Authentic Atlantic City Speakeasy - Knife and Fork Inn

Founded in 1912 by a handful of Atlantic City's most corrupt political bosses, the Knife and Fork has a wonderfully notorious past that includes prostitution, gambling and, of course, illegal booze sales.
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At one time the second floor was reserved only for the well-heeled men of the city, the women had a separate waiting room outside, and were allowed in only when summoned. The booths were sheltered from each other with curtains, providing privacy and place to conduct business or other nefarious activities.
When prohibition was passed, the Knife and Fork continued soaking its customers in booze and, no doubt, also continued the gambling and prostitution. Eventually though things did change and it was sold to a local family who turned it into a public restaurant, which is what it's been since. Gone is the gambling and prostitution, but they still pour a hell of a drink, and the spirit of old time (meaning, corrupt) Atlantic City can still easily be felt here. Cheers!

[@richardnunez3474]

OMG this was my first real job as a 15 year old kid in 1985/86' i can't believe im seeing the knife & fork inn in Atlantic City. Thank you so much for this incredible upload and history i never knew about.

[@Bucketlistbars]

You're so welcome, we're glad you enjoyed it!

[@Astaf_55]

Bro how you get a job as a kid

[@staffoffice]

One of the BEST restaurants ever! The lobster thermidor is the signature dish and a must get.

[@Bucketlistbars]

Doctor Ya Ya Creator of Ecstasy couldn’t agree more!

[@dftmmwgitd]

Lobsters are bugs

[@bonniemihalic240]

Sorry - don't remember any bars but born in A C in 1932 and remember going to Hackneys and eating my 1st Lobster and wearing a big Bib - Must have been 10 or so . My dad had the garage at Connecticut & the boardwalk & we lived in an apartment above the Penny Arcade looking right at the Ocean - My dad Louis Fein passed when I was 7 - and it wasn't till the Hurricane that filled the garage with Sand that my my Mom gave it up!! I've only been home a few times in recent years to see my A C family - the Cliftons - but I will always call ACNJ home in my heart - Bonnie Fein Mihalic!!

[@kendavid891]

Gotta love NEW JERSEY!!I only lived there a few years but loads of history which I'm fascinated with.Atlantic city will reinvent itself,we Jersey people are fighters!!

[@johnmcdade6318]

When I was a kid in the '70s, my grandparents lived in Margate, a couple houses down from one of the Brothers who owned it. It was owned by two brothers who inherited it from their father and they supposedly hated each other. But they both shared the restaurant. A brother would manage it for half a year and the other brother would run it the other half. Never forgot walking past the house my grand parent's street. The house was dark brown with bright orange awnings.

[@eddieg1647]

Nicky Scarfo and Crazy Phil Leonetti old hang out spot.

[@hesanightowl]

My family ran it up until the early 2000s when my family sold it to the Doughertys... 👏

[@brettduffy1992]

His name was Johnson not Thompson

[@TheErokk725]

I was in there once when I lived in A.C.Are they still open???🤔

[@Bucketlistbars]

Yes they sure are!

[@davyjones7177]

Yea they just built a new college campus right next to it and sometimes the bar inside can be busy. Definitely would recommend it’s got a historic feel to it yet is still modern and doesn’t feel tacky