Atlantic City hotels like Hard Rock, Harrah’s ramp up entertainment, dining investments after pandemic-plagued year
You can bet on new experiences and big-name stars returning to Atlantic City this summer.
After COVID-19 turned casinos into ghost towns last year, New Jersey’s waterfront gambling wonderland is doubling down on investing in new dining and entertainment options to keep tourists busy when they’re not at the slots or tables.
Headliners like Guns N’ Roses and Pitbull are on deck to perform at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in the coming months, while Harrah’s Resort recently launched its immersive poolside Vibe Dining concept and announced that DJ Pauly D of “Jersey Shore” fame is returning to The Pool After Dark nightlife venue in September.
And Showboat, which shuttered as a casino hotel in 2014 only to reopen two years later as a non-gambling hotel, opened a massive new arcade in May.
Over at Hard Rock, which just celebrated its three-year anniversary last month, the resort recently announced it’s committing at least $20 million to boost the property’s appeal, including revamping about 90 suites and beachfront amenities, and adding a Starbucks near its boardwalk entrance, along with more slots and game tables. All standard rooms also scored new flatscreen TVs and LED lighting.
The hotel is also set to soon announce a new eatery opening this summer, adding to the lineup of restaurants that already includes fine dining spots like Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Kuro for Japanese food, and Il Mulino New York for Italian food, along with more casual spots like the Hard Rock Cafe, YOUYU Noodle Bar and Fish & Co.
Those looking for a fun dining adventure at Hard Rock Hotel know to hit up Sugar Factory, a sweets palace known for its massive, smoking candy-flavored boozy goblets and quirky menu items like the Rainbow Sliders ($25), mini burgers served on different brightly-colored buns.
The hotel also holds a White House Subs outpost, a newer, more convenient location of the famous sandwich shop on Arctic Ave. that’s been luring in celebrities — and regular customers — since 1946.
Several of Hard Rock Hotel’s eateries offer boardwalk dining that extends past their indoor areas. And visitors who appreciate a good beach view should head to Balcony Bar during summer months, which overlooks the kiddie-ride packed Steel Pier and offers cocktails and a new pizza menu.
The massive new money investment will also go towards sound enhancements to two of Hard Rock’s entertainment venues, Etess Arena and Sound Waves, along with improvements to the indoor pool area and meeting and convention space.
Meanwhile, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City recently debuted Vibe Dining at its indoor pool complex that transforms into The Pool After Dark nightclub in evening hours.
Diners who book this experience in the pool area, encased in a glass dome and surrounded by tropical plants, will be served pretty cocktails and dishes as organized insanity unfolds around them. One moment, a woman with a fish tail could be flapping around in the pool, and the next, a fire dancer twirling an inflamed baton. There’s also a DJ, a woman who dances inside a giant see-through floating ball in the pool and aerialists.
Food is served family style and you can expect to pay for the atmosphere as the menu includes items like Truffle Mac-n-Cheese Stuffed Lobster ($115 for two to share); a Shellfish Tower ($150 for two); Dim Sum ($41); a Wild Mushroom & Veg flatbread ($16); Smoked Watermelon Burrata ($24); Sushi Mixer plate ($95); and a 40-oz. Tomahawk steak ($195).
Vibe Dining happens on Friday and Saturday nights between 7 and 11 p.m., before a more club-type atmosphere kicks in from 11 p.m. until 3 a.m.
While there’s no swimming at night, the pool is open in the day for a fee that varies based on the day and whether you’re staying overnight at the hotel.
For those who book select appointments at The Spa at Harrah’s Resort — where the menu includes everything from a mini manicure ($16) to the $140 Essential Massage — complimentary guest passes to the swimming pool will be provided.
If Vibe Dining is not your thing, upscale dining at Harrah’s also features Gordon Ramsay Steak, with highlights including the British TV chef’s Roasted Beef Wellington ($60), Smoked Wagyu Beef Tartare ($24) and Sticky Toffee Pudding ($13). Additional fine dining here can be found at Martorano’s Italian restaurant and Oshi Modern Asian Kitchen.
When you’re looking for a casual meal, pop into AC Burger Co., Pin-Up Pizza or Guy’s Sammich Joint. The hotel’s new Caesars Eats option also lets overnight guests order room service from most of the property’s eateries, including Gordon Ramsay Steak, from the comfort of their cell phones.
As for entertainment, DJ Pauly D returns to The Pool After Dark for six dates, beginning with Sept. 4 and Oct. 30, with more nights to be announced later. And Blood, Sweat & Tears (Oct. 16) is among the musical acts set to perform at Harrah’s.
For high rollers with money to burn, another new experience is available for those visiting the Hard Rock Hotel. Starting this month, Hard Rock Air — a new 30-seat VIP air charter service run by Ultimate Jet Charters — will offer flights to Atlantic City from Farmingdale on Long Island, White Plains in Westchester, and cities including Norfolk, Richmond, Baltimore and Cincinnati. Packages include private charter check-in at the airport, complimentary airport parking, overnight accommodations and ground transportation to and from Atlantic City International Airport.
Those looking for a more laid-back experience can hit up the family-friendly Lucky Snake, which bills itself as the “largest arcade in the East,” located in the former casino area of Showboat.