Princeton, New Jersey might just be my favorite town in the state. Even though it's a big hub home to one of the most famous universities in the world, it still maintains that classic small-town feel with unique independent stores and restaurants. It may not be the town's oldest restaurant, but Winberie's in Princeton, NJ might be the most iconic. This charming, laid-back wine bar has been around since 1984, and it just held its 40th anniversary on July 14th, 2024 with a great outdoor bash in its Palmer Square home. I was lucky enough to get an invite to the party and to try some of their food - and it just made me want to come back to this unique Princeton institution time and time again. The restaurant now has a second location in Summit, but read on to discover why the Princeton original is truly a one-of-a-kind original.

Winberie's has been a Palmer Square fixture since 1984, and the exterior is one of the town's most famous sights. But big things are going on inside as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Some things might have changed from this historic picture of the wine bar's earlier days, but a lot has stayed the same.

I hadn't gotten to visit Winberie's in my many visits to Princeton, but I was lucky enough to attend their July 14th anniversary party - held in Palmer Square with guest musicians Electric Stingray, who put on a heck of a show.

The restaurant prepared a backyard barbecue-themed menu to show off some of their food, which included pulled pork sliders, southern fried chicken salads, and cajun Mac and cheese hot dogs, along with slices of chocolate chip-filled toll house pie.

It all made me want to learn more about this unique restaurant, which has a great laid-back feel and a surprisingly extensive menu.

The burgers here are always a favorite, and that includes the monthly special - this month it's a throwback burger topped with Swiss, mushrooms, tomatoes, and onions in a burgundy wine sauce.

The menu's regulars are pretty impressive too - the cajun Mac and cheese, filled with chicken, sausage, bacon, and spice is always a favorite.

The fish and chips here are always a top-choice - crispy-fried and perfectly juicy.

And of course, you can't forget about the extensive drink menu, featuring a wide range of local spirits and brews that can be enjoyed on their own or in a craft cocktail.

There's even a custom brew for the 40th anniversary - The Winbicarus, crafted with the help of local favorites Icarus Brewing Co.

Have you visited Winberie's in Princeton, NJ any time in the last 40 years? Tell us all about when you went and what you ate and drank in the comments section! You can see the full, very extensive menu on the Winberie's website, and check out the Winberie's Facebook page to see what new menu specials and craft cocktails the talented people in the kitchen are cooking up now! One of the best things about Winberie's is that it's in the middle of the Palmer Square hub, where you can travel only feet and find The Bent Spoon - one of New Jersey's best ice cream spots - or check into the Nassau Inn, a historic hotel with roots in the colonial era.