Princeton nightlife can become a bit monotonous. After spending a couple hours at the eating clubs on Prospect Avenue, the typical move is to get a slice of pizza or maybe a plate of fries at Frist Campus Center. However, you do not need to settle for monotony. One easy way to spice up your night is to try out different spots around Princeton that provide late-night eats. Even if you’re just looking for a power snack to keep your night of studying going, these spots could be perfect for you.
Photo by Yijia Liang
1. Hoagie Haven
Hoagie Haven, located at 242 Nassau Street, is certainly worth the walk from campus. According to their website, Hoagie Haven is open every night until “late”: a great sign. More specifically, this sandwich shop is open until 1 am Sundays through Thursdays and until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. One of the most popular items is the Sanchez, a sandwich filled with mozzarella sticks, french fries, chicken cutlets, cheese, and the special Sanchez sauce. This may not be the healthiest choice, but after a night out something that tastes outrageously good is what you will probably want — and the Sanchez is exactly what will satiate that craving.
Photo by Yijia Liang
2. Say Cheez
Say Cheez is another great late-night option on Nassau Street. Located at 183 Nassau Street and open until 2 am Thursdays through Saturdays, Say Cheez offers great sandwich selections, salads, and more. One of the most popular sandwiches is The Princeton: chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, and roasted red peppers on sourdough bread. You should really take a look at the menu; they have just about every sandwich option imaginable. You can even build your own sandwich, which is pretty awesome.
Photo by Yijia Liang
3. Princeton U-Store
The University Store on Princeton’s Campus (NOT the one on Nassau Street) is always a great option if you’re tired of Frist late meal and don’t want to leave campus. The U-Store offers a wide variety of selections: fresh fruit, Tico’s juices and smoothies, sushi, yogurts, and almost every snack option you can think of. I should mention that this may be the only place to buy adequately tasty fruit on campus. The U-Store is open until 4 am every night.
Photo by Yijia Liang
4. Wawa Convenience Store
Many people, including myself, often forget about the Wawa convenience store. Located next to the Dinky Station, Wawa not only has a great variety of snack options, but also a full menu to order from. The menu has selections for all meals of the day, and a number of drink options. A very appealing late-night snack is the Flurricane: a milk-based frozen drink available in options like cookies and cream and mint chocolate chip. They also have milkshakes, coffees and lattes, and smoothies. The best part? Wawa, or as Princetonians call it — The Wa —is open 24 hours a day.
5. Studio 34
Photo by Michael Zhang
Open from 8 pm to 3 am every night, Studio 34 is a great option for Princeton students. Located in Butler College, Studio 34 offers soda drinks, various snack items, yogurts, sushi, and a number of hot items such as quesadillas and cheesesteaks. Although similar to Frist late meal, it has a much wider selection of energy bars, sushi, yogurts, self-serve candy, soda drinks and milkshakes.
6. Cafe Vivian
Photo by Michael Zhang
Cafe Vivian is another option for late nights, although it is not open as late as the previously mentioned venues. Located in the Frist Campus Center and open until 11 pm every night, Cafe Viv offers a unique selection of food items. Some great options are the personal pizzas and hot sandwiches, salad and soup bar, and sushi. Cafe Viv is also very allergy friendly. This venue offers many vegan snacks and side salads, as well as gluten-free bread and pizza dough.
7. Murray Dodge Cafe
Photo courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Religious Life
On an intense study night, it is important not to forget about Murray Dodge Cafe. Open until 12 am every night, Murray Dodge provides students with delicious, and might I mention FREE, cookies. In addition, they also have fair trade teas and hot chocolate.
So basically, Princeton is Late Meal Heaven. Just another reason to believe Princeton is the best damn place of all.