Rocky Hill Inn, Rocky Hill, NJ: A Restaurant Review

Restaurant Review

Located 10 minutes from downtown Princeton, The Rocky Hill Inn is a historic Tavern/Restaurant (circa 1745), and is one of the oldest restaurants in the United States.

This historic pub in New Jersey first received its tavern license in 1745 and operated as an inn and public house. George Washington lived in Rocky Hill for a time in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War and before he became President. At the time the Rocky Hill Inn was one of the few taverns in the area, and it's likely he ate and drank here regularly.

The Tavern room has a relaxed, casual ambiance with a full bar, TV's, rustic wood trimmings, hardwood flooring, and an eating area off the bar with rustic tables.

The dining rooms include the Rockingham Room, and the Homestead Room upstairs for private parties, where both areas have historic items in view including lighting fixtures, old Jim Beam bottles, circa-1890 photos of the Rocky Hill Inn, mirrors, books, a roll-top desk, and a copper-lined humidor.

The dining room is more formal Victorian decor with two original fireplaces graced with antique glass decanters originally owned by the chef's father, and tables set with white linen tablecloths and napkins. The room gives off a light ambiance painted in five colors and leaf chandlers. However, the room is overly bright without soft lighting that dampens the ambiance.

The tavern bar is a popular meeting place and the focal point for meeting friends for a beer and a burger. They offer an excellent selection of craft beers from the tap and by the bottle including Mother's Milk, Guinness, Harpoon, Weltenburger, Ommegang, and many more.

Regardless of where you are seated, you can order from either menu.

The Rocky Hill Inn is owned and operated by Chef Evan Blomgren, a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, who honed his culinary skills at Lahiere's in Princeton, Chamber's Walk in Lawrenceville, The Metuchen Inn, and the Church Street Bistro in Lambertville.

Chef Blomgreen brings his passion for sustainable farming and healthy food ingredients in his food preparation. Most of the ingredients are sourced from local farms including produce, cheese, fish, and meats.

The entree menu selections are "New American" with a French and Italian influence.

The Rocky Hill Inn is family and child friendly.

Available for small private parties in the Turret Room (circa1860) seating five to eight, with its original tin ceilings, and five full windows, the room lends itself to a bright private area open to bar. The Homestead Room upstairs is available for larger social gatherings and corporate functions of up to 40 guests.

They are open seven days/week except on some major holidays. Call for Holiday openings.

Updated November 2023