Page 12 - Princeton-Mercer - 2019 Regional Life

Dining & Shopping
A Treasure Trove of Outstanding Delicacies & Unique Goods
PRINCETON-MERCER BOASTS MYRIAD SHOPPING AND DINING OPPORTUNITIES, ranging from
trendy to traditional, from grab- and-go to gourmet. The region has malls, boutiques, delis, farm-to-table restaurants and other shops and stops to satisfy any taste. Princeton-Mercer also affords ready access to New York City and Philadelphia and the many attractions there.
In addition to the county seat of Princeton and the state capital of Trenton, many boroughs and townships throughout the county also offer shopping and dining options. Casting a wide net is an excellent way to discover new favorites.
Shopping
In Princeton, the premier shopping venue is Palmer Square, a neighborhood of high-end specialty shops, galleries and restaurants on Nassau Street just across from Princeton University. With classic architecture, tree-lined streets and green space for events and entertainment, the square is a great place to shop, walk, eat and enjoy.
Princeton Shopping Center, a short distance from the town center, is another option with a dozen stores and a selection of eateries.
Quaker Bridge Mall, in Lawrenceville, attracts shoppers and diners from many communities in central New Jersey due to its accessibility via I-95, I-295 and other major roads. Among its 90 stores and restaurants are many traditional mall merchants, such as Macy’s, Sears, JC Penney and Lord & Taylor, and several local businesses as well.
Hamilton Township, centrally located next to Trenton, offers a variety of shopping opportunities with big-box stores, chain retailers and supermarkets located at Hamilton Marketplace, The Shoppes at Hamilton, Hamilton Square Shopping Center, Hamilton Plaza and Mercerville Shopping Center.
Dining
As with shopping, dining out is an adventure of choice in the Princeton- Mercer region. There are fine-dining and casual establishments, delis, carryouts,
renowned ice cream parlors, historic pubs and college hangouts.
Princeton
The Peacock Inn Restaurant has repeatedly won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and has also received high ratings by Zagat and New Jersey Monthly. Described as refined, yet relaxed, this restaurant serves New American cuisine, either a la carte or from a five-course tasting menu, in a beautiful colonial inn.
In the heart of Palmer Square sits the Nassau Inn, a Princeton landmark
that traces its history back to the pre- Revolutionary Nassau Tavern. The inn’s Yankee Doodle Tap Room Restaurant serves up history and Princeton lore with its food and beverages.
PJ’s Pancake House is another campus mainstay, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a quaint spot on Nassau Street. One favorite is the pancake sampler — you choose the three flavors.
The Salt Creek Grille touts its “scratch cooking,” following the tradition of grilling
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