The Princeton Shopping Center has welcomed a new contender in the sandwich game: Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, a franchise that first opened its doors in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1976. Capriotti’s has steadily grown across the U.S., and its recent arrival in Princeton offers a new spot for students and locals to grab a hearty bite.
As a broke college student trying to avoid Uber fares, I initially set out to walk to Capriotti’s from campus — a decision I abandoned on the return trip. After a 35-minute trek, I arrived with a healthy appetite — what the French would call la meilleure sauce, hunger. My hunger prepared me for a favorable review, despite having no substantial expectations about how this chain might differ from other major sandwich franchises.
Upon my entrance, the interior of Capriotti’s was clean and modern, with a color palette of reds, yellows, and silvers — distinctly removed from the more nostalgic Subway decked in bright greens and yellows. It was a simple, efficient space that let the food do the talking.
Faced with a well-stocked menu and my usual indecision — especially with so many options available — I asked the friendly employee behind the counter for a recommendation. Without hesitation, he suggested the Classic Philly Cheesesteak — a house favorite. To get a broader taste of the menu, I opted for a half-size cheesesteak and paired it with a cold sandwich: the Classic Club.
When I opened the sandwich, I was immediately impressed by its thoughtful construction. Unlike overstuffed sandwiches that collapse on the first bite, Capriotti’s Philly Cheesesteak was thick yet manageable, with thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed mushrooms evenly distributed and wrapped neatly in soft, chewy bread.
Philly Cheesesteak from Capriotti’s.
Junie Ko / The Daily Princetonian
Each bite delivered a balanced blend of richness from the meat and cheese and a subtle umami depth from the mushrooms. It was flavorful without being greasy, a surprising feat for a hot sandwich of its kind. Compared to the cheesesteak offered at Choi Dining Hall, this one had more depth, better seasoning, and a far more satisfying mouthfeel. I would rate it a solid 9/10, and if I were to order it again, I would definitely pair it with a Coke or Sprite — the crisp carbonation would cut beautifully through the sandwich’s savory richness.
To avoid the primacy effect from my hungry first impression, I gave myself a few minutes before diving into the second sandwich, The Classic Club. It was, quite honestly, delightful. Made with hand-pulled turkey, smoked bacon, provolone cheese, and the usual crisp produce suspects — lettuce, tomato, and onion — this cold sandwich struck a nostalgic chord. It tasted like a perfect hybrid of a familiar deli sub and an Italian chopped salad, thanks to the tangy vinaigrette-style dressing on the vegetables.
The Classic Club at Capriotti’s.
Junie Ko / The Daily Princetonian
The textures were what really sold me: the turkey was tender, the bacon added a smoky chewiness, and the iceberg lettuce brought a satisfying crunch that held up impressively against the moisture of the other ingredients. Each bite was fresh, balanced, and deeply satisfying in a no-frills, back-to-basics way. The Classic Club didn’t try too hard by adding creative twists or unexpected combos — it didn’t need to. It was a classic done well — the ideal balance between indulgent meats and cheeses and the fresh brininess of the dressed vegetables.
All in all, Capriotti’s has carved out a compelling spot in Princeton’s food scene, especially for students like me looking for solid, flavor-packed sandwiches that don’t feel like fast food. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm, savory cheesesteak or a crisp, refreshing deli-style cold sub, this Delaware-born franchise delivers. Just maybe don’t try to walk there from campus unless you’re ready to earn that sandwich with some extra steps. If you want to save some time, take the NJ bus. Regardless, the trip will be worth it.
Junie Ko is a contributing writer for The Prospect. She is a member of the Class of 2027 and can be reached at ek3682@princeton.edu
Please send any corrections to corrections@dailyprincetonian.com.
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