Knife And Fork

If you want to understand the soul of Atlantic City, you don’t go to a casino floor; you go to the Knife & Fork Inn. Located at the unusual intersection where Atlantic, Pacific, and Albany Avenues collide, this Flemish-style “castle” has stood since 1912. It began its life as an exclusive men’s drinking club founded by the city’s early power brokers, including Mayor William Riddle and “Commodore” Louis Kuehnle. It was a place where Prohibition laws were openly ignored—protected by the influence of political boss Enoch “Nucky” Johnson—until federal agents famously raided it and smashed every bottle in the house.

Today, under the stewardship of the Dougherty family (of Dock’s Oyster House fame), the Knife & Fork is no longer a private club, but it still feels like one. To visit is to step back into a world of polished mahogany, leaded glass, and winding staircases. It is, quite simply, the most atmospheric dining and drinking experience in the city.

The Real Patron Experience

What to Expect: The Knife & Fork is spread across four floors, and your experience depends entirely on where you sit.

• The Bar (1st Floor): Rowdy, loud, and incredibly social. This is where you’ll find locals and savvy tourists fighting for a stool during the legendary Daily Happy Hour (4 PM – 6 PM). It feels like a high-end neighborhood pub where the bartenders are career pros.

• The Dining Rooms (Upper Floors): These areas are more formal, dimly lit, and “special occasion” focused. You might be seated in the Pageant Room (honoring the early days of Miss America) or the Terrace, where the famous “porch scene” from the 1980 movie Atlantic City was filmed.

The Food (The Truth): Patrons come here for two things: Steaks and Seafood.

• The Wins: The steaks are consistently excellent, often prepared on a wood-burning grill that imparts a serious char and flavor. The Braised Short Ribs and Prime Sirloin are standout land options. On the seafood side, the Crab Cakes and fresh Oysters (served with a unique jalapeño lime sorbet) are mandatory orders.

• The Legend: The Lobster Thermidor is their signature dish, based on a century-old recipe. Be aware: it is a rich, creamy, French-style preparation. If you are looking for simple, light lobster, this isn’t it. It is indulgent and heavy—exactly as it was served a hundred years ago.

Service & Vibe: The service here is “old school” in the best way. The staff are unpretentious professionals who know the menu and the history by heart. While there is no strict dress code, you will feel out of place in flip-flops. Most guests opt for “smart casual” or better.

Details can change — check the site or socials for the latest menus, hours, and events.