
Princeton Station The Dinky
Dine in a historic 1918 train station, savoring American small plates and drinks amid rustic charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, relaxed vibe

Princeton Station The Dinky
Best Time
Less crowded, relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dine in a historic 1918 train station, savoring American small plates and drinks amid rustic charm.
"The Dinky offers a unique, historic ambiance with delicious small plates and a great bar menu."

🎯 Embrace Small Plates
Many dishes are designed for sharing. Order a few small plates to sample a variety of flavors!
🚗 Easy Parking Nearby
Skip the Nassau Street crowds; convenient parking is available close to the station.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 624 reviews
Type
Bar
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Station Ambiance
Dine or drink in a beautifully preserved 1918 train station, offering a unique, rustic, and cozy atmosphere.

Gochujang Chicken Wings
Spicy, flavorful, and perfectly presented, these wings are a must-try appetizer.

Chicken Bao Buns
Soft, pillowy buns filled with delicious chicken, hailed as some of the best by patrons.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Historic Charm
Portion Sizes & Menu Style
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace Small Plates
Many dishes are designed for sharing. Order a few small plates to sample a variety of flavors!
🚗 Easy Parking Nearby
Skip the Nassau Street crowds; convenient parking is available close to the station.
🕰️ Historic Vibe
Enjoy the rustic decor and historical charm of this former 1918 train station.
🍸 Great Bar Menu
If you're looking for drinks and appetizers, the bar menu is a definite highlight.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace Small Plates
Many dishes are designed for sharing. Order a few small plates to sample a variety of flavors!
🚗 Easy Parking Nearby
Skip the Nassau Street crowds; convenient parking is available close to the station.
🕰️ Historic Vibe
Enjoy the rustic decor and historical charm of this former 1918 train station.
🍸 Great Bar Menu
If you're looking for drinks and appetizers, the bar menu is a definite highlight.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise The Dinky for its unique historic ambiance and delicious small plates, particularly the chicken wings and bao buns. The convenient parking and friendly service are also highlights. However, some find the portion sizes of 'main' dishes to be small for the price, suggesting a focus on appetizers and drinks.
"Came across this spot after a campus tour. As described on their website, this bar and kitchen is welcoming and simple. The menu is not extravagant or overly complicated. We ordered the spicy gochujang chicken wings, chicken Bao Buns, 1865 burger, and meat lovers flatbread. Everything was amazing, did not lack flavor and the presentation was great. The only thing is the 1865 burger is not a traditional burger size, more like a larger sized slider style burger. The flatbread had a good portion of meats on it with a smoky taste to it. Don’t pass up the Bao buns."
Steve R.
"We sat at the bar and only got appetizers/small plates, but every bite was incredible. Some of the best bao buns I've ever had. They had a lot of great options. The inside had a great historical vibe, and they had lovely outdoor seating too. Easy parking nearby and away from the craziness of Nassau Street. Service was spot on. Every restaurant I've been to from this restaurant group has been incredible. Make sure to check out the neat zodiac head statues behind the restaurant!"
Kristen
"I recently visited Dinky Bar and Kitchen at Princeton University and had a wonderful experience. The atmosphere is vibrant yet cozy, with a modern touch that makes it perfect for both casual gatherings and relaxed evenings. I tried the Brussels sprouts, and they were absolutely delicious—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the service was smooth throughout. Definitely a great spot in Princeton to unwind with quality food and a good vibe. Highly recommended!"
Pavan Kumar Davuluri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dinky is a short train ride from Princeton Junction Station, connecting directly to Princeton University. It's a 2-mile, 5-minute journey. It's also easily accessible by car with parking available nearby, away from the main Nassau Street hustle.
Yes, there are plenty of parking spaces nearby, making it a convenient option for visitors arriving by car.
It's a unique establishment that is both a historic train station and a restaurant/bar, offering a dining experience within the original 1918 structure.
The Dinky train itself connects Princeton University directly to Princeton Junction. Once at the Princeton station, the campus is easily walkable.
The Dinky train primarily connects Princeton University to Princeton Junction. From Princeton Junction, you can catch NJ Transit trains to New York City.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to enter the restaurant. It operates as a bar and kitchen, and you can walk in.
Operating hours can vary, but it's generally open for lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current hours.
There is no admission fee to enter the historic station building itself, as it houses the restaurant and bar.
While not always explicitly stated, it's advisable to make reservations, especially for larger groups or during peak times, to ensure a table.
The menu features many small plates and shared items, making it great for a quick bite or appetizers. For a full meal, consider ordering multiple small plates.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
They serve American plates, with a focus on small plates and shared appetizers. Popular items include spicy gochujang chicken wings and chicken bao buns.
Reviewers often note that portion sizes, particularly for some 'main' dishes like burgers, can be on the smaller side, akin to sliders. It's recommended to order multiple small plates.
The spicy gochujang chicken wings and the chicken bao buns are frequently praised as delicious highlights.
While the menu focuses on American plates, it's worth inquiring about vegetarian options. The Brussels sprouts have been noted as a delicious appetizer.
Yes, the bar menu is considered a highlight, offering a good selection of beers and cocktails in a historic setting.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The historic 1918 train station architecture provides a unique backdrop. Don't miss the zodiac head statues behind the restaurant for quirky shots.
Late afternoon or early evening can offer beautiful lighting, especially if you're capturing the exterior or the cozy interior ambiance.
Yes, visitors are welcome to take photos of the food and the rustic interior decor.
The zodiac head statues located behind the restaurant are a quirky and memorable spot for photos.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is excellent for capturing the ambiance. If you have a DSLR, focus on the architectural details and food presentation.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit