There’s plenty of action in Atlantic City, and not all of it is associated with the numerous casinos that seem to be everywhere. Enjoying the varied dining scene could occupy some of your time and fill you up for a month of Sundays. Whether it’s at a stand alone restaurant, in a casino, on the Boardwalk or in a neighboring town minutes from the Shore, the choices are plentiful and eclectic. A favorite meal is Sunday brunch and the dining options below are considered to be among the tastiest and finest available.
House of Blues 801 Boardwalk at the Showboat, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (609) 236-BLUE Brunch Hours: Sittings at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cost per person for brunch: $33. with children under 3 admitted free
Combine traditional Southern comfort food with Gospel music and you’ve got one of the most unique Sunday brunches in Atlantic City. The ambience in the Music Hall enlivens and envelops while you feast with several of your senses. A different Gospel group performs each week , while you can count on the menu to consistently offer favorites like fried chicken, grits, buttermilk biscuits with country gravy along with crawfish cheesecake, rosemary cornbread muffins, waffles, omelets and a carving station. Try to save room for desserts like old fashioned berry cobbler and white chocolate banana bread pudding with crème anglaise. There are two sittings for this popular Sunday brunch.
Sonsie Ste, 3100 at the Pier Shops, One Atlantic Ocean, at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (609) 345-6300 Brunch Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day Cost per person for brunch: $3. to $18.
It’s like stepping into a European bistro or café. Dark wood, leather seats and French doors open to the outdoor seating area, where you can people watch or gaze upon the beach and ocean. Start out with freshly baked croissants then choose from eggs benedict, roasted banana and chocolate chip French toast or scrapple and eggs, the former being a nod toward along standing Philly tradition. Then, on to jumbo lump crab cakes, or stuffed brioche French toast, scones and clever muffin tops, which many people believe to be the best part of the muffin! Choose between assorted coffees, cappuccino, café latté, café au lait, tea, smoothies, Mimosas and Bellinis.
W.L. Goodfellows 310 East White Horse Pike, Galloway, NJ 08205 (609) 652-1492 Brunch Hours: 11 am to 3 pm Cost per person for brunch: $ 13.99 for adults, $ 8.99 for children under 10
If you prefer to be off the beaten track, but still just minutes from the Shore, head over to W.L. Goodfellows. It has been described as an American Bistro by some, and it is lively, with a great looking bar, large screen televisions and Tiffany lamps. One of the rooms turns into the buffet area and you can treat yourself to unlimited pastries and sweets like freshly baked brownies, crumb cake and ruggelah with generously portioned main dishes such as Eggs Goodfellows, toasted English muffin halves topped with grilled Canadian bacon, three poached eggs and hollandaise or Stuffed French Toast, Texas bread filled with apricot preserves and cream cheese, dipped in an egg batter and fried, served with warm maple syrup. Brunch is served in the sun room. The locals love this place and might be just as happy to keep it to themselves.
Ballys Prime Place Park Place and The Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (609) 340-2350 Brunch Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost per person for brunch: $ 31.
You might expect that a restaurant known for its prime steaks, chops and fresh seafood would offer a high quality brunch as well. And they do. Choose from an array of omelets, made to order pastas and a carving station with lamb, Irish back bacon and roast sirloin. In the mood for something else? Prime Place offers sushi and dim sum along with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The brunch menu changes weekly, according to the chef.
Waterfront Buffet (formerly known as Fantasea Reef Buffet) 777 Harrahs Blvd at Harrah’s, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (609) 441-5000 Brunch Hours: 8:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. Cost per person for brunch: $ 15.99 + tax
Harrah’s Waterfront Buffet covers a lot of ground geographically. You can savor flavors from the American bounty, check out Little Italy, head on over to Brazil or sample coastal cuisine. If you’re in the mood for something else, the Asian Wok or Mongolian Barbeque might hit the spot. Visit the Sushi Bar and try the Dim Sum. There’s also a huge salad bar where the choices include no less than twelve different greens, toppings and seven dressings. Tell the chef what you’d like and watch as he or she chops each order individually.
Smithville Inn Highway 9, Smithville, NJ 08205 (609) 652-7777 Brunch Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cost per person for brunch: $19.95
The Smithville Inn has been a family favorite destination since opening in 1787. Overlooking Lake Meone, the restaurant and surrounding shops comprise a unique shopping village, for a one stop dining and shopping experience. Many of the dishes go back over generations, like the double cut pork chops, homemade chicken pot pie, and Chesapeake crab cakes. There is a cold station offering smoked salmon, whitefish, classic Caesar salad and fresh fruit. The carving station tantalizes with honey baked ham on the bone, strip sirloin or prime rib of beef. Also included are made to order omelets, cheese blintzes, bacon and sausage. Classic desserts include bread pudding, apple brown betty, pudding, and cookies.
Renault Winery, Renault Champagne Brunch 72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215 (609) 965-2111 Brunch Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost per person for brunch: $ 21.95
This classically romantic dining spot is definitely worth the trip for its fine food, lush grounds and winery. Renault’s Champagne brunch features a choice of one entrée that includes malted waffles with seasonal fruit and whipped cream, quiche of the day, apple crepes, cheese blintzes, Renault corned beef hash with eggs, crab hash with poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce, beef tenderloin tips and grilled chicken breasts. You can find muffins, Danish, freshly baked breads, cakes, fruit, salads and of course, Champagne punch plus hot May wine.
Renault Winery, Tuscany Brunch 72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215 (609) 965-2111 Brunch Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost per person for brunch: $ 14.95
The Tuscan Brunch offers a waffle and omelet section, salad and fruit and many made-to-order entrees. There is a quiche of the day, eggs benedict, smoked salmon benedict, Challah egg bread French toast and pork roast with an herb crust. The ambiance is European. After brunch, walk the beautifully landscaped grounds and take a tour of the winery. It is recognized as a New Jersey State Historical Site and is one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the country.
Seaview Resort & Spa at The Marriott 401 South New York Road, Galloway, NJ 08205(609) 652-1800 Brunch Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost per person for brunch: $34.95
When you are looking for elegance and ambiance, look no further than the Seaview Marriott. Since 1914, it has been the site of both small and intimate dining and smashing feasts for parties large and small. You will be pampered in the main dining room, while having access to the beautiful and bucolic country club setting outside, via the many windows. The Country Club Champagne Brunch begins with a flute of Champagne. Then you can choose made to order omelets, smoked salmon, unlimited jumbo shrimp, seasonal salads, carved Prime Rib and Virginia Baked Ham, hand rolled sushi and sashimi, followed by freshly baked desserts and include a Godiva chocolate fountain. Make a reservation for brunch or for a round of golf after your meal. There are several overnight packages available at this beautiful resort.
The Brass Monkey Café – Market 900 West Brigantine Avenue, Brigantine, NJ 08203 Brunch Hours: 8 a.m to 4 p.m. Cost per person for brunch: $ 7. to $ 16. Brigantine is a short ride across the bridge from Atlantic City. A small business area and Victorian homes give little clue to the culinary treats this town close to the beach and ocean offers. The Brass Monkey Café-Market specializes in global cuisine. Sunday brunch items range from fruit filled crepes, French toast croissants, grilled cheese crostini, chorizio with eggs, Cuban sandwiches, paninis, empanadas to steak and eggs. Try their moist cornbread made with blue cornmeal, cream, butter, cinnamon and nutmeg. They feature smoothies consisting of chocolate banana, you pick it – choose three fruits and the signature Brass Monkey concoction, cantaloupe, mango, kiwi and protein power. Being a café, they offer coffee, of course, and machiattos, lattés and cappuccinos in three different sizes. And tea drinkers aren’t forgotten. You can pick up olive oil, vinegar after your meal too.
The Top List of Best Brunches - Atlantic City, NJ