What else to do in Atlantic City?
February 11th, 2013 at 10:50:35 PM
permalink
I will be in Atlantic City from March 12th - 15th. I'm looking for other things to do while there, mostly to prevent myself from completely getting obliterated on the casino floor.
Are any of the spas, shows, etc worth checking out (and at a good price)? I've never done the spa stuff before but I am intrigued. Anything close or nearby worth checking out? Also any good bars (I am in my 20s and I'd like a bar with some life, although I am not much for clubs where I can't hear myself think)?
On a related note, if I were to allow myself to splurge on one fancy restaurant while I am there, what would you recommend?
Are any of the spas, shows, etc worth checking out (and at a good price)? I've never done the spa stuff before but I am intrigued. Anything close or nearby worth checking out? Also any good bars (I am in my 20s and I'd like a bar with some life, although I am not much for clubs where I can't hear myself think)?
On a related note, if I were to allow myself to splurge on one fancy restaurant while I am there, what would you recommend?
February 12th, 2013 at 12:55:20 AM
permalink
Best food in ac -- tony baloney's
February 12th, 2013 at 3:31:13 AM
permalink
A while back, I created a thread about it, although I don't cover bars, restaurants or spas:
Atlantic City Casinos and Points Of Interest Map.
Here's a direct link to the Google Map of Atlantic City Casinos and Points Of Interest that I created.
Atlantic City Casinos and Points Of Interest Map.
Here's a direct link to the Google Map of Atlantic City Casinos and Points Of Interest that I created.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
February 12th, 2013 at 3:50:53 AM
permalink
DJ TeddyBear is the expert, I think AC entertainment is "not getting mugged" while wandering around. Spas usually have to be closeby or women won't go to them.Quote: ComplexEnigmaI've never done the spa stuff before but I am intrigued. Anything close or nearby worth checking out?
February 12th, 2013 at 4:11:51 AM
permalink
I'm no expert. I just live in NJ and have visited AC a lot.
I'd like to do some of the things I included on my map someday, but it often works out that I end up spending most of my time in the casino. Go figure.
I'd like to do some of the things I included on my map someday, but it often works out that I end up spending most of my time in the casino. Go figure.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
February 12th, 2013 at 4:39:08 AM
permalink
To answer the OP's post.
It depends on which hotel you are staying in...all the big casino/hotels have spa's and some are better that others. So say's my wife anyway I don't usually partake in spas. She is fond of Qua which is in Caesars, but says it's too expensive. She also like the one at Harrah's (don't remember name)..and Blue Mercury which is in the Tropicanna. Most spas will offer some sort of package/discount for guests.
As for fancy restaurants: Mortons in Caesars makes an amazing steak and the salads are also really good. But it's high end. The reserve at Harrah's is also a real nice steak house. There is a new steakhouse in the Taj Mahal, Roberts, that has a good rep..but I've never eaten there. The Italian place "IL Mulino" in the Taj is a nice upscale Italian dinner.
There are some great low or medium cost food options in AC I really like as well:
Tony Baloneys--is a dive of a pizza parlor (mostly take out)..that does really great and unique pizza's. It's way up past the Revel though.
Six Bistro -- in Bally's, is a surprisingly good lunch/breakfast joint at a reasonable price.
Little Siagon -- On the corner of Iowa and Arctic Ave. Is one of the best Asian restaurants I've ever been to. Get the mixed grill and the Vietnamese Iced Coffee for desert. You know it's good because the cops and firemen always eat there. It's small and they don't take CCards.
The AC Bar and Grill-- is a good american food place with a nice mix of burgers/steaks and seafood. At a medium price point. The cops also eat here.
For Bars: they change so often it's hard to keep up. But there is a great and lively Irish Pub in the Tropicanna called Ri Ra that I really like.
Good Luck.
It depends on which hotel you are staying in...all the big casino/hotels have spa's and some are better that others. So say's my wife anyway I don't usually partake in spas. She is fond of Qua which is in Caesars, but says it's too expensive. She also like the one at Harrah's (don't remember name)..and Blue Mercury which is in the Tropicanna. Most spas will offer some sort of package/discount for guests.
As for fancy restaurants: Mortons in Caesars makes an amazing steak and the salads are also really good. But it's high end. The reserve at Harrah's is also a real nice steak house. There is a new steakhouse in the Taj Mahal, Roberts, that has a good rep..but I've never eaten there. The Italian place "IL Mulino" in the Taj is a nice upscale Italian dinner.
There are some great low or medium cost food options in AC I really like as well:
Tony Baloneys--is a dive of a pizza parlor (mostly take out)..that does really great and unique pizza's. It's way up past the Revel though.
Six Bistro -- in Bally's, is a surprisingly good lunch/breakfast joint at a reasonable price.
Little Siagon -- On the corner of Iowa and Arctic Ave. Is one of the best Asian restaurants I've ever been to. Get the mixed grill and the Vietnamese Iced Coffee for desert. You know it's good because the cops and firemen always eat there. It's small and they don't take CCards.
The AC Bar and Grill-- is a good american food place with a nice mix of burgers/steaks and seafood. At a medium price point. The cops also eat here.
For Bars: they change so often it's hard to keep up. But there is a great and lively Irish Pub in the Tropicanna called Ri Ra that I really like.
Good Luck.
February 12th, 2013 at 4:55:16 AM
permalink
Quote: ComplexEnigmaIf I were to allow myself to splurge on one fancy restaurant while I am there, what would you recommend?
Seeing no indication of what sort of cuisine you favor, that makes the question a lot trickier. It would also help to give an idea of location and days of the week and whether lunch is a factor.
For steaks, for instance, there are places like The Palm, Morton's and Gallaghers. On the Pier, Buddakan is different and notable. Revel and Borgata each have a veritable handful of topflight establishments.
February 12th, 2013 at 5:25:27 AM
permalink
Ride the jitneys!
$2.25 gets you the ride of your life. See the local flora and fauna while your heart is in your throat during this devil-may-care ride that ignores the laws of God and man.
If you still have gas in your tank go sit under the boardwalk with twelve to thirteen thousand feral cats. You may get lucky enough to stumble across a homeless camp in the dark. Bring your own shiv - guns are not allowed at this party.
If you're more of a purist, how about a good old fashioned treasure hunt? Go to the Revel and set a timer. Try to find the poker room in 45 minutes or less. (For a higher degree of difficulty ask for directions along the way).
Finally, wind up your trip with some class. Go to the Dump Taj Mahal and gaze upon the faded and chipped building facade. You'll wonder at the "spare every expense" attitude of this real estate tycoon. If you get lost in your thoughts about "what a fuggin dump" don't worry....anyone with more class than Joey Buttafuco just shakes their head and walks on by, too....
Enjoy your trip...it may be your last!
$2.25 gets you the ride of your life. See the local flora and fauna while your heart is in your throat during this devil-may-care ride that ignores the laws of God and man.
If you still have gas in your tank go sit under the boardwalk with twelve to thirteen thousand feral cats. You may get lucky enough to stumble across a homeless camp in the dark. Bring your own shiv - guns are not allowed at this party.
If you're more of a purist, how about a good old fashioned treasure hunt? Go to the Revel and set a timer. Try to find the poker room in 45 minutes or less. (For a higher degree of difficulty ask for directions along the way).
Finally, wind up your trip with some class. Go to the Dump Taj Mahal and gaze upon the faded and chipped building facade. You'll wonder at the "spare every expense" attitude of this real estate tycoon. If you get lost in your thoughts about "what a fuggin dump" don't worry....anyone with more class than Joey Buttafuco just shakes their head and walks on by, too....
Enjoy your trip...it may be your last!
February 12th, 2013 at 5:37:21 AM
permalink
Irish Pub on St. James Place.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
February 12th, 2013 at 7:11:10 AM
permalink
We've pretty much trimmed AC to gambling and dining, and narrowed that down to The Borgata, with any side trips to Revel (for the free play) or Harrah's.
The Borgata has a free comedy club during the week, where comedians try out new material. Hit and miss. When a new bit works it's pretty funny... maybe 20% funny (alughs and guffaws), 50% getting there (smiles and chuckles), 25% complete miss, and 5% whaaaa? But, hey: free. Other casinos probably have similar.
Old Homestead in Borgata has been called the best steakhouse in AC. I can't say if it's true or not, because I haven't eaten at all of them. We've had three exceptional meals there. Here is the Empire cut prime rib:
I don't take food pictures, but I had to take that one. That's one big steak.
Wolfgang Puck's in Borgata is also very good. They had a prix fixe menu for a long time that represented outstanding value, but I couldn't find it while putting this post together, so maybe that is gone.
We've also had good times at the aforementioned RiRa Irish Pub in Tropicana's The Quarter. The Cuban restaurant there, Cuba Libre, is decent. Carmine's (also The Quarter) is Carmine's: huge portions and traditional Italian. Dos Caminos at Harrah's is good, and has a nice view of the water.
I like rJz's suggestions. Next trip down we'll give them a try.
The Borgata has a free comedy club during the week, where comedians try out new material. Hit and miss. When a new bit works it's pretty funny... maybe 20% funny (alughs and guffaws), 50% getting there (smiles and chuckles), 25% complete miss, and 5% whaaaa? But, hey: free. Other casinos probably have similar.
Old Homestead in Borgata has been called the best steakhouse in AC. I can't say if it's true or not, because I haven't eaten at all of them. We've had three exceptional meals there. Here is the Empire cut prime rib:
I don't take food pictures, but I had to take that one. That's one big steak.
Wolfgang Puck's in Borgata is also very good. They had a prix fixe menu for a long time that represented outstanding value, but I couldn't find it while putting this post together, so maybe that is gone.
We've also had good times at the aforementioned RiRa Irish Pub in Tropicana's The Quarter. The Cuban restaurant there, Cuba Libre, is decent. Carmine's (also The Quarter) is Carmine's: huge portions and traditional Italian. Dos Caminos at Harrah's is good, and has a nice view of the water.
I like rJz's suggestions. Next trip down we'll give them a try.
A falling knife has no handle.
February 12th, 2013 at 7:39:19 AM
permalink
Chef Volas is great, but you'll need reservations FAR in advance and on a weekend you won't get in unless you know someone whose name you can drop even if you call in advance. Bone in veal parm is the best.
February 12th, 2013 at 11:47:20 AM
permalink
Great suggestions so far. To the question of what my preferences are, I'll eat close to anything so nothing should be ruled out. I'd prefer 'unique' restaurants, with food I'm unlikely to find elsewhere.
February 12th, 2013 at 12:13:47 PM
permalink
Just thought of a "unique" one as I was reading your post. In Harrahs there is a mexican place with a unique twist on standard Mexican fare. I found it very tasty and thought the Margaritas were especially good. It's called "Dos Camino's", moderately priced with a great view of the water. It is getting very good reviews online that I saw.
Also; as someone else posted the Jitneys are like a never ending amusement park. For only $2.25 you can ride all day. When my wife was pregnant she wouldn't ride them for fear of jostling the baby. Seriously. The radio communications between the drivers are also easily overheard and highly amusing.
Also; as someone else posted the Jitneys are like a never ending amusement park. For only $2.25 you can ride all day. When my wife was pregnant she wouldn't ride them for fear of jostling the baby. Seriously. The radio communications between the drivers are also easily overheard and highly amusing.
February 12th, 2013 at 12:26:16 PM
permalink
Another great local place I visit on every trip is the Ducktown Tavern. It is a small locals type bar a block behind Trump Plaza, has 3 Happy Hours a day and good bar food. There are always Police eating in there and it seems the owner doesnt put up with any nonsense. They also never close and even stayed open during Sandy.
Good people and good food at good prices always help keep me away from the tables for a little while.
Good people and good food at good prices always help keep me away from the tables for a little while.
February 12th, 2013 at 12:43:23 PM
permalink
The knife and fork is really good too especially the Friday lunch there.
February 12th, 2013 at 1:13:34 PM
permalink
Quote: vendman1Just thought of a "unique" one as I was reading your post. In Harrahs there is a mexican place with a unique twist on standard Mexican fare. I found it very tasty and thought the Margaritas were especially good. It's called "Dos Camino's", moderately priced with a great view of the water. It is getting very good reviews online that I saw.
Lol... Dos Caminos is a chain, so definitely not unique.
February 12th, 2013 at 1:29:23 PM
permalink
I said their take on Mexican is unique. I know it's a chain. But they do things with an interesting twist. Chain restaurants are not always evil. Glad you could lol though.
February 12th, 2013 at 1:33:12 PM
permalink
Don't get me wrong... I LOVE Dos Caminos... I eat there quite frequently. But I guess I just misunderstood you because I don't think any take on Mexican can be unique when there is more than one place doing that take.
February 12th, 2013 at 2:38:14 PM
permalink
Go to the Atlantic Club or Revel and walk from one end to the other spending 1 hour in each casino looking around and playing(a stumble).
Amazingly google maps says it's only 2.2 miles, but by the time you're done, you've probably walked 10-15. All the casinos are so huge and if you're not careful, you'll wind up on the wrong exit to the casino. Taj Mahal was the most confusing, so watch out in there. Even if you only, do half of them, it's still fun.
Don't eat at Breadsticks at Resorts. I found it dirty with bad food and service. I ate at Taj Mahal's buffet and liked it. There wasn't a giant selection, but the food was good. The buffet was free with new sign-up 48 hours after I signed up for the One Card. I found it most memorable when the worker said to me don't take all the turkey.
Amazingly google maps says it's only 2.2 miles, but by the time you're done, you've probably walked 10-15. All the casinos are so huge and if you're not careful, you'll wind up on the wrong exit to the casino. Taj Mahal was the most confusing, so watch out in there. Even if you only, do half of them, it's still fun.
Don't eat at Breadsticks at Resorts. I found it dirty with bad food and service. I ate at Taj Mahal's buffet and liked it. There wasn't a giant selection, but the food was good. The buffet was free with new sign-up 48 hours after I signed up for the One Card. I found it most memorable when the worker said to me don't take all the turkey.
I am a robot.
February 12th, 2013 at 3:08:32 PM
permalink
Random question, how long of a walk would it be if one wanted to walk the entire "Monopoly Board" that is Atlantic City?
February 12th, 2013 at 3:19:57 PM
permalink
Trop has an IMAX theatre, tickets are a bit pricey at $15 each, but get a Free Player's card and they'll knock $2 off per ticket with it. Problem is, it only shows ONE or TWO movies and it is usually a BIG release like The Hobbit or the latest Super Hero movie from Marvel or DC.
But when you've killed those 3 hours, you can catch the jitney over to Revel for some exercise to burn off that stale, $8 popcorn!
The sights and sounds at Revel should occupy your time for a while, and getting lost there is half the fun!!!
But seriously, unless you go on a weekend(which you are not by the dates provided) there isn't much to do(besides gambling) in AC in the day time other than Shop at the Outlet or Pier malls and watch IMAX movies at Trop.
Mid March won't have much running shows going, but there may be some going on at Resorts or Revel.
You'll notice a lot of the local mopes standing around at the Craps and Blackjack tables watching the action, so feel free to join and maybe attempt to Count the cards.... just for kicks!
Who knows, you may find a good moment to Wong-in, lay down your bet, and recoup some money spent on the trip. It's up to you when to head to the Cashier's Cage!
Either way, Have Fun!
But when you've killed those 3 hours, you can catch the jitney over to Revel for some exercise to burn off that stale, $8 popcorn!
The sights and sounds at Revel should occupy your time for a while, and getting lost there is half the fun!!!
But seriously, unless you go on a weekend(which you are not by the dates provided) there isn't much to do(besides gambling) in AC in the day time other than Shop at the Outlet or Pier malls and watch IMAX movies at Trop.
Mid March won't have much running shows going, but there may be some going on at Resorts or Revel.
You'll notice a lot of the local mopes standing around at the Craps and Blackjack tables watching the action, so feel free to join and maybe attempt to Count the cards.... just for kicks!
Who knows, you may find a good moment to Wong-in, lay down your bet, and recoup some money spent on the trip. It's up to you when to head to the Cashier's Cage!
Either way, Have Fun!
February 12th, 2013 at 5:37:46 PM
permalink
Quote: tringlomaneRandom question, how long of a walk would it be if one wanted to walk the entire "Monopoly Board" that is Atlantic City?
That'd be pretty easy to figure out, if you want me to do it in order really quick. If you want me to go, "Quickest route," that would probably take more time than I'd be willing to invest in such a question.
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/gripes/11182-pet-peeves/120/#post815219
February 12th, 2013 at 5:39:08 PM
permalink
The board only loosely resembles the actually street plan of Atl City. Some of the streets on the board are pretty far from the others. It's even possible that some don't exsist at all anymore.
February 12th, 2013 at 5:43:49 PM
permalink
Edit: tried to quote Sodawaters early post didn't take for some reason
Ok fair enough. But for example; the "Cheesecake Factory" does, in my opinion, some "unique" things with cheesecake. Despite the fact that there are probably hundreds of them in the chain. So I'd say they are "unique" when it comes to cheesecake. Even if it's at the same at every location. That's what I was getting at with Dos Caminos, to me they do some interesting and different stuff with the Mexianish food there. So "unique".
Ok fair enough. But for example; the "Cheesecake Factory" does, in my opinion, some "unique" things with cheesecake. Despite the fact that there are probably hundreds of them in the chain. So I'd say they are "unique" when it comes to cheesecake. Even if it's at the same at every location. That's what I was getting at with Dos Caminos, to me they do some interesting and different stuff with the Mexianish food there. So "unique".
February 12th, 2013 at 6:36:33 PM
permalink
I do think some regional chains are worth checking out if they are especially good. Dos Caminos only has 6 locations (and none near me) so I regard it differently than say Olive Garden. Dos Caminos looks more casual than my splurge fancy dinner night but if the prices are right I might hit it up a different night.
I guess to narrow down the fancy places more I want to eat something that would be difficult for me to recreate (or extremely time consuming). I love steak, but I consider myself quite good when it comes to grilling/broiling/roasting/etc. and normally just make it myself at a lower cost (although that prime rib (my favorite cut) looked heavenly). I am a bit of an amateur chef so I do like and appreciate complex dishes that have a lot of imagination. I guess when it comes to fancy food I do have a slight preference for seafood, since expertly cooked seafood just blows the pretenders out of the water. But the biggest thing for me is imaginative dishes.
I guess to narrow down the fancy places more I want to eat something that would be difficult for me to recreate (or extremely time consuming). I love steak, but I consider myself quite good when it comes to grilling/broiling/roasting/etc. and normally just make it myself at a lower cost (although that prime rib (my favorite cut) looked heavenly). I am a bit of an amateur chef so I do like and appreciate complex dishes that have a lot of imagination. I guess when it comes to fancy food I do have a slight preference for seafood, since expertly cooked seafood just blows the pretenders out of the water. But the biggest thing for me is imaginative dishes.
February 12th, 2013 at 7:17:45 PM
permalink
I know back when I used to visit my sister in South Jersey we always hit WHITE HOUSE SUB shop when we went to AC
http://whitehousesubshop.net/trump-taj-mahal/
http://whitehousesubshop.net/trump-taj-mahal/
February 12th, 2013 at 8:55:43 PM
permalink
Quote: tringlomaneRandom question, how long of a walk would it be if one wanted to walk the entire "Monopoly Board" that is Atlantic City?
I have no idea what it is like now, but IIRC some of the Monopoly board streets were such that you should rephrase your question from , "How long would it take", to "What are my chances of surviving".
Always borrow money from a pessimist; They don't expect to get paid back !
Be yourself and speak your thoughts. Those who matter won't mind, and those that mind, don't matter!
February 12th, 2013 at 8:56:06 PM
permalink
Quote: vendman1The board only loosely resembles the actually street plan of Atl City. Some of the streets on the board are pretty far from the others. It's even possible that some don't exsist at all anymore.
Some never existed.
February 12th, 2013 at 9:10:35 PM
permalink
Quote: ComplexEnigmaI guess when it comes to fancy food I do have a slight preference for seafood, since expertly cooked seafood just blows the pretenders out of the water.
Too bad, but Michael Mina recently closed his prize-winning restaurant in the Borgata.
February 12th, 2013 at 9:24:54 PM
permalink
Quote: BedWetterBetterUnless you go on a weekend(which you are not by the dates provided) there isn't much to do(besides gambling) in AC in the day time other than Shop at the Outlet or Pier malls and watch IMAX movies at Trop. Mid March won't have much running shows going, but there may be some going on at Resorts or Revel.
Besides atlanticcityinsiders.com, whose events listing does not seem to be able to organize itself, two other good ones are acweekly and achotelexperts. The Convention and Visitors Authority can also be helpful.
If you're a real foodie, it might pay to go the week before. It is Atlantic City Restaurant Week, with pretty good special deals at set citywide prices and menus at practically all the interesting restaurants. Imagine Forgione, Garces or Flay at $33 for a three- or four-course dinner.
February 12th, 2013 at 9:40:06 PM
permalink
Quote: SanchoPanzaBesides atlanticcityinsiders.com, whose events listing does not seem to be able to organize itself, two other good ones are acweekly and achotelexperts. The Convention and Visitors Authority can also be helpful.
If you're a real foodie, it might pay to go the week before. It is Atlantic City Restaurant Week, with pretty good special deals at set citywide prices and menus at practically all the interesting restaurants. Imagine Forgione, Garces or Flay at $33 for a three- or four-course dinner.
Yeah I saw that and am a little bummed I'm going to miss it. I work for a college so I get spring break off so my free week is set in stone.
September 19th, 2013 at 6:01:13 PM
permalink
The Ranforest Cafe is probably the "fanciest" restaurant in AC in terms of money spent on atmosphere. The kid-themed decor is overwhelming. You dine with jungle animals watching you. The menu is imaginative but not expensive. It's worth at least one trip even if you don't have kids. The address is 2201 Boardwalk. I mention it because it doesn't come up in a usual restaurant search of AC. Except for the Borgata, the top restaurants are not considered to be in casinos. Decide if you want steak, American, Italian, seafood, Chinese, Japanese, or Mexican and do an Internet search before you come.
The only French restaurant in AC is Le Grand Fromage, however it features rock music and is noisy. There are no German restaurants.
The only French restaurant in AC is Le Grand Fromage, however it features rock music and is noisy. There are no German restaurants.
September 19th, 2013 at 7:05:25 PM
permalink
I hope you mean, fanciest not within a casino.Quote: puzzlenutThe Ranforest Cafe is probably the "fanciest" restaurant in AC.
But even then, there are plenty of fancier places in AC.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
