Good place to meet halfway between Philadelphia and New York City [moved from Philadelphia board]

[Halfro22]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know of a good place to meet for dinner that is halfway between Philadelphia and NYC? My girlfriend lives in NYC and I live in Philadelphia. We are trying to find a place that is about halfway between us where we could meet for dinner on a weekday without spending a lot of time traveling. Any suggestions at all would be helpful. Thanks!

[Heatherb]

I dunno, I've spent a lot of time in New Brunswick and a lot of time in Princeton. On a weekday, I'd say go to New Brunswick - so much in easy walking distance of the train station. On a weekend, however, with more time on your hands, it is definitely worth it to ride to Princeton Junction on the trains and then take a cab over to Princeton. Won't take that much more time, and there are so many options for the day...

[YumYumNorth]

Dinky between Princeton Junction and Princeton IS scheduled to link to Northeast Corridor NJ Transit trains.

[Heatherb]

I thought so, but NJ Transit's schedule can get thrown out of whack at the drop of a hat...

[seagulls1]

Public Transport!!! OH MY! Well,...there is a very good restaurant right across the street from the Trenton train station. "Lorenzos" is a 80 year old steak and chop kinda place. Lots of wood paneling. Rudi Giuliani, Frank Rizzo and Jimmy Hoffa would be (probably were) very happy here. The reviews may be mixed but the 2X we went the food and service were very good. The location could not be any easier for both of you.

[Foody4life]

Has Lorenzos reopened?? Lorenzos closed last year and was for sale for $2M this spring.

I'd say the New Brunswick option is the best. Lots of great places within a few blocks of the train station. Starting with Steakhouse 85, Due Mari and others.

http://www.steakhouse85.com/

http://www.duemarinj.com/index.html

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Due Mari
78 Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

[Halfro22]

Thanks for all the advice thus far. I forgot to mention in my original post that we would most likely both be taking public transportation. She lives in NYC without a car and I live in Philly with a car that I never really use.

[Applecheeks]

New Brunswick will be your best choice. Amtrak stops in New Brunswick and there are plenty of great eating establishments in walking distance of the train station.

[ieee488]

Amtrak also stops at Princeton Junction but then he would have to take the NJ Transit dinky over to Princeton. I don't believe their schedules are coordinated.

He could also take SEPTA to Trenton then take the NJ Transit to Princeton Junction then the "Dinky" to Princeton.

[GraydonCarter]

I'd concur on New Brunswick. You could also take NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor line with you taking a transfer in Trenton. Four blocks from the station is the Hyatt Regency (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) and the Glass Woods Tavern.

I guess you've tried just going to New York? What is it, two and a half hours? Keep in mind when you say "half way" that her trip just to get out of the city may take longer than yours.

[ieee488]

Princeton or New Brunswick would be my choices. They both have vibrant downtown areas with many restaurants to choose from.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Not at all fussy, but DeLorenzo's in Trenton for pizza.

[bucksguy14]

I meet a friend from NYC about once a month for lunch in the Princeton area. It's just about an hour drive for each of us. There are a bunch of decent restaurants in the area, including quite a few BYOBs that we've enjoyed. Among the best were Blue Bottle, Acacia, Farm House and Za.

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Blue Bottle Cafe
101 E Broad St, Hopewell, NJ 08525

[Bashful3]

Edison, N. J. is a hotbed of fabulous Asian food. We met friends from Hackensack, often, at a Chinese place right on US 1; name escapes me sadly, where the food was superb; nice athomoephere.

[seagulls1]

Harolds Deli - just off 95 in Edison by the holiday Inn- its amazing, esp for someone from Philly who has not experienced NY Deli Mountains of meat.

[WCchopper]

I'd only recommend Harold's if you and your girlfriend and a half dozen of your hungriest friends are meeting for dinner. Then you could all split a sandwich.