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Conte's Bar
- Hours:
Mon 11:30 am - 9 pm
Tue-Fri 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Sat 4 pm - 10:30 pm
Sun 4 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Whether you try one of our Gourmet Pizzas, or one of our famous Brooklyn pizza pies, to one of our chefs fantastic dishes, creativity and quality abound… read more »
57 reviews for Conte's Bar
Review Highlights
"Their thin crust is divine; their sauce sublime."
(in 18 reviews)
"You must try the pepperoni."
(in 25 reviews)
"My family's all-time favorite pizza place."
(in 3 reviews)
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57 reviews in English
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Review from Phillip D.
Lubbock, TX
11/2/2011
If I lived in Princeton I would be a regular-and a dozen pounds heavier! Some people critique the decor as 60's VFW hall-true but that is what makes it an institution!
My buddy and I sat at the bar and one of the family members was waiting on us and talking us up. He told us the story that Governor Christie's entourage called ahead for a table on a busy evening and they were told if they came, they'd wait for a table just like everybody else.
They came. They waited. They conqured. Veni, Vidi, Vittles.
Thin, wonderful crust and great toppings and Peroni on tap made it awesome.
like a true newbie I went in the front door-pretty funny. With my Texas drawl I couldn't pass for a local even if I knew to go in from the back parking lot. I don't work for that Pharmaceutical company anymore so I don't know if I'll ever get to go back. But if you are local-go for me! -
Review from Don T.
Seattle, WA
1/20/2012
I was visiting from seattle and was recommended the pies. I ordered two large pies to-go, 1 special, which has pepperoni, sausage mushroom, onions, garlic, peppers and 1 with just sausage and mushroom ($38.40).
Place was tiny and crazy busy. Looks more like a community room than a restaurant. Big bar with real locals vibe.
Pies weren't anything special. Lots of toppings that mask a pretty tasteless thin crust dough. Toppings were good especially the 'roni and sausage but middle of pizza was soggy. Not sure I get the hype. -
Review from Kristen M.
Avon Lake, OH
10/22/2011
Jersian's love Conte's and I'm just not sure why......I actually like the Kitchy decor at Conte's but the food me to is their downfall. I find the pizza artificial & institutional tasting - similar to something you would/could buy in the frozen pizza section at a grocery store. Nothing inventive on their menu either. Menu resembles something you'd be handed at a bowling alley.
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Review from Marcello M.
Mercer, NJ
7/15/2011
Anybody who discredits or has any negative remark about Contes pizza doesn't know good pizza. This is by far the best tasting pizza in mercer county,yes .. Better then DeLorenzos. I see comments about the decor and the staff, that's all irrelevant to me. Pizza tastes great, and you can eat so much of it without being stuffed. The staff is good enough, bartenders are great and they have Peroni on draft!
You want great, thin crust pizza? Look no further...Contes is número uno. -
Review from Zachary G.
Princeton, NJ
9/1/2011
People love this place. It's a fun spot for a group, but I wasn't blown away by the pizza. It's fine. Maybe you'll be one of the people who loves it. There are many such people. But I am not one of them.
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Review from Kath S.
Manhattan, NY
1/8/2011
I don't understand how so many people rave about this place. I have given this place too many chances, and each time it disappoints. Every time I have the pizza here, the crust is dry or burnt, the pepperoni is thick and rubbery, and there is enough oil on it to fill a small kiddie pool. I tried the spaghetti and meatballs too. The sauce tasted like my trash can smells after not emptying it for a week...not to mention the meatballs, or should I say cat food, rolled into ball form.
I am by no means a food snob, or picky eater, but this place was simply inedible. -
Review from Jacob Z.
Pennington, NJ
3/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great thin crust pizza. You'll never be disappointed with the flavor of the food. The menu is limited and they are an establishment that is so proud, it's almost sinful. Don't expect great service, as most of the staff that has been there for a long time doesn't seem to care if you're happy or not. The place is always packed and it's not very kid-friendly (especially toddlers and younger--they don't have high-chairs or booster seats).
If you do go, make sure your pizza has pepperoni and that you order an ice cold Pete's Wicked Ale. -
Review from Atilla B.
Princeton, NJ
12/13/2010
No no no. We just stopped by after hearing good things about this place.
Pretty unassuming bar, reminds me of a cafeteria due to its open plan. For some reason that gave me good expectations about the food.
Conte's had the worst crust I remember eating for the last couple of years... I agree with the 'cardboard' comment, for the lack of a better word. The toppings (mushroom & roasted red pepper) were also below average - I think maybe because they dried out a bit too much. The sauce and cheese however were a bit better than any old pizza shack.
The pizza was going to get two stars for me, but the pitcher of coke we ordered had that disgusting tap-water / water-tank taste a lot of restaurants have, effectively reducing conte's rating to crap... -
Review from Ed U.
Conte's is not a pizzeria. It's a bar that serves pizza. That's a big distinction, so lower those expectations. Got them lowered? OK then, now that your threshold for quality pizza is lower than my self-esteem in the men's locker room at my gym, I can say this is good bar pizza, the kind that goes perfectly with a Hefenweiser with a slice of lemon. It's not a student hangout for the Ivy Leaguers. Oh no. This hole-in-the-wall place is for the rest of Princeton, the regular folk.
And they do come here in droves. Coming in on a Tuesday at 6PM with colleagues, the place was already nearly packed. They already have the little pizza stands at the table to save time. The veteran waitress who served us was surly, but the beers came pretty quickly followed by two big pizzas, one just plain Cheese (see photo), the other a combination special with lots of goodies on top (see photo of a slice). It's low maintenance food for a high maintenance conversation. Nothing fancy. The End.
FOOD - 3 stars...good, working-class pizza for the rest of us
AMBIANCE - 3 stars...just a bar and a crowded one at that
SERVICE - 2.5 stars...Joisey-style manners
TOTAL - 3 stars...nothing fancy but solid food to be hadListed in: Yo! It's Joisey and Philly
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Review from Danan R.
Updated - 6/3/2011
Came here for dinner and ended up splitting a large between four. We also got two side salads but they were definitely not worth the $4.50 each price. Just a small dish of romaine with a few tomato slices. Yeah, I could make a week's worth with $4.50. The pizza was very good though. Flavorful, crispy, and with generous toppings portions. Service is more brusque but maybe because they were busy? Prices are better than old world plus there is a big lot for parking.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/23/2010
The crust is thin but is a bit lacking in the crispiness department. The sauce is pretty flavorful… Read more »
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Review from Roberto B.
Princeton, NJ
7/15/2011
we're"re a fan of Conte's only because they have a huge parking lot and they're consistent.
We call about once a month for take out. Dining here is nothing special as the place reminds us of a 1950's 60's VFW hall. You'll typically be dining with the local little league team or extended family of many.
They have lots of beers, but they only offer 5 mediocre jug wines. Big fail on the vino possibilities, but the owner won't change or expand his selection.
The pizza is OK and is much better than most places, but no where as good as our local favs: Nomad Pizza in Hopewell and Osteria Procaccini in Kingston. -
Review from Kate F.
6/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Best pepperoni pizza of all time -- the pepperoni is so rich, greasy, and what dreams are made of. I only get around to coming here once or twice a year when visiting the best friend's parents, so we always end up getting a large and almost eating it all (this is 2 girls were talking about!).
Don't question it's appearance or the way they make you order, wait around, then sit down and eat. That's just the way things are. -
Review from Massimo C.
Princeton, NJ
6/18/2011
We love pizza but cannot understand why people think this pizza is great. Try Joe's or Pizza Star and you will see how a good their Pizza is compared with Conte's. We have Pizza every week but we tried Conte's because everyone said how good it is but we never went back. Maybe we should visit again and see if it has improved. WHy we were not impressed? simple it felt like they pre-cook the pizza base and add the tom ante couch, mozzarella, origano etc and serve it. First impression is what counts and we were not impressed but will try again and update if anything has changed.
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Review from C S.
Princeton, NJ
This place truly is a 4.5, but I've upped it.
Last night we decided to get the supreme (deluxe?). Usually, we don't order this because there's something wrong--canned mushrooms, gross sausage, other yuck. Not here. Not only were the mushrooms real, but I didn't mind the pepperoni (although I gave most to my husband) and the sausage exactly what you want--spiced with some fennel and peppers, and in big chunks. The crust remains awesome--crusty with a chew and a bite if that makes sense (thick on the bottom char, chewy above, not thick crust--don't get me wrong--this is medium thin but perfectly done).
We got a carafe of Merlot instead of the Chianti, and it was far better. We couldn't finish it, but there were only 2 of us.
When we called at 9 regarding hours, we were told they'd be open until 10 or 10:30; considering that we were slow to move and that 4 other groups showed up after us, they stayed open a little later.
The salad--this was a surprise. The tomatoes were so fresh and juicy! Jim ate them all quickly, then apologised for not saving me one. It's a sign that springtime is here!
I don't want to start any fights, but this was better than DeLorenzo's.
note: this is NOT fine dining. It's a neighborhood pizza bar. The pizza is good, the service prompt. For "fine" pizza, try Old World. If what you're craving is a pitcher of beer or carafe of wine with a damned good pizza and unpretentious setting, Conte's is it. They're open late, so when guests from out of town decide to drop in at 9PM, you have a place to eat that won't hurt either your wallet or your taste buds.
Note on the photos: we ordered it well done, and it was done well. Next time we'll go back to our normal order of a special extra thin and crispy with olives (olives and anchovies are optional on the special).
Also: we love this pizza. It's simply great. It's not NYC, not New Haven, not Italy--just great. Unpretentious and great.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/11/2008
I will agree that this is the best pizza I've had in Princeton.
My favourite, however, is NYC style… Read more »
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Review from Ian W.
Princeton, NJ
7/10/2009
I have never "got" Conte's pizza. It's good pizza but not great for me. I did not grow up going here like others, so maybe you need a sense of nostalgia to appreciate Conte's more? I go expecting legendary-level pizza from the reports, and then I'm severely let down.
The decor is your grandmothers dank basement filled with three little league teams. Could be considered kitschy i guess.
The pizza is thin crusted, but the cheese and sauce lack all the flavor and delicious texture of Delorenzo's.
It's a decent pizza in Princeton, but that's not saying a whole lot. I have enjoyed Iano's and Old World just as much. -
Review from Alexis J.
Watertown, MA
1/10/2009
I have to agree with Kristen, Conte's really deserves more of a 4.5! This Princeton institution serves up delicious thin crust pizza and is well worth the wait.
Conte's is nothing fancy... your neighborhood pizza place that is complete with plastic plates, a very limited menu (pizzas and side salads), and rather bland decor. But who cares about the decor when you are stuffing your face with slice upon slice of their amazing pizza?!
The staff is always stressed but friendly and you always, always, always run in to someone you know.... which means, you can't look like a total bum even if you are just getting pizza. Casual, comfortable place to eat with convenient parking in back!Listed in: MY Tri State (NJ, NY, PA)
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Review from Sarah P.
Philadelphia, PA
7/24/2008
This place is special to me because my office threw a farewell party for me here.
Nice friendly people, beer on tap, decent thin crust pizza. Princetonites swear by it.
But it doesn't hold a candle to De Lorenzo's. -
Review from Mike K.
Montgomery, NJ
11/25/2008 39 Check-ins Here
Excellent pizza, the best in the area!
I have been going to this pizzeria for almost 20 years and I have yet to find a comparable one within at least 25 miles. Its appearance is nothing extraordinary, it's just a plain bar with small tables. However, the pizza itself is extraordinary and the service is very friendly. They make a wonderful thin crust pizza with a selection of toppings. You can expect a wait during dinner time almost every day but any of the regulars would tell you that it is well worth it.
I wouldn't pay for any other pizza if I were in the central Jersey area.Listed in: Best Pizzerias
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Review from Juliana S.
Philadelphia, PA
3/17/2010
Contes serves up the best pizza ever. Their thin crust is divine; their sauce sublime. The pies are cut into tiny slices, which, if you're not careful, will trick you into eating the whole or multiple pies. Who cares? I'm certainly not judging... The pepperoni pizza is their best. The little pepperonis kind of look like those little rubber toys that you flip inside out, put on the table, and wait for them to pop in the air.
Although this place looks like a total dive that hasn't changed a bit since it was founded (check out the bathrooms, the bar, the tables...), it's awesome. I'm the first to admit I'm highly biased since I've been eating pizza here for more than 20 years. But there is simply nothing like it anywhere else. -
Review from Ed D.
Princeton, NJ
7/15/2009
I've been craving a good pizza for a while and kept hearing about this place from locals. I had to try it out.
It was like opening up a present on Christmas morning, only to find a pair of socks. I don't think I've ever been so disappointed in my life! Seriously, you can find better pizza at Shop Rite.
I guess for Princeton blue bloods used to Filet Mignon and Dom Pérignon, this is what "real" pizza tastes like. -
Review from Sarah K.
Arlington, VA
10/15/2009
Don't believe the hype.
Ed. D is spot on in saying this place disappoints big time. My sweet boyfriend is an huge thin-crust pizza lover and kept hearing raves about this place from the Princeton locals. We excitedly made the drive over one cold Thursday night craving a delicious slice of the legendary pizza we had been hearing about.
First clue that something was off--upon walking in, this place smelled like a grandma's closet. Yes, it smelled like mothballs--it was odd, and if you've been there you know what I'm talking about. Overlooking that fact, we took a seat at the bar and perused the basic pizza menu finally deciding upon a pepperoni and mushroom pie.
I can say that Conte's has a fun ambiance with many families, sports teams, students and local hospital workers (that you can tell are regulars) stopping by. Our bartender was super friendly and warm and the Peroni pitcher we ordered was refreshingly crisp and cold.
Here comes the bad part though. The pizza...sucked. Our crust was burnt and hard, similar to burnt saltines. The pepperoni had a slightly odd taste and the cheese and sauce were mediocre. I did appreciate the effort put into the mushrooms which seemed to be freshly sauteed and not from a can. But if you're basically only going to do one thing (pizza), then please, learn how to do it well.
I'm sorry, I really wanted to like this place but I just can't. If you want to grab a cold beer and watch the game in a laid back atmosphere then stop by, otherwise check out Pizza Hut or the frozen aisle at the grocery store for a more satisfying bite. -
Review from Michael K.
Scotch Plains, NJ
9/2/2008
This is the sort of place that, if you grew up in the neighborhood or, if your bowling league met here every week for beer and pizza night, you would claim makes the best pie in the world. However, for an outsider with no preconceptions, it's hard to get too excited about Conte's.
The place looks like a VFW hall, or a school cafeteria. The pitchers of beer and soda do flow freely. The pepperoni pizza I ate was agreeably oily, which I certainly prefer to a dry, lifeless, plain pie, but there was nothing remarkable about it. I have to say that it was typical, generic bar pizza.
I'll leave this place to it's loyal clientele of locals, and continue searching for the "best pizza in the world". -
Review from Brian L.
7/15/2009
I come here every so often when my boss's decides to get pizza for the company. I personally think the pizza here is completely overrated.
The pizza is thin crust, and has a good texture to it. The cheese is thin, and is overpowered by the tomato sauce. The pepperoni is different, but still good.
I would like it more if the prices weren't so exorbitant. 15 bucks for a large thin crust? To me that's just a lot, I guess I'm used to lowly New Brunswick prices for pizza!
I do like their pizza though. I'd give it a higher rating if the prices were just a bit more in line with the norm, and away from the Princeton premium.Listed in: My Work Neighborhood
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Review from Paul L.
San Francisco, CA
5/29/2008
Conte's is definitely a Princeton staple. You must try the pepperoni. Conte's pepperonis are smaller and thicker than normal and they are utterly delicious.
I was lucky enough to grow up playing soccer with a guy who belonged to the family, which meant free pizza after games and practices.
There is definitely a line during peak hours, but it is worth the wait! -
Review from Keith B.
Monmouth Junction, NJ
3/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yep, its a divebar that serves some of the best tomato pie pizzas. Pull up a barstool and grab a slice. This place is the best with a group of people.
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Review from Emily W.
Oakland, CA
5/26/2006
Swimming at the Community Park Pool, followed by pizza at Conte's. Or playing softball on my dad's slow-pitch team, followed by pizza at Conte's. See the pattern?
Conte's is a Princeton staple for pizza. This isn't one of the hipster places that comes and goes around Nassau, but has survived because of great pepperoni pizza and a fun atmosphere and beer. If you're looking to get off the beaten track (as much as is possible in Princeton), try dropping by Conte's. -
Review from Courtney M.
Jersey City, NJ
12/2/2010
how on earth have i never written a review for Conte's?!?!?!?!?
my family has been stopping in here for pizza since I was a kid -- and let me tell you, NOBODY does a thin crust better than Conte's. Forget about Grimaldi's or Lombardi's -- Conte's is THE BESTEST EVAR.
I always go for a pie with everything, including anchovies on the side (which grosses my family out, but too bad for them!), and it's always awesome. Their roasted red peppers add so much flavor to the pies, and their sausage is incredibly tasty and well seasoned (sometimes pizza places buy that tasteless sausage, no spices or flavoring, which makes it just pork sitting on your pizza. yuck).
I've had alot of other dishes there too, and everything was always good. Conte's will always hold fond memories of "girl's lunches" with my mom, weekday dinners after everyone's basketball practice/tutoring/gold practice/whatever, ordering takeout on weekends for me and my brothers.............
good thing i'm going to be in Princeton soon to visit family and friends :) think i might have to request a Conte's pie with everything for dinner one night........... -
Review from Janelle R.
Princeton, NJ
12/5/2010
I'm a big fan of the TYPE of pizza Conte's serves up which can be described as something similar to Trenton's tomato pies. The pizza is crisp, with thin-crust, and decent cheese and sauce. I think Conte's falls short in the crust department. Yes, it's thin and well-done, but it's almost cardboard like as opposed to crisp. It dries out or something. Sure, I prefer Conte's over the dime-a-dozen pizza parlors (serving up big, sloppy, greasy slices with hit or miss sauce and cheap mozzerella); however, it just doesn't compare to some of the others in the area.
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Review from John B.
Robbinsville, NJ
6/5/2007
First let me say, that this is not New Haven style, or whatever the hell that is. Then let me say, pepperoni is for people that wouldn't know italian sausage if one got off the table and bit them in the ass.
I get emotional when I talk about this place. It has not changed since it opened. Still owned by the original family. Conte's has a full bar for those who need suds or drinks with their pie. Me, I just like the plain or maybe sausage or anchovies on it. I'm not some complicated guy.
You go to Conte's for flavor and good pie. Forget all this atmosphere crap. The table next to you probably has 30 Princeton professors at it for lunch. If you go around 7 pm, I hope you like standing. Upon entering Conte's, give the room a quick glance, if no tables are available, grab a bar stool. If there are no bar stools, well then my brothers, you'll have to wait a bit.
This is Princeton pizza brought to you off the boat from Italy. No it's not DeLorenzo's with their 45 minute lines and menu only of pies. Although, you'd be stupid to eat anything else there. Go early or late, that is your best chance for a table and you'll have time to relax without somebody standing over your shoulder watching you savor every bite.
Almost left out the best part, they serve pitchers of beer at the tables.
Enjoy, and tell them Johnny sent you -
Review from Elizabeth B.
Princeton, NJ
5/27/2009
It's tradition.
Everyone loves it, and so do I. -
Review from Lindsey R.
North Brunswick Township, NJ
4/7/2011
Great thin crust pizza. We went with sausage and red peppers, and another with pepperoni. Generous with the toppings and great flavors. Sausage was a little spicy and had a kick. You order first then get some drinks at the bar, you sit when your pizza is ready. Old school building but delicious pizza- will deff be back!
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Review from Miss D.
Jersey City, NJ
1/4/2010
Though I think the best pizza in the states can be found in NYC, Conte's is by far my favorite place in NJ!
It's thin, so order a whole pie if you are with another person. -
Review from Simon C.
East Brunswick, NJ
1/5/2011
Been here a few times for pizza. This is my favorite pizza place in Princeton. Judging from the crowds here, I am in good company. They serve great thin-crusted type. I have tried all different kinds from sausage and pepperoni to mushroom and onion. The place is more of a bar than a restaurant and I understand it has been around for a few decades and it shows but in this case, look could be deceiving.
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Review from Amanda F.
Philadelphia, PA
10/10/2010
Awesome thin crust, pepperoni pizza with a satisfying sauce/cheese ratio and sauce taste. The wait was long (the place was packed, and there was a family lingering over their check at the table I knew was ours--jerks!) but the pizza was worth it. Totally unimpressed by what they had on tap, but I left with a full belly and happy tastebuds. Next time I'd try and go earlier or on a less empty stomach!
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Review from ann f.
Westfield, NJ
8/6/2011
delicious thin crust pizza, efficient staff, highly recommend. if you love garlic, try the garlic pizza -- raw garlic chopped & mixed in with the cheese - it is out of this world. i don't live anywhere near conte's and i can't wait for my next trip to princeton. lucky you if you live close enough to do take-out!
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Review from Heather L M.
Trenton, NJ
Updated - 12/10/2009
I'm downgrading them a star based on my last visit. The pizza was ok but not as great as it had been on previous visits. And the salad was frozen. That's right, a plate of frozen lettuce.
Listed in: Check These Places Out, The Best Pizza Joints
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/29/2008
This is really a strong 4.5 star rating. I just can't give it a 5 because then it falls into… Read more »
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Review from P C.
Kendall Park, NJ
11/16/2010
Best pizza, period. Delicious thin crust. Best pepperoni. My personal favorite is the pepperoni and garlic combo--I always end up eating pretty much half a pie. Nothing compares. I want some now.
Only problem is they have a very small wait staff, so when tables need to be cleared, drinks need to be refilled, or checks need to be given, that's when one experiences a lag. Sadly this can be problematic as the pizza is rather salty, so drinks need to be refilled quickly! Other than that (and the long lines, but if you know to be prepared, it's not that bad), it's 5 stars all the way. -
Review from preston p.
Princeton, NJ
3/4/2010
What's happened to Conte's over the past decade is a shame. Lou, the former owner, must be spinning in his grave. Lou was a people person - the relatives who inherited/purchased the establishment are not. At one time you could get a pie at midnight - now the lights are out by 11pm, even on Fri and Sat. I was there with a friend on the Fri before Xmas, and the female co-owner told him to "eat faster and get out" so they could close. (It was only 10:30pm). As a result of this (and other incidents) we don't go there much any more. Used to go Fri and Sat without fail. Things have changed. Have only been there once since 12/23/09. Don't even miss it.
As for the menu, what menu? You get a pie or you get pasta. You can't even get a white sauce for the pasta. Unreal. Service and food preparation is uneven at best. Some nights the crust is thin; some nights you'll break a tooth on it. The wine selection is laughable - one step removed from Ripple. Adding insult to injury, they charge over $6/glass for the swill. And, as other writers have commented, the salad is a bad joke. -
Review from Sara G.
Somerset, NJ
8/15/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Great pizza and booze! Atmosphere is a little different, but enjoyable!
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Review from Dave W.
Summit, NJ
4/17/2008
Simple menu. A few pastas for those not eating pizza, pizzas, a salad, and maybe a sandwich. PIZZA is what you get here though. Delicious! hot thin crispy, greasy, what I call a large bar pie with oddly cut slices. The pepperoni curls up to like a cup to hold the grease, which I will cover with parmigiana cheese to soak it up. Always a pleaser! The sausage is chopped pieces and is my first slice and first choice. They serve pitchers and have a full bar. The service is consistent and the staff experienced and accommodating. We always host large parties here with 10 to 15 people. Because of all this positive stuff, the place does get packed.I go here about 5 times a year when I am in Princeton and a 6th time after my yearly physical. Doctor always gives me a clean bill of health. Coincidence? I like to think so!
