Amazing vibe, menu, drinks, space, everything else found here. While I make a stop at the other SWC on Witherspoon almost every time I am in Princeton, I decided to check out this much quieter, smaller but still just as great cafe a few minutes away. What I loved: -The dirty iced chai latte I got was strong and veryyyyy flavorful. They also had a Tough Chai on the menu but the barista let me know that just means its a little spicier (chai spice, not heat spice). I got the standard and LOVED it. And can also say I think it is plenty tough. Just the right amount of toughness. -The space is bright and open and not too packed with tables. There are a few along the window and a few outside. -The food menu looked amazing! I will have to make a return visit specifically for lunch to try more. -Baristas were kind and helpful. All in all, a great visit and what might have been a top chai latte in my books. read more

THE IMMORTAL PILE-DRIVER LIVES ON The first time I had a pile driver was at Witherspoon, but Nassau has the SMALL WORLD !Exclusive! famous "Pile Driver" Having spent teen summers I Cape Cod I remember pile drivers as noisy cranes which pounded telephone poles into 20' into the sand making a deafening clanking. PLEASANT SURPRISE THE SWC PILE DRIVER IS SILENTLY DELICIOUS! You can choose from a new visual menu which shows what you will get better than simple words can convey. They a have been my breakfast fave for 2 decades. Nassau offers a preorder for a quick IN &OUT. If you can stay there is OUTDOOR and COVERED seating to enjoy it while it's HOT. Several variations to accommodate your taste Never fear to ask for it your way. SMALL WORLD pleasing Princeton since 1993. read more

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A cute little coffee and sandwich shop I happened into when attending a crew regatta nearby...needed some caffeine! A well-kept spot with friendly staff. Bought an overpriced bag of beans because of course I did! My hot latte was quite tasty, and my son's GF enjoyed her vanilla latte. I got a turkey something sorta sandwich with the recommended "green sauce" for dipping , which tasted a lot like catsup with a bit of olive oil(?) mixed in...it wasn't green though. Whatever... overall...not too bad for a quick sip and bite in the Princeton area. read more

Small World Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

The new menu is like a more expensive version of MCDonalds eggs. Texture is rubbery and feels like you're eating fake food. I don't understand why a successful establishment would change what was a great menu to this. Staff is friendly. read more

Best coffee shop in the world. I love Small World coffee. There is seating outside, with very limited seating inside (3 tables total, 2 chairs per table) so please keep this in mind. No wifi available. That said, this is the best place to get a drink! My recommendations are the double vanilla latte, chai, or just a plain cup of Joe, hehe. It is so cute, they always feature local artists and there is merch available in the store with rotating items to choose from. Shout out to the amazing small world staff specifically matthew, Ashley, and danny. I also like the pile driver in terms of food. You can expect to spend ~$5-$8 on a drink and ~$10+ on a sandwich/burrito. They usually have baked goods until they sell out available in the morning. My pick is the blueberry muffin or an everything bagel toasted with cream cheese. PS. Get the NOLA, you'll have no regrets read more

Small World Coffee - Iced Joe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

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Perfect little hometown coffee shop serving Princeton and its people - Nassau location has great food options and the staff is awesome

Is there a better coffee shop? - Great coffee - Rich, robust flavors - Great service - Fast and courteous - Great ambiance - Artwork, eclectic customer mix Been going there for 30 years and always great coffee! read more

Nice atmosphere, great service, good coffee,good vibes . Academic environment) One of the first coffee shops in town read more

Love this place and love the vibe. Apparently they are one of the top busiest coffee shops in the nation, but their flow keeps you from waiting too long. The coffee is great and the baristas are nice while being efficient. Definitely get their chai- it's got a spice no other chai holds and it's fabulous from summer through winter. I like their pastries which are all local, but I'd you're in the mood for something sweet do the shortbread. It really is to die for. Been coming here for years and have never been disappointed- definitely a go to if you're in Princeton read more

Delicious pumpkin spice latte and zucchini bread. Comfortable space to sit and read. Great location. read more

Small World Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Came in to get a coffee to go while on my morning walk with the dog. One of the guys (longer dark hair, goatee-like mustache) at the counter tells me no animals allowed, gotta order on the app - fair enough, I understand. I go and place an order and proceed to wait 15 minutes for this coffee while the store is empty (1-2 customers max while there's 3 employees). Guy frequently made the contact with me - he knew I was waiting for it. Finally I have enough so l clip the dog to a bench to go have a word. Guess what? Coffee is suddenly done and placed for me on the takeout table with attitude. I'm generally anti Starbucks but l'd honestly rather go there than endure this service again. read more

Good friendly and quik service. Coffe is great and mostly fresh but this review is more for their bag of local granola+nuts+honey bars/thins that were really crunchy and great accompanimnet to their coffee. Call ahead and order. They are pretty good with Covid-19 protocols as well. read more

Small World Coffee - the interior of a coffee shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

I love a good little coffee shop! I was super excited to try this place out because it came with great recs from my sister-in-law. It did not disappoint. The SWC house blend tasted good black, the blueberry lemon scone wasn't too dry (as I feel most scones are), and the Wild Driver was ah-mazing AND you need to try it! It wasn't greasy (as some reviews stated) and was delicious! With 2 fried eggs, bacon, aged cheddar, garlic butter, honey chipotle and potato hash all on an english muffin... Heaven! Beware though the honey chipotle did have a kick to it! But I was a little sad that this location didn't have indoor seating, I'll have to try the other location next! They did have heaters in the indoor/outdoor area but they said they were owned by the business Nextdoor and would have to ask to turn them on :/ read more

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Grade: C. Average coffee, grumpy below average service. Solid coffee (had the New Orleans and Americano), nothing special in terms of coffee (e.g., Stumptown, Intelligentsia, Coava), but the servers were specially grumpy ("your order won't be ready for another 25 minutes"). Be sure to order ahead online, otherwise it apparently takes 30 minutes to make coffee (it doesn't, nor should it - even a pour over takes less time - pulling espresso shots and pouring hot water doesn't take that long). read more

Small World Coffee - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

The staff was super nice and considerate. The place was really packed but it was a nice warm vibe. I didn't get any coffee, but the pateries was super good. The apple cake was so soft and moist! read more

Small World Coffee - Blueberry crumb cake and apple cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

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Friendly staff, good coffee. Love the lavender and vanilla syrups. I purchase them and put them in my coffee at home.

I'm not a coffee sommelier (or whatever you call expertise over a beverage not named Maxwell House.) I can't look at or inhale a bean from fifty yards and immediately recognize it as a Kenyan, Colombian or, Hackensackian for that matter. I'm a functional drinker and can get just as turned on from a cup of C-store Joe as I can from some exotic blend out of a French Press. It's my inner Philistine toying with me. That being said, Small World makes a damn fine cup of coffee. So good in fact, I thoroughly enjoy it black which is not my usual preference. Small World has all the upscale accoutrements and aromatic staging that you would expect from an independent barista and enough variety to give your knowledge of world geography a grueling workout. On pricing, it's definitely one of those shoppes that if it cost less, you wouldn't respect or enjoy it nearly as much. In fact, you just might suspect foul play and abject fakery if they didn't relieve you of your daily ten spot. As for me, I'll take another cup of whatever the house blend is... black. read more

They usedddd to have the to go/pre order table out in the patio area (reminder the whole to go thing, intent was driven by COVID), buttttttt it made it so nice that I could order and walk with Parker to get it... not tie him up, because there's always dogs there and people and it's like a small area. So just to walk up was perfection! Thennnnn they moved it inside, but like right by the front door - so I could still peak in and get it while still holding Parker's leash and he was outside. Nowwwwwww (prob like 6 months ago), they moved the table on the one side but like far in, so I have to tie him up. Which is really a deterrent bc it's a pain and if there are other dogs, blah blah... and all of that just to walk in for legit 2 seconds to get the order read more

The Nola iced coffee delivers every single time. For my sweet coffee lovers, this is a local favorite that you should not pass up. read more

Small World Coffee - Nola - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Overpriced, over-crowded, low quality coffee. Loved mainly due to its atmosphere and that there is not much alternative in town.

edit 05/2018 - now takes card with $5 recommend minimum. Food prices have increased. Recently got -egg and bacon plate ($7.25) - completely not worth the price for one egg and one piece of bacon cut into three pieces. -avocado toast ($4.95) - average but one of the few places to get this in Princeton. My toast was burnt :| Amount of seating still hasn't increased, even with the new outdoor seating area :( -------- Better for grab and go than to sit down and chat/study - there's no working wifi, no bathroom, and limited seating. Cash only. The coffee is pretty strong but it's weirdly bitter and too dark, and it's just not as good as its reputation would suggest. The cold brew ($4.85) and NOLA ($3.85/$4.85) are good but for anything else I'd go to Rojo's instead. There are pourovers available all day here unlike at the Witherspoon location where it's evenings only, and there are usually one or two choices, but all the ones I've tried were extremely bitter. The food here is very average - not good, not bad, just ok, but it's pricey and portions are small. The kitchen closes at 2 p.m. There's self serve water but the cups for this are small paper cups that get soft after a while. Both metal and plastic utensils are available, though there are very few tables here and a lot of the items on the menu (e.g. sandwiches and burritos) can be eaten without utensils. The menu in general is very heavy on fried eggs/potatoes/black beans. The steel cut oatmeal ($3.50/$4.75) does contain milk in case you're dairy free. The veggie burrito ($5.60) is average - really small, very little caramelized onion, and fairly bland BUT the kale is still green and not greasy/cooked to oblivion! There's a wide selection of baked goods, mostly of average to mediocre quality; the croissants are pretty tragic but I like the butterscotch oatmeal raisin cookie. There are also salads and prepackaged sandwiches in the fridge on the side; both the tuna and pita sandwiches here are very average and overpriced. My favorite item on their entire menu (both drinks and food) is the Gouda and avocado sandwich on health bread ($6.85), which is most definitely not worth the price but still really tasty. The location has very limited seating; inside there are two tables with two chairs each, right by the door, and a bench with lower tables, and there are some benches and a table outside. The lack of tables is especially confusing because of the expanded food menu here - I guess you can use the tables in front of Blue Point? The service is very friendly and better than I've experienced at the Witherspoon location, and I generally like the vibe of this spot more. However it's just really not a great place to stay for long because of the seating issues. Also there's no recycling here - even Starbucks recycles :( read more

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Small World Coffee is perfectly located in downtown Princeton, on Witherspoon St.Everyone in and around Princeton comes to this place, from senior officials at the university to the grounds crew. There is ample choice of coffees and teas, indeed almost a confusing variety. Their daily Joe is reliably good and priced better than Starbucks. If you are a coffee savvy person, try this place. It is like drinking coffee in Europe, fresh, great toasted and brew. This is not an average Starbucks style coffee shop, it is really extraordinary. If you're a caffeine addict like me than please try a simple shot of espresso, it's outstanding!! As many retailers in Princeton they don't accept credit/debit cards, so bring cash. Over all, the service is fast and friendly baristas - Best in town!! read more

Small World Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

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Got an oat milk latte, they have a desk outside where you can order from the cashier so you don't have to go inside the physical building. Felt safe and coffee tasted great! read more

Small World Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Great little coffee shop. This location is farther east on Nassau than their first location. It's super small but a cute spot and there are a few seats inside and a couple of benches outside. No restroom but they share with Blue Water Grill next door and they were happy to let me use theirs. I ordered an iced tea which was really fresh and delicious. It came with plenty of ice and a big wedge of lemon. If you're staying they skip the straw and lid which is convenient. My brother is a regular and enjoyed his iced latte. Service was friendly and payment is quick, our drinks were ready within a couple of minutes. There's also a big taureen of cold water and ice available with paper cups. We hung out on the benches outside which gets a little bit of sun. Nice relaxing spot. read more

Whenever we go to Princeton, we always stop by this quaint little coffee shop. They've got lots of coffee and non-coffee items as well as breakfast/lunch nibbles and grub on their menu. Most of their items are organic and/or fair trade which is always nice. We never have a problem finding parking or waiting on a long line. We order our drinks, hot or cold, and usually sip them in the small seating area in the cafe. I've never eaten here for lunch or breakfast, but I totally want to try their breakfast burritos. They sound divine! Oh, don't forget that it's cash only! So hit up that ATM before! read more

Small World Coffee - Iced coffee and organic iced black tea. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

I keep falling in love with Small World over again. There is something about this little place and it's environment that make it so appealing. It's just the perfect little place to read, drink a deliciously made cold brew (there is a fancier name of the one they serve but I'm so forgetful that it's never on the tip of my tongue but it's fantastic), and enjoy a nice snack. Staff: They are always fast, friendly, and helpful Environment: Its that perfect local coffee place feel, you have multiple tables, cute little two seater benches (is that what you call those), with local artist on the walls (I love that!). There is the occasional band that plays here, can't say anything great about the acoustics but love the feeling and effort. Coffee: it's great! Every option you could possibly want and then some, it ranks in the top two coffee places in the area for flavor and precision brewing. Food: They have a few different local places bake their goods and some in house, but they always are mixing it up and it's always made great. Overall this is the best coffee place in Princeton. There is another local coffee shop that I feel makes a better roast, but only slightly, but would come here over it because of the environment and the additional options. I definitely recommend this place! read more

Very good lattes. There is Limited seating inside but great for summer time. Outside sitting is on the sidewalk and it's busy but nice.

Love this spot. I have visited small world coffee multiple times on my work trip. The coffee was amazing and the quality of the pastries was decent for the area. A great place to just vide and chill. read more

It's unbelievable how different this place is from the other Small World Coffee coffee-shop just 10 minutes away. Loud aggressive music, weird atmosphere, very limited food options, no seating area, and no restrooms. Highly disappointing... read more

Great tea, great atmosphere and friendly staff black tea is delicious, has hints of fruit and mint and is so flavorful!

Amazing coffee. Not a huge fan of the sandwiches because they are sometimes too greasy, but I love Small World's drinks! read more

Small World Coffee - Walnut brownie & a large cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

You want a latte with a kick?? Get the chai latte here! It will wake you the #*%$ up! This is a cute little coffee shop with lots of delicious coffees. The staff is very friendly and custom every order to your liking. They sell funny tshirts ("Sleep is for the Weak"), little mugs and strong coffee. One point of reference is that it is a bit pricey, especially for a small (like 2 gulps small) chai latte is $3. Although a decent sized large is $4....which is very similar to Starbucks prices. They do have a nice seating area outside for when the weather is nice, but not enough room to really lounge and do some work like you would at Starbucks. So it's more of a pick it up and go place. Either ways, cute shop, I will definitely stop by again. read more

My favorite local coffee shop. Baristas are great and coffee is even better. Lots of space to work and study!

I always thought coffee shops near campus usually serve bad, bland quality coffee, but I was wrong about Small World. I have been to this location multiple times, and I am really amazed by the great quality of their coffee! I have ordered the regular iced coffee, NOLA, and a pour over of the rocket blend, and they all taste equally amazing! I've also bought their sumatran coffee beans and it was one of the best coffee beans I've ever tried! The store has a very cozy ambience because of the warm red color walls and cute decor. When you walk in, it has the most pleasant fragrant smell of coffee beans . The staff is very friendly and patient, and they seem to have this hipster/chill/relaxing vibe. One difference from the Witherspoon location is that they serve food as well. They also sell very cute shirts of all sizes ranging from baby sizes to XL size for adults. They also have outside seating, and that's a plus too! The downside is that this location only accepts cash, so if you don't have cash, then you would have to go to the one on Witherspoon. read more

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There is sadly nothing special about Small World except for the AMAZING employees, who greet you with kindness and sincerity unlike the owner, who go out of their way because they are not chasing every last dollar possible, but are there to provide attentive service and a welcoming spirit. You kids rock. I have friends that love the place. Their bank accounts can handle the intrusion of $9.65 English muffins. Princeton SO NEEDS a real coffee shop, not the falsity of this one, the gouging, the smugness. I hope she tames it down a bit. Or grows up. read more

if you are always short of time but treasure your favorite swc elixer swc is perfect! call in your drink. they have special pickup loading for customers who called in orders pull into the customer pickup parking slots. jump out & grab your drink and food from the grab-n-go table right indide the door. jump in your car for a quick getaway. no lines! no problems parking! awesome coffee & beverages! check out the expanded food menú. more hot food items and all delicious & healthy. vegan and gf available. can't wait to get your favorite drink in the morning? then call swc in advance and grab it on the go read more

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Stopped by there for an after dinner coffee and sweets. Coffee and tea were amazing. The place is a little small to have sit and have coffee with friends but it is delicious. I think it is geared more for a breakfast and may be lunch crowd but a larger selection of pastries in the evening wouldn't hurt one bit. The ones we had (Short Cake, Blueberry and Apple cake) were absolutely great. I've not had anything similar for a long long time. Kinda reminded me of childhood. But overall it's a great stop in Princeton, Just hope they will take cards one day. read more

Got an oat latte and there was no foam whatsoever nor any attempt whatsoever to make any , it was basically a hot coffee with milk added and a huge up charge. This place was not worth my time or payment with the amount of superior options nearby. read more

Latte and spiced chai were good Only reason for not five stars is cash only and wifi was HORRIBLE If I come back it's only to go read more

This is such an amazing establishment. If you are lucky enough to live within the princeton area then you are surely part of the small world community. They're dedication to offering a superb product is obvious and their appreciation for their customers shows in their interactions. The Nassau location offers incredible grill items and a more intimate vibe away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. read more