Inside The Dinky
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Princeton Station The Dinky

4.3
·624 reviews·Princeton, United States

Dine in a historic 1918 train station, savoring American small plates and drinks amid rustic charm.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Less crowded, relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
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Inside The Dinky

Princeton Station The Dinky

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Less crowded, relaxed vibe

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dine in a historic 1918 train station, savoring American small plates and drinks amid rustic charm.

4.3
(624 reviews)

"The Dinky offers a unique, historic ambiance with delicious small plates and a great bar menu."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 624 reviews

Type

Bar

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Station Ambiance

Historic Station Ambiance

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

Gochujang Chicken Wings

Gochujang Chicken Wings

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

Chicken Bao Buns

Chicken Bao Buns

Soft, pillowy buns filled with delicious chicken, hailed as some of the best by patrons.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Historic Charm

This spot is a former 1918 train station, offering a unique, rustic ambiance. Expect a cozy, historical vibe perfect for a relaxed meal or drinks. It's a great alternative to the busier Nassau Street.

Portion Sizes & Menu Style

The menu leans towards small plates and shared items, with some reviewers noting that even 'main' dishes can be slider-sized. Consider ordering multiple small plates to feel satisfied.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Less crowded, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, good for groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

like i’ll go anywhere before i go to dinky willingly #clearingdrafts
@lalasaahid
5.3K likes • 59.8K views

🎯 Embrace Small Plates

Many dishes are designed for sharing. Order a few small plates to sample a variety of flavors! Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking Nearby

Skip the Nassau Street crowds; convenient parking is available close to the station. Reddit

I attended the GRAND OPENING of Dinkies & Bar Vegan. Slutty Vegan+Big Dave’s Collab Restaurant 📍Ponce City Market 2nd Floor #atlfoodies #atlrealtor
@christianatherealtor
1.6K likes • 26.3K views
Step back in time and savor the history at The Dinky Restaurant in Princeton! 🚂🍽️ Housed in the iconic 1918 stone station, this charming spot has seen it all, from train passengers to the legendary Great Dinky Robbery. Today, it's all about celebrating local flavors with a simple, warm welcome. The plates tell stories of their own, like the savory French onion soup dumplings, crispy fried chicken ...
hopewelleats
36 likes • 1.3K views

🕰️ Historic Vibe

Enjoy the rustic decor and historical charm of this former 1918 train station. Instagram

🍸 Great Bar Menu

If you're looking for drinks and appetizers, the bar menu is a definite highlight. Reddit

Muhim yòl America 🇺🇸 New York ka 🚆 Train Route: Princeton → New York City 🔹 Step 1. Princeton Station (“The Dinky”) The small Princeton campus station is called the “Princeton Branch” — nicknamed The Dinky. It connects Princeton University directly to Princeton Junction Station (about 5 minutes ride, 2 miles). Fare: around $2.75 (NJ Transit ticket). Princeton Junction → New York Penn Station The...
americaga_kelinglar
66 likes • 8.6K views

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! Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking Nearby

Skip the Nassau Street crowds; convenient parking is available close to the station. Reddit

🕰️ Historic Vibe

Enjoy the rustic decor and historical charm of this former 1918 train station. Instagram

🍸 Great Bar Menu

If you're looking for drinks and appetizers, the bar menu is a definite highlight. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(624 reviews)

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

Historic train station charm
Flavorful small plates
Great bar menu

What People Dislike

Small 'main' dish portions

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. Instagram It's also easily accessible by car with parking available nearby, away from the main Nassau Street hustle. Reddit

Yes, there are plenty of parking spaces nearby, making it a convenient option for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

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. Instagram

The Dinky train itself connects Princeton University directly to Princeton Junction. Once at the Princeton station, the campus is easily walkable. Instagram

The Dinky train primarily connects Princeton University to Princeton Junction. From Princeton Junction, you can catch NJ Transit trains to New York City. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, tickets are not required to enter the restaurant. It operates as a bar and kitchen, and you can walk in. Instagram

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. TikTok

There is no admission fee to enter the historic station building itself, as it houses the restaurant and bar. Instagram

While not always explicitly stated, it's advisable to make reservations, especially for larger groups or during peak times, to ensure a table. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The spicy gochujang chicken wings and the chicken bao buns are frequently praised as delicious highlights. Reddit

While the menu focuses on American plates, it's worth inquiring about vegetarian options. The Brussels sprouts have been noted as a delicious appetizer. Reddit

Yes, the bar menu is considered a highlight, offering a good selection of beers and cocktails in a historic setting. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Late afternoon or early evening can offer beautiful lighting, especially if you're capturing the exterior or the cozy interior ambiance. Instagram

Yes, visitors are welcome to take photos of the food and the rustic interior decor. Instagram

The zodiac head statues located behind the restaurant are a quirky and memorable spot for photos. Reddit

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. Instagram

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Princeton Station The Dinky (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide