After a yearlong hiatus, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is bringing back its much-needed comedy club to the upscale hotel’s live event venue The Music Box. Starting this week, the small 1,000-seat club will host a regular rotation of popular and up and coming three-person comedy acts, including Nathan Macintosh. Filling at max 50 percent capacity, and with 6-feet between guests, this is your chance to watch top-tier acts in relative comfort while taking every safety precaution. Borgata’s larger venue, The Event Center, which will host comedy greats Bert Kreisher and Sebastian Maniscalco through the summer. And finally, AC will also be bringing back some big-name live music, including appearances by Alicia Keys,Phish and Toby Keith and plus a slew of tribute bands (Bruce Springsteen and Led Zeppelin tributes, oh, how we missed you!) Need a streamlined itinerary to make sure you’re making the most of your weekend trip? Here’s a handy guide for where to stay, eat, do, and see—21 Things to Do in Atlantic City to be exact—so you don’t miss a thing!
21 Things to Do in Atlantic City
Where to Stay
Borgata Hotel Casino + Spa
If you’ve never stayed at Borgata, book a stay now before the crowds come back. While its sister property The Water Club is now open weekends only, Borgata resort and gaming area is back up and running full-time. Apart from gaming areas, there are two event venues hosting the biggest names in comedy, four fine-dining restaurants, a wine bar, a host of casual eateries, a shopping area, indoor pool and Toccare Spa to enjoy. While this resort isn’t located directly at the boardwalk, you won’t even notice it if you never leave the property. Take note: the celeb-chef-owned restaurants are super popular and book up quickly, so make sure to reserve a table ahead of time, especially for large groups.
Hard Rock Hotel Resort
For those staying on the strip, the centrally located Hard Rock Hotel is your winning ticket with rock-inspired furnishings, water views and some of the best music offerings in AC. Music heads love its Sound of Your Stay program which offers vintage vinyl and Fender guitars to jam out with for your room. Fans of the hotel love its Sugar Factory outpost, the most Instagrammed hotel in the world. New this summer, the hotel will be renovating 90 rooms, adding a Starbucks, opening a new restaurant and upgrading its technology in a $20 million investment.
Ocean Resort
Just as its name implies, this hotel and resort are known for its Exhale Spa and all-day pool club scene with famous DJs at HQ2 Beach Club. Guests of the hotel can also experience its chill cabanas, Eclipse, its family-friendly pool and full food menu at its Boardwalk pool. Its comedy and concert venue Ovation Club opened June 4, and plans to welcome Melissa Etheridge, Brian McKnight and Alice Cooper this summer.
Where to Eat
Izakaya
Inspired by the small pubs of Japan, Chef Michael Shuylson brings together a menu of mini plates that highlights his time spent there. From sushi and sashimi to small plates like miso cod to traditional robatayaki, or Japanese-style barbecue, the sharable plates are great for groups looking for a little of everything. Our pick: the 4-part tasting menu, plus a selection from their extensive Sake menu.
Michael Symon’s Angeline
Fans will know Chef Michael Symon from Iron Chef and his own Food Network shows, but this menu of classic, soulful Italian favorites will have you remembering him in a whole new way. “Sunday Supper” is served every night, and it’s our pick for a hearty selection of old-school Italian favorites inspired by Chef Symon’s own Sicilian family heritage.
Homestead Steak House
The classic chophouse menu from the New York City Meatpacking District institution has been pretty much kept in tact at this A.C. outpost. Not only does the restaurant serve up impeccable cuts from filet mignon to Porterhouse, but the wine list is pretty much un-toppable if you’re looking for a special glass to celebrate a big night out.
Noodles of the World
A more affordable, yet seriously yummy option is this popular noodle bar, which is open until midnight Monday through Sunday. Fans of East Asian noodle dishes such as Pho, Pad Thai and fried rice will find a vast selection to choose from, plus you’ll also find cult-classic Asian beers to wash them down with.
Jerry Longo’s Meatballs and Martinis
Newly opened this year at Bally’s Resort & Casino, this is the fourth restaurant from South-Philly-raised Jerry Longo. Italian comfort food at its finest meets a fun and lively atmosphere that has already drawn celebs from Billy Joel to Rob Gronkowski. Its signature dish is the “Longo Classic,” which features one giant meatball, ricotta, romaine, black olives, tomatoes and old-school vinaigrette—and now we’re hungry.
Rum Point Crab House
New to Harrah’s Resort and overlooking the Baywalk, this fun and lively surf and turf restaurant from Chef Kelly Wright offers casual yet elevated takes on classic seafood favorites, from Cape May oysters to Oysters Roc “Kale” Feller and its signature, sharable “Cape May fish fry.” The best part is the average bill nets out at $55—a steal for casino dining.
Rhythm and Spirits
Representing A.C.’s cultural renaissance, this Tennessee Avenue restaurant from Iron Room Chef Kevin Cronin has red-sauce Italian favorites, like pizza, pasta and “meatloaf mix” bolognese with small plates. DJ’s spinning ambient beats and the art-covered blacklit space up the cool factor. Those looking for the perfect off-Strip brunch spot, the outdoor backyard’s got you, with its $19 bloody mary, aperol spritz or belini plus entrée special.
Where to Drink
Bar32 Chocolate
Skip dinner and hit this thoughtful after-dinner spot on Tennessee Avenue for intense dessert and cocktail pairings. Whether its a small-batch artisan chocolate bar and Paso Robles cabernet sauvignon match-up or a more decadent Brown Butter Chocolate Cookie and Intense Orange and Chocolate Old Fashioned, the flavors here raise the, er, bar.
A.C. Bottle Company
This Albany Ave. speakeasy serves more than 224 whiskeys, bourbons, ryes and scotches, many small-batch, artisanal varieties as well as a vast array of wines, champagnes and beers, in a dimly lit, sexy, prohibition-era-vibe lounge.
Bourre
This old gentleman’s-club-turned New Orleans-style pub is a perfect starting point for big nights out with your crew. Live music, a BBQ smoker and outdoor games get the party going along with delicious bites if you need ’em.
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall
Outdoor picnic tables, bar service and yummy brunch bites make this a perfect spot for friend groups and bachelorette parties needing to air out a bit before going back at it. The best part? Beers, breakfast sandwiches, bloody Marys and mimosas are a very wallet-friendly $5 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Little Water Distillery
This craft distillery from brothers Marc and Eric Ganter may offer some of your favorite small-batch spirits, such as Liberty Rum, Prosperity Rum, Whitecap Whiskey and 48 Blocks Vodka. Tours and tastings are offered most days for just $8, and a selection of fun signature cocktails are also poured daily.
What to Do
Gambling
There are 9 major casinos in Atlantic City: But, who has the loosest slots in Atlantic City? New Jersey requires all slot machines to have a minimum theoretical payout of 83 percent by law. According to ProfesserSlots.com, who calculates the monthly averages as reported, found that in 2020, the player win percentage for all casinos had a 3 percent range from a low of 89.3% for Ocean to a high of 92.3% for Harrah’s, though there were closures in March, April and May and it was an off-year due to the pandemic. Gamble-USA says Tropicana has the loosest with 92.59%. What does that mean? Take it all with a grain of salt since it can change by month, and know that in general, the house always wins!
Boardwalk and Golf Cart Tour
The famed boardwalk was built in 1870 and has been a Jersey Shore institution ever since. Stroll the 4-mile walk from end to end with stops for salt-water taffy of course, or hop on the cart tours for views of the casinos, ocean and shops.
Steel Pier Ferris Wheel and Amusement Park
Opened in 2017 as part of Atlantic City’s resurgence, the Wheel is now one of Steel Pier amusement park favorites. Featuring 40 temperature gondolas, the rides last 12-15 minutes, but if heights aren’t your thing, the amusement park also features fun kiddie rides, such as the carousel, teacups and bumper cars.
Lucky Snake
Parents looking for a more family-friendly activity will love this new inside arcade space akin to a Dave & Busters, but almost double the size and the largest on the East Coast. “We have games from the ’80s right up to the most current stuff. And we will have some incredible prizes. You can win up to $10,000. We will be giving away a motorcycle. You can win a Gucci handbag or even a cruise," Brandon Dixon, president of Tower Investments, told Atlantic City Weekly.
What to See
Beyond the beach, boardwalk and penny slot machines, there are two major reasons to schedule an A.C. trip: live music and comedy acts. Here’s a running list of the latest biggest names and tour dates for summer 2021 (though be advised, dates may change or get canceled thanks due to the ongoing pandemic):
Comedy
Jim Macintosh, The Music Box, Borgata, May 20, 21, 21. Meghan Hanley, Monroe Martin, Aaron Berg, The Music Box, Borgata, June 6-12. Matt Fulchiron, Pat Brown, Kevin Flynn, The Music Box, Borgata, June 13-19. Lori Palminteri, Drew Fraser, Carmen Lynch, The Music Box, Borgata, June 20-26. Michael Somerville, Jocelyn Chia, Rodney Laney, The Music Box, Borgata, June 27-3/ Sebastian Maniscalco: Nobody Does This Tour, Borgata, Event Center, July 23 and 24, July 30 and 31, and Aug. 6 and 7. Bert Kreischer, Borgata Event Center, July 17, 18. Sinatra Meets – The Real House Husbands of New Jersey, Hard Rock, Etess Arena, 8 p.m., June 12. Dave Attell & Jeff Ross, Borgata, Music Box, 9 p.m., July 31. Bill Burr, Hard Rock, Etess Arena, 8 p.m., Sept. 3 and 4.
Live Music
Phish, AC Beach Concerts, 7:30 p.m., Aug 13, 14, 15. Pitbull, Hard Rock, Etess Arena, 8 p.m., June 25. Postponed to Oct. 29. Dierks Bentley, Hard Rock, Etess Arena, 8 p.m., July 23. Postponed from Aug. 6, 2020. Brian McKnight, Ocean Casino, Ovation Hall, 8 p.m., July 3. Alicia Keys, Hard Rock, Etess Arena, 8 p.m., Aug. 6. Blues Traveler and JJ Grey & Mofro, Hard Rock, Sound Waves, 8 p.m., Aug. 6. Toby Keith, Hard Rock, Etess Arena, 7 p.m., Sept. 5. Festivals Black Excellence Festival, Showboat, June 18 and 19, Ticket prices vary. Grand Master Mele Mel, Scorpio, The Furious 5 & Friends BE Comedy Jam Hosted by Big Momma Bad Ass, Zack the Comic, Will Wright, GL Douglas “The Good Girl”, Showboat, 7:30 p.m., June 18. Next Up: Here are 50 More Girlfriend Trips to take with your besties.
