The Far Hills Inn – Remembering Dining Elegance

The Far Hills Inn along Route 31 (Now Route 202) was in Bridgewater, not Far Hills, and not Somerville.

While researching the history of Far Hills, New Jersey, we found this former treasure, the Far Hills Inn. While named Far Hills, it was actually not in Somerville or Far Hills but in Bridgewater, New Jersey, on what was just North of State Route 29 (now Route 22) and Route 31 (now Route 202/206). The Bridgewater BMW is now at the location.

Filet Mignon with Shrimp Cocktail, vegetables, dessert, and coffee for $1.50.

The Far Hills Inn, 1941

The Far Hills Inn opened in 1941 when Morris Mayer and Mike Molitz joined forces to leave their current jobs and start their own venture.

During its prime post World War II, the Far Hills Inn was renowned for its elegant dining and event hosting. Promotional materials from that era described it as “Somerset’s Finest,” emphasizing its air-conditioned comfort and accessibility via major highways. The inn featured a distinctive circular bar and was a popular banquets and private parties venue.

Owner Mike Molitz remembered some of the most memorable guests over the years, including former President Nixon and Gerald Ford, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Merv Griffin, John Gambling, Arthur Treacher, and Bridgewater local hero John Basilone, before he was killed in action at Iwo Jima.

Sunday Roast Beef Dinner with salad, vegatables, dessert, and coffee…. $3.95.

The Far Hills Inn, 1947

One day a week was dedicated as “buffet day” with one of the largest buffets in the area. The owners and their children who worked there felt that once the banquet hall was opened, it was the beginning of the end to to the personal high customer focus dining experience.

Jackie Onassis dined there, with their father, Mike Molitz, serving her.

Owner

The Far Hills Inn had a remarkable 40-year run and finally closed in early 1981. Meyer and Lillian Molitz sold the 15-acre property to Mack Co. of Rochelle Park, which, according to newspaper accounts in October 1981, planned to develop it into an office complex. The Bridgewater BMW is now at the location.

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