Knife and Fork Inn, Atlantic City, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Knife and Fork Inn Restaurant
3600 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ
Knife and Fork Inn: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Traditional American
Price: Very Expensive
Food Quality: Serves a well-executed menu of traditional American classic steak and seafood selections, served in ample portions.
Service: Professional, knowledgeable, and attentive
Decor: Charming, intimate with a classic "speakeasy" prohibition bar vibe.
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four-star Rating System from1/2 star = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate, depends on seating
Dress: Upscale Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy coming to a place "to see and be seen", with a bit of history, and a fine dining experience in an upscale, trendy setting. Good for a celebrating a special occasion or for a romantic dining experience.
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who prefer a more casual, family dining experience.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Dry-Aged Cowboy Steak; The Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb; and The Lobster Thermidor
Liquor: Full-service bar with an excellent selection of wines and specialty cocktails
The Knife and Fork is a landmark restaurant in Atlantic City with a storied prohibition era history that dates to 1912 when it first opened its doors as an exclusive men's drinking and dining club.
Owned by the Dougherty family who also owns Dock's Oyster House and Harry's Oyster Bar in Atlantic City.
During the prohibition era the club members openly defied the laws against the serving of alcohol by offering bar service to its members for the consumption of alcohol.
The logo of the Knife and Fork refers to "Nucky" having eaten there. During the prohibition era, "Nucky" Johnson, an Atlantic City mobster was also one of the New Jersey's most influential politicians and was noted for recruiting powerful racketeers into the Republican Party.
He also was noted for being a fan of Atlantic City and did many honorable deeds for the city.
It has since been meticulously restored maintaining a warm, intimate and inviting feel with a classic "speakeasy" prohibition bar vibe.
The Knife and Fork was popular with many movie stars including Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Burt Lancaster and Susan Sarandon, and was a setting for the movie "Atlantic City" in 1980.
They serve a well-executed menu featuring "Old School Traditional American" with many classic steak and seafood selections.
The decor is lavishly elegant starting with the solid brass door which leads into the vibrant bar area and the dining area of rich mahogany mill work, hand-painted ceilings with chandeliers, a sweeping staircase, and clear glass windows providing awesome ocean views.
The tables in the Main dining room are nicely spaced apart for quiet conversation.
For a quiet, romantic date experience ask to be seated in main dining room on the second floor in a quieter corner banquette,
Private party dining is available for both small and large events with four private party rooms and the Main Dining room with seating for from 12 to 80 guests.
The Pageant Room, adorned with historical photos from the Miss America Pageant's early days, seats up to 12 people at one round table. The room is equipped with two flat screen TVs and lap top hookup, perfect for business presentations or small dinner parties.
The Ladies' Dining Lounge, while open to all, is a nod to Knife & Fork's early years as a private men's club when ladies were required to enter through a back staircase and remain in a side room adjoining the Main Dining Room. With seating for 20 guests, It features large glass windows with magnificent ocean views.
The Hearth Room, on the first floor, was formerly the Knife & Fork's bar when it originally opened as a private club for men in 1912. The original fireplace, mahogany wainscoting, and views of the state-of-the-art kitchen give the hearth room a warm, welcoming feel. The walls and ceiling are painted a rich gold, illuminated by a sea of lanterns. Accommodates 40 for a sit-down dinner and 45 for a cocktail party.
The Wine Room. On the third floor, it features ocean views, wood floors, exposed brick, and a peak into their extensive wine collection displayed on floor-to-glass enclosed ceiling racks: Accommodates 40 for a sit-down dinner, or 60 for a cocktail party.
The Main Dining Room can be booked for a private party. It features a vaulted ceiling, original arched windows, a hand-painted Prohibition-era mural graces one wall, period chandeliers, and a full bar. It can accommodate up to 80 for a sit-down dinner, and up to 120 for a cocktail party.
During the warmer months there is outdoor seating.
Complimentary valet parking is available.
The Knife and Fork is open dinner seven days/week, and for lunch on Fridays.
(updated: September 2024)
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