I'm the kind of girl that loves dressing up for work but craves wearing jeans while hanging out in a divey atmosphere... it just rejuvenates me. This is the place to do it if you are living in Princeton and don't want a far drive. It's dingy, dark, with the basics of a bar and half decent food. It seriously connects me to my college years and being broke. If this all sounds horrible to you, it's not your place, but I like it. The staff is all friendly and the crowd doesn't bother you if you want to work on your phone and get a drink. So, if you are looking for something to bring back that feeling and like what o described, get your butt over here! read more

See all

After a private and really heartwarming 9/11 ceremony at our university on Friday honoring my late grandfather, my friends and I decided to go to McGuinn's to finish out the evening. The place was insanely packed, and unfortunately, our experience went downhill pretty quickly. The bar in front of us was incredibly sticky from the previous customers and was never wiped down. When we asked the bartender if he could wipe it, the horrible look he gave us made it seem like we were asking for something completely unreasonable. That same obnoxious bartender kept calling the guys "dawg," which got annoying really fast. Another customer, who I believe was from Rider, was complaining about horrible flying insects. GROSS Then I witnessed the same bartender making my drink using vodka from the well instead of the specific brand I requested. Curious to discover if I was upcharged!. When I politely told him it wasn't what I ordered and his response was basically that I could "go somewhere else." Seriously?? I was absolutely appalled especially after what had already been a very emotional and somber day for me. I am by no means boujee. My girlfriend suggested asking the other bartender who was huffed and puffed throughout our entire experience to remake my drink, but he was absolutely drenched in sweat, which honestly made us uncomfortable ordering anything else. At that point, we took the bartender's excellent advice -- we went somewhere else. Terrible customer service and some serious cleanliness concerns. Definitely won't be rushing back. read more

The food was just OK, nothing really special. The issue was more the incompetence of the server and the nastiness of the manager on duty. Asked specifically to not fire the main course until we finished appys. They caught an attitude when we asked the to take it back as we were not ready. They then put the same dish under a lamb and it dried out the food by the time it was brought back. To top it all of the manager was staring at us and commenting to each other. We are in the business and if their boss needs to train them better. read more

McGuinn is not a safe place for a single woman to come to. E is potentially the worst bartender in all of Mercer County as she endangered my safety E called the cops on me. Unwarranted. After I told her she did a good job after she ruined my long island. I came here years ago for a company party and thought this was a safe space. It clearly isnt if they are employing people like this with no customer service experience or emotional intelligence. read more

Good food , good drinks. Terrible DJ and barely any people on a Saturday but hey I still had fun

This place was quite the fun surprise! As my friends and I pulled up in here, we were a bit cynical as the parking lot was packed, the porch was filled with a smoke cloud and and it was dark outside of the building. When we walked into the bar, we were quite pleased, my friend even said "I want a basement just like this one day!" The space is quite large with two bars, a round on right when you walk into the door and another smaller corner bar that reminded me of a tiki bar because of the decorations and holiday lights. They don't have many seating options but there are a few tables, giant jenga, pool tables, beer pong table, TVs and a big projector screen playing sports. This is a fun, upbeat bar with people of all types-it definitely didn't have a certain type of person who hangs out here. I saw people of many races, many fashion styles, and it just felt inviting and welcoming. Everyone was smiling and dancing and telling jokes and it is just a plain fun place. Their drinks are nothing special, just what you'd expect at a bar like this. Kinda divey, kinda sporty. It feels like an all-American bar. I heard from multiple people that they sometimes take advantage of you if you tip on a credit card, so be sure to bring cash! read more

See all

F and I stopped in on a Sunday afternoon hoping to grab some off the much ballyhood BBQ ribs...alas there were none to be had today. No worries, we were hanging with neighborhood friends and chilling. The atmosphere is nothing to write home about. I can see this as a college night type place (loud music, games, cheap drinks). The barmaid was very sweet, but...a martini in a wine glass is a no go for me. This would be a great place to dance, drink and get sweaty...if you're of a certain age. read more

It's super ghetto and there's a cover charge A COVER CHARGE. I've never paid a cover charge for a dive bar. Two stars for giant jinga though. read more

I just had a birthday celebration with friends at McGuinn's Place on Brunswick Pike in Lawrenceville, NJ. We came early so we could leave at a reasonable time. We ordered platters of different flavored wings which were absolutely delicious! The sampler platter was also great. Everyone had their choice of drink and we would highly recommend trying the one made with peach Malibu rum! Wonderful! read more

Went here today with a group to grab a drink before the Rider Basketball game, showed up at 1pm and lights were off and doors were locked. We waited 10 minutes and called and phones went right to voicemail. We ended up having to go somewhere else and were super disappointed, really strange to just not be open when it says you will be online. read more

The best in bar pies and I have been away for a while but soon to make a return when things die down at work.

This is a grungy version of Firkin Tavern on the other side of town. I kept passing this place and from the outside it looks all cute, nice patio....and then inside the chairs are missing backs, have sliced up cushions, and well....generally it looks dirty in here. The bartender here was very clear about how much he hated his job. There were only a handful of people in there, so it wasn't hard to ease drop. Not that anyone seemed to mind, this looks like a complete inner circle place. The bartender knew everyone's name and drink of choice...which was impressive. Sadly, he didn't know that I like MY drinks strong. My drinks were pretty low on the vodka. We wanted to munch on something and got the sample platter for $13. You got to pick 3 of any appetizers of your choice; we picked California fries, Pizza Rolls, and Fried Shrimp. The fried shrimp was the only thing that was good...sadly it was missing a dipping sauce or something! Pizza rolls were burnt Totino Pizza rolls....and only 6 of tiny pieces. The California fries had soooo much potential! Ranch dressing, bacon, cheese.....sadly the cheese wasn't melted...the bacon was minuscule anddd well, they were overall kinda of a disappointment. There are a lot of games, pool, fooseball, air hockey...so much potential here....but so bleh. I will most likely not be returning......find me at Firkin.....they have awesome wings and Parmesan fries. read more

This is your definition of a dive bar, which I can always appreciate. It is very dim inside, actually it's really dark. There are 2 bars one as soon as you walk in and one in the back (cash only). I liked the many interactive activities/games. There are 2 pool tables, a beer pong table, giant jenga, connect 4...etc. I hear Monday nights are always packed. Thursday nights are hip hop night and they have a live DJ. Now let's talk food... I love bar food, but not a fan here. I had the sample so I picked mozzarella sticks, wings, and broccoli bites. Mozzarella sticks are just the typical frozen mozzarella sticks you get anywhere and same goes for the broccoli bites. The wings..well let's just say I had better. I asked for hot and they weren't. I had to add more hot sauce. They had fresh garlic I think, which through we off a bit. I'll have to try more from the menu before I can completely rule food out here. read more

One of the best gay bars I've ever been to. Had a really great night and maybe found Mrs. Right.

First and most importantly, this place has a foosball table (for free!). This place fills up with a half-decent-looking crowd on random nights of the week and for sure on fridays. $1 pints and $10 domestic towers all day, erday. Also, this place has air hockey, a shuffleboard table, 2 pool tables, a jukebox, and some very fair prices on alcohol. I don't like that I like this place as much as I do, but then again it has foosball. Bartenders are friendly and attentive, and chicken wings tasted pretty good. As for the rest of the food, just saying there is a burger king across the parking lot. read more

My family and I really enjoyed watching football all day the first Sunday of the 2012 NFL season. We were in town to attend our Grandmother's funeral and needed a devertion. We got what we needed at McQuinn's and plan to come here again when we're in town. read more

McGuinn's is the place to go to when you want a cheap beer and a local vibe. We went recently when I was visiting my parents and spent very little on 3 pitchers. This is quite the dive bar, however. It has christmas lights hanging from the ceiling and sticky floors. It is definitely a place to go when you just want to hang out without anyone bothering you. If there is a live band, there is a cover (depends on the band how much they charge). It is not my favorite spot in town, but it's a nice place to go for inexpensive fun. read more

Its really hard to rate this place with an overall rating, because it depends so much on what you're in to. So here is an itemized list: 1. Location: McGuinn's gets 4 stars for being one of the only places to go in the dismal, boring Lawrenceville area. It is always a sure shot that there will be fun people watching possibilities because its always packed. Minus one star for the constant police presence, as they know, too, that its the only place to choose from. 2. Music: Anywhere from 1-5 stars. Ok, that isn't fair. There is a HUGE variety - on any given night I've walked in to rock, sometimes rap, sometimes punk and so on. So 5 stars for variety, but sometimes paying $5 at the door for something you'd pay $5 not to have to listen to is a hard pill to swallow. 3. Ambiance: Uh, there's not much of one. Green "pub" walls, restrooms in need of a scrub down and update....BUT, they do have pool tables that are a big draw, and recently added a multi-game arcade machine and a sweet Dark Knight pinball, so I'd have to bump them up a star or two for that. Hubby and I have spent countless hours just drinking cheap beer and playing the games. 4. Service/Drinks: 2-5 stars, depending on the bartender. They are all very much on top of getting you that next drink, but some of attitudes that are pretty fierce if they don't recognize you as a "regular". Shots and beer are usually cheap and there's almost always something on special, mixed drinks tend to be tiny and way overpriced, esp. given the size. read more

They are open 7 days a week. Google has a glitch right now saying that they are closed on Fridays:-(

Not a local, came with friends. This place offers almost everything I could ask for in a bar: divey vibe, jukebox with awesome music, cheap bevs and munchies, outside seating, and activities!! Pool, pong, darts, shuffleboard, air hockey, fooseball, I'm sure I'm missing something. My review may change during different hours but for early evening/happy hour not too packed but not empty either. If I lived closer I think I would definitely be a regular.. read more

I used to drink here when I first was legally allowed to, and I remember it being much easier on the wallet. Now, I literally live up the block and stopped in on a hot Friday afternoon after work for a pick me up and paid 6 dollars for a super weak rum and Coke; 8 dollars for a DOUBLE! EIGHT DOLLARS! Meanwhile, a Yuengling pint was only 2 bucks. Advice: Come back here, hang with the guys old enough to be your Dad and drink the cheap drafts. STAY AWAY from anything else. read more

I love it here when it's not super crowded. If you come here then expect to be stared at by locals--just get used to it. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because of the red plastic cups they use at the bar. They kind of smell and make the beer taste funky. Other than that, this is the go to bar in our area. The owner is really nice as well! read more

Had the wings here. Wings were OK.. My hunt for the best wings in Trenton will continue.

Great local dive bar. Cheap drinks, fried bar food, people are friendly. I have never seen it packed, but in my opinion this area is not a big nightlife crowd anyway. Generally a good time. read more

I adore this unique Tavern in Lawrenceville. It's not a yuppie, stiff tie type of joint. It's low key, comfortable, chillin type of establishment...which is so refreshing. Bill and Billy are superstar bartenders and the crowd is friendly. A great place to unwind after a long day of back breaking, mind exhausting work. This Tavern does what they need to do and do it well. No frills and facades they are the real deal drinks, bar food and friendly crowd. read more

Great local bar! They seem to be a dying breed in mercer. Good service, good food, plenty of TVs, big smoking deck, great atmosphere and plenty of girls :) I give it 2 drinks up read more

Character and personality this dive bar has. Also, best chicken cheesesteaks! Live music, jukebox, good parking, games. Or just sit and watch the patrons. read more

Best local hangout. All staff very personable and friendly. Excellent food. Welcoming atmosphere. Comfortable place to chill. Can bring board games. Great place. :D *heart* read more

I really need to upgrade need to get the dreary mood out of the bar and get some excitement in there

This is a every mans bar. Good drink prices and friendly staff. There are multiple bar games and a decent high end digital juke box that can use an app to play. The fish and chips are delicious and seriously hit the spot. Fancy ? No. fun and friendly? Definitely. read more

There are not too many bars in Lawrence But this is close to Trenton state or Rider. Mcguinns is a casual fun place. The owner is very nice and I enjoy their wings ( garlic ones are my favorite ) and cheese steak wrap , chicken fingers or grilled cheese . They also have good string French fries and pretzel bites with cheese . Very reasonably priced ! Lots of beers to choose from and they have Brooklyn lager on tap !!!! There is a juke box and they sometimes have karaoke on tues ( all ages) and a DJ on weds that's gets pretty good college and 20s-30s crowd. I think they even have dollar beer specials although I only drink kettle or premium beers. You can also watch sports or dance here and there is beer pong , pool tables , fuse ball , deer hunter and shuffle board. If the bar closes and your tipsy there is a diner next door to sober up . There is also a deck off the side . I've lived in the area my whole life and consider myself a socialite . I give it a thumbs up read more

WeI just recently went to Mcguinns for the first time a few weeks ago. My husband and I moved to the area a few months ago and Mcguinns is close to our house. We were pleasantly surprised when we finaly decided to go there! The bartender was very friendly and the drinks were reasonably priced. It seemed that there were many "regulars" that were also very friendly. When we went out onto the huge deck to smoke we felt welcomed into the conversations that were being tossd around by the "regulars". We took a look at the bar menu but did not order anything because we already had dinner. We will definitely go back soon and will probably try the food. Either way we are glad this bar is so close to our house. Maybe we will be the new "regulars" read more