Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company: Local NJ Eatery Guide

Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company: Local NJ Eatery Guide
Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company is a locally owned eatery located at 123 Nassau Street in downtown Princeton, New Jersey. Established in 2005, the restaurant specializes in made-from-scratch soups, artisan sandwiches, and fresh salads using regional ingredients. Operating hours are Monday-Friday 7:00 AM-7:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, and closed Sundays. The establishment occupies a historic 1920s building with both indoor seating and sidewalk café options during warmer months.
Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company has become a staple in the Princeton community since its founding. The eatery occupies a carefully restored space in Princeton's historic downtown district, maintaining original architectural elements while providing modern dining comfort. Unlike chain establishments, this locally operated business focuses on seasonal menus that change weekly, featuring produce from nearby farms in Mercer County and surrounding regions.

Menu Offerings and Culinary Approach

The restaurant's menu centers around three core components: house-made soups, signature sandwiches, and fresh accompaniments. Each weekday features five rotating soup options, including at least one vegetarian and one cream-based selection. Sandwiches are crafted using bread from a family-owned bakery in nearby Hopewell, with meat products sourced from regional purveyors committed to sustainable practices.
Menu Category Regular Offerings Seasonal Specials
Soups Classic Tomato Basil, Chicken Noodle, New England Clam Chowder Butternut Squash Sage, White Bean Kale, Lobster Bisque
Sandwiches Roast Beef Melt, Turkey Cranberry, Caprese Smoked Salmon Bagel, Apple Brie Chicken, Roasted Beet Hummus
Sides House Salad, Potato Salad, Coleslaw Roasted Root Vegetables, Kale Caesar, Seasonal Fruit Salad

Location and Accessibility

Situated at 123 Nassau Street, the establishment sits within Princeton's pedestrian-friendly downtown area, approximately 0.3 miles from Princeton University's main gate. The location offers:
  • Street parking available on Nassau Street (metered, 2-hour limit)
  • Multiple municipal parking lots within 0.2 miles
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom facilities
  • Public transportation access via Princeton Area Community Transportation shuttle
  • Bicycle rack availability for eco-conscious visitors
The eatery maintains both indoor seating for 45 guests and an outdoor sidewalk café accommodating 20 additional patrons from April through October. During winter months, the space transforms into a cozy dining environment with seasonal decorations reflecting Princeton's academic calendar.

Community Integration and Reputation

Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company has developed strong community ties through consistent participation in local events. The business regularly contributes to Princeton University functions, supports area school fundraisers, and partners with the Princeton Area Community Foundation. Independent reviews across multiple platforms consistently highlight the establishment's:
  • Fresh, high-quality ingredients in soup and sandwich preparations
  • Efficient service during peak lunch hours
  • Knowledgeable staff familiar with menu ingredients and sourcing
  • Consistent portion sizes and recipe execution
Multiple long-term Princeton residents confirm the business has maintained operational consistency since its 2005 opening, with only minor interior updates to improve customer flow while preserving the original concept focus on approachable, quality comfort food.

Visitor Planning Information

Potential visitors should note these practical details when planning their trip to this Princeton NJ eatery:
  • Peak hours occur between 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Monday-Friday, with shorter wait times before 11:00 AM or after 1:30 PM
  • Takeout orders can be placed via phone but online ordering remains unavailable
  • Group orders (6+ people) require 24-hour advance notice
  • Gift cards available for purchase in-store for special occasions
  • Accepts all major credit cards but maintains a 20% gratuity for parties of 6+ on dine-in orders
The establishment follows standard health department protocols with visible sanitation practices. During academic breaks at Princeton University, reduced hours may apply, so checking the business's official information channel before visiting during December, May, or summer months is advisable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company offer vegetarian options?

Yes, the establishment provides multiple vegetarian options daily, including at least one vegetarian soup, two vegetarian sandwiches, and several side dishes. Vegan options vary by season but are typically available upon request with advance notice.

Is Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company open on weekends?

The restaurant operates Saturday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM but remains closed on Sundays. Weekend hours may vary during major holidays or academic breaks at Princeton University, so checking their official information before visiting is recommended.

Can I host private events at Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company?

The establishment does not host private events or reserve space for large groups. However, they accommodate pre-ordered group lunches for parties of 6-15 people with 24-hour advance notice during regular business hours.

Does Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company deliver?

The business does not offer delivery services. Customers can place takeout orders by phone for in-store pickup during operating hours. Third-party delivery services are not affiliated with or authorized by the establishment.

How far is Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company from Princeton University?

The restaurant is located 0.3 miles from Princeton University's main gate at Nassau Street and Washington Road. The walk typically takes 6-8 minutes from campus, making it a convenient lunch option for students and faculty.

Antonio Rodriguez

Antonio Rodriguez

brings practical expertise in spice applications to Kitchen Spices. Antonio's cooking philosophy centers on understanding the chemistry behind spice flavors and how they interact with different foods. Having worked in both Michelin-starred restaurants and roadside food stalls, he values accessibility in cooking advice. Antonio specializes in teaching home cooks the techniques professional chefs use to extract maximum flavor from spices, from toasting methods to infusion techniques. His approachable demonstrations break down complex cooking processes into simple steps anyone can master.