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    The Dinky Bar & Kitchen

    3.9 (285 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    The Dinky Bar & Kitchen Photos

    THE DINKY BAR & KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Claire S.

    The Dinky is a nice spot for a lively brunch. I'd highly recommend reservations because it gets packed! My friend and I split a few menu items, including the fried chicken bao buns, the fried egg burger, and the Cobb salad. Everything was quite good, as were the seasonal cocktails.

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    Maria V.

    Cute little spot on the Princeton University campus . Came here once before for a Yelp Event and came here recently for early dinner and drinks with a friend . Loved sitting at the bar. Good drinks and good

    Starter lobster roll. Approximately an inch long and cost $20 ($10/piece). Lobster was rubbery and minuscule in amount.
    Josephine O.

    Service was fine. Quality and amount for piece was horrible. Portions so small it was comical.

    Caramel  Cookie Expresso martini, Vermont beer
    Anay H.

    Our first time in the Princeton area and we decided to try Dinky' Bar and Kitchen. The food was delicious! We had the short rib flat bread and the Asian chicken boo buns. Really enjoyed our food. The server was really nice and attentive. The restaurant has an old and modern feel. Loved the family vibes and a place to meet up and have good times.

    Sign
    Doubleocean C.

    What a wonderful place to meet up with friends enjoy fail. Is very friendly and the decor and ambience make it a quaint the meet up for a good time.

    Short rib tacos, tuna sushi roll, chicken katsu salad
    Stephanie D.

    Ordered online for take out and it was ready when i got there. The short rib tacos were tender but the tortillas were a little soggy by the time we brought it home. The sushi was decent and hamburger was good but small. The fig flatbread was my favorite really flavorful. The chicken katsu salad had good flavor but a lot of the greens were yellow and not fresh

    Spicy Tuna Roll - $15.95
    Pamela L.

    The Dinky - holds the title for shortest rail commute in the country. With no immediate stops, this 5 minute ride is also referred to as the PJ&B (Princeton Junction & Back). This restaurant pays homage to The Dinky. The decor inside resembles a train station. Dishes here are more like tapas or appetizer portions, a quick eat before boarding the train. My companion and I tried 4 dishes (2 hits and 2 misses). Started with a "N/A Pineapple Ever After" mocktail for $9.95. I'm a pineapple kind of girl so I loved it. 1. French Onion Soup Dumplings - the baked dumplings drenched in onion sauce was super tasty. Love how unique this was. 2. 1865 Burger - beef patty was juicy and the bun was soft but for $8.95 it is the size of a slightly bigger slider. I could have eaten 2 more of these. 3. Spicy Tuna Roll - construction was a hot mess and served cold. Nothing special for $15.95. 4. Short Ribs Tacos - the ribs were dry and not marinated. Felt like it was just thrown into the taco as a separate ingredient if that makes any sense. I thought it was awfully pricey...2 for $15.95. This will be a one time visit for me. The fact that I still felt hungry after these pricey little dishes, it was like a modern day train heist. Service was a 10/10.

    Fig and prosciutto flatbread
    Alex H.

    The Dinky in Princeton is a local bar serving small plates and drinks at the former dinky station. We came for dinner and drinks and enjoyed the lobster rolls, braised short ribs tacos, buttermilk fried chicken baos, pretzel twists, and fig and prosciutto flatbread. The food and drinks at the Dinky are both solid and makes for a great casual meal with a date or friends

    Allagash @Dinky
    Aakash S.

    Great little dive slightly off the main strip in Princeton. Place is great for groups so people can try different items, portions are small on purpose so it can be a little pricier but overall good and worth it. Bar area is really cool, not a place you'd go for a game though with a more retro vibe and smaller tv's. Outdoor seating available too.

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    2 months ago

    Great food, great service, great location and great atmosphere. Can you tell i think its great;)

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    Page 1 of 8

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    Ask the Community - The Dinky Bar & Kitchen

    Are there outdoor heaters?

    Yes

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    Yep! There's metered parking right outside the restaurant - plenty of spots!

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    Mistral

    Mistral

    3.9
    (771 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    We came here on a Sunday morning and there was only one other party seated, so it was pretty quiet…read more That may have been due to it being MLK weekend, with many people out of town for the long weekend. I ordered the Grilled Chicken Wrap, which was excellent, packed with chicken and very filling. I ended up taking half home because it was both generous and delicious. The side salad was also surprisingly good. We ended up returning later for happy hour, which takes place in the room to the right of the hostess stand. I highly recommend stopping by for drinks and bites if you're in the mood for classic cocktails and solid food. Happy hour is first come, first served and limited to the bar only (around 15 seats total). We arrived right when it started, and when we left about 40 minutes later, the bar was about half full. I'd definitely come back to try their dinner or to enjoy their happy hour again.

    The evening didn't start off well, it picked up but ended flat…read more First, the hostess. We walked in from the bar entrance and heard a voice over our shoulder. There was a young lady sitting in the corner in the phone telling us that there were no seats if we didn't have a reservation. Not the most polite but whatever. We went back to the bar and got a table. Why are bar tables always so sticky?! Anyhoo, we just missed the Happy Jour menu but it was only a $1-2 discount (except for the burger: $4). Service was pleasant and attentive. The food was overpriced for sitting in a bar. $30 for a bowl of ramen! (I don't know how it tastes but it's $17 across the street.) $22 for a burger and fries! $10 for two little bao with a single shrimp in each! Ok, that's not too bad since Bao is generally overpriced for some reason but I could have gotten more than one shrimp. Unfortunately, the price did not reflect the quality. My friend who got the ramen said it was in the bottom 25% he's ever had. My burger was pretty good but the bun was toasted and brittle and made an unnecessary mess. The fries--personal preference--I don't like skinny fries. As for the bao, the shrimp was too salty. I liked the finishing salt but the flavoring salt was too heavy. Also, it was drizzled with aioli and I couldn't pick it up and eat it like the sandwich it was. Overall, a disappointment. Mediocre food and an elevated price for no reason.

    Photos
    Mistral
    Crispy Salmon Bites ($12) - togarashi, nori, tayaki sauce​. Sauce was surprisingly sweet. It's mostly rice.
    Crispy Salmon Bites ($12) - togarashi, nori, tayaki sauce​. Sauce was surprisingly sweet. It's mostly rice.
    Crispy Salmon Bites ($12) - togarashi, nori, tayaki sauce​. Sauce was surprisingly sweet. It's mostly rice.

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    Crispy Salmon Bites ($12) - togarashi, nori, tayaki sauce​. Sauce was surprisingly sweet. It's mostly rice.
    The Perch At Peacock Inn

    The Perch At Peacock Inn

    4.5
    (81 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    Less a restaurant than an experience in immaculate luxury... where the quarter percenters must go…read moreto keep the remaining one percenters out of sight and mind. For years I have been boring friends, family and anyone who would listen about the wretched state of service in the US, unfortunately made even more dismal by the pandemic. Well, I'm happy to report that service isn't dead, it's just lounging in the witness protection program at a place called the Perch at Peacock. Service here is as gracious and precise as a metronome and is a welcome respite from the current shambolic state of things on planet earth. And before I forget, the food... almost matching the service which is saying something. I absolutely loved the Restaurant Week Hangar Steak and Tomato Bisque with a finger sandwich of grilled cheese and lobster. Tastes that I'm unlikely to replicate as I return to the assorted diners and dives that are not privy to the safe harbor of witness protection and the unwashed remnants of the one percent. Damn. I almost don't have to say it, an easy five stars.

    I was so looking forward to dinner here at the venerable Peacock Inn. I had worked in the…read moreneighborhood a few years ago and it was always considered the fancy place for an elegant meal. Sadly, our weekday meal was a disappointment. My friend and I were only one of two parties dining in the restaurant. The menu overall feels old and dated. It features Just the classics, which is fine if executed well, but the execution was seriously lacking. The little gem salad featured pickled cucumbers in a very sharp vinegar sitting next to overdressed, lettuce and kale. It also had very large round carrots, which I think were completely unnecessary. The complimentary bread was brought to the table, warm and featured little mini salads on the side, which was a thoughtful touch. My entree of duck was a substitute for the more exciting braised short ribs mentioned initially. The breast was tough and chewy and the bread crumb on the leg was mushy and not crisp. Desert was our last hope but the flourless cake proved to be a hard, tough dome. Shout out for the kind and thoughtful wait staff! Overall, however, a let down. What a shame! There are too many excellent restaurants in the Princeton area and a clientele that definitely have a global palate so I worry this place might not last.

    Photos
    The Perch At Peacock Inn
    The Cherry
    The Cherry
    New Year's Eve Prix Fixe Menu

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    New Year's Eve Prix Fixe Menu
    Winberie's Restaurant & Bar

    Winberie's Restaurant & Bar

    3.7
    (463 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    I went here on a recommendation from a friend of mine after going to a nearby street fair. Located…read morein the heart of Palmer Square in Princeton, Winberries is in the heart of the most walkable area in town. The outside has a distinct brick facade while the interior features a homey wooden motif. The alcohol selection had a good variety to what was available and I partook in a local peach cider. For my meal, I had the Wagyu burger. It was delicious and flavorful. The burger was cooked just about medium-rare as ordered and it was overall quite good. The server was polite and friendly. Overall, it's a very good option in what is a very competitive area in terms of restaurant choices.

    Got a chicken pot pie, french onion soup, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Steak Fries and Pasta Bolognese…read more They have a huge ambiance, alot of table to sit. The staff is quick, our food came in 10minutes. French onion soup was the highlight, The mains were not very good, steak was a big disappointment it was burned and had a very bad after taste, rest of the mains were fine nothing great. On reporting to the staff that something was up with the steak they were considerate enough to not include it on the final bill. We even had dessert there which was yum. Place give a nice vibe but when the food doesn't match the standards it doesn't matter how nice the vibe was.

    Photos
    Winberie's Restaurant & Bar
    Truffle fries with Parmesan| #intenselypassionatephotography
    Truffle fries with Parmesan| #intenselypassionatephotography
    The front of the building at night!

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    The front of the building at night!
    Kristines

    Kristines

    4.1
    (203 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$$

    Here I go again--another French bistro I absolutely adore…read more Christine's French Bistro is everything you want in a cozy, decadent French spot: small, intimate, softly lit with sconces, and anchored by a beautiful bar you can dine at or just sip champagne and linger. Let's be honest--I come here for one reason: the soufflés. They are my kryptonite. Sweet or savory, they never disappoint. I've had the chocolate (rich, decadent, flawless), though I'm still chasing my ultimate favorite--the elusive Grand Marnier soufflé. One day... Beyond that: * Mussels + champagne = always a win * Service is warm and welcoming * Prices feel fair for the quality and experience This place has become part of my ritual when I'm in the area. I'll fly into Newark Liberty International Airport, hop on the Amtrak Acela, get off in Princeton, head straight here, and yes--plan my trip around a soufflé. No regrets. The location is perfect--right in the heart of Princeton, which is one of those charming, walkable towns with tree-lined streets and that classic, almost European feel. There's garage parking nearby, but honestly, once you're there, you won't need your car. Perfect for: * Date night * Dessert and champagne with friends * Solo bar seating (highly recommend) Bottom line: Elegant, cozy, and worth going out of your way for--especially if you love a proper soufflé. Life's too short not to eat well. Go make it happen.

    Very disappointed. To begin, the first basket of bread was stale and cold. One small pat of butter…read morefor a table of 3. 2 of our group ordered the steak frites and the steak was tough and full of gristle which made it inedible. There were literally 8 French fries on the plate and they were cold. I understand restaurants are trying to cut costs but potatoes are still cheap. One diner had the lamb special which was supposed to be served with a sauce but was dry and flavorless. The accompanying black rice was just there. The only positive was our server who was helpful and friendly. This is Princeton for Pete's sake. Most of the patrons have been to France and know good dining.

    Photos
    French Bistro (Interior Seating)
    French Bistro (Interior Seating)
    6oz Hanger Steak, Poached Eggs & Breakfast Potatoes
    6oz Hanger Steak, Poached Eggs & Breakfast Potatoes
    Rainbow Trout Meunière & Green Beans

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    Rainbow Trout Meunière & Green Beans
    Witherspoon Grill

    Witherspoon Grill

    3.8
    (658 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$$

    I ate here solo, looked for a bar / high top seat but they were all taken, on a Tuesday night mind…read moreyou. Staff accommodated me at a nice two seater table that didn't have me in the middle of the action, so I felt comfortable dining alone. Started off with the best Blood Orange Martini I've ever had. Cold and tasty!! I honestly had the best Caesar Salad I may ever have had. So tasty and plentiful. Abundance of Parm & croutons and packed with flavor. Hadn't had a Filet in awhile and opted for that with some Bearnaise. Great choice - tender cut - tasty crust - perfectly prepared. A jazz band was playing which only added to the amazing ambience. My server was attentive and quite friendly. I'm sorry I missed her name. Thank you for a fantastic evening. I will return for sure.

    What lovely place to have lunch, at least on a warm almost-summer day eating under an umbrella at…read morean outdoor table! Friends picked us up at the Princeton Junction train station and drove into Princeton. We had lunch at Witherspoon, one of their favorites, before heading to the Princeton University Art Museum. My friend and I shared the grilled shrimp salad, and they kindly split it in the kitchen for us. Hardly any black beans, at least in mine, but two large shrimp (one of my favorite oxymorons!) and lots of shredded romaine, topped with about half a sliced avocado. Came with a creamy dressing on the side, no great shakes to me but my friend loved it. My husband had a whole grilled shrimp salad to himself, ignored the dressing, and really liked the salad. Our other friend had 2 appetizers as his meal - lobster bisque and a poke cup that was on the menu as a tuna martini, or something like that. Cute title. Two of us had unsweetened iced tea, one had a cup of hot water. My iced tea was good, our friend got a refill of his. I'm not sure if he was charged for it but I don't think so. We passed on dessert, went later for ice cream. Enjoy!

    Photos
    Cozy atmosphere
    Cozy atmosphere
    Strip Steak with bernaise sauce
    Strip Steak with bernaise sauce
    Dirty martini and French Chardonnay

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    Dirty martini and French Chardonnay

    The Dinky Bar & Kitchen - wine_bars - Updated June 2026

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