Atlantic City Travel Guide: 9 Must Eat & Drink Restaurants + More

Atlantic City really surprised me! Beyond the casinos, and being home to Wrestlemania 4 and 5, I didn’t know much about it! But after spending a few days there, I came away with a real appreciation for its diversity, its food, and its raw authenticity.

I visited during the off-season, which turned out to be the best time to see its true character. Without the summer crowds filling the beaches, the city’s history, grit, and culinary energy really stood out. It feels like a place still waiting for its comeback, but absolutely worth the visit.

Below, you’ll find my curated list of 9 spots where I ate and drank, plus travel tips, and more, each one pinpointed on a Google Map for easy planning.

Everything is Mapped out here https://maps.app.goo.gl/oGbrfvBUpnUyLVqHA

What to Eat

BREAKFAST

Gilchrist- Gilchrist is the most beloved breakfast spot in Atlantic City since 1946! Classic diner menu so you know you are going to have every option in the world, but the absolute must order everytime has to be their famous hot cakes which are thin, and almost spongy pancakes, perfect to soak up syrup! But I was pretty hungry, and got the hungry man combo #2 which not only gives you the hotcakes, but also 2 eggs any style, a choice of meat, I went sausage, and a side of home fries. The perfect breakfast

Queen Bean Bistro- Right on the boardwalk on the border of Atlantic City is queen bean bistro, this cute cafe with great ocean views, and an even better breakfast menu! They had fresh scones that morning, that literally came right out of the oven, so maybe ask to see what’s the most fresh when you get there! Then I got the special hot cakes that were pumpkin flavored, made with actual pumpkin, and that was “chef sal style” and layered with granola, peanut butter, and whipped cream! Just so decadent! And finally the mutzy bourdain, which is a lavash breakfast wrap stuffed with fried cheesy eggs, mortadella, and a cacio pepper mozzarella stick that comes from another AC favorite, Tony Baloney’s! Mortadella and eggs are a match made in heaven, and having a cacio e pepe mozzarella stick in the middle is really fun! Was it totally necessary? Maybe not, but a gooey peppery punch in the middle.

Sunny’s- Inside of Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino resort, you will find Sunny’s, the all day breakfast spot from one of the most acclaimed restaurateurs, Stephen Starr, which opened earlier this year!

I got the elvis, which is their double stack French toast layered and topped with a maple caramel sauce, peanut butter whipped cream, bananas, and bacon bits!

And then this amazing breakfast sandwich, their grand slam mcmuffin which puts a fried egg, pork sausage, griddled onions, a hashbrown, American cheese, and ketchup on a Portuguese muffin.

LUNCH

Pancho’s Taqueria- For 20 years Pancho’s Taqueria has been the spot for Mexican in Atlantic City, and I think its a great sign when something opens for the local Mexican community, but then while never losing that authenticity, it becomes a favorite for everyone, a good sign when i see cops and construction workers sitting next to each other for lunch. With 12 cuts of meat to choose from, and everything being made from scratch, I didn’t know what to do! But decided on the al pastor which comes in an order of 3 in corn tortillas, with fresh Spanish onion, cilantro, and hot sauces on the side. The tortillas were really great, and I’m not usually a corn tortilla type of guy!

White House Subs- For nearly 80 years White House Subs has been THE spot for sandwiches in Atlantic City! These sandwiches are gigantic, I ordered half orders on each, and they were basically bigger than my head, so be prepared for alot of food! The bread is made fresh everyday from the Formica Freitag Bakery across the street, and then they have big list of what i try. I went with two of their classics, the White house special is their Italian submarine with ham, extra genoa salami, extra provolone, and extra capicola! Of course with hot pepper giardiniera just dripping out. And then also their meatball sub! Two giant sandwiches for $25 was bonkers.

DINNER

Cafe 2825- I feel like when tony soprano visit Atlantic City, Cafe 2825 is where he would have eaten at! Reservations are hard at this classic red sauce Italian restaurant, more so as they were named best Italian restaurant in nj by nj.com but I walked in right at opening and was able to snag a seat at the bar. This is probably a better experience with a group of people, Italians dont skimp on their portions, but I tried what I could!

Started with the stuffed zucchini flowers that are filled with a homemade ricotta, egg battered, pan sauteed, and come swimming in this amazing lemon sauce. And then got their veal chop bolognese fra diavolo, which is a thinly pounded, breaded, and fried veal chop layered with a spicy veal, pork, and sausage bolognese, melted mozzarella, and long hots on top. I love veal, and this was perfect, overflowing with cheese and just the right heat from those long hots. I kept telling myself I was done, but every time I tried to stop, I couldn’t resist going back in for more. Desserts looked amazing too, but I couldn’t imagine eating one more bite!

Setaara- Seataara is one of the most eclectic restaurants I’ve ever been to, there is a giant Eiffel tower in the middle of the dining room, and the rest is decorated with custom fixtures sourced from the middle east, all to try and transport you around the world. Half the menu is Afghani, half the menu is French, and they even just added a few Iraqi dishes, but since i was excited to try Afghani for the first time, i just stuck to that side of the menu.

I started with the bolani which is dough filled with seasoned potatoes, green onion, cilantro– fried and served with this incredible jalapeno chutney that is both hot, but adds a nice brightness to the fried bite.

Next was the uzbeki palau which is a lamb shank with Afghan rice, and cooked with onions mixed with shredded carrots and raisins, and that comes with a trio of hot sauces on the side. The meat just absolutely melted it was so tender.

I had to try their mantu which are steamed dumplings filled with sauteed onions and ground beef, and then topped with an Afghan seasoned yogurt, yellow split pies, and dried mint. I was surprised with how light they actually were.

And for dessert I got the firni, which is an Afghan pudding flavored with cardamom, and rose water, and then topped with crushed pistachios.

Just remember, it’s byob in case you want to drink!

DRINKS

Angeloni’s Club Madrid- This is the coolest cocktail bar in the city! Its classic location has been converted over the past few years into this throwback to the 80’s with great drinks, great vibes, and an Italian menu if you were looking for food! I popped in for a pre dinner drink one night, and def want to go back on a Fri/Sat night!

Tony’s Baltimore Grill

This 24/7 bar was the most recommended spot in all of AC! They have been open for nearly 100 years, and sitting there you can get a true taste of the cities history! Not only with the vibes, but with the food too! They have a full menu which is served until late night, but most well known for their 12 inch pan pizzas, which I obviously had to try, and got the the judge (damon tyner) which is ½ sausage, ½ pepperoni, and all cherry peppers. I just loved sitting there, drinking my beer, and people watching.

TIPS AND TRICKS

Hotel- I stayed at the Nobu Hotel within Caesars Palace right on the boardwalk. It all felt fine, nice decent sized rooms, and well situated to get almost everywhere by foot!

Getting Around- I drove down, so I did have a car I could use, but honestly didnt touch it once the entire time. I found almost everywhere was less than a 15 min walk from the hotel, and when I can, I love walking! It maybe took a few more minutes, but I would try and walk the boardwalk as much as I could, breathing in that cool ocean breeze, especially nice in the mornings!