Dining adventures: from home-style cooking to gourmet cuisine, Atlantic City knows how to please any palate

Pool & Spa News, Jan 11, 2002 by Pamela Mills-Senn

Looking to be a local, if only for a night or two? As we do every year, we've rounded up some of the best dining spots Atlantic City has to offer. You'll find some perennial conventioneers' favorites--tops with the locals as well--along with some eateries featured for the first time in our guide. There's something for every inclination and budget, so enjoy.

ANGELO'S FAIRMOUNT TAVERN: An Atlantic City institution for 67 years, Angelo's, declared "Best Italian Restaurant" by Atlantic City magazine, is known for its homemade Italian food (try the lobster ravioli or the veal parmesan), and specials that change nightly. Open for lunch, Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; dinner, Mon.-Sun., 5-11 p.m. 2300 Fairmount Ave.; (609) 344-2439. $$

ATLANTIC CITY BAR & GRILL: This longtime favorite has an eclectic menu, including crab pie, pizza, baby back ribs (just $14), Alaskan snow crab ($8) and a whole-lobster dinner ($10). Atlantic City and Philadelphia magazines have declared the lobster bisque "award-winning." Attention, stargazers: George Clooney and Sugar Ray Leonard eat here when they're in town. Open Mon.-Fri., 4 p.m.-6 a.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon-7 a.m. 1217 Pacific Ave.; (609) 348-8080. $$

BRITTANY'S CAFE: With home-style cooking and an eclectic menu of standard and unique breakfast and lunch fare (try the pork and spinach sandwich), Brittany's has acquired a roster of regulars who stop by daily. Open every day, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 4313 Ventnor Ave.; (609) 348-8741. $

BRITTANY AT NIGHT: Just down the road from the cafe on Ventnor, this Italian restaurant is renowned for its rack of lamb, Brittany Salad and very generous portions. All meals are cooked to order. Be sure to send your compliments to Paul Villareal, chef and owner. Open Wed.-Sun., 5-9 p.m. Reservations required. 5214 Ventnor Ave.; (609) 823-7040. $$

GRABEL'S: A hit with locals for more than 30 years, this fine-dining restaurant/lounge offers a varied menu, including roasted duck, crab cakes, chicken and veal dishes, pastas, steaks and seafood. Too full for dessert? Share a cheesecake, tiramisu or Mississippi mud pie. There's also a DJ with dancing and a late-night food station that serves until closing. Open daily, 4 p.m.-6 a.m. 3901 Atlantic Ave.; (609) 344-9263. $$

JERUSALEM: This kosher restaurant draws an international clientele. Open for lunch Sun.-Fri., noon-4 p.m. Dinner, Sun.-Thurs., 4-10 p.m. and Sat., 30 minutes after Sabbath to 11 p.m. Reservations recommended. 6410 Ventnor Ave.; (609) 822-2266. $$

LOS AMIGOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT: Great prices, food and drink specials that change daily, a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes, an extensive tequila menu and margaritas so strong they'll knock you into next year make this a popular spot with locals and visitors alike. Tues.-Thurs., 11:30-2 a.m.; Fri., 11:30-6 a.m.; Sat., 4 p.m.-6 a.m.; Sun., 4 p.m.-2 a.m. 1926 Atlantic Ave.; (609) 344-2293. $

MAMA MOTT'S: This family-owned restaurant will make you feel as if you're smack in the middle of New York's Little Italy. There's something for everyone here, with more than 15 kinds of homemade and imported pastas, veal, chicken, fish and beef dishes. Try the Shrimp Orleans or the Steak Fa Diablo, "very spicy and hot." The banquet room seats 100; located one-half block from the Boardwalk. Sun.-Fri., 4-11 p.m.; Sat., 4 p.m.-midnight. 151 S. New York Ave.; (609) 345-8218. $

PEREGRINES': This five-star restaurant at the Hilton specializes in the best of the region's continental cuisine. Voted "Best Gourmet Restaurant" by Chance magazine. Open Thurs.-Sun., 6-10 p.m. Reservations required. Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort, Boston Ave. and the Boardwalk; (609) 340-7400. $$$

SCANNICCHIO'S: With a full line of seafood and rich, Sicilian-style home made pastas, served up in a slightly south Philly atmosphere, this restaurant will leave you wishing for an elastic waistband. Rated "No. 1" by Atlantic City magazine, its desserts also are on the decadent side. Warning: According to the manager, winter is when they do "a lot of baking." Open every day, 4-10 p.m. Reservations recommended. 119 S. California Ave.; (609) 348-6378. $$

TONY'S BALTIMORE GRILL: Said to have "the best pizza in town"--by a competitor, no less--this landmark has a steadfast clientele who can't get enough of its pizzas (the sausage and pepperoni pizzas are best sellers) or its meatballs. Food is served daily from 11 p.m.-3 a.m. and the bar is open 24 hours. 2800 Atlantic Ave; (609) 345-5766. $

WHITE HOUSE SUB SHOP: The menu hasn't changed in 50 years, but with more than 24 million "world-famous" submarine sandwiches sold at this landmark eatery, why should it? Open Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 2301 Arctic Ave.; (609) 345-1564. $

KEY: $ = Inexpensive (entrees $10 or less) $$ = Moderate ($10-$25) $$$ = Expensive ($25 or more)

Pamela Mills-Senn is a free-lance writer based in Signal Hill, Calif.