From Mr. Peanut and Miss America to Frank Sinatra and Abbott and Costello—once one of the most popular acts on Steel Pier—Atlantic City has always had its chops down when it comes to putting on a show. Dining is also a long-running tradition, with the city’s two oldest restaurants, Dock’s Oyster House (1897) and Knife & Fork Inn (1912) still going strong after all these years. As the city continues to evolve into a year-round destination, here are some next-generation choices for groups to dine and dance the night away.
Opened last fall at Trump Taj Mahal, Robert’s Steakhouse of New York is a sophisticated new fine dining experience with seating for approximately 200 guests, including a private dining room which accommodates parties of up to 25.
Resorts Casino Hotel, which opened in 1978 as the first casino in Atlantic City, cut the ribbon this May on Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Delegates “looking for that lost shaker of salt” enjoy nightly live entertainment, a Tiki bar and more at this festive group- and event-capable venue. Located just inside the hotel, the venue also includes a seasonal exterior deck on the Boardwalk.
Jimmy Buffett is also behind Resorts’ new LandShark Bar and Grill. Located on 200 feet of prime beach frontage, this bar and restaurant features retractable walls that open to spectacular ocean views.
First established in Philadelphia in the 1970s, Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar, best known for its “crabfries” (fries with a unique, salty blend of seasonings served with melted cheese), has now opened an outpost inside Tropicana Casino and Resort. Offering parties and catering, the two-story, 16,000-square-foot restaurant features a full menu and bar with craft beers, 50-plus TVs and advanced audiovisual technology.
The restaurant joins five other popular new eateries opened at Tropicana this year: Broadway Burger, Casa Taco & Tequila Bar, Tony Luke’s, Perry’s Pizza, Marketplace Express and Wet Willie’s.
Formerly SeaBlue from serial Las Vegas restaurateur Michael Mina, the sleek 28 West became the latest dining entity at Borgata when it opened in May, featuring specialty cocktails, craft beers and upscale casual fare.
Making its highly anticipated debut last year as Atlantic City’s 12th casino-hotel, the $2.4 billion Revel resort introduced two ultra-chic entertainment concepts this year: the seasonal HQ Beach Club and HQ Nightclub. The former is a multilevel outdoor complex that hugs the resort’s exterior and features a pool, bars and live music, while the latter, open Fridays and Saturdays, is a luxury two-floor nightclub with bars, a dance floor and scenic views of the ocean.
More high-energy fun awaits at the Golden Nugget Resort’s new Haven Nightclub, with group party packages available, and also at the newly expanded H2O + Bar Pool. Opened in 2012 as part of the hotel’s renovation effort, this year-round (weather permitting) outdoor rooftop lounge features a heated pool, built-in seating areas, a fire pit and private party cabanas.
