About Us

From the 1700’s to today, the Rocky Hill Inn has been a cornerstone and an integral part of the community of Rocky Hill, NJ. Rocky Hill is a very old village truly located on a stone ledge. Originally it was part of the lands belonging to the Unami, or “people down the river,” a tribe of the Lenni Lenape Indians. In the early 1700’s, settlers established a mill and farming community that would form the basis of the village.

The first ‘tavern license’ for the RHI was given to the Harrison family in 1745 and by 1763 both the Rocky Hill Inn and the Nassau Inn (of Princeton) are shown on old maps. Washington visited and indeed stayed in Rocky Hill (Rockingham) during his campaign. It is reasonable to assume that he may have visited the RHI and the Harrison family at least once. The Inn remained in the Harrison family throughout the 18th century. Isaac Stout bought it in 1825. Stout enlarged the structure and it was well known along the route from New Brunswick to Princeton. Stout’s new, larger structure became “the center for community assembly and news exchange among the area residents”. Wesley Morris became the next Inn owner in 1860. He renamed it the Dey Hotel and in 1873 it became the Danley Hotel when I. E. Stryker purchased it. By 1880 the hotel was once again the Rocky Hill Inn and it’s gregariousness was reconfirmed William Gabriel added a third floor and it’s present Queen Anne style treatments that were popular during the Victorian period. The RHI looked then much the same as it appears today. The Rocky Hill Inn is included in the ‘historic district’ of Rocky Hill. The inn portion was closed down after World War II and since that time only the food and bar service have continued. Of interest, is the fact that the RHI was used as a filming location for parts of the 1994 movie IQ in which Walter Mattheu played Princeton resident, Albert Einstein.

From New York’s famed French Culinary Institute to the kitchens of New Jersey’s most prestigious restaurants, the Rocky Hill Inn’s Chef Proprietor Evan Blomgren, brings his unique fare and flair to this Colonial era-inn, set in the historic village of Rocky Hill. The past is present in its elegantly restored dining room, convivial tavern and charming private dining room. Chef Evan’s cuisine, with its handcrafted oils, natural flavorings, and farm-to-table freshness are very much of the moment.

Chef Blomgren honed his skills at several of Central New Jersey’s finest restaurants, including Lahiere’s in Princeton, Chamber’s Walk in Lawrenceville, The Metuchen Inn, Church Street Bistro in Lambertville and across the Delaware at Martine’s in New Hope.

A graduate of the prestigious French Culinary Institute, Chef Evan combines classical training with his own vision and the bounty of produce, cheese, fish and meats available in Central New Jersey and nearby Pennsylvania.

“Really fun and vibrant atmosphere that matches the tone of the menu itself. Really creative items to choose from that will send your tongue doing cartwheels inside your mouth from all the different flavors. Had one of the best burgers of my life and there’s a reason this place was featured on Triple D.”

“Great wings and burgers. They also have my favorite beer on tap, Nitro Milk Stout!”

“What a wonderful experience! My group of 3 (plus a dog) came here on a Saturday in May around 7pm hoping to sit outside. They don’t take reservations, it’s first come serve. There are not many outside tables and they are all on the wrap around porch. We got lucky, and didn’t have to wait more than 5 minutes for a table! There is also a parking lot outside, so it’s nice not having to find/pay for street parking.

The hostess and the waiter were both wonderful and attentive , we definitely didn’t feel “forgotten” like some places when you sit outside. The food was fantastic ! They have a range of options from a $35 steak to a $15 burger, so there’s something for everyone. We got two appetizers and there was plenty to share between the three of us. Meal portions were large, and the food was delicious.

I’m glad this place is 10 minutes down the road. We will definitely be back! :)”

“I visited this restaurant almost a month ago. I had onion soup and the fried green tomato burger. The onion soup was very good and the burger was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. It has a really nice atmosphere. I highly recommend this place and you must try one of the burgers.”