Conte's Bar and Restaurant Review: A must try spot in Princeton, NJ
Conte's Bar and Restaurant
339 Witherspoon St
Princeton, NJ
🍕 Conte’s Pizza & Bar, Princeton NJ — Restaurant Review
Conte’s Pizza & Bar is one of Princeton’s most iconic dining institutions—an 80+ year old pizzeria and bar known for thin crust pies, a nostalgic atmosphere, and a loyal multigenerational following. Its longevity, consistency, and old school charm make it a standout among New Jersey’s historic pizzerias.
🏛️ History & Ownership
Conte’s began in 1936, when founder Sebastiano Conte opened a bar on Witherspoon Street. By the late 1940s, he added pizza to the menu—becoming one of Princeton’s first pizzerias and solving the problem of locals having to travel far for a good pie.
Today, the restaurant is owned by Ciro Baldino, who emigrated from Ischia, Italy, and grew up working in the pizzeria under his uncle (a previous owner). Baldino eventually took over to keep the business in the family and preserve its legacy
🍽️ Food & Menu Quality
Cuisine Style
Conte’s specializes in classic, thin crust, tavern style pizza, prepared the same way for decades. The menu is intentionally simple—pizza, sandwiches, and bar staples—reflecting its roots as a neighborhood tavern.
Ingredients & Preparation
- Fresh dough
- House made sauce
- Traditional preparation methods
- Consistency over trendiness
Their pizza is known for:
- A crisp, thin crust
- Balanced cheese to sauce ratio
- Even bake
Signature Dishes
- Plain thin crust pizza (the most iconic order)
- Sausage pizza
- Pepperoni pizza
- Bar pies with classic toppings
🪑 Ambiance & Atmosphere
Décor & Vibe
Conte’s is intentionally old school, with décor that has remained largely unchanged since the 1950s:
- Pale gold walls and wood trim
- Square laminate tables
- Wooden chairs
- Red glass bricks spelling “Conte’s” at the bar base
The look is nostalgic, casual, and slightly dated—in a way that regulars find comforting.
Noise Level
- Often lively and noisy, especially during sports games or peak hours
Striking Features
- A long, classic bar
- Three large TVs showing sports
- A bocce court outdoors (seasonal)
Outdoor Dining
Outdoor seating is available seasonally, though not the restaurant’s main draw.
Table Spacing
Tables are moderately close together, typical of older pizzerias.
🤝 Service
Conte’s service style is:
- Efficient and no nonsense
- Friendly and welcoming, especially to regulars
- Consistent, thanks to long -term staff
It’s not fine dining service—more like a classic family tavern where the staff knows the community.
🍸 Other Factors
Alcohol / Bar Service
Conte’s has a full bar, a major part of its identity since 1936. Sports fans often gather here for drinks and pizza
Child-Friendly?
Yes. Families are common, and the casual environment works well for kids.
Recommended For
- Families
- Princeton students
- Pizza traditionalists
- Sports watchers
- Large groups
- Casual nights out
Not Recommended For
- Fine dining seekers
- Romantic date nights
- People wanting modern décor or gourmet pizza
Parking
Conte’s has a private parking lot, a major advantage in Princeton.
Dress Code
Casual.
Private Parties
Conte’s can accommodate large groups, but it is not a formal private-event venue. Parties are typically arranged informally.
❤️ What I Like About Conte’s
- Authentic, unchanged Princeton institution
- Excellent thin crust pizza with decades of consistency
- Warm, community driven atmosphere
- Full bar and sports friendly environment
- Reliable service and fast kitchen
- Ample parking—rare for Princeton
🌟 What Sets Conte’s Apart
- Historic legacy dating back to 1936
- Family ownership with deep roots in Princeton’s immigrant community
- A recipe and ambiance preserved for generations
- A true neighborhood tavern, not a trendy pizzeria
- A gathering place for Princeton athletes and locals for decades
Conte’s isn’t trying to be modern—it’s trying to be Conte’s, and that authenticity is its competitive edge.
Updated Decmber 2025
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