If you’re heading down to Atlantic City this month for the NJEA Convention, you’re most likely a teacher. And if you are a teacher, you’re probably not heading into town armed with a big expense account and some high roller comps at the casino. You want to have some fun and get out on the town after a long day of PD, but finding affordable, and delicious restaurants, can be tricky. Casinos offer many high-end restaurant options, and overpriced buffets, but if you look outside of the casinos, there are some really great places you have probably never tried.
To help you out, The NJ Teachers’ Lounge has identified a handful of restaurants you must try when you are in Atlantic City. Some offer very unique menus, and deliciously fresh entrée options. And all of them are teacher budget friendly.
Italian Cuisine
Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern is an absolute must if you are in the mood for real, authentic Italian cuisine. Angelos has been serving the Ducktown section of Atlantic City since 1935. If you are in the mood for real authentic Italian food, for either lunch or dinner, this is the place to go in AC!
Angelo’s is well known for their generous portion sizes, authentic recipes, fresh pasta, and charming atmosphere. The prices are comparable to that of a nice chain restaurant. The cheapest entrée on the menu starts is $12.50, and it goes up from there. However, the portion sizes are so generous that many people do family style or even order appetizers for meals.
TripAdvisor reviewers have even made mention of how authentic the sauce is:“as good as my Roman aunts,” said one reviewer. Another commented, “Excellent Italian family restaurant like the old days!”
http://angelosfairmounttavern.com/menu.html (Gluten Free & vegetarian options available)
Pizza
For a totally unique pizza experience, Tony Boloney’s is the place to go! They are well known for their “taco pizza” which looks absolutely amazing despite the strange combo. While that creative concoction runs a whopping $80, it is a gigantic pie, with a guacamole center and tacos surrounding it.
For a more budget friendly lunch or dinner, their regular size pizzas run around $5 per slice, and roughly $20 for a whole pie. They have very interesting choices, such as Pumpkin Butta (with actual pumpkin butter, topped with toasted pumpkin seeds), and General Khan (with Mongolian style General Tso’s chicken)
American (Breakfast/Brunch)
Gilchrist Restaurant is a ‘diamond in the rough’ in AC. While most casinos offer breakfast buffets, this is the place to go for a good home-cooked breakfast (or brunch). They are best known for their blueberry hotcakes (a thinner, crispier version of pancakes), affordable prices, and the scenic view of the water.
Prices range from $5.95 for a stack of hotcakes, to $12.95 for the Hungry Man combos. They have a typical breakfast menu with french toast, pancakes, omelettes, and breakfast sandwiches.
One TripAdvisor reviewer said “The food is better than a diner. It’s like homestyle gourmet.”
http://gilchristrestaurant.com/ (Gluten free and vegan options)
Seafood
AC offers many awesome seafood buffets, and restaurants. But only one offers true delicious seafood, at reasonably affordable prices.
Back Bay Ale House, located on New Hampshire Ave, is a must-try restaurant for a steaming cup of cream of crab soup, or local fried clams. A cup of their crab soup, or conch chowder is $5.99, and all entrees are under $20.
For a fun twist on a traditional comfort food, try their crab macaroni and cheese. The atmosphere is very laid back, and relaxed and the wait staff is incredibly friendly.
http://www.backbayalehouse.com/
Mexican
Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria is the place to go to get real, authentic Mexican cuisine. With fresh tortillas, and guacamole, you most certainly cannot go wrong here.
If you are looking for a “hole in the wall” type eatery, where the outside is deceiving, and the inside is clean, with fresh, delicious, handmade items, Pancho’s will not disappoint.
One reviewer said this, “This restaurant doesn’t look great from the outside, but don’t go by the looks. This is one awesome Mexican restaurant, where they make the tacos and tortillas fresh right in front of your eyes and serve you fresh hot food made right then and there.”
While they do not have a menu, you can view menu items and read fellow patrons’ reviews here…
Whether you are in the mood for pasta, tacos, hotcakes, or pizza, Atlantic City will not let you down. AC has so many restaurants to choose from, but if you want to stay within budget, you must look outside of the casino walls, and try a few of these awesome eateries.
Have fun at the convention, and don’t forget to come by and visit us at booth 2309!
–Jenna Garvin
NOTE: NJ Teachers Lounge contacted Tony Boloney’s and asked if they would be willing to offer a discount for their yummy pizza’s. As a ‘thank you’ to teachers for all that they do, they are offering NJ-Teachers.com an exclusive discount, of 5% off meals for the NJEA convention this week in Atlantic City, so now you have more of a reason to enjoy their delicious pizza choices!
