Our community has something special to celebrate this week: Atlantic City is home to the best independent restaurant in all of New Jersey, according to a comprehensive new survey.
Salt & Pepper, a family-run Mexican restaurant located at 2503 Pacific Avenue, diagonally across from Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, has earned the top spot in the Garden State. The recognition comes from OnDeck, a small business funding company that recently analyzed Yelp reviews of over 88,000 independently owned eateries across the country.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Salt & Pepper isn't trying to be flashy or trendy—it's simply serving authentic, homemade Mexican food that resonates deeply with our community and visitors alike.
What Diners Are Saying
The reviews paint a picture of a restaurant that exceeds expectations at every turn. One enthusiastic customer wrote: "Salt and Pepper in Atlantic City is truly one of the city's hidden gems! ... This Mexican restaurant offers a fantastic variety of food. We ordered the burrito, Taco De Birria, and Chilaquiles, and everything was served hot and in generous portions."
Another reviewer emphasized the authenticity: "This place is amazing!!! Food is true authentic Mexican food. We got the carnitas tacos and the pork enchilada torta. Oh and a horchata to drink. You will not regret it. Great family owned place. Everything is homemade"
Perhaps most telling is this assessment: "This place may not look like much but the food and service was outstanding! Highly recommend the birria tacos, you can taste how fresh the ingredients are, also the French toast was the best I've ever had in my life!"
A National Trend Toward Authentic Flavors
The nationwide survey revealed that America's favorite independent restaurants span Mexican, Ethiopian, and Asian cuisines, with four of the top ten primarily serving Japanese food. This trend suggests diners are increasingly seeking out authentic, culturally rich dining experiences over generic chain offerings.
Our neighboring states have their own standouts. Pennsylvania's top eatery is Treat - Ice Cream and Liege Waffles in Pittsburgh, which holds a perfect 5-star rating. Delaware diners are flocking to The Mercury Café and Teahouse in New Castle, a vegetarian café with a delightful breakfast menu. And New Yorkers are lining up at Farook Hahal Food, a food truck near Union Square in Manhattan.
Why This Matters for Atlantic City
This recognition is more than just a feel-good story—it's a testament to the vibrant, diverse culinary scene that exists beyond the casino floors. Salt & Pepper represents the kind of authentic, family-owned business that gives our city its character and keeps visitors coming back for reasons that have nothing to do with slot machines.
In an era when chain restaurants dominate many communities, having a locally owned, family-run establishment earn statewide recognition reminds us of the value of supporting our independent businesses. These are the places where recipes are passed down through generations, where owners know their regulars by name, and where every plate is prepared with pride.
If you haven't yet experienced what makes Salt & Pepper special, now might be the perfect time to discover this hidden gem for yourself. Just look for the unassuming spot across from Boardwalk Hall—and prepare to taste why it's earned the title of New Jersey's best.
