The small town of Rocky Hill looms large in Garden State history, as it was where General George Washington called home for a time. And while he was here, he was in the presence of another American institution – the Rocky Hill Inn & Tavern, 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 consistently after that – including, according to many accounts, playing host to the most famous resident Rocky Hill ever had. The days of the inn are long behind us, but the restaurant and pub still exist – now functioning as a popular modern gastropub. You can step inside, take in the history, and enjoy a fine meal and stiff beverage where George Washington once held court.

The Rocky Hill Inn has been serving its small town since 1745, and it's still going strong today.
Rocky Hill Inn/Facebook
While the inn it once housed has long since closed up shop, the public house is now a popular gastropub serving both classic pub fare and modern twists.
Satish Shikhare/Google Local
Inside, the remodels have not taken away from the old-school charm at all. You can still imagine the founding fathers drinking here, including their most famous face.
Google/Historic Rocky Hill Inn & Tavern
George Washington lived in Rocky Hill for a time in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, but before he became President. As the Rocky Hill Inn was one of the few taverns in the area, it's likely he ate and drank here regularly.
Gilbert Stuart/Wikipedia

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If you go there today, you'll find very different fare on the menu - including an inventive hamburger menu.
Historic Rocky Hill Inn & Tavern/Facebook
Would Washington have enjoyed today's barbecue specialties? There's no way to know, but you certainly will.
Rocky Hill Inn/Facebook
Some things haven't changed, though; you can still enjoy classic pub grub like fish and chips.
Rocky Hill Inn/Facebook
The bustling bar has many classics and small-batch brews on tap - and while the ale that Washington drank likely isn't here anymore, you'll still feel like you're drinking with history in the air.
Rocky Hill Inn/Facebook

Have you been to the Rocky Hill Inn before? Let us know about your visit to this historic pub in New Jersey in the comments section. You can visit the official website and Facebook page of this historic location for more information on the menu and past of the location. For another historic place to dine in New Jersey, check out the storied Clinton House.

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Historic Rocky Hill Inn & Tavern, 137 Washington St, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553, USA