Alchemist & Barrister
A historic Princeton tavern with a rustic ambiance, known for its vast beer selection and diverse American bar food.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Alchemist & Barrister
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Princeton tavern with a rustic ambiance, known for its vast beer selection and diverse American bar food.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid potential slow service during busy periods by visiting during quieter times.
Consider Nearby Parking
Utilize the nearby parking deck or find free parking within an eight-minute walk.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Bar Food
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Birria Tacos & Fries
Out-of-this-world birria tacos and disco fries that steal the show. A must-try for any visitor!
Extensive Beer Selection
With nearly 50 beers on tap, this spot is a haven for beer enthusiasts, offering a wide variety.
Rustic & Lively Ambiance
Enjoy a cozy, rustic interior, a lively bar atmosphere, and a charming patio for outdoor dining.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid potential slow service during busy periods by visiting during quieter times.
Consider Nearby Parking
Utilize the nearby parking deck or find free parking within an eight-minute walk.
Ask for Specials
Inquire about monthly beverage specials and the rotating draft beer list for variety.
QR Code Menus
Menus are primarily via QR code, but hard copies are available upon request.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid potential slow service during busy periods by visiting during quieter times.
Consider Nearby Parking
Utilize the nearby parking deck or find free parking within an eight-minute walk.
Ask for Specials
Inquire about monthly beverage specials and the rotating draft beer list for variety.
QR Code Menus
Menus are primarily via QR code, but hard copies are available upon request.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Alchemist & Barrister is praised for its extensive beer selection, lively ambiance, and some standout dishes like birria tacos and nachos. However, some diners have experienced issues with food quality, particularly burgers, and have noted that the restaurant can be very noisy, especially when live music is playing on the patio. Service can also be inconsistent, with some finding it slow or inattentive.
"We stopped in for a quick beer and apps, and I really liked this place.
It's small, but has a good vibe and it's right on Witherspoon so it's easily accessible.
The bar is not very big, so if it's busy, you're probably not getting a seat there.
They have a LOT of brews on tap - I counted around 50 or so!
We had a couple of beers and two apps:
The Dublin Spring Rolls and the oyster special.
Both were VERY good.
I'd definitely come back and try a few more options from the menu.
Overall, this place had a great, lively vibe, good bartenders, good menu an reasonable prices.
I would definitely come back here."
John P
"Great bar and restaurant. Went there for the beer but the food stole the show. Our snack were very tasty and well made (not like your typical greasy bar snacks). Table next door had orders the Alamo. That looks absolutely delicious. Lots of other tables were eating Mac and cheese. Will visit agar and will try more of the food."
Saeed Ghadessi
"Lunch with friends was wonderful. Two of us got there early, two arrived later, but the hostess did not let them know we were in the back. We had to find each other after 10 minutes. Our server, Yari was awesome and the food was WONDERFUL! The Birria Disco Fries and Chicken Pot Pie were EVERYTHING!! Parking was not as pleasant; even though it was Sunday, we still had to pay."
Dyna Reeves
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Birria tacos, nachos, and burgers are frequently mentioned as popular choices, though quality can be inconsistent.
Yes, there is a patio area, but it can be very loud when live music is playing.
To avoid crowds and potential slow service, consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays.
Yes, there is a decently priced parking deck nearby, and free parking is available within an eight-minute walk.
Yes, the restaurant is noted for having good vegan and vegetarian options available.
It can be a kid-friendly place, but it can also get noisy, especially during evenings or when there's live music.
While not explicitly stated, it can get busy, so arriving early or visiting during off-peak times is advised.
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(A recent second visit confirms this assessment.) Ditto Alchemist and Barrister, though I don't object to the service there. Blue Point Grill was on the "OK, I guess" list until I ate there for the second time: the new enlarged room is unpleasantly loud, service is slow, and the fish, while competently done, is not nearly good enough for the $24 it cost. No one I know particularly likes Thai Village.
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A perfect place for an evening out, this relaxed restaurant and bar opened in 1974 and serves scrumptious food and drinks. I tried the oyster mushrooms with cilantro lime cauliflower rice, red pepper chimichurri, and the crispy chicken sandwich with blue cheese crumble, togarashi sauce on a brioche roll. Both were excellent, although the texture of the oyster mushrooms was a tad too firm.
Address: 260 Mountain Ave, Hackettstown Details: Mama’s lives by the authentic Italian tradition of treating guests like family.In addition to top notch hospitality, … Web10 thg 8, 2006 · The Alchemist & Barrister Restaurant, Princeton: See 284 unbiased reviews of The Alchemist & Barrister Restaurant, rated 3.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #38 of 134 restaurants in Princeton.
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The Alchemist & Barrister has been among the favorite restaurants in Princeton, NJ for more than twenty-five years and ranked #1 of USA Today’s 10 best: Princeton Nightlife. Often called the “Cheers of Princeton,” the pub atmosphere makes the A&B the perfect gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Conveniently located in a historic building in the heart of Princeton,
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Known as both a great drinking spot and an excellent restaurant, The Alchemist & Barrister is popular with locals and tourists alike. It is a gastropub set in a historic building on Witherspoon Street, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Expect to see typical food with some international dishes on the menu, and there is also a rotating draft beer list.
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The locals get together spot that provides delicious American bar food. Alchemist & Barrister is a restaurant with a rustic interior ambiance that pairs well with its lovely bar and patio, offering an excellent outdoor dining experience. Luckily, this spot has an executive chef (Nicole Biondi) who has worked in the restaurant business for over 15 years.
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Located in an historic building on Witherspoon Street, the Alchemist & Barrister is a popular watering hole among students and visitors, with a tribute portrait of Einstein painted on the wall. Here you’ll find a variety of good pub food, from flatbreads and tacos to wings and burgers, and a rotating draft beer list.28 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-5555
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In the small alleyway off Witherspoon next to Alchemist & Barrister are a couple of benches and a few small tables. It can be tempting to bring your beer outside on a nice day or temperate evening but be warned: the majority of people taking advantage of those seats are doing so in order to smoke while they imbibe.
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**Alchemist and Barrister has been a landmark tavern for decades. Centrally located in downtown Princeton, it's become a popular spot for locals and tourists for drinks and for diversified American stlye pub food.
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The Alchemist & Barrister is a Princeton favorite, with almost 50 beers on tap. One of the most popular of their lauded burgers is the Dry Aged, topped with Irish cheddar, smoked bacon, and Guinness-glazed onions.
Date Ideas for Princeton, New Jersey
An upscale type saloon where you can rest your feet and have a drink, appetizer or nice seafood or sandwich entree. The quaint restaurant offers a rustic interior and live entertainment for a nice casual date.
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There is seating on the Green and around the Square where guests can enjoy grab-and-go meals from eateries such as Olsson’s Fine Foods and the Bent Spoon that serves delicious ice cream.
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28 Witherspoon StPrinceton, NJ 08542(609) 924-5555 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. The Alchemist & Barrister is a renowned dining establishment offering traditional American cuisine.
Outdoor Dining in Princeton
Alchemist & Barrister – This is an old favorite with section that’s more like a sunroom located next to the passageway connecting Witherspoon Street and Palmer Square East.
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_Check out: Small World Coffee, Halo Pub, Triumph Brewing Company, Alchemist & Barrister, Ivy Inn, and Yankee Doodle Tap Room.
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We've listed below just a few of the many choices you'll have for enjoying a great night out when living in Princeton, NJ.
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