Alchemist and Barrister, Princeton, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
28 Witherspoon St
Princeton
609-924-5555
Website
Restaurant Highlights
Fare: American Tavern - with an international twist
Price: Moderate
Value: Good
Noise Level: Moderate -High
Dress: Casual
A good place to meet up with friends for drinks, and a bite to eat.
Recommended For: Local diners who enjoy a place to meet up with friends for drinks, and a bite to eat, or to watch a ball game on TV.
Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer an eclectic menu with fine dining amenities.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Irish Pub Lamb Stew with seared lamb . carrots , red bliss potatoes & Irish soda bread. The Dry Aged Burger with smoked cheddar . bacon & Guinness glazed onions; and The Santa Rosa Triple Tostada with corn tortillas layered with grilled marinated chicken onions & peppers, cheddar & pepper jack cheese & black beans.
Liquor: Full service vibrant bar with twenty-eight domestic and imported beers on tap, whiskies, and scotches.
Restaurant Review
Alchemist and Barrister has been a landmark tavern for decades and is one of the popular local gathering places in Princeton.
The tavern takes its name from its owners who are a chemist and attorney.
The restaurant is set in a colonial townhouse, and while the atmosphere is cozy and elegant, the tables are tightly placed, with the dining room being more formal than the bar and is not recommended for an intimate romantic dinner. The centerpiece of the interior are the two large rustic, wooden bars.
The overall bar ambiance resembles an old English pub.
The menu is American Tavern fare with international influences serving mostly sandwiches, burgers, salads, and pastas.
The kitchen is run by Executive Chef Arthur Kukoda , a graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Rhode whose menu features an international tavern menu with a variety of American, Italian, Mexican, Irish and Asian selections.
While the menu is creative and diversified , the quality is average pub style, failing to rise above the many other taverns in the Princeton area.
There is live music by local bands every Sunday and Thursday evenings.
In the summer, try the outside patio for a refreshing dining experience.
Alchemist and Barrister is open seven days/week:
Sundays for Brunch from 11:00am - 3:00pm and dinner 3:00pm-10:00pm
Dinner Monday-Thursday – 11:30am -10:00pm; and Friday & Saturday – 11:30am – 10:30pm
with a late night menu Monday-Thursday 10:00pm-12:00am, and Friday & Saturday 10:30pm-12:00am
(updated January, 2016)
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