Knife and Fork Inn, Atlantic City, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Knife and Fork Inn Restaurant
3600 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ
609-344-1133
Website
Knife and Fork: 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
Restaurant Review
The Knife and Fork is a landmark restaurant in Atlantic City with a storied 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 good deeds for the city.
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.
The ambiance warm, intimate and inviting with a classic "speakeasy" prohibition bar vibe.
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 hearth room on the 1st 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 vibe.
The third floor has been converted into a wine room featuring floor to ceiling wine racks, wood floors, exposed brick, with ocean views. This room is popular for private parties and special events.
The tables in the dining room at 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,
They serve a well-executed menu featuring "Old School Traditional American" with many classic steak and seafood selections.
During the warmer months there is outdoor seating.
Complimentary valet parking is available.
The Knife and Fork is open dinner seven days/week.
(updated: December 2023)
How Do We Review (analyze) Restaurants?
New Jersey Leisure Guide strives to provide analytic restaurant reviews.
The methodology used is research, analysis driven --- as opposed to that of a single restaurant critic or a social media platform, viewer comment posting board.
