Happy Hour
By Mortimer Spreng
Old man winter may have gripped the Jersey shore area, bringing a blizzard and some brutally cold temperatures but don’t let that stop you from venturing out and taking advantage of the Happy Hour deals offered by some of Atlantic City’s oldest and best known haunts. It’s a great way to beat the cabin fever we all get this time of year, and you get a chance to revisit some of your favorite places and see some familiar faces, too. We’ll start with the youngest on the list, Los Amigos (1926 Atlantic Ave, AC), which has been at the same location since it opened in 1978. This Mexican restaurant is still run by the same family, Curt and Mimi Taylor, and has been a popular spot for locals since it first opened. Although the term ‘Mexican food’ now has many different meanings, the fare offered at Los Amigos is a perfect blend of creativity and authenticity. They have a really great Happy Hour from 3:30p-6:30p at the bar where you can get $5 margaritas (frozen or rocks) and choose from a small bites menu, we recommend the 2 fish tacos also for $5, they are fresh and tasty with a mango salsa, a nice summer flavor to chase away the winter blues. Next up is Angeloni’s II (2400 Artic Avenue, AC), serving authentic Italian restaurant with a massive wine list for 40 years now. Along with all the traditional Italian favorites, they have daily specials and some creative appetizers. And many of the staff have been there for years, so it’s like going back home every time you visit. They have Happy Hour from 3p-7p Monday thru Friday (at the bar only) and from 4p-close on Sundays. You can get $2 domestic beers, $3 imports, $4 house wine, and $5 well cocktails and a $5 appetizer menu that includes clams, calamari, mussels, long hots and more. But their craziest idea is their Meatballs and Martinis special on Thursdays from 4p-close. Get a $5 Stoli Martini AND get free meatballs, it’s a combination you didn’t realize would go so perfect together. Our next favorite haunt is the one and only Tony’s Baltimore Grille (2800 Atlantic Ave., AC), originally opened in 1927. Now here’s a place everyone has been to, usually after a late night out at the clubs, and it has remained the same for decades, which is exactly why we love it. The staff is brusque, the décor is dated, but the food is all comfort. And their pizzas are arguably the best around. Tony’s offers two Happy Hours (4p-8p bar/11p-2a bar and dining room) with rotating food and drink specials, but they also offer a 3 course ‘Value Meal’ 4p-6p, Sun-Thurs for only $12! Salad, main course, and dessert, now that’s a deal that should get you out of the house, great food for a great price. Our fourth choice is the venerable Knife & Fork Inn (3600 Atlantic Ave., AC), an Atlantic City institution since 1912. A popular spot during Prohibition, the Knife & Fork has been home to many a famous face over the years, even making an appearance in a scene from the film ‘Atlantic City’, starring both Burt Lancaster and Susan Sarandon. Now owned by the Dougherty family, the food here is exquisite and served by an expert staff. They have a well-attended Happy Hour from 4p-6:30p so it’s best to get there a little early if you want a seat at the bar. The Happy Hour includes 1/2 priced appetizers that include crispy duck leg confit, lobster spring roll, crab and avocado terrine, and many other tasty items. Our last choice is also the oldest restaurant in the city, Dock’s Oyster House (2405 Atlantic Ave., AC), which has been serving delicious and fresh seafood from the same location since 1897. Also owned by the Dougherty family, this local gem is a favorite destination restaurant for special events and occasions. Because of it’s enduring popularity, they recently expanded, doubling their seating and creating a beautiful space to compliment their delicious culinary creations. Although Dock’s is a little more high-end, they have a wonderful Happy Hour from 4p-6p that includes appetizers and, of course, oysters.
There you have it, five of Atlantic City’s oldest and best known restaurants all open and ready to help you chase away Jack Frost. Enjoy!
Mortimer Spreng has been in the service industry in Atlantic City for decades. From opening Trump’s Castle to bartending at Studio Six, from waiting tables at Trump Plaza to performing on the casino stages, he is well known to many of the residents of South Jersey. If he’s not behind the bar somewhere in the city, you can be sure to find him sitting at one with a very dirty Martini in hand.
