Knife and Fork Inn, Atlantic City, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

Knife and Fork Inn, Atlantic City, NJ A dining review


Knife and Fork Inn Restaurant
3600 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ

Best NJ Restaurant

Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.

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

Nestled in Atlantic City, The Knife and Fork stands as a storied landmark with a legacy stretching back to 1912, when it first opened as an exclusive men’s club during the Prohibition era.

Owned by the Dougherty family—known for their local culinary institutions Dock’s Oyster House and Harry’s Oyster Bar—this historic venue once defiantly served alcohol to its members, flouting the temperance laws of the time.

Its rebellious past is immortalized in its logo, a nod to infamous mobster and political powerhouse Enoch “Nucky” Johnson, who frequented the establishment. A paradoxical figure, Johnson blended corruption with civic pride, leveraging his influence to bolster Atlantic City’s growth while orchestrating its underworld ties.

Meticulously restored to echo its Prohibition-era roots, the restaurant exudes a warm, speakeasy-inspired ambiance. Lavish details abound, from the solid brass entrance to the rich mahogany millwork, hand-painted ceilings, and glimmering chandeliers.

The Main Dining Room, with its Prohibition-era mural and vaulted ceilings hosting up to 120 guests, offers spacious tables for intimate conversation, while the second-floor banquettes provide secluded corners ideal for romantic evenings.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping ocean views, enhancing the timeless elegance that once attracted icons like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Susan Sarandon. The latter starred in the 1980 film Atlantic City, which featured the restaurant as a backdrop.

The menu celebrates Old School American classics, spotlighting expertly prepared steaks and fresh seafood.

A testament to Atlantic City’s glamorous past and vibrant present, The Knife and Fork remains a destination where history, luxury, and culinary tradition converge.

Seasonal outdoor seating and complimentary valet parking add convenience, while dinner service runs nightly, with Friday lunches offered.

(Updated: February 2025)

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