Princeton might surprise you with its Main Street antique shops where you can find vintage fishing lures next to Norwegian rosemaling, and farm stands selling honey beside hand-thrown pottery. That same authentic character flavors its dining scene. Whether you’re craving walleye so fresh it practically swam to your plate, Swedish meatballs that taste like grandma’s, or craft beer paired with wood-fired pizza, this lakeside town delivers memorable meals.
Sunken Ship Brewing Company
Despite being tucked away in Princeton, Sunken Ship Brewing Company is a formidable destination for craft beer lovers. This brewery pours unique brews like the fruity ‘Say Yeah’ IPA and the tart ‘Fram-bouy’ sour with impressive precision. But the beer’s bold flavors are balanced by a surprisingly cozy, open-air setting that feels both rustic and inviting.
The classic IPAs and stouts are solid, yet our go-to order while relaxing on the patio with our dog is a Chili Lime taco paired with a refreshing slushy drink. It gets a zesty kick from the taco’s seasoning and a playful touch from the duck-themed slushies. Plus, with tacos around $6 each and slushies at $5, you can savor a couple of brews and a snack without first checking your wallet.
The staff’s kind, helpful demeanor only adds to the warm, dog-friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a laid-back night out.
Neighbors On The Rum
$ | (763) 389-5800 | WEBSITE
Locals from all over Princeton and families from just down the street come together to relax, eat, and enjoy at Neighbors On The Rum, a welcoming neighborhood spot. Their breakfast menu is full of must-try items, and the bar service is quick and friendly with nice, cold drinks. For those who could care less about the snug seating, the restaurant is kid-friendly and has a service-level entrance for wheelchair accessibility.
The onion crisps with Chipotle aioli sauce are a customer favorite, and the atmosphere stays lively but not too loud with great music playing.
New China Buffet
$ | (763) 389-0394 | WEBSITE
For a reliably fresh Chinese buffet experience head to New China Buffet. This recently remodeled neighborhood gem has a clean modern dining room, friendly helpful staff, and enough flavorful staples to satisfy any craving. There’s even a self-serve drink station and buffet setup—our favorite way to enjoy hot wontons or savory pepper chicken with perfectly cooked broccoli.
And every day, they offer a packed buffet with reasonable prices, because serving yourself everything while staff attentively clears plates is classic Princeton, too.
Long Siding Station
$ | (763) 389-3901 | WEBSITE
Long Siding Station has the look and feel of your classic small-town bar, but the food and service are much better than you’d expect. While sitting at one of their well-worn wooden tables, you can dig into fantastic curly fries with just the right amount of crispiness while enjoying the friendly banter from the staff. The burgers are cooked perfectly to order (and only $12 on Wednesdays), and they have creative options like the jalapeño popper burger.
Long Siding Station also features regular community events and family gatherings, and there’s a fun pool table area up front for some casual games.
Shooters
$ | (763) 631-7468 | WEBSITE
Shooters is perfect for grabbing a satisfying meal when you want something hearty without overthinking it. This reliable spot has standout dishes like the California burger, broiled walleye that’s worth returning for, and loaded waffle fries with amazing ranch dressing. The food is consistently better than you’d expect, most entrees run around $15-$20, and the atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming. Plus, the service is genuinely above-and-beyond, making it a great choice in Princeton.
Pixie Bomb Bakes – Cookies with a BANG!
$ | WEBSITE
For any occasion involving the sentence, “Let’s get cookies,” this charming spot is our go-to. Pixie Bomb Bakes has enough whimsical packaging to raise concern about your self-control, but nonetheless creates the kind of experience that’ll make you wish every day was a celebration. The delightful mix of unique flavors is perfect for sharing, which makes it a popular place for office treats, friendly gifts, and the occasional birthday surprise.
Start with the $24 “Cookie Sampler,” which comes with strawberry and rhubarb, peanut butter cup, Key Lime Truffle, and our favorite gluten-free option in Princeton.
Fore Seasons Clubhouse Bar and Grill
$ | (763) 389-2006 | WEBSITE
Good luck leaving Fore Seasons Clubhouse Bar and Grill without trying at least one of their signature drinks. Their Ultimate Bloody Mary is made with house-infused vodka, house-made mix, and a towering garnish of pickles, olives, and bacon. And the Mega Mimosa—a generous pour of sparkling wine with fresh-squeezed orange juice and a splash of peach schnapps—will completely erase any morning-after fog.
Each of the dozen cocktails crafted here is refreshing enough to qualify as a liquid appetizer on its own.
MoonShine Bar and Grill
$ | (763) 220-5888 | WEBSITE
This neighborhood spot buzzes all evening with people grabbing drinks, wings, and sandwiches—for a good reason. MoonShine Bar and Grill’s maple BBQ wings are some of the best we’ve had, with a sweet-smoky glaze, crispy skin, and a side of ranch that will remind you of the late-night snack you wish you didn’t have to share. Grab some pub fare like their delicious Philly sandwich or the standout wraps with fries, a totally valid dinner option.
Adelita’s Taqueria
$ | (763) 389-9950 | WEBSITE
At Adelita’s Taqueria, you’ll find some perfectly seasoned and flavorful Mexican dishes from the team behind this Princeton favorite. Their straightforward tacos, like the steak burrito and American tacos, are great, but we like showing up for the more authentic options. The pastor chimichanga, complemented by fresh salsa and spicy salsa, keeps things vibrant, especially if it’s eaten on their outdoor patio with a drive-thru nearby.
And for the busier or tighter nights, you can settle in their indoor space with a vegetarian chimichanga punched up with their signature flavors and the highly recommended 3 milk cake.
Caribou Coffee
$ | (763) 389-7982 | WEBSITE
This community hangout has been serving two of life’s greatest things for years: great coffee and vegetarian comfort food. So when a perfectly toasted spinach and sundried tomato chabata shows up at your table with a glass of their signature Nitro Brew, just follow what everyone knows: pair it with the blueberry cream cheese. The result is a fantastic mix of savory and sweet, and menu items like the Nitro Brew or that blueberry cream cheese are worth ordering.
And if sipping coffee while basking in natural light sounds like a pleasant activity, join the usual crowd of regulars or newly-arrived Princetonians on a sunny afternoon when gentle pop music plays in the background.
Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
$ | (763) 631-7272 | WEBSITE
Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza has a familiar concept: fresh ingredients and delicious sauce with a take-and-bake approach. The pizzas at this spot are incredible, and so are the sides like incredible salads and vegetarian options. Throw in a smooth online ordering process, and you get everything you want out of a family meal without actually cooking.
Alpha and Omega Pizza Farm and Event Venue
$ | (763) 234-1350 | WEBSITE
Alpha and Omega Pizza Farm and Event Venue is what we like to call a SCRPRTCWAFF—a Super Cozy Reasonably Priced Farm To Catch Up With A Few Friends. And thanks to its charming farm atmosphere with scattered tables and live music, at least one spot is always available for a relaxing time.
Its cozy indoor space is open for events, so grab a delicious cocktail and wood-fired pizza with some third-tier friends, or split a phenomenal pie full of fresh flavors with a prospective, first-tier ‘more than a friend.’
HI-Way Inn
$ | (763) 389-9938 | WEBSITE
The HI-Way Inn has been a local hangout for years, evolving into that cozy tavern where everyone knows your name. And that familiar comfort is exactly what you’ll find from the moment you step inside this small-town spot. The warm space feels like home—from the friendly greetings at the door to the last bite of a well-prepared dish served with genuine care.
The menu has its classics, but that just means you can settle in with favorites, like the standout HI-Way burger with its juicy patty and melted Swiss, or the popular Road Kill pizza loaded with toppings. Pair it with the tasty breaded mushrooms for a side that hits the spot, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a hug from an old friend.
Coffee Corner
$ | (763) 389-9339 | WEBSITE
Coffee Corner looks like a typical small-town coffee shop with standard seating and familiar drinks, but it’s actually a genuine local gem. Regulars at the counter savor the highly recommended mudslides, while a student in the corner can enjoy a customized frozen strawberry truffle drink with extra dark and white chocolate.
There’s usually a steady stream of customers any time of day, but expect even more people ordering the delicious caramel turtle latte when there’s a morning rush, or during their weekend hours when the friendly and patient staff serve up the special coffee order, ‘Ben’s Jamaican Banana Cream,’ in honor of a late frequent customer.
Culver’s
$ | (763) 220-5123 | WEBSITE
This fast-casual spot serves the kind of food that makes us look forward to—or at least not mind—a quick meal on the go. Culver’s menu has the butter burger that’s consistently hot and delicious, with friendly staff who go out of their way to help. The atmosphere is welcoming and casual, with a clean dining area that makes families and solo diners remember just how satisfying a reliable meal can be.
Santa Lucia’s Ice Cream
$ | (763) 631-9899 | WEBSITE
Santa Lucia’s Ice Cream extends its frozen reach beyond Princeton and into the wider region as the resident ice cream parlor in this small town, this time focusing on hand-scooped classics. The generous cones are made with Santa Lucia’s signature creamy recipes and have an excellent texture and satisfying richness. It’s the perfect foundation for the layers of smooth ice cream, flavorful malts, thick shakes, and toppings like hot fudge or sprinkles.
And if you just want a quick treat to go with your day, they also do single scoops that are surprisingly large.
Pizza Barn
$ | (763) 389-4663 | WEBSITE
The standout pizzas at this community-focused spot are generously topped (each slice is palm-sized), crispy, and there are over a dozen specialty options. Grab one for takeout or make a feast out of a whole pie while sitting at a rustic wooden booth. Some of our favorite pies are the bourbon chicken loaded with tender meat glazed in a sweet and tangy sauce, and the shrimp po’boy piled with plump shrimp and remoulade. Prefer something other than pizza?
Their gyros and broasted chicken are equally delicious, too.
Pizza Pub
$ | (763) 220-5355 | WEBSITE
This spot with retro arcade games and sizzling pizza ovens full of personal pies is one of Princeton’s best casual eateries.
Servers hype up the hot honey pizza as if the sweet-spicy combo layered with quality cheese will make you start referencing meals as “Before Pizza Pub” and “After Pizza Pub.” But whether you’re catching up with friends over drinks, or just want some street nachos that taste like a whole Minnesota feast in one bite, the kid-friendly atmosphere and unique takes on classics make eating at Pizza Pub a blast.
Chapala Mexican Restaurant in Princeton
$ | (763) 220-5294 | WEBSITE
This cozy Mexican spot on Princeton’s main strip is an excellent place for steak tip chimichangas or a full-blown Mexican meal with shrimp fajitas and bowls of spicy margaritas. During prime dinner hours, the welcoming tables can be packed with families sharing queso and taco salads or solo diners diving into a plate of kids meals, so plan any downtown strolls (and eating) for the late afternoon or early evening. And the standout Pina Colada Margarita also has some giant portions to enjoy.
Merlin’s Family Restaurant
$ | (763) 389-5170 | WEBSITE
Though its name might sound magical, this family restaurant is very down-to-earth. Servers warmly present biscuits and gravy like they’re a gourmet treat, or encourage a family with special needs children to settle into the cozy dining space for as long as they like—which could be a leisurely morning, since they’re open for breakfast and lunch. And the coffee is why you’ll want to linger forever.
The menu has some hits and misses, which is both comforting and slightly unpredictable since those incredible Big Stack pancakes may be perfect one day and just okay the next. Merlin’s plays it consistent, which makes us appreciate them even more. Just know that the driveway has some potholes that could use attention.