Angelos Fairmount Tavern

Angelo's is another of Atlantic City's famed family-owned Italian eateries, and not only are its food and house-made red wine big claims to fame, but get this: owner Sonny Mancuso hand-picks every tomato that ends up in his marinara sauce. You can't do much better than that for quality control. The menu of pasta, seafood, chops, steaks, and then some is one of the city's best, as is the very variable but always fun atmosphere. Angelo's doesn't really fit the bill as a date spot (two floors and loud because of popularity with groups/conventions) it does work for everything else, from a night out with friends or family to a relaxed business dinner where no one expects to get any work done. Old World style is abundant here - from the Sinatra on the stereo to the memorabilia on the walls, Angelo's exudes oldie-time cool. Just be warned: it gets nuts in season - they don't have a slow night from April to October, so always call ahead.