A legendary name. A whole new experience.

Under the direction of new owner Frank Dougherty, the Knife & Fork, a legendary Atlantic City steak and seafood restaurant, has been restored to its original grandeur. The transformation recaptures the look and feel of the landmark restaurant's Prohibition era roots, including rich mahogany millwork, hand-painted ceilings, a sweeping staircase and balcony and lushly appointed dining rooms. A key part of the renovation was the expansion of the bar to encompass the “porch” area, featuring 20 seats, 2 plasma TV’s, and an intimate dining area.

The Knife & Fork's new menu, featuring the finest steaks and seafood prepared on a wood-fired grill, is complemented by a 10,000-bottle wine “cellar” located on the third floor. Experience the Knife & Fork for yourself, and discover the restaurant that has everyone talking.

The Dougherty Family Tradition

For Frank Dougherty, the restaurant business is not a part of life; it’s a way of life. As a fourth-generation co-owner of Dock’s Oyster House, he literally grew up in the only restaurant in Atlantic City older than the Knife & Fork itself.

Dock's was established in 1897 by Frank’s grandfather, Harry Dougherty. Harry’s vision of a fine neighborhood restaurant has been upheld by three subsequent generations who shared his commitment to quality and service. That commitment has established Dock’s as a local institution and the Dougherty’s as Atlantic City’s premier restaurant family.

As a boy, Frank would ride his bike past the Knife & Fork’s four-story Flemish building and marvel at its striking architecture. Never did he dream, however, that the historic restaurant would one day be his. When Frank purchased the Knife & Fork in 2005, he carried on the Dougherty family tradition born in Atlantic City: to deliver every meal with uncompromising quality, thereby creating lifelong customers and friends.

Knife & Fork History

In 93 years, the Knife & Fork has led a long and colorful life, making it one of the oldest and most historically charged establishments in Atlantic City. Standing where Atlantic, Pacific and Albany Avenues converge, the Knife & Fork is as much a local landmark as the Boardwalk or Lucy the Elephant.

The distinctive four-story Flemish structure was originally established in 1912 as an exclusive men’s club. During Prohibition, a rebellious club membership defied the laws of an alcohol-free society and openly served liquor at the bar. Within weeks federal agents, in true roaring twenties style, entered the bar and destroyed all of its contents.

After the raid, the club’s membership declined and in 1927 the building was sold to Atlantic City’s Latz family. Convinced Prohibition was here to stay, the Latz’s removed the bar, which once occupied what is now the Hearth Room, and converted the building into a public restaurant. Milton and Evelyn Latz successfully managed the Knife and Fork until Milton died in 1948. Their sons Mack, a decorated war hero, and Jim redefined the business through the post war decades, surviving the advent of gambling in Atlantic City. Over the years, the Knife & Fork became a favorite of locals and Hollywood celebrities including Frank Sinatra and Burt Lancaster. In 1985, however, Mack and Jim, famously unable to get along, decided to part ways. Mack bought out his brother and became the sole owner of the Knife & Fork.

Eleven years later, Mack, approaching 80, decided to retire from the grueling restaurant business. Mack’s attempt to find a buyer for the Knife & Fork was unsuccessful and the historic restaurant was closed in 1997. Two years later, Mack’s son Andrew leased the restaurant, reopening in 1999. By 2003, however, Mack once again decided to find a buyer for the Knife & Fork. His search eventually led to Frank Dougherty, a friend and member of the family owning the other Atlantic City dining landmark, Dock’s Oyster House. Frank had always been intrigued by the iconic building, and could not pass up the opportunity to restore the legendary restaurant. In January 2005, Frank and his family purchased the historic restaurant and embarked upon an extensive renovation project to refurbish the landmark and wow a whole new generation of guests.