PRINCETON: A&B completes major renovation in 40th year

By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Staff Writer
With craft beers trending nationwide it should come as no surprise that the "Cheers of Princeton" has added another bar and boosted the number of brews on tap to 50.
After 40 years as a landmark establishment with both casual and formal seating, the Alchemist & Barrister has replaced its quaint dining room with a second taproom that features space for musical guests to perform during its Open Mic Night. The walls have been replaced with French doors that open out to the side patio.
A new exterior, revamped entrance and expansion of the basement to make space for the new taps and kegs were also part of the renovations that took one year to complete. The Alchemist &Barrister, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, remained open throughout the project.
Attorney Frank Armenante and his cousin, chemist Walter Kieg, opened the restaurant in the historic building at 28 Witherspoon St. on New Year’s Day in 1974. Today, the menu includes American, Irish, Asian and Latin American specialties. The establishment also serves cocktails and wines in addition to the beers.
During a grand reopening held in the new taproom last week, Mr. Armenante said, "I think it’s going to be successful."
Mr. Armenante said after being in business for 40 years, he likes to try different projects every so often.
"This project was extremely different," he said, adding that there were many concepts for the renovations at first until four years ago when "beer started coming into its own."
The Alchemist & Barrister decided to expand its selection of craft beers on tap, adding a second bar to be able to offer a variety of quality, innovative, microbrews.
"We have beers that are among the top 10 best beers in the world," Mr. Armenante said.
Upon seeing the finished renovations, Maria and Ron Gallo of Hamilton couldn’t believe their eyes.
"It’s very nice," Ms. Gallo said. "It’s great that they opened it up with the windows that let the light through. And, look at this bar. Isn’t it nice?"
Mr. Armenante, who quipped that he didn’t receive the permit to open the new taproom to customers until 4 p.m. that day, said the town was "so great how they handled this project."
"They did an excellent job but at the same time they were tough," he said. "That’s a compliment. Tough isn’t bad. We’re very grateful to Princeton and to the Princeton community and I’m very grateful for all of the people who are involved in this with me."