Me and a buddy are going up to AC in a few weeks - Veterans' Day weekend. I know some people love AC, while others hate it, but neither of us have been before and I was hoping to get some good tips for first-timers before we go. (I'm guessing tip number one will be, "Don't get mugged.")
We are taking a junket flight and will be staying at Harrah's. We will probably try to restrict our play to CET properties, but I would also like to play some Let It Ride at the Borgatta, as I hear it has favorable odds on the 3-card Bonus bet.
Who has the best craps game? Best variety of games? What's your favorite property overall? Favorite places to eat? Speak your mind on any info you think would be valuable to a first-time visitor.
I don't think the city is nearly as bad as people make it out to be. It's just like any other aging resort community, but with casinos and pawn/gold places. But I suppose "don't get mugged" is sound advice for anyone anytime:-)
There's a fun walking trail along the water that connects Borgata, Harrah's, and Golden Nugget. It's obvious where to go if you want to enter Harrah's or GN. At Borgata, it's less clear. You'll come upon two parking garages. The first says "employee parking only" and the second has "<--- customer parking" painted on it. Walk between the garages, then turn right and you're at the bus entrance. These three properties are separated from the ones on the boardwalk, and they're also a bit apart from each other. Of course, you can drive between them; but it's a doable and scenic walk.
On the boardwalk, there are lots of fun properties. I like the Taj, I like the Trop. It's worth just looking at the poker rooms at those properties. I suppose you need to see Revel. Bally's and Showboat have 3x points everyday in October (except Thursday, which is 10x). Not sure if that's renewed for November, but it's a good promo if it's still valid. (Must swipe prior to play...)
Craps rules are pretty standard across town. You'll find the cheapest games at Atlantic Club and Trump Plaza. With the same rules, cheaper is probably better.
Bill's Burger at Harrah's is great. That's probably the best non-premium food I've ever had in a casino.
There's a shuttle that runs from Harrah's to Caesars to Bally's to Showboat. It's free for TR players. It's always full in the summer, but should be available when you're in town. There's also a circulator bus that runs more frequently than the shuttle. The bus is $2.50.
Usual casino visual distance rules apply - it's 2.5 miles down the boardwalk from Atlantic Club to Revel, even though the huge buildings make the distance look shorter...
Ballys has 10x odds.
Don't expect Vegas.
Caesar's has my favorite buffet.
Oh, and don't expect Vegas.
Enjoy your time there, it's still a fun place. If you're a smoker know the rules/smoking sections.
If you're so inclined, let's try to meet up. (PM me if you'd like.) We're going to be tweeting like crazy when we're there, so we should be easy to find: @YouCanBetonThat
Cheese Steak sub was always on my groups list when we visited but that was decades ago
Quote: coilmanWhite House subs still exist there?
Cheese Steak sub was always on my groups list when we visited but that was decades ago
Yep, and there's even an additional location on the top floor of the Taj Mahal now. Try the White House Special!
If you stay in the casino corridor you won't get mugged. If you are renting a car, use the valet parking, because the garages are where muggings may occur. The boardwalk is safe, as is the area around the marina casinos (Borgata, Harrah's, Nugget). I'm pretty sure CET has a shuttle that is independent of the jitneys. We've used the jitneys and found them frustrating. They do what they are supposed to do, but not as efficiently as we thought they should.
We've enjoyed Dos Caminos at Harrah's; it is very good, and reasonably priced for casino dining.
Have fun. The cards and dice don't know that they're not in Vegas. The nicest casinos in AC (Borgata, Revel, Harrah's) are pretty nice in their own right, they don't need to be compared to other towns. AC isn't Vegas, no, but those are nice casinos.
but since you are staying at Harrahs, you'll be able to walk to both GN & BG.
And, as a first-time visitor, a trip to the Boardwalk is pretty much mandatory.
So you'll be able to see every casino in town in one weekend, that's something you would never attempt in Vegas.
If you are CET Diamond cardholders, then visit all 4 Diamond Clubs in AC, you could find that interesting.
If you're looking for casino-hopping sightseeing ideas, these stops will get you all around town on a mission,
and you'll see almost everything....
The Pool at Harrahs, Poker Room at Borgata, The Pool at Golden Nugget, Sky Garden at Revel, Foundation Room at Showboat,
Scores at Taj Mahal, Landshark Bar at Resorts, Harry's Oyster Bar at Ballys, Mia at Caesars, Jezebel's at Trump Plaza (nobody will be
in there, just turn around and head back to the Boardwalk), Chickie & Petes at Tropicana, Carmines at Tropicana,
Jitney Stop at Atlantic Club, then back to Harrah's.
Great first post!Quote: coachbelly.
I would not call it a shithole but Its no Vegas .
I found that employees are rude in AC.
Here is my 5 cents worth......
Don't have any expectations and you can't be disappointed.
There are many cool things to do in AC such as the boardwalk, the marina area, cape may, seaside (a little far away I know), absecon is cute across the water, if you are shopping inclined there is the outlet malls rigth as you drive into town on your left, across from Caesars on the inland side.
There are some real nice restaurants in town and, depending on your budget, you should be able to find some real nice spots.
I LOVE THe White House sub shop. It can never disappoint. I would however suggest you go to the original one at 2301 Arctic Avenue, just to get the full effect of what these guys have been doing for years and years!
There are many good steak restaurants around but they get a little pricey.
As far as casinos go, you can really find whatever you are looking for. From the more "upmarket" joints like Borgata and Revel to $3 blackjack at Resorts (note you will have to pay for the right to play here so don't even bother, makes no sense paying $250 for every 10 hands of BJ played :)
As I'm typing this I realise that your trip is long since finished and my advice is pointless but I'm going to finish my rant anyway :)
There are some REAL dumps right behind the casinos on the boardwalk so stick tot he boardwalk and those casinos. Caesars Piers can be fun but it is a bit touristy.
There are some nice beach bars with live music if you go the right time of the year.
I didn't like my stay in AC but it was for professional reasons. The town kind of grows on you even the crappy parts of town. Get stuck into the town and enjoy it for what it is. It will never compare to Vegas and hell, it may not even be there for much longer (either the storm of the century or the financial meltdown of the century:).
PS: since you are back already, I hope you enjoyed your trip and I realize how futile my post is now :)
Quote: TomspurI lived in AC for a year, right slap bang next to Revel, when it was still being built.
Here is my 5 cents worth......
Don't have any expectations and you can't be disappointed.
There are many cool things to do in AC such as the boardwalk, the marina area, cape may, seaside (a little far away I know), absecon is cute across the water, if you are shopping inclined there is the outlet malls rigth as you drive into town on your left, across from Caesars on the inland side.
There are some real nice restaurants in town and, depending on your budget, you should be able to find some real nice spots.
I LOVE THe White House sub shop. It can never disappoint. I would however suggest you go to the original one at 2301 Arctic Avenue, just to get the full effect of what these guys have been doing for years and years!
There are many good steak restaurants around but they get a little pricey.
As far as casinos go, you can really find whatever you are looking for. From the more "upmarket" joints like Borgata and Revel to $3 blackjack at Resorts (note you will have to pay for the right to play here so don't even bother, makes no sense paying $250 for every 10 hands of BJ played :)
As I'm typing this I realise that your trip is long since finished and my advice is pointless but I'm going to finish my rant anyway :)
There are some REAL dumps right behind the casinos on the boardwalk so stick tot he boardwalk and those casinos. Caesars Piers can be fun but it is a bit touristy.
There are some nice beach bars with live music if you go the right time of the year.
I didn't like my stay in AC but it was for professional reasons. The town kind of grows on you even the crappy parts of town. Get stuck into the town and enjoy it for what it is. It will never compare to Vegas and hell, it may not even be there for much longer (either the storm of the century or the financial meltdown of the century:).
PS: since you are back already, I hope you enjoyed your trip and I realize how futile my post is now :)
Those low limit blackjack tables requiring an ante were removed from Resorts some time ago. Believe it or not that pit now has five S17 tables with minimums as low as $10. They're still 8 decks but it's something. Trump Plaza usually has a couple of $5 blackjack tables. I saw one Columbus Day weekend. All the way down beach, pit 10 at the Atlantic Club has six deck S17 blackjack starting at $15 minimums.
Looking for a cheap buffet in this city of over priced, mediocre buffets? I'm not a fussy eater and you won't see me at Morton's trying to bribe the maitre d' for a table but there are two buffets that I don't think are any worse than the higher priced ones. The one at the Atlantic Club is $9.99 and Trump Plaza charges $7.98, both with players card. If you just want to fill your stomach try these.
Atlantic Club has free parking with no strings attached. Drive in, drive out. There is no attendant on duty.
The Pool at Harrahs...Harrahs also has the best buffet in town. It's expensive but worth it. You must eat a sub at the White House...the original one is a couple of blocks behind the Trump Plaza...there is also one in the Taj upstairs. The cold cut is the way to go.
Try the pier attached to Caesars...the third level has an indoor beach...great to read a book or catch a nap. Or otherwise stop breathing the smoky casino air for a while.
If you want non casino eating try the AC Bar and Grill. Or, there is an amazing restaurant called Little Saigon behind the Trop. at the corner of Artic and Iowa. It has really good asian food. Cash only though. It's the place in town where the cops eat. Always a good sign. Get the mixed grill...little bits of heaven.
The Revel must be seen..it's an beautiful property...just a real bad casino.
As a CET Player, use the shuttle, it runs free to all four of their properties. Stops running at midnight I believe. The Jitney will take you anywhere at breakneck speed for $2.25...or a cab anywhere in town is only $13 plus tip.
The actually gaming in AC is pretty much the same from property to property...there are small differences from time to time, but to me it's not worth the hassle. Just play where you are comfortable. Most BJ tables are 8 deck H17 (boo); you can find S17, and fewer decks... if you look around or play high limit. Harrah's high limit area is nice and the minimums are usually only $50. The only single deck you will find pays 6:5..avoid.
Quote: djatcI don't know anyone who has raved about AC. Not anyone that has been to Vegas. I heard from friends that people in the East coast are rude.
AC dealers often can't make it in Vegas because they don't
know how to be friendly.
Quote: djatcI don't know anyone who has raved about AC. Not anyone that has been to Vegas. I heard from friends that people in the East coast are rude.
As the old saying goes, we're not rude you are. :-)
KB1
Quote: AxelWolfI found that employees are rude in AC.
They're getting better. That was why I singled out Harrah's, Borgata, and Revel for the better experiences. Revel seems to have sorted out the bad apples, the last few times we've been there everyone has been very hospitable. You're still not far from right, but it's getting a little bit better.
Quote: 1BB
Looking for a cheap buffet in this city of over priced, mediocre buffets? I'm not a fussy eater and you won't see me at Morton's trying to bribe the maitre d' for a table but there are two buffets that I don't think are any worse than the higher priced ones. The one at the Atlantic Club is $9.99 and Trump Plaza charges $7.98, both with players card. If you just want to fill your stomach try these.
Atlantic Club's buffet is free with 30 minutes of rated play. That's a pretty good deal. It's a perfectly decent buffet. Not fancy, but filling. And free is a hell of a price:-)
Quote: EvenBobAC dealers often can't make it in Vegas because they don't
know how to be friendly.
They do, they just don't understand why it's important. Hey, only game in town right?
Quote: rdw4potusIn terms of how you're treated, I don't really think there's much difference between AC and Vegas. People in Vegas don't care about you, and people in AC don't have time for you. Either way, it's not exactly warm and fuzzy.
Exactly right!!
Quote: Dicenor33Doctors, lawyers meet at craps game. $ 100 bills is a common currency. Last time I pulled c note from my pocket in Vegas everyone looked at me as if I am movie star..
That's all you see in Vegas or any Indian
casino is 100's. What are you talking about?
Where the hell were you playing? Jokers Wild???Quote: Dicenor33Last time I pulled c note from my pocket in Vegas everyone looked at me as if I am movie star.
East coasters aren't rude. I've actually found that they're friendlier than West coasters. They're just more direct and aren't as big bullshitters, that's all. West coasters mistake this for rudeness.Quote: djatcI don't know anyone who has raved about AC. Not anyone that has been to Vegas. I heard from friends that people in the East coast are rude.
Quote: Beethoven9th
East coasters aren't rude. I've actually found that they're friendlier than West coasters. They're just more direct and aren't as big bullshitters, that's all. West coasters mistake this for rudeness.
Coming from the midwest, I've really struggled with this out here. When someone asks if I'm busy, I always say no. Always. That's the midwest way. I could be doing 27 things at once with a deadline in 30 seconds, I'm still not going to tell someone to go pound sand. People out here talk like they're always SUPER busy. Then you get into details and it's obvious that 20 minutes worth of work has been done in the last 3 days.
But there are positive little things, too. Everybody always holds the door open. There's definitely not that California "I'm just going to drive 52 in the left lane because I can" situation.
Really, if being coddled by dealers is what someone is after, the mid-south is the place to go. Tunica, Greenville, Vicksburg...
Quote: rdw4potus
Really, if being coddled by dealers is what someone is after, the mid-south is the place to go. Tunica, Greenville, Vicksburg...
Tunica drives me nuts, all the dealers have one speed,
super slow. It's like they're always tired and the busier
it gets, the slower they move. And it's not a racial thing,
some of the fastest dealers I've ever seen have been
Black women dealers. There was a Black girl at Soaring
Eagle that was the fastest roulette dealer I ever saw.
She could do all the payouts on a crowded table in seconds,
she was a joy to watch. Her brain was a computer. Then
she moved to Four Winds and they made her a suit. Great...
Quote: EvenBobTunica drives me nuts, all the dealers have one speed,
super slow. It's like they're always tired and the busier
it gets, the slower they move. And it's not a racial thing,
some of the fastest dealers I've ever seen have been
Black women dealers. There was a Black girl at Soaring
Eagle that was the fastest roulette dealer I ever saw.
She could do all the payouts on a crowded table in seconds,
she was a joy to watch. Her brain was a computer. Then
she moved to Four Winds and they made her a suit. Great...
What body type was she? Oops sorry. Wrong thread.
Quote: 1BBWhat body type was she? Oops sorry. Wrong thread.
She had terrific hand eye coordination. Her brain
calculated all the payouts with just a glance and
her hands flew on the chip counts and payouts.
It was amazing to see her in action. And she was
very cute and very stuck up because guys were
constantly hitting on her.
Quote: YouCanBetOnThatJimmer, Dr. Mike and I are going to be there that same weekend. We're also staying at Harrah's, and we're also first-timers!
If you're so inclined, let's try to meet up. (PM me if you'd like.) We're going to be tweeting like crazy when we're there, so we should be easy to find: @YouCanBetonThat
Awesome...best of luck to you. We are actually meeting another group up there ourselves, but will definitely be following your tweets. If we are in the same area, I'll definitely introduce myself.
What are the table limits like at Harrah's in particular over the weekend? Craps and Pai Gow?
The high roller element has vanished, and it is now casual gaming with low limits nearly all the time except Saturday night.
I personally like being in the area and casino hopping, going from kiosk to kiosk printing out my free offers and making a quick buck here and there!
The myth of people getting mugged/shot/stabbed in AC is just that, a myth! In 10 years of visiting the town I've never once felt my life threatened walking the streets at night. However I am a fairly young guy who can defend himself and it may be different from the perspective of an elderly person or a female that is on the attractive side. Nevertheless, I've not seen an incident where someone was "mugged" or injured by an AC straggler.
You will see Hustlers, Beggars and Prostitutes. But they are pretty harmless if you ignore them.
But as others have mentioned, there is fun to have beyond casino gaming and the shows are affordable & entertaining. Harrahs and Borgata are definitely fun places to hang out and Revel is certainly a must for someone wanting to see what Bored Billionaires do with their money!
Quote: EvenBobAnd she was
very cute and very stuck up because guys were
constantly hitting on her.
I've been away too long. What is the relationship between being "very stuck up" and guys constantly "hitting on her"? I can figure out the "very cute" aspect. Thanks in advance. Over here in Thailand, it's much simpler. Money down panties off.