, and specialty items.

Exterior of Maruichi, white and brick building with double doors and sign above the doors