If you’re heading to Atlantic City, there’s a 90% chance you’ll crave a juicy burger and a cold beer after a day at the boardwalk. The seaside city is packed with classic spots where you can watch the sunset over a sizzling steak, plus lively joints perfect for celebrating a lucky streak at the tables with friends.
Ryfe Bar, Restaurant and Event Venue
$$ | (609) 428-6993 | WEBSITE
Ryfe Bar is one of those lively spots that actually pulls off multiple concepts well—they serve as a bar, restaurant, and event venue all in one. The first thing you’ll notice when you walk in is the sheer energy of the place. It’s spacious enough to host a sizable birthday bash (like the 35th celebration they recently pulled off), has a welcoming bar area with social bartenders, and comfortable seating that makes it easy to settle in for a meal.
Try the grilled calamari if you want a standout appetizer, or check out a main like the Asian black Cod or Lobster Fried Rice, both cooked to perfection. The friendly servers, including Tessa, are knowledgeable with their recommendations, and the garlic lemon butter wings or horseradish sliders make for great sharing plates. While some might note the drinks lean a bit light, the overall vibe is consistently fun and communal, perfect for hanging out over excellent food in a comfortable atmosphere.
Black Cat Bar & Grill
$ | (609) 641-8223 | WEBSITE
The Black Cat Bar & Grill sits just steps from the nearby casino, because of course there’s a nearby casino in Atlantic City. This is the spot when you’re looking to have a full meal after a night of slots and table games, or just want a relaxed place to enjoy excellent food without fighting through hordes of people wearing flashy casino attire.
You’ll find a selection of delectable options on the menu, including widely praised thin pizza and tasty French dip sandwiches loaded up with quality ingredients or beautifully generous portions of fish and chips. Plus, its warm and welcoming atmosphere means you can quickly chase your cheeseburger sliders with a reasonably priced beer or wine.
Cantina Mexicana Sports Bar & Grill
$$ | (609) 570-0044 | WEBSITE
Cantina Mexicana Sports Bar & Grill is a lively spot that’s perfect when you want to unwind after exploring Atlantic City’s boardwalk attractions. They specialize in authentic Mexican dishes (they’re one of the few places around here that makes everything fresh and by hand), but they also have a full bar and sports viewing, all of which work for a fun night out. The space isn’t huge, but there’s a good amount of indoor and outdoor seating.
And if you feel like dancing, there’s a dance floor inside with karaoke or a DJ spot that gets the crowd moving. The handmade chicken and fresh tortillas are standout items on the menu, praised for their juiciness and freshness. The service is attentive, with staff being responsive, hospitable, and friendly. The place has a cozy feel, with music that encourages guests to get up and dance. Customers appreciate that the food is made fresh and by hand, not frozen, and enjoy the great prices.
The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, and parking is ample. Despite some local opposition, the new owners have brought a fresh and delicious dining option to the area.
Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House
$$ | (609) 350-6721 | WEBSITE
Sure, Atlantic City might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of craft beer havens, but this relaxed bar and grill is actually the perfect spot for this cozy tap house overlooking the bustling boardwalk area. They do a great selection of local brews, so you can sample different styles and find out the difference between IPAs and stouts (plus, it’s a nice break from all the casino action around town).
They also have a dining area with comfortable seating, and a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy their standout dishes like the Goat Cheese Burger, Buffalo cauliflower, and vegan patty burgers. With Halloween decorations adding charm and music you can even control through an app, Vagabond Kitchen continues to be a favorite for those looking to relax with generous portions at reasonable prices.
The Taproom Bar & Grille
$$$$ | (609) 236-4400 | WEBSITE
The name might’ve tipped you off, but this spot specializes in bar classics, a comforting, familiar cousin of fine dining found abundantly throughout Atlantic City. Start with their standout dishes like the veal parm and chicken Milanese, then see how the kitchen handles their Sunday brunch with varied and plentiful buffet options. The space here is pleasant, with amazing views and plenty of trivia nights and live music that would feel just as at home on the boardwalk as it does out here.
And when you inevitably need something warm and hearty to soak up all the different happy hour specials, there’s friendly service with exceptional servers ready to make your experience complete.
JD’s Pub
$ | (609) 404-9000 | WEBSITE
JD’s Pub is one of the classic sports bars in Atlantic City, with a welcoming atmosphere and a brick exterior that looks like it’s straight out of a neighborhood hangout. The menu includes classic bar fare like burgers, wings, and cheesesteaks, with the tender, perfectly cooked ribs and tasty cheesesteak sub as highlights.
If you’re looking for something solid, they have recent favorites like the brisket sausage sandwich and steak fries that’ll keep you (and whatever family may be accompanying you) satisfied. There’s also a comfortable indoor area where you can enjoy your burger and a beer during specials in relative comfort.
Back Bay Ale House
$$ | (609) 449-0006 | WEBSITE
Perched above the marina with views of the boats and casinos, Back Bay Ale House has an extensive drink selection, and pretty much all of them are great for sipping while you watch the water traffic glide by. The crisp lagers this spot specializes in are perfect for a sunny afternoon, while the dark stouts get the job done when the evening chill sets in. Definitely order the kielbasa before hunger strikes, because the limited upstairs seating fills up quickly on busy weekend nights.
You’ll also want to chat with the bartender, Payton, for a drink recommendation to enjoy the friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Andre’s Wine Bar & Grill
$$ | (609) 266-1124 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’re planning a night out at the casinos and need a hearty meal to fuel your evening. Or perhaps you want to unwind with a drink and some comforting food after a long day at the beach. Andre’s Wine Bar & Grill is your answer to both of those situations. Try the Margherita pizza—the crust is perfectly crisp and comes topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella (the portions are generous enough to share).
The cozy interior has warm lighting and comfortable seating that might feel oddly reminiscent of a favorite neighborhood spot where everyone knows your name.
Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill
$$$ | (609) 343-2600 | WEBSITE
Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill is that celebrity chef spot in Atlantic City where your foodie friends probably dragged you last summer. Even if you’re not willing to drop $200 on a hotel room, swinging by for dinner is a solid bet for a lively night out. The dark wood doors open into a pub-style dining room with sports memorabilia on the walls, and you might find yourself seated next to a group of friends celebrating a birthday or a couple enjoying a casino weekend.
You’ll want to savor each bite of the creamy burrata salad and the delicate, flaky sea bass. Also, plan on ordering the Buffalo-style cauliflower, since the sauce itself has just the right kick and the cauliflower comes out perfectly crisp.
Hangtime Bar and Grille (NEW JERSEY)
$$ | (609) 573-5817 | WEBSITE
Hangtime Bar and Grille works well for an afternoon stop along Atlantic City’s unofficial bar and grill circuit. They’ve got indoor and outdoor seating with plenty of parking, as well as a welcoming atmosphere that’ll make you feel more like you’re hanging out in a neighborhood spot rather than at a tourist destination. Until you make your way to the bar, that is.
They serve a bunch of dishes, but we generally find ourselves gravitating towards something hearty and satisfying, like the Bolognese or sausage and broccoli rabe.
Tony’s Baltimore Grill
$ | (609) 345-5766 | WEBSITE
Let’s say, hypothetically, you got caught up in a deep dive on Atlantic City’s boardwalk history and won’t make it to the casino floor in time for dinner. A bar pie at Tony’s Baltimore Grill is in your future. Hypothetically, of course. They’re known for bar pies and roast beef, and since they don’t make a roast beef pizza, you should probably just get both.
You can grab a bar stool and be mesmerized by perfectly crisp pies coming in and out of the oven, but we’ve found a takeout pie eaten on a bench by the water is the best way to pregame a night out in Atlantic City.
