With the popularity of HBO’s hit crime drama Boardwalk Empire showing no signs of letting up, there’s plenty of Prohibition-era nostalgia to be found in Atlantic City these days. Still the only real speakeasy-style bar on Nucky Thompson’s old home turf is the Iron Room at the Atlantic City Bottle Company.

The semi-secret bar and restaurant, which takes its name from the recently retired Monopoly game piece and sits on the site of a real-life bootlegging operation that was fronted by a phony bottling facility during Prohibition, is located about five minutes away from the Boardwalk and casinos in the city’s Chelsea Heights neighborhood. And for those looking to break free from the hustle and bustle of gaming floors, buffets and tourist traps, it’s well worth the trip.

Up front the Atlantic City Bottle Company offers a stunning inventory of wines carefully curated by co-owner and house sommelier Paul Tonacci, cool craft beers from near and far and a jaw-dropping selection of small batch and boutique whiskeys and spirits from all around the world.

An inconspicuous doorway just past the Atlantic City Bottle Company’s growler filling station provides entry to the Iron Room. Once inside the sexy and dimly lit space, you’ll find yourself transported back to the Bootleggers-and-Baptists era.

On one side sits the well-stocked bar — where you’ll find more than 230 bourbons, Scotches and other whiskeys — and to the other, oversized button-tufted black leather chairs and marble-topped tables. The attentive and accomodating staff are incredibly knowledgeable, and are at the ready to talk you through the bar’s selection of classic and innovative new cocktails or make recommendations based upon your taste. In addition to whiskey and mixed drinks, the Iron Room features 12 regularly rotating beers on tap and hundreds more in bottles. Since it’s attached to one of the area’s best packaged goods stores, the wine lists are mind-boggling, featuring everything from approachable and very affordable wines by the glass to nearly priceless vintages that are ke[t under lock and key in the cellar.

If you’re feeling peckish, Chef Kevin Cronin, who pulls double duty as the Iron Room and Atlantic City Bottle Company’s in-house beer guru, offers a tempting array of seasonably appropriate small plates that are great for both snacking alongside the stellar drinks, and a satisfying meal. The menu is constantly changing but some recent offerings include truffle-salted edamame; housemade pappardelle with brown butter, pepitas and duck confit; battered fried foie gras with fruit compote and truffle honey; and a Korean BBQ hanger steak with sweet and sour Brussels sprouts and bacon. There’s also a daily chef’s board with Cronin’s hand-picked cheese selections, charcuterie, pate smoked salmon and assorted accompaniments; and the Flat Iron Burger.

Atlantic City Bottle Company is open Tuesday through Thursday, 3 PM - 12 AM; and Friday and Saturday, 3 PM - 1 AM.

Atlantic City Bottle Company, 648 N Albany Ave., Atlantic City, 609-348-6400, www.acbottlecompany.com