Legendary History & Architectural Charm Established in 1912 by political luminaries William Riddle and Louis Kuehnle as an exclusive gentlemen’s club, the Knife & Fork Inn is layered with lore—Prohibition defiance, gambling alcoves, and patronage by figures like Enoch “Nucky” Johnson, Bob Hope, and Frank Sinatra (knifeandforkinn.com). The building’s design is a whimsical Flemish-style “mini castle” with white stucco, stepped gables, stained glass, intricate brass doors, dark mahogany millwork, and hand-painted vaulted ceilings—a restored atmosphere that effectively transports you back in time (njmonthly.com).
Since the Dougherty Family—who also own Dock’s Oyster House—took over in 2005, they’ve balanced historical preservation with modern comfort, completing a five-month overhaul to recapture its Prohibition-era grandeur while upgrading infrastructure and service.
🍽️ Cuisine & Value The menu pairs classic American steakhouse fare with fresh seafood dishes and creative appetizers like lobster spring rolls, four-spice tuna, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and corn-and-crab cakes (bestofnj.com).
Their wood-grilled U.S. Prime steaks—especially the 16 oz sirloin—are generously portioned and seasoned to perfection. Sides such as beer-battered string beans, pommes soufflé, and beet chips are standout pairings (gayot.com).
Most dishes are well priced for the quality. A 16 oz sirloin might go for around $54, and a two-person experience—including appetizers and cocktails—can total around $201, offering notably better value than flashier steakhouses in town (businessinsider.com).
Desserts, while pleasant, may feel less inspired compared to the rest of the menu (new-jersey-leisure-guide.com).
🍷 Service & Atmosphere Dinner is served nightly, with Friday lunch and happy hour specials. The dress code skews smart-casual, with no hats or beachwear allowed (knifeandforkinn.com).
The service is polished and personable—staff may, for example, split salads for the table without prompting—and the environment is romantic, refined yet relaxed (businessinsider.com).
There are five distinct dining rooms, each with its own character, and the terrace famously appeared in the 1980 film Atlantic City starring Burt Lancaster and Susan Sarandon (pressofatlanticcity.com).
✅ Final Verdict Category Grade Ambiance & History A+ Food Quality & Variety A Value A Service A
The Knife & Fork Inn offers a rare combination of old-world charm and satisfying, well-executed cuisine—all at a price that feels justified. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, indulging in nostalgia, or just craving a hearty steak and seafood feast in an elegant setting, this storied Atlantic City institution delivers. For those seeking a flashier, trendier experience, there may be alternatives—but none with the same character or heritage.
