People who know me know I’m a foodie. Every business trip we take is an excuse for me to try new food, and when most people are doing last-minute packing on the night before a flight, I’m doing last-minute Yelping to find the best places to grab a bite.
Like many of you, the entire PM crew will be heading to Atlantic City for PROMOTIONS EAST next week. Living in Philadelphia, Atlantic City is in our backyard so it’s easy for me to learn what’s happening in the kitchens of the Garden State. If you’re looking for somewhere posh to take your biggest client or a low-key spot to enjoy some quality food, I’ve got you covered. Check out some of these dining destinations when you hit the shore.
Revel Casino
The newest destination in Atlantic City is Revel, a swanky casino and resort that opened in April. There are several bars and restaurants in the hotel, but I’m going to give you a clue to the only name you need: Jose Garces. Iron Chef winner Garces has been taking Philadelphia by storm with a slew of restaurants opening in the last five years, all to critical acclaim. Garces has brought his popular restaurants Amada, Village Whiskey and Distrito to Atlantic City, and will soon be opening a stand for his taco lunch truck, Guapos Tacos.
Everything this guy touches is amazing. I met him once and shook his hand, and ever since then my hand has tasted delicious (not that I tasted it or anything). Whether you want an exquisite assortment of smoked meats and cheeses from Amada or a classic cocktail from Village Whiskey, you’ll find it at one of Garces’ Revel restaurants. One last thing: Village Whiskey has the best burger in the world. In the world. Seriously, go there.
White House Sub Shop
The best Philly hoagies are in New Jersey. The White House Sub Shop has been around for ages, although I only discovered it a few years back when my friend (and industry rock star) Anthony Stover took me. It’s a little hole-in-the-wall cash only deli that keeps it simple: top-notch ingredients and huge portions. There are several options, but I recommend getting the classic Italian. It will be the best sandwich you have all year. Just don’t tell anyone in Philly I said the best hoagies are in New Jersey.
Dock’s Oyster House
You’re at the sea shore. Get some seafood. Doc’s Oyster House has been around for more than 100 years and has become the seafood destination for serious connoisseurs. It’s famous for its oysters, but any of the seafood there will make you happy. I go for the crispy wasabi tuna or lobster tail (if you’re buying).
Old Homestead Steakhouse
Located in Atlantic City’s other modern casino, the Borgata, Old Homestead Steakhouse has been my go-to for years. It takes a classic New York steakhouse but brightens it up for the Atlantic City atmosphere. It’s on the pricier side, but if you want to take a client to an upscale dinner, you can’t go wrong here. The applewood bacon-wrapped filet is an exercise in everything good in life. (Fun fact: Everything good in life is bacon and steak.) With most people flocking to Revel, it will never be easier to get a table here next week.
Manco & Manco Pizza
A boardwalk staple, Manco & Manco Pizza (previously known as Mack & Manco until a few months ago) is the definitive shore pizza. It’s just the basics, nothing more than thin crust, tangy sauce and gooey cheese, but when it comes to pizza the basics are the best. When I would go to AC in high school, I’d devour an entire pie in one sitting, and usually grab another slice when I passed the next storefront. They are only located at Ocean City so it’s not the most convenient, but there are approximately 3,984,017 M&M shops along the boardwalk, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding one.
