When Peddie students and faculty aren’t hard at work, you can often find them venturing around Hightstown during breaks and after classes. Some of the more well-known locations include Mannino’s, TacoRito, the Hightstown Diner, Dunkin/Krauszer’s, Pie Girl and Little Key Coffee. If you ever have some time on your hands or are craving a bite, perhaps try one of these businesses you may not have visited before. Below is a quick overview of some of the best eateries and shops Hightstown has to offer.
Mannino’s Pizzeria, advertised as a “family-run pizzeria offering old-school pies, pasta & other Italian eats in a photo-decorated space,” is one of the most visited shops in town. The general price range for a slice of pizza is around $3-5, while other items may be above $10. Whether it be pizza, pasta, salads, wraps or whatever else you care to try on the menu, Mannino’s never disappoints! The staff work very hard and are extremely friendly. They love to have conversations when they’re not hustling during a lunch rush.
TacoRito serves Mexican favorites such as empanadas, tacos, burritos and pupusas, with the typical price range being $10-20 per person. You can also try some traditional drinks and desserts, such as Jarritos Soda, horchata, churros, tres leches cake and more. If you feel like watching your food get made, there is an area to do so, or you can sit back and enjoy the festive music playing in the background.
The Guatepan Bakery is a pastry store where you can get breakfast, bread, and sweets. This is one of the less-frequently visited shops in town, but with a price range of $1-10 per person and delicious Latin American treats, it deserves larger recognition.
The Hightstown Diner is a classic spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With booths and stools and a train car style, the establishment sets the tone for an old-school atmosphere. Rain or shine, the diner’s staff makes delicious milkshakes and timeless food for a reasonable price of $10-20 per person. Definitely check it out!
Dunkin’/Krauszer’s is by far one of the most useful and convenient stores on the list. If you’re ever in need of some basic utilities or want to buy other food items throughout the week, a longer but worth-it walk to Krauszer’s will do it. You can also grab donuts, coffee or breakfast food at the joint Dunkin’.
Hot Bagels is a hearty Dunkin’ alternative and is the place to go if you want something a bit more filling for breakfast. With a general price range of $1-10, you can have gourmet sandwiches and bagels hot from the grill and can choose from a variety of delicious options.
Rise Thrift Store is a treasure cove of items that you’d never expect. Here you can find donated clothing, games, decor and other miscellaneous trinkets. It’s definitely worth checking out because you get to sort through not only different items, but also the different eras and time periods they are from. For example, on my own trips to Rise, I’ve found items such as a wooden crossbow, vintage tennis rackets, a snowboard and timeless statues.
Holy Wong is a casual and convenient Chinese cuisine restaurant with prices ranging from $10-20 per person, offering tasty food made quick and easy. The extensive menu offers a variety of options to choose from, with some of their specialties including chicken wings, fried rice, wonton soup, General Tso’s Chicken and lo mein.
Pie Girl, a charming bakery, has become a crowd favorite in the past 1-2 years it has been in Hightstown. It is only open on Fridays and Saturdays from around 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — or at least until they are sold out. A beloved and popular location for all Hightstown-goers, Pie Girl tends to sell all of its daily inventory extremely quickly. Many Peddie students disappear from campus during these hours only to reappear with Sleepy Fog drinks, pies and sandwiches.
Little Key is a great place to get work done, relax and read a book, or even have a friendly conversation with the owner. You can try some of the freshly baked treats or drink specials all between $1-10. Little Key has a great vibe and atmosphere and is one of the best coffee shops nearby.
Tavern on the Lake is likely a dining experience for more special occasions, with a price range of $20-30 per person. The website states that it is a “casual local haunt offering pub grub & craft beer, plus live music, karaoke & a patio.” It also offers outdoor seating!
Another great thing about all these food stops is that they are in close proximity to Peddie Lake near the Hightstown Library, so you can sit on the benches to enjoy your food or simply appreciate the view. Make sure that when you do stop by, you embody what it means to be a Peddie Falcon, and treat the staff with utmost respect and kindness. Also, when you can, don’t forget to leave a tip!
