Being as I’m not a gambler, I was skeptical about Atlantic City at first. I have since come to appreciate the food, entertainment, and relaxation options that are on offer, and now frequently turn to AC for an easy weekend getaway from NYC. Here are my Atlantic City tips.
Water Club Pool projections, Courtesy of http://tisserkline.com/
Our first choice for hotels is The Water Club at the Borgata. The contemporary yet warm decor is inspired by nature, the pool is private and relaxing, and the spa decadent and restorative. The lobby has a Zen aura, and the separation from the casino helps you to escape the hustle when necessary. We prefer this extension to the Borgata itself, although the Fiore Suites of the Borgata area close second. It’s a matter of personal choice- if you prefer space over atmosphere, then Borgata wins.
A standard room at the Water Club
The dining at the Borgata is also top notch, so if you do not want to leave the premises over a short weekend away, there is plenty for you to do. Bobby Flay is my choice for a steakhouse meal, though the service and wines can be spotty (when ordering a $24 glass of wine, it really should not taste corked. In the past, the third glass was the charm.) Izakaya also serves up interesting Roabatayaki and a mean Martini, which are even more delicious if you get them on Mondays at half price!
Their event space The Music Box attracts a variety of top notch performers, in addition to the more low-key events taking place at their clubs and bars throughout the complex. I’ve seen everyone from Jill Scott and The Jacksons to Weezer, danced to Questlove DJing at Mixx, and drank top-notch tequila at Gypsy Bar alongside a flock of refrigeration specialists.
Our second choice of hotels is the new-ish Revel, who admittedly only stole us away from the Borgata with their $500 slot dollar and free room promotion. The rooms are beautiful and very high-tech, with a universal remote controlling everything from the TV to the window shades. The casino and bars are smoke-free, which is amazing for non-smokers like me, and the design and variety of bars and restaurants is unparalleled in AC. One of my top Atlantic City tips is to visit Jose Garces’s Amada. I still dream about the Chef’s Tasting Menu- with Iberico ham, truffle eggs, and Pluma pork fermin on the day we dined, it is worth every penny.
We quite liked our dinner at American Cut, chef Marc Forgione’s swanky Steakhouse. Their significant wine list, buzzy ambiance, and confident service strengthened our experience, but hey- give me some bone marrow on top of my filet, and you had me at hello.
The downside was having to trek up 3 flights of escalators to reach the lobby and the beautiful views from the outside terraces. We also had a weird interaction during our stay- a very belligerous and bleeding drunk was shouting from the bottom of those staircases one evening, at which point we were advised by a guard at the top to take the elevator . Upon arriving at the bottom floor, who was awaiting us but the same man with 5 security guards in tow, pushing past us to get in our elevator as we were getting out! It seemed that their security team did not quite have their act together, and thereby directly put us in harm’s way.
The hotel’s finances are suffering- largely due to a less-impressive loyalty program and (probably) the very non-smoking policy that I enjoy. Time will tell what happens next to Revel, but it is an appreciated addition to the Boardwalk.
We also enjoyed our stay at the Chelsea, though BE ADVISED- there is a VAST difference between the wings of said hotel. We stayed in the newly renovated Luxe Tower, in an Ocean King with water views. The decor is funky Deco, and felt clean and fashionable. The Annex, on the other hand, is a whole other story. Hearing from friends who made the mistake of booking on the wrong side, the vibe is more run-down trailer park. The on-site Teplitsky’s serves solid diner fare, but is nothing to write home about.
MY FAVORITE OF ALL THE ATLANTIC CITY TIPS is the vastly underrated Knife and Fork Restaurant, all the way at the opposite end of Boardwalk from Revel. The best deal in town is their daily Happy Hour from 4-6:30, when you can have any appetizer for half price at the bar. We usually order at least 5, including but not limited to: the Seafood Sampler for 2, the crab and avocado terrine, crispy duck leg confit, yellow and red beet salad, and the colossal crabmeat cocktail. The service is always very friendly, as are the clientele, many of whom are regulars looking to start up a conversation.
Their dinner service is also amazing, with steaks that rival Homesteads or Bobby Flay’s, and deliciously strong cocktails. When the perfect wine pairing wasn’t immediately found during one meal, it evolved into an impromptu after-hours wine tasting, our party drinking with the staff.
I personally believe that the affiliated Dock’s Oyster House is vastly inferior. I found the service there to be disinterested, the seafood sandy and in small portions, and the prices inflated beyond their means. While the history of excellence is impressive, I found that the present experience does not live up. Go to K&F.
One final Atlantic City Tip- TAKE A CAR! If you plan to go anywhere further than within walking distance, a Taxi fare will cost more than a weekend rental. There are also some fun trips close by- Great Adventure, Jersey Shore Outlets, Spring Lake, Ocean Beach, or Cape May. Also, the bus ride back to New York is, more often than not, a nightmare, and the midtown traffic can add hours to your journey. That said, whatever your pleasure, AC has a little something for everyone.
