small world has been the nexus princeton - my "cortado" every day was my ritual 1993-2021 now i live in los angeles but buy swc roasted coffee by mail. this month i visited nj revisit my faves and try what's new. the lines move fast but swc nassau has a pick-up table all day so online customers skip the line. the "pile driver" has been my "breakfast of champions" . now there are 5 drivers & you can choose from 4 "dipping sauces". i fell in love with green sauce which was herby and tangy! my fave is still "the pile driver" because "niman ranch bacon" is still the heart of this sandwich which comes in a "brioche bun" cooked and assembled by the "worldlings" who make the big difference from and other coffee haus in princeton. many of jessica's most talented artisans, like her local sourced everything, are still here, like the customers, because small world has been the best ever since 1993! from los angeles, "i can dream of cortados and pile drivers and the worldlings who take care for us! read more

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I have been to small world several times and enjoyed the coffee, but I was really disappointed with my visit yesterday. The service was very unfriendly and almost felt like they were mocking me for my order. Standing feet away waiting for my coffee, I could hear the barista and the staff member who took my order talking rudely about it. The coffee, although it tasted good, also had no blueberry flavor. I ordered the blueberry crumb latte off of their specials board outside, and was sad to not taste any blueberry. Overall, I will not be returning. There are so many other good coffee shops in the area for similar prices that have better drinks and better service. read more

Stopped here while walking around campus. It was very very busy and lines were almost to the door. the ordering felt really rushed. Got black coffee and a vanilla iced latte with oat milk. The black coffee was fine but the vanilla latte was disappointing. There was no vanilla flavor and it basically was watered down iced coffee. Maybe I'll come back to dine in but not anytime soon. read more

Really good matcha latte made just the way I prefer it. Cozy spot with little tables to people watch as you sip. read more

Small World Coffee - Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

I saw the last review and went here for matcha latte #1 of the day. I don't have much to say about the café ambiance since I took my order to go but the latte was very good. read more

Small World Coffee - Iced matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Amazing espresso! Not bitter. Server was so pleasant and didn't rush the order even though it was close. Such a great way to end the day in town. read more

Small World Coffee is one of the best coffee places I have ever tried! I got an iced mocha, which was the perfect amount of sweet. I feel like the chocolate is well-incorporated, so the drink is consistent in flavor. While it was a simple order, their coffee just hits different. The employees here are also SO friendly and offer quick service, despite the large demand. The interior is also pretty cozy, making for a great place to sit-down and enjoy your beverage. I would definitely visit Small World Coffee again! read more

Small World Coffee - Iced Mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Visited Small World Coffee in between a few meetings in town and was reminded why I will usually make a beeline here when the caffeine cravings hit. There is seriously so much to love. The space is filled with lots and lots of tables, but it definitely does get crowded no matter the day, weekends and weekdays. It's usually filled with students studying, and laptoppers busy with work. It's been tough to find a table but I have always managed to squeeze somewhere! I've always loved my drinks here and usually opt for my go-to hot oat milk latte or maybe an iced if it's sweltering out. On my last visit, I got the tough chai latte and loved it. But the barista (and myself) will warn you, it's called tough chai for a reason. It's loaded with extra ginger and is super peppery. I love ginger and love a drink with a kick, so it's now my new favorite drink, but might not be for everyone. The line moves quickly, so don't let it scare you off. I've gotten their pastries before but the coffee really is the reason I love stopping in. read more

I have been going to Small World Coffee for several years. As a rule their coffee has been excellent but for the past several months it has been weak and without taste. Today it was undrinkable. It maybe that they have changed their bean selection or the machines need a good cleaning. I hope the taste improve. read more

Small World Coffee - Customers - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

From the moment I got to Princeton, people kept talking about this coffee shop and it did not disappoint! The folks inside were lively, talked me through each special, gave me samples, and made sure I loved what I ordered. The inside was unique, with plenty of seats in all different forms. Lots of local art. Just a great vibe. The coffee itself...amazing! Loved it. Tasted smooth and delicious. Wish I could go every day! read more

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The miso choc chip cookies and chamo fogs are great here! I love ordering 4 drinks from a cafè and having a little flight for myself. In order, my fav drinks were camo fog, matcha latte, arise fog, and then the mexican hot choc. I love mexican hot choc but it didnt quite hit here. This café seems cozy and fun to work at in vibes but i unfortunately havent gotten to stop in yet! I would definitely like to try a dine-in order soon! read more

Small World Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Try the cold brew with thin mint cream and the NOLA. That's enough said Now I need to try all the seasonal cream flavors read more

Small World Coffee - Cold brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

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I got a small iced matcha with light ice at Small World. As a tea lover, I surprisingly enjoyed my drink. Typically matchas at coffee shops aren't the right vibrant green, but this one surprised me. Although it was sweetened, I didn't find it too sweet. My friends and I sat inside for about an hour and chatted. The seating was cozy and we liked the ambiance. Small World is definitely a popular place on the weekends! read more

Small World Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Cute inside kinda and lots of seating but the coffee is okay. I got a vani latte with oat milk hot. Like good mid coffee, nothing too special read more

Small World Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

The explosion of coffee hauses in highly caffeinated Princeton still can't beat the venerable Small World Coffee. I'm not an amateur bean sommolier or sniffer by nature but I can certainly appreciate fast and efficient service that tends to my large black java. The students may be fickle as they chase the newest roaster. I'll just keep it simple. Four solid stars. read more

My place to go when I want a mocha cafe! Lots of seating and free WiFi Parking can be a little tedious, read more

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I understand the lines now. The chai tea was pretty amazing. Certainly a good quality beverage. It's a fun place too. It's busy but somehow not loud. I was able to play a full game of chess quietly at a table. The staff were very kind as well. read more

Fun little coffee shop near Princeton campus. Looking for something local, we picked this and were happy with our choice. We parked across the street and enjoyed all the other neighboring small shops. Once we got to the main entrance, there was a line nearly to the door but it moved quickly. The inside is a lot larger than you would expect and there was plenty of seating available. After ordering our coffees (latte and drip with caramel) and croissant, we sat up front by the window and enjoyed our drinks and food while playing some word and board games. It was a really pleasant time here, would definitely return if passing through the area again. read more

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Overhyped. Ordered a flat white, came as mostly foam, bitter espresso taste as well. read more

How is it possible that I've been a Yelper for almost 10 years and have no review for Small World Coffee!! I've been here countless times. The service has always been friendly. The beverages whether straight up coffee, hot chocolate or a seasonal item such as hot cider always deliver. Expect a packed house as far as seating goes. People tend to camp out for extended periods of time with their laptops. We were lucky to snag a spot for four. On this visit, we ordered a latte, hot chocolate, and a seasonal Rosemary infused beverage. For our sweet tooth, we ordered Grandmas apple pie and Chocolate Chip Cake. Everything was great, especially the apple pie! read more

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This place is located on Witherspoon St just North of the campus. Apparently it opened in about 1993. The people here are very friendly. They have WiFi and a fairly large seating area (see photos) which many people were taking advantage of. They have 2 bathrooms and great coffee. Worth trying out as opposed to Starbucks, which is not bad, but you can get anywhere. Nice place. read more

Small World Coffee - Menu 2024 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

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Stopped in for a hot chocolate and I'm so glad that I did. It was incredible and one of the best I've ever had. I knew that I was in for a treat when I saw a line formed out of the store and onto the sidewalk. The hot chocolate was at the optimal temperature and the whipped cream made this selection memorable. There is plenty of indoor seating and it was packed, as well it should be. If their other items are as good as their hot chocolate, this eatery will need to be placed in the Princeton "mandatory" visit list. read more

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I first started coming here in college and that was ages ago. The place hasn't changed a bit and I love it for that! I was warmly greeted by the barista even though a line was forming behind me. I ordered an iced green tea; it was a little weak but serviceable. Honestly I don't come here for the coffee. The points are their great WiFi, 3 bathrooms, a microwave and 2 toasters. The place gets packed but typically you can get a table. My only issue: you can't plug in your devices. PS - if you're looking for serenity, this isn't the place. read more

Small World Coffee - Iced Green Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Cute cafe for sure! I would rate 3 because A) it's super expensive, B) my latte was nasty. Burnt beans or something ... however the Vanilla Cream redeemed them. It was absolutely delicious. Quick service good, but coffee still mid tho. read more

Love love the vibes here. The cashier guy and girl were very sweet and helpful in helping me decide what to get cuz it was my first time. Matcha drink- 9.5/10 read more

Small World Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

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Service is stellar even though there is always a line. Mexican hot chocolate contains the perfect blend of cinnamon and ancho chili spice. I skipped the whipped cream because it isn't real. It is cozy and welcoming and makes the most of the space. I missed the live music this time, but always love how this place elevates the local community. read more

Small World Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

This was perhaps the most interesting coffee shop I've been to. If you've ever been to a European coffee shop this definitely has the same vibes. It is extremely busy and definitely a spot for locals! Because it is so busy we had to wait outside in line before ordering. The inside had ample seating but is crammed and very loud and a little junky. You could say eclectic. I enjoyed that they used actual glasses / mugs for people dining in. I wish their menu was easier to read or specials were more readily available. I felt a tad rushed to order. They do move everyone in very quickly. Because I felt rushed I didn't order a flavor or anything special because I didn't get a good look at the menu and wasn't sure what customizations were available. It's a cool spot if you're in Princeton just be prepared for a bit of chaos ! read more

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So glad to find a locally owned coffee shop in our world of franchise coffee. After dinner , grabbed a coffee and a pastry here . The cappuccino was perfect with whole milk no need for additional sugar. The blueberry tart crumble was so tasty and you could really taste the blueberry. The ambiance is a local coffee shop with tables to do work, they do close early during week at 7pm. They also have ground coffee and tea bags to go. Service was amazing considering we got there 20 minutes to close. read more

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Love Small World! It's always busy in here which can make finding a seat a little hard, but it's with the experience! Their drinks can be a little pricy but definitely quality coffee read more

It's a nice cafe, cute little vibe but usually crowded at the time i've gone. There is indoor seating but it is close together/busy at times. Food and drink wise, it's okay. I wouldn't say it's anything special or memorable but if you want a casual drink and snack to pick up it's fine. The employees are kind and the vibe itself is cute. read more

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We ordered a hot chocolate and a chai and we absolutely loved both! The hot chocolate was the perfect thickness and had the perfect amount of chocolate. It's the perfect thing for a breezy / cold day! The staff is super friendly and nice. Despite there being a line out the door, the service is super quick. The ambiance is cozy and clearly looked like a place that students love to hang out and catch up on their course work! read more

Small World Coffee - Hot chocolate and chai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Nice service Amazing vibes Good cookies good raspberry bar Nothing like this down in FL read more

Small World Coffee - Hot Chocolate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Love it. Quintessential college-town cafe. Super busy but just a no-nonsense type of place where you come to work or meet up with someone. Food is so-so (sweets are too sweet and savories are limited in range and not too interesting). But there is an authentic energy and vibe here that makes you want to come by and hang out. read more

Cute and cozy little coffee shop, I went with my cousin and we ordered a hot chocolate, hot matcha, and a coconut chocolate macaroon. The hot chocolate was warm and decadent, just what I wanted after walking in the cold! The matcha was just okay, a bit grassy but I'm unsure of whether it would taste better cold. The coconut chocolate macaroon was yummy! It tastes exactly like an almond joy :) read more

Such a cute coffee shop bang opposite Princeton University. Line was long but I chose to join the wagon as I wanted some warm and was keen to try this place . After browsing the menu I decided on Golden Mylk as I love ginger and the description " turmeric ginger emulsion " was very tempting . Was very warm & soothing with subtle ginger flavor that was extremely comforting. I have to go back to try their baked goodies . read more

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I love this cozy coffee shop. They do seasonal drinks and if you don't know what to get just ask the employees cause they're super helpful! I didn't get to try the food but the beverages are phenomenal. read more

The coffee and service is great but the ambiance has slid over the years...inane Z100 dance music that is too loud; is this a dance club or a cafe next to the most prestigious university in the nation? The bathrooms are unclean too, and there's a persistent bathroom smell lingering in the cafe... read more

Maybe the best experience from a customer experience perspective at any coffee shop I've been to. Coffee is want the best I've ever had but it was near the top. Overall very good experience! read more

The coffee here is good, as are the little pastri things they sell. I came here to meetup with someone for work, it provided a relaxing spot for us both. Service was quick, and the taste was amazing. Will come back. read more

First visit here today and I was a bit disappointed. Let me explain. Most places including Starbucks, stop making there dark roasts early in the day, this coffee shop is no different, they had a grumpy monkey coffee brew that was the brew of the day, when I went to order it the cashier said they stop brewing it at 12pm. Terrific, just give me a freaking cup, she did and it rang up at $4.00 for a larger regular brew coffee. I was in kind of shock but so tired I just gave her my last five dollar bill in my wallet and said give me my dollar back post haste. The coffee was suspect at first sip however after a few sips I can attest its decent coffee but by no means worth $4 bucks a cup. Unless I get an exuberant raise in the near future at my job I don't see myself coming back here unless I am in dire need of caffeine and if that be the case I will make a mental note to get the smallest size possible as $4 dollar coffee is a disgrace in a extremely busy coffee shop. Shame on you for that upcharge. As always people SYOY!!! read more