Our favorite thing about summer? Enjoying that beautiful weather. So we rounded up the restaurants that let you indulge in the summer sunshine, sunsets and sensational eats the best. Ready for some amazing R&R? We’ve got casual eateries all the way to fine dining!

Restaurants

 

Blue Point Grill

258 Nassau St

Impeccably fresh seafood and shellfish on their new glass-enclosed rooftop? Simply the best! Have an ambivalent diner? The glass enclosure offers great views, along with sliding doors and a roof overhead to help with harsher climates.

Groups of customers sit below umbrellas at the tables. The tables are on the restaurant's rooftop which overlooks the street.

Mediterra Restaurant & Bar

29 Hulfish St

These guys tap into the extraordinary cuisine of nearly 2 dozen cultures surrounding the Mediterranean, with an extra emphasis on Italian and Spanish, and pair it all with locally sourced ingredients. A sure treat and escape from the ordinary.

PJ’s Pancake House

154 Nassau St

Brunch anyone? Time to enjoy those pancakes al fresco on their tables set outside complete with faux grass carpet. And PJ’s ride range of breakfast and lunch items will keep you happy all summer long.

Teresa Caffe

23 Palmer Square E

Incredible Italian fare tastes even better under Teresa’s overhang outside their building. There are also a few tables that are in full sunshine for those really beautiful days.

Groups sit at a table on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. A short barrier surrounds the area and small strings of lights decorate the dining area.

Witherspoon Grill

57 Witherspoon St

A place to see and be seen. An upscale, classic American steakhouse with outdoor dining that allows alcohol. In cooler months they have portable heaters by the tables that allow you to enjoy dining al fresco well into fall.

Yankee Doodle Tap Room (pictured in cover photo)

10 Palmer Square E

The Tap Room is most known for its award winning Princetonian Burger, 22 beers on tap and photos of some of Princeton University’s most distinguished alumni. They have their own hostess stand outside so there’s no need to go inside if you’re looking to stay in the fresh air. The tables are shaded by umbrellas and are also located next to Lindt Chocolate… if you’re into that sort of thing.

Nomad Pizza

301 N Harrison St

Great pizza + a great atmosphere. Nomad has seating outside that can be enclosed in bad weather and opened when the sun comes out. If you’re looking to walk around a little, it’s located in Princeton Shopping Center so you can always work off that extra dessert. Because trust us, you’ll want the dessert too.

Tables set up outside the restaurant with strings of lights and illuminated plants surrounding.

Cafe Vienna

200 Nassau St

A favorite European-style eatery for breakfast, lunch or coffee and dessert. Unique, delicious and a variety of delectable offerings that can all be enjoyed in NJ’s fresh air.

Princeton Parklet

Located in front of Small World Coffee

14 Witherspoon St

Yes, the parklet is back! And it's located in front of Small World Coffee. Haven’t heard of it? It’s an “public installation built to transform curbside parking spaces into beautiful, lively spaces for the community to enjoy.” The parklet has 5 rooms: a bike room, reading room, game room, engine room and sun room. You’re welcome to eat and enjoy life in any of these rooms.

Groups of people sit together on groups of wooden benches with a wooden awning providing shade.

Top

All these delicious entrees deserve to be topped off with something sweet. See the top desserts you need to try in Mercer here. It’s a must-do for summer!

    6 Top Desserts in Mercer you need to try written over image of ice cream scoops