When are we dining out these days, and how much are we spending?
The blog of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts (escoffier.edu), quoting a 2023 study by the US Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (ERS), states that when it comes to dining out, Americans spent $1.5 trillion on food away from home (FAFH), an increase of over 13.5 percent. And that trend seems to be accelerating; between 2022 and 2023 alone, spending on food away from home increased 5.11 percent (adjusted for inflation). Lunch was the most common meal people ate away from home; 53 percent of consumers who ate out during a given week had their restaurant meal at lunch.
That’s a major shift from the trend toward takeout and delivery of meals experienced during Covid. According the 2024 survey of the dining habits of over 1,000 Americans conducted by US Foods (usfoods.com), a leading supplier of products and services to the food service industry, dining out now triumphs over takeout, with 55 percent of respondents preferring dining at restaurants over ordering takeout or delivery, versus 43 percent in their 2023 survey.
Why? Respondents cited “atmosphere” and a desire to “socialize” as top reasons.
Hard to argue with meeting up in a convivial atmosphere and reconnecting with other human beings in a desirable dining destination, especially while enjoying … lunch? Lunches out tend to be lighter, more casual, and at some restaurants can sometimes present less expensive dining options than their dinner offerings. They’re also enjoyed at a convenient time for a preprandial or postprandial stroll.
That said, here, in alphabetical order, are five worthy lunch options in settings worth exploring. Yes, some are a bit of a (pleasant) drive away, but hey, it’s Spring!
Brick Farm Tavern
Dining at Brick Farm Tavern takes place in a sensitively restored 1820s farm house, located (as the restaurant’s website notes) “steps away from our working barns & fields.” The lunch menu also prominently notes that “You are dining on a farm. All the proteins on your plate come from our pasture. Everything else is sourced from a small radius of local farmers, and artisans. Thank you for being an active participant in a true, sustainable food cycle.”
The notion of consuming lunch as a virtuous, as well as tasty, act was an appealing one. Given the choice of booking a table in the bar or dining room, we chose the latter, although the lively buzz of conversation in the cozy bar sounded equally appealing.
We were warmly greeted by our server, Chris, and escorted to a table by a window facing onto an increasingly verdant landscape, intensified by several days of rain. Our dining room (there are two) was decked out in sedate colors appropriate to the area and featured wide plank floors and an apparently non-functional fireplace. Tables are well spaced, and acoustic panels mounted on the ceiling facilitated quiet conversation, even as guests continued to filter in during our meal.
Brick Farm Tavern’s lunch menu consists of selections of “Small Plates” and “Lunch Classics,” many of which change daily. Small plates range from the empanadas of the day with seasonal fillings ($11), to a selection of salads ($18). Adding grilled chicken or steak to the strawberry salad (gentlepig strawberries, field greens, roasted pumpkin seeds, green apples, feta, toasted almonds, strawberry vinaigrette) brings the total charge to $34 or $36 respectively.
We chose two entrees from the lunch classics menu. The NJ Smoked Trout Melt ($21) was a surprisingly satisfying combination of New Jersey smoked trout, mayo, pickled red onion, capers, celery, herbs, and melted Gruyere, served on a house-baked toasted New England roll and accompanied by a side salad. My dining companion enjoyed the Troon Beer Brat Sandwich ($24), served on a toasted baguette with caramelized onions, garlic aioli, mustard, pickles, and a side salad.
When it comes to drinks selections, Brick Farm Tavern features an extensive selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wines. The budget conscious might request a glass of the house red or house white ($9), mentioned on the website but absent from the printed list. Both produced in Slovenia, the red cab and the white pinot grigio made perfectly acceptable pairings with our casual meal. The strawberry rhubarb crisp ($14) had the right touch of sweetness and was very shareable, and a selection of rich coffees from Hillsborough-based roasters Benfatto coffee completed our meal.
Things to do before or after lunch? Brick Farm Tavern’s website suggests that “while visiting, please stop by Troon Brewery, Unionville Vineyards, St. Michael’s Preserve, Sourland Mountain hiking trails and other quaint corners within a two mile radius.”
Brick Farm Tavern, 130 Hopewell-Rocky Hill, Road, Hopewell. Lunch: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 609-466-6500 or brickfarmtavern.com
Eno Terra
My dining companion and I have had some pleasurable dinners at Eno Terra, but this was our first sampling of their lunch offerings. We were not disappointed.
The restaurant itself is on the site of the Fisk General Store and dates back to the 1860s. Princetonians may remember it as the Kingston Inn, a working class neighborhood bar with a pizzeria in back. Eno Terra is part of the Terra Momo Restaurant Group, whose other venues include Teresa Caffe, Mediterra, and The Terra Momo Bread Company, as well as Albariño, their tapas and wine bar in Shrewsbury.
The Momos have refashioned Eno Terra as a rustic, welcoming space with a bar room in front and dining on two levels, as well as on an outdoor patio when weather permits. Even before you enter Eno Terra, the natural landscaping, dry laid fieldstone, and clusters of miniature daffodils beckon.
We were warmly greeted at the front desk. Jazz played at a reasonable volume. Walls are finished in a soothing celadon, and well-spaced tables facilitate conversation, despite the hardwood floors and absence of tablecloths.
We were soon welcomed by our server, Ernesto, and invited to peruse the luncheon menu. A selection of antipasti — arugula and roasted beet salads ($14), mussels en brodetto ($15), burrata ($14) and fried calamari ($16) — were followed by a range of cured meat and cheese boards ($18 to $56) and pasta dishes ($22 to $28).
We chose to pass on the above in favor of selections from the “secondi” offerings. I choose the crab cake sandwich ($18), served with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes and balsamic on foccacia, and accompanied by a choice of fries or salad. My dining companion selected the pastaless vegetable lasagna ($24); eggplant, seasonal greens, sauteed spinach, carrot and mozzarella.
Other tempting selections included a braised short rib sandwich ($18), Amish half chicken ($27), and roasted salmon ($28). Another option I will definitely consider on a return visit is Eno Terra’s three course pranzo (lunch) specials; soup or salad, main, and dessert priced at a very reasonable $29.
When it came to choosing wine to accompany our lunch selections, we turned to Ernesto for a recommendation and were not disappointed with the white Pecorino d’ Abruzzo ($15) or the red Perricone from Sicily ($14). Decaf cappuccino, a regular coffee, and a plate of six biscotti (three chocolate, three almond, $9) to share concluded our meal.
What to do on a spring day after your lunch at Eno Terra? A quiet stroll along Lake Carnegie, or (for a bit more strenuous perambulation) cross Route 27 and walk the D&R Canal to Rocky Hill and back, a distance of about four miles. Look for turtles sunning themselves on a log, or, if you’re lucky, for blue herons seeking their lunch.
Eno Terra, 4484 Route 27, Kingston. Lunch: Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. 609-497-1777 or enoterra.com.
Finnbar
Frenchtown may seem like a long way to go for lunch, but on a lovely spring Sunday the drive along either the Jersey or Pennsylvania sides of the Delaware — or perhaps up one side and down the other — is well worth the journey and the destination.
I say Sunday because Finnbar serves a mid-day meal, referred to as Sunday Supper, only on Sunday between noon and 6 p.m. That also means that diners arriving during traditional lunch hours will be presented with somewhat pricier menu choices than the other dining destinations in this Spring Dining feature.
Still, it’s possible to enjoy an outstanding meal and engaging service, in an attractive setting, and under the direction of a star chef that doesn’t break the bank.
That star chef and co-owner of Finnbar is Cal Peternell, who was at the helm of the kitchen at Alice Waters’ iconic Bay Area icon, Chez Panisse, for more than 20 years.
The driving force behind Finnbar is probably best expressed on its website: “Finnbar serves a seasonal, produce-driven, and locally sourced menu of Italian and Mediterranean inspired dishes.”
Formerly the Frenchtown Inn, the circa 1868 brick structure has been beautifully restored. Diners may choose to be seated in either the dining room or cozier and livelier bar.
Since Finnbar’s menu can change daily, depending on the seasonal availability of ingredients, visit their website to get a sense of Cal Peternell’s culinary sensibility.
On our visit to Finnbar, my dining companion and I enjoyed a beautifully composed avocado and beet salad with mache and citrus vinaigrette ($13), which we shared, although I’d characterize the portion as “petite.” For entree selections we chose Eggs Benedict with spinach, bacon, and roasted Belgian endive ($22), and Sicilian style pork meatballs with polenta and mustard greens ($24). A request for a wine selection from Jeff, our knowledgeable server, produces two glasses of Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence ($16), a very enjoyable red.
Following a shared Pink Lady apple galette with candied orange peel ($13) and well-brewed coffee, we were off for a stroll along Frenchtown’s Bridge Street, stopping in to its charming shops and checking out restaurants to try on what I’m sure will be many more spring, summer, and fall visits.
You can also feel virtuous when you dine at Finnbar. The majority of the restaurant’s profits are channeled to Studio Route 29 (studioroute29.org), self-described as “…a progressive art studio in Frenchtown that centers the creative practices and perspectives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” On display in Finnbar’s dining room are the artworks of the creatives who produce their work at Studio Route 29.
Finnbar, 7 Bridge Street, Frenchtown. Lunch: “Sunday Supper” served noon to 6 p.m. 908-465-0021 or finnbarjersey.com.
Triumph Restaurant & Brewery
My dining companion and I were looking forward to our first visit to Triumph Restaurant & Brewery in Princeton and were impressed by the food, the service and the stunning restoration / renovation / re-imagining of the circa 1934 Post Office building on Palmer Square.
The exterior of the venerable building has been beautifully restored. The exception is the former loading dock, now glassed in and repurposed as the entrance to the formal dining room / cocktail bar / lounge, and Der Keller, the casual bar / music venue one flight down.
Lunch is served only in the main dining room. In keeping with the more formal atmosphere, Triumph posts a dress code for patrons dining and drinking on this level:“We kindly ask our guests to dress appropriately for the upstairs bar, lounge, and dining rooms. Please, no ball caps, flip-flops, shorts, leggings or athletic wear.”
None of the offending attire was in evidence. Our table had a view of the wall containing the original Special Delivery window and the slots (Out of Town / Air Mail / Princeton), where for decades Princeton postal patrons deposited their letters, and of the 1939 WPA mural, restored as part of the Triumph project, and reportedly owned by the federal government and on loan from the U.S. Postal Service.
We perused the lunch menu but not before checking out Triumph’s compact but well-chosen list of wines by the glass. Selections ranged in price from a Fabre Montmayou Reserva Malbec 2022 ($11) to a Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto 2020 ($39). After conferring with Christian, our knowledgeable server, we chose the aforementioned Malbec, and a Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2023 ($14). A selection of cocktails, mocktails, and, of course, Triumph’s beer are on offer as well.
The extensive lunch menu runs the gamut, from the tried and true to more innovative options. Examples of the latter include Duck Egg Roll (Asian guacamole, sweet ginger sauce, Asian barbecue) appetizer for $18, Vegetable Kimchi Fritters (green onion aioli, sesame) appetizer for $16, a Black Bean Burger (chipotle mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, brioche bun, house-cut fries, dill pickle) for $18.
Entree selections range from Fried Chicken (fried green tomatoes, whipped Yukon potatoes) for $27, to Pink Peppercorn Fettuccine (lobster, peas, bacon lardons, tomatoes, cream), priced at $36. There’s also an à la carte menu for kids age 12 and under, a thoughtful touch.
We chose Triumph’s take on a classic Monte Cristo (smoked ham, roasted turkey breast, brie, smoked maple syrup, brioche french toast, pickle, house chips) for $19 and the house-made pastrami sandwich (sauerkraut, beer mustard, Gruyere, rye, house chips) also for $19 and were well satisfied with our selections.
Desserts are priced at $14, and the dough to filling ratio of our shared Apple Tahini Galette (tilted toward dough) was the only off note of an otherwise satisfying meal. Rich French press coffee ($4 or $7) and cappuccino ($6) fortified us to hit the streets and explore Princeton’s shops and the picturesque university campus.
Triumph Restaurant & Brewery, 20 Palmer Square East, Princeton. Lunch: Served daily from 11:30 a.m. in the main dining room. 609-924-7855 or triumphbrewing.com/princeton.
Washington Crossing Inn
Looking to step back in time and enjoy satisfying comfort food, courteous service, and a reasonably priced meal in a historic setting? Just 20 or so minutes from Princeton — and just a short, famous boat ride across the Delaware from New Jersey for George Washington and his troops — the venerable Washington Crossing Inn has been serving weary travelers since the 1800s, when Bernard Taylor constructed the original part of the inn in 1817.
Several additions later, the inn sports five dining rooms, a large event space, both an indoor and outdoor bar and warm-weather dining on the patio, all while managing to retain its Colonial charm.
Panic set in as my dining companion and I approached the inn at the appointed time of our Tuesday lunch reservation; the parking lot was absolutely full. Fortunately, there was ample space in the lot of a now defunct bank directly across the street.
Once inside, our fears about a crowded, noisy dining experience proved unfounded. As we were led to a quiet corner table in the Covered Bridge Room, we learned that there was an event in full swing in the Inn’s Banquet Hall. Although we were just steps away, the sound of that gathering never interfered with the quiet enjoyment of our meal.
We were soon welcomed by Julio, our server, and left to peruse the menu and beverage offerings. The extensive wine list includes some well-priced selections, with a number of bottles in the $40 to $60 (pre-tariff…) range, on up to an Orin Swift Papillon Napa Valley Red Blend ($175). Sparklers ranged from an Elmo Pio Prosecco ($40) to the almost obligatory Dom Perignon Brut ($225). Ever the bargain hunters, my dining companion chose a glass of Rainstorm Pinot Gris ($12), and I went for the Mac Murray Pinot Noir ($10), both perfectly acceptable.
Three menu options are offered at lunch. A selection of sandwiches includes the Washington Crossing Inn Burger (toasted bun, red onion, tomato lettuce, pickle) for $18, Chicken Pesto Panini (chicken breast, pesto, mozzarella, roasted red pepper, ciabatta roll) for $17, and my dining companion’s choice, the Crispy Fish Sandwich (breaded fish fillet on brioche bun with lettuce, jalapeno coleslaw, tartar sauce) for $16. She pronounced it crispy on the outside, moist and flaky inside. All sandwich selections are accompanied by your choice of fries or garden salad.
Heartier entrees are available as well, including Rigatoni Alla Vodka (tomato cream sauce, prosciutto, parsley, parmesan, shaved grana padano) for $18, and ranging up in price to the Crab Cake (grilled sweet corn, avocado & pico de gallo salad, remoulade sauce) priced at $38.
I chose from the third option, the $30 three course luncheon menu, which turned out to be an excellent value in a world where the price of even a modest breakfast approaches $20 (plus tax and tip). I started with the generously sized Caesar Salad (romaine hearts, cherry tomatoes, shaved grana padano, parmesan dressing, followed by two equally generously sized, tender and meaty Sirloin Fillet Medallions (mushroom truffle demi-glaze, garlic mashed potatoes).
Julio offered a choice of cookies and cream ice cream or a flourless chocolate cake. I chose the latter, and the rich, moist, hemispherical cake placed before me proved to be more than enough for my dining companion and me. Decaf cappuccino and rich black coffee completed our meal. We bid Julio farewell and strolled around the springtime beauty of 500-acre Washington Crossing Historic Park (washingtoncrossingpark.org).
Note: When coming from Princeton, avoid the narrow bridge that connects Titusville with Taylorsville by taking I-295 North to the first exit (Exit 10) in Pennsylvania. Turn left at the light onto Taylorsville Road, then turn right at the first traffic light (Route 532). The Washington Crossing Inn will be on your left.
Washington Crossing Inn, 1295 General Washington Memorial Boulevard, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. Lunch: Served daily 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 215-493-3634 or washingtoncrossinginn.com.
