While temperatures are starting to drop here in Mercer County, that's no reason we shouldn't continue indulging outdoors. In light of COVID-19, local restaurants and eateries are doing everything they can to continue serving up your favorite local dishes outdoors. From renovated patios and expanded decks, to brand new eateries constructed with outdoor dining in mind, check out these local spots with heaters and fire pits abound. 

Blue Point Grill

258 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ

Blue Point Grill sets the standard in providing impeccably fresh seafood and shellfish simply prepared to showcase the inherent flavors of the ingredients. And lucky for us they are serving their incredible cuisine on their rooftop patio all season long, with heating lamps and beautiful views of Princeton, of course!

Exterior view of the Blue Point Grill in Princeton

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/bluepointgrill/

 

Brick Farm Tavern

130 Hopewell Rocky Hill Road, Hopewell, NJ 08525

Farm-to-table dining at its finest with firepits on and pumping out by the barrel bar! Take-out is also available!

NEW: Christmas Eve Tasting Menu ›

Choose your selection & Order Online from our handcrafted menu, including Entrees, Wine, Beer and Spirits. Online orders accepted Tue–Sat, 5:00 – 8:30 PM, Fri-Sun, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, and Sun 5:00 – 7:00 PM.

Pork chop on a plate next to a blue cocktail sitting at an outdoor fire pit at Brick Farm Tavern

 

Mediterra Restaurant

29 Hulfish Street, Princeton, NJ 08542

Excellent, flavorful Italian food that utilizes fresh produce from local farms. They also have a great selection of vegetarian items. Enjoy their remarkable culinary experience on their outdoor patio with beautiful views of Palmer Square. Be sure to make a reservation and your future self will thank you!

Outdoor view at night of Mediterra Restaurant in Mercer County

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/mediterrarestaurantprinceton/

 

Yankee Doodle Tap Room

10 Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ 08542

The Tap Room is most known for its award-winning Princetonian Burger and 22 beers on tap. The outdoor tables have a calming ambiance due to their string lights and beautiful Princeton views. They are also located next to Lindt Chocolate (also open!)… if you’re into that sort of thing.

Exterior view of the Yankee Doodle Tap Room in Mercer County

 

Rat’s Restaurant

16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619

Rat’s is fine dining, French style, with exceptional options for everyone in the family. We also love that they use the changing of the seasons to spice up their menu. And with the added bonus of the exceptional grounds as your view, you really can’t go wrong.

Outdoor view of the entrance to Rat's Restaurant in Mercer County

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/finding_pretty_places/

 

Nomad Pizza

301 N Harrison Street, Princeton, NJ 08540 (located within Princeton Shopping Center)

Mercer County has incredible pizza, and Nomad is at the top of that list. Wood-fired brick oven pizza, along with appetizers and side dishes featuring locally grown organic produce and all-natural meats, when available. Simply, the best.

Princeton Shopping Center is also encouraging visitors to bring their blankets to stay cozy while hanging in their courtyard, but also a way to support your neighborhood businesses as the temperatures start to drop.

A row of pizzas lined up outside on a table at Nomad Pizza in Mercer County

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/princetonshoppingcenter/

 

Mistral

66 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ

One of Princeton's favorites due to their fresh, local ingredients and artistically plated dishes. Chef Scott Anderson is award-winning, serving exquisite modern-global cuisine. And luckily you can indulge all year round with their heated outdoor patio, which is also covered to protect from the weather.

Patio seating at Mistral in Princeton, NJ with fur-covered chairs around wooden tables near a fire

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/mistralprinceton/

 

Erini Restaurant

1140 River Road, Ewing Township, NJ

Menu is plentiful without being overwhelming, and the dishes are incredible. Praised for their great customer service and charming atmosphere, both indoor and outdoor dining is perfect. Try their tiki bar area outside, which brings a summer vibe during the colder months. They were also a 2021 Travelers’ Choice winner from Tripadvsior, being one of the top 10% of restaurants worldwide!

Fires light the outdoor patio at Erini Restaurant in Ewing Township, NJ

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/erinirestaurant_official/

 

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Before fall ends, be sure to stop by our hot spots. The full list, and the best way to enjoy this exceptional season, located here.