In any city, the best places to dine are usually those establishments that locals frequent. In Atlantic City, this is especially true because a large percentage of tourists stay in the casino hotels and their culinary quests rarely go farther than the dining choices offered there. But this is a city rich in history and some of the best restaurants predate the casinos that began populating the boardwalk in 1978.
Dubbed Atlantic City's best kept secret, Chef Vola is not so much a secret as it is almost unattainable. Rumor has it that Billy Crystal was once turned away because he neglected to make a reservation. It is recommended to call months in advance if you want to dine here and buy a good map so you can find the place. This restaurant is housed in the basement of an old shore home on a narrow one-way street near the boardwalk. Chef Vola has only 12 tables, thus the months-long wait. Diners should not plan to eat here then rush out to catch a casino show--they need to make it their whole night. Recommendations include the veal-on-the-bone Parmesan and the red snapper in champagne sauce. Originally founded by the Vola family in 1921, Chef Vola has now been owned by the Esposito family for 29 years as of 2010.
Chef Vola
111 S. Albion Place
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-345-2022
This is Atlantic City's quintessential locals-know-best eatery and bar. It predates the casinos just slightly--owners Dick and Cathy Burke opened the Pub's doors in 1972. It is a Victorian inn with the pub downstairs and rooms upstairs. Not too long ago, it was not an uncommon sight to see Joe DiMaggio in a rocking chair on the porch, nursing a cup of coffee and reading the local newspaper. Voted "Best Cheap Eats" by "Atlantic City" magazine in 1999, the blackboard specials each night will set you back a mere $6.95. It's all about simple, really good food here, and a rollicking Irish good time.
The Irish Pub
164 St. James Place at the Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-344-9063
theirishpub.com
It is recommended to stop by here before or after a show or sporting event at the major venues. Guests will find it packed, but if they look around, they will note that a fair percentage of patrons are Atlantic City's police officers. They know what's good in this town. Tony's signature dish is the pizza. Crab cakes are also very impressive. The most expensive thing on the menu is Tony's Seafood Special: shrimp, crab cakes, scallops, french fries and cole slaw, all for $12.75. The Grill first opened its doors in the 1920s.
Tony's Baltimore Grill
2800 Atlantic Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-345-5766
baltimoregrill.com
Founded by Angelo Mancuso, Jr. almost 75 years ago, Angelo's is nestled in the Ducktown area of Atlantic City, named for the Italian immigrants who built up this neighborhood a hundred years ago by making a living with their fowl traps planted along Atlantic City's back bays. This restaurant is still in family hands and is a true local hangout. It's real Italian food, but diners should not get so excited about the menu that they overlook the red house wine--homemade and available for take-out purchase.
Angelo's Fairmount Tavern
2300 Fairmount Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-344-2439
angelosfairmounttavern.com
Dock's Oyster House and the Knife & Fork Inn, both currently owned by the Dougherty family, are Atlantic City institutions. The Chelsea Prime is new and offers lamb chops off the charts. The Quarter at the Tropicana has a multitude of should-try places, including Carmine's, the Red Square and Cubre Libre. Buddakan at Caesar's is one of the best Asian restaurants on the planet.
