City of Atlantic City Honors The Irish Pub with Community Spirit Award

In Atlantic City, community is more than just a word — it’s a way of life. Through the Keep It Local campaign, led by the City of Atlantic City’s Economic Development division under the Planning & Development Department, small businesses were celebrated for the essential role they played in shaping the city’s identity and strengthening its neighborhoods.

At the heart of this recognition stood a true local treasure: The Irish Pub Atlantic City, recipient of the Community Spirit Award.

A Legacy of Hospitality
With roots dating back to the 19th century, Richard and Cathy Burke founded The Irish Pub in 1972. Since then, it grew into more than just a dining spot. It became a local landmark, a piece of living history, and a gathering place where generations of residents and visitors alike came together for food, conversation, and friendship. From corned beef sandwiches to pints of beer, every visit carried with it the warmth of a second home.

Standing the Test of Time
Through decades of change, The Irish Pub remained a steady presence, a cornerstone that reflected the resilience and hospitality of Atlantic City itself. Tourists may have come for the boardwalk, beaches, or casinos, but locals knew there was always a seat waiting for them at the pub — a place to feel welcome and connected.

A Community Rooted in Pride
For Cathy Burke, the recognition was deeply meaningful. “We are such a supportive community of each other,” she shared. “It’s wonderful when you can have a community you love, you support and you’re appreciative to be in a city as beautiful as Atlantic City.”

Her words reflected not just the spirit of The Irish Pub, but the broader truth about why Atlantic City continues to be a city in motion: its strength lies in its people and their dedication to each other.

Why Atlantic City?
Moments like these highlight why Atlantic City is more than a destination, it is a great community to live, to work, and to thrive. From local businesses that anchor neighborhoods, to city-led initiatives that honor and uplift them, Atlantic City is writing a story where tradition and progress go hand in hand.

Looking Ahead
The Community Spirit Award was not just about honoring one business. It was about recognizing what makes Atlantic City special: its resilience, its pride, and its commitment to supporting local voices that carry the city’s culture forward.

As Atlantic City continues to grow and evolve, it is places like The Irish Pub — and the countless small businesses like it — that remind everyone why community matters, and why Atlantic City remains a city where opportunity, history, and heart all come together.