You’re walking down Oriental Avenue, maybe a few blocks from the glitzy madness of the Revel or the Hard Rock, and the air starts smelling less like salt water and more like... yeast and frying garlic. You aren’t looking for a corporate buffet or a celebrity chef’s $70 steak. You want something real. Something that feels like the "old" Atlantic City but tastes like the future.
That’s Tony Boloney’s in Atlantic City.
Honestly, calling it a "pizza shop" is a bit of an insult. It’s more like a culinary fever dream that actually works. Since 2009, founder Mike Hauke has been running this spot with a philosophy that basically boils down to: "Why not?" Why not put 800 tacos on a pizza? Why not make mozzarella from scratch every single morning? Why not name a sub after a guy who looks like he’d fight you in a parking lot?
If you’ve seen the viral videos of the Taco Pizza, you know what I’m talking about. But there is so much more to this place than just Instagram bait.
The Secret Sauce (Literally) of the Inlet
Most tourists stay on the Boardwalk. They miss the soul of the city. Tony Boloney's is tucked away in the North Inlet, a neighborhood that has seen some rough years but is currently seeing a weird, wonderful resurgence. This shop was the pioneer.
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Mike Hauke didn't start with a fancy oven or a PR team. He started with a small deli and a lot of attitude. The guy is a mad scientist. He recently took his "Mad Mutz" mozzarella sticks to Shark Tank in 2025, and yeah, he got a deal. Why? Because he doesn't use the frozen, pre-breaded logs everyone else uses. He pulls the "mutz" (that’s Hoboken-speak for mozzarella) by hand.
The texture is different. It’s creamier. It actually tastes like dairy, not plastic.
What You’re Actually Ordering
Don't go in there and ask for a plain cheese slice unless you want the staff to look at you like you’ve got two heads. I mean, they’ll make it, and it’ll be good—Jersey flour, dry-aged mutz, and a decent char—but you’re at Tony’s. Live a little.
- The Taco Taco Taco Pizza: This thing has over a billion views online for a reason. It’s an 18-inch beast topped with house-made Oaxaca cheese and literally dozens of tacos. We’re talking brisket carne asada, chipotle chicken, and enough guac to sink a boat. You don’t eat it; you survive it. Pro tip: Take the tacos off, dip them in the center guac, then fold the remaining pizza slice into a makeshift quesadilla.
- The Swine Fighter: If you love pepperoni, this is your end-game. It uses "roundhouse kicks" of pepperoni, pink vodka sauce, and something they call "Villan blood ranch." It’s salty, greasy, and perfect.
- The "Shitfaced" Chicken: Beer-battered chicken, honey stout BBQ sauce, and sharp cheddar. It’s basically a Friday night in South Jersey condensed onto a piece of dough.
More Than Just Dough and Cheese
People forget that Tony Boloney's is a sub shop first. This is the land of the Atlantic City bread. If you aren’t from here, you might not know that the local water and the specific bakeries in the city produce a crust that is crispy on the outside and airy on the inside. It’s the gold standard.
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They do a cheesesteak called the Olé that uses mezcal-marinated ribeye. It’s smoky. It’s got that hit of cilantro and lime that makes you wonder why Philadelphia hasn't caught on yet.
Then there's the community stuff. In 2024 and 2025, Tony’s became a huge partner with the "Too Good To Go" app. They’ve rescued over 14,000 meals from going to waste. Basically, you can snag a "Surprise Bag" for about five bucks near closing time. You might get three different slices of experimental pizza or a sub that someone forgot to pick up. It’s the best deal in the city, hands down.
Why It Matters in 2026
Atlantic City is changing. Again. The casinos are modernizing, and there’s a massive push for "neighborhood revitalization" in Midtown and the Inlet. But Tony Boloney's feels like the anchor. It’s a bridge between the gritty, authentic AC and the new, foodie-destination AC.
Is it expensive? A little. A full Taco Pizza will set you back about $100. Yeah, you read that right. But that thing feeds an entire bachelor party.
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Is the service fast? Sometimes. It depends on if there’s a line of people who just saw a TikTok video and are trying to order 500 mozzarella sticks at once. But the vibe is always there. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s Jersey.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
If you're planning a trip to 300 Oriental Ave, here is the "insider" list of things you need to know:
- Parking is a sport. It’s a corner shop in a residential-ish area. You might have to circle the block. Don’t be "that person" who blocks a neighbor's driveway.
- The Menu is a Novel. Seriously, there are over 130 items. If you’re indecisive, you’re going to have a panic attack. Check the website before you walk through the door.
- Vegan? No Problem. Surprisingly, for a place that loves bacon grease, they have a massive vegan menu. The "OG Vegan" with eggplant meatballs is actually legit.
- Try the Ramen Pizza. It sounds like a gimmick. It kind of is. But the crunch of the noodles with the spicy broth-reduction sauce is weirdly addictive.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you want the full Tony Boloney's experience without the "tourist" headache, follow this plan:
- Go during the "Off-Peak": Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons are the sweet spot. You’ll actually get a chance to talk to the guys behind the counter and maybe even catch Mike Hauke experimenting with a new crust.
- Get the Sampler: If it's your first time, don't commit to a whole pie. Get a slice of the Supreme Tang (Thai satay chicken) and a few of the Mad Mutz sticks—specifically the "Angry Bee" with hot honey.
- Eat it there: Atlantic City bread waits for no one. If you let it sit in a cardboard box in your car for 20 minutes while you drive back to your hotel, the steam will ruin that perfect crust. Sit at the counter or eat it on the sidewalk.
- Download the App: Use the Tony Boloney's app or "Too Good To Go" if you're on a budget. The value in the surprise bags is insane.
Tony Boloney's isn't just a place to eat; it's a testament to the idea that if you make something weird enough and good enough, people will find you. Even in the forgotten corners of Atlantic City.