The Old Mill Inn

“Food as close as possible to that served in the best homes . . .
family recipes and absolute cleanliness.”

Still Serving!
Now called The Grain House Restaurant
(part of The Olde Mill Inn)
(908) 221-1150
225 Route 202
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
www.oldemillinn.com

Hines:
Among their specialties are roast duck and fried chicken, along with Virginia ham (if they can get it). About six kinds of desserts. Lunch from 85¢; Dinner from $1.60. Liquor served.

In Hines' time the Old Mill Inn was a small inn serving meals to lodgers and, presumably, the general public. Years later, this business not only survived, but expanded. The Inn was rebuilt across the street with significantly larger accommodations. The restaurant remains in the original charming building but is now called The Grain House Restaurant. You can still dine in much the same atmosphere as Hines did 60 years ago.

The opening quote is from William Childs, a famous restaurateur who acquired and redefined The Old Mill Inn in 1929, just in time to welcome Duncan Hines. He even moved the structure (previously a grain house and barn) across Route 202, restoring, rather than gutting, the 200 year-old building. Features such as the beams and fireplaces are original. William Childs was not the only one in the family involved in restaurants. He and his brother Samuel ran an extensive chain of 107 establishments across the country. Surely, his name was not unknown to Hines. Of many progressive policies, Childs' restaurants were among the first to employ women to wait tables!

Although the Grain House Restaurant (and The Olde Mill Inn) are now owned and operated by The Bocina Group, they seem to have fastidiously maintained the business philosophy and presence begun by W. Childs.


The restaurant today... still looking good!