About Us

The overlook upon which The Highlawn sits began as a natural trap dike formation, a glacially cut area where the Palisades Cliffs move inland to form a trap rock cliff above the Atlantic coastal plain.

The location has incredible value as a strategic overlook, and General George Washington set up camp here during the Revolutionary War. From the expansive vantage point, he was able to anticipate the movement of British troops by the location of their campfires in the countryside below.

Eagle Rock Park was used by Thomas Alva Edison to film part of the first-ever motion picture, “The Great Train Robbery”.

Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of the New York’s Central Park, created a preliminary design for the Reservation which was further developed by the Olmsted Firm.

The building now known as The Highlawn was constructed as a scenic overlook and refreshment stop called “The Reservation”. The first floor was designed without windows as an open-air room, earning it the nickname “The Casino”, which refers to an Italian-style country dwelling or summer home. As the Reservation became a popular spot for weekenders, the Italian tern proved to be an accurate description!

During World War I, Thomas Edison was appointed chairman of the Naval Review Board and the “Casino” building and its large lawn area “The Highlawn”, were turned over to Mr. Edison and his team of scientists for the secret development of equipment to aid in the war effort.

Among the research conducted here included experiments in sound travel to aid submarines in varied weather conditions, early sonar detection equipment, turbine engine development and experiments with non-corrosive gunpowder.

Eagle Rock Reservation became more accessible as automobiles regularly brought picnickers to the summit. Automobile enthusiasts of that period held races up the cobblestone roadway of Eagle Rock Avenue with the finish line in Eagle Rock Park, near where The Highlawn is situated today.

The Reservation building fell into disrepair and was finally abandoned in the 1950s. To prevent entry to the completely deteriorated upper level, the stairway was sealed by a cement block wall.

The Reservation building had deteriorated to the point of becoming a safety hazard, and it was decided that the entire building should be demolished. When the tremendous cost of the demolition was assessed, however, it was rejected, and the County Board of Freeholders offered the building to an outside entity for possible restoration and the creation of a revenue-generating business. The Knowles family stepped forward to assume control of the historic venue and turn it into a restaurant and event venue. A family with six generations of restaurant experience, they threw themselves into the challenge of restoration.

Restoration included addressing major structural problems, installing previously non-existent gas, electric, and water lines (there had only been one half-inch water line to supply a drinking fountain!), and expanding the Florentine styling of the structure. In December 1985, Harry and Wade Knowles traveled throughout northern Italy seeking design elements and color schemes to inform The Highlawn’s décor. The building’s central “open kitchen” was designed after the restaurant “Gianino” in Milan (one of the oldest restaurants in Italy).

Today, Highlawn Pavilion has evolved into a magnificent setting in which to enjoy world-class culinary creations backlit by the extraordinary skyline of Manhattan that has brown up around it.

After nearly four decades managing The Highlawn, the Knowles transferred ownership to a new group of local restaurateurs, the Frungillo family, who are devoted to preserving and enhancing the spirit of this historic venue. The spring, the Highlawn underwent extensive renovations, and reopened to a waiting public in September.