The prospect of a night out in Atlantic City once resonated with the same allure as wiling away a Saturday afternoon picking up trash along highways while wearing a honing anklet. Ok, maybe not that bad. But for many years, the city once dubbed “America’s Favorite Playground” no longer conjured images of parasol-holding, hoop-skirted vixens and ne’er-do-well gamblers. Its coastline was smeared with shoddy souvenir shops, frequented by geriatric chain-smokers, bereft of the glamor of its glory days.
Recently, however, the Sin City of the East Coast has endeavored to revamp its tawdry image. Overflowing with cosmos, pounding beats, and Visa-swiping clubbers, the city has transformed itself into a formidable destination. So after you get lucky at the blackjack tables, spend your newfound earnings at these top casino hotspots.
Bikini Beach Bar
The Boardwalk at Mississippi
After navigating treacherous shore traffic, sometimes the only place to cool off road rage is the beach itself. Breathe in that salty air at the Trump Plaza Beach Bar: a hop, skip, and jump across from the Trump Plaza. Stroll over the winding boardwalk entrance and you'll find yourself on a huge deck, surrounded by surf and sand. Looking for a new take on live music? A classic rock Battle of the Bands competition commences every Thursday, while Wednesdays belong to Rock Idol Live Karaoke Night. Attention-starved contestants can broadcast their vocal chords on the radio while accompanied by a live band.
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The Pool
77 Harrahs Blvd
Ready to channel your inner Ursula Andress in that now-famous bikini, a la Dr. No? Nothing says James Bond glamor like a combination of cocktails, barely-there swimwear, and shadowy pool corners. Come dressed-up to get in the door, but pack a suit to take a dip, as night swimming as available from 9pm-4am. With flashing lights, a young following, stocked bar, and ample pool space, this oasis combines a club atmosphere with a pristine aquatic twist. Dancers get down in calf-deep water against a background of curtained-off cabanas and a fifty-seat bar.
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The Continental
The Pier Shops at Caesars One Atlantic Ocean
Located right across from Caesars on the boardwalk, The Pier has graced the city with a much-needed boost in couture options and savory dining spots. The Continental, located on the top floor, offers a plush atmosphere with unobstructed ocean views. The bar acts as its epicenter, while a water-lined entrance and fire pit add ambiance to the enclosed patio area. Though you can't splash around in the water here, a dressier crowd will give you an excuse to buy new stilettos or model a new polo. Intimate tables cluster along the sides while a room in the center offers standing spots to congregate.
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Casbah
1000 Boardwalk
The bass is powerful and so are the drinks at this Borgata clubber's paradise. Trance, house, and hip-hop are on the menu along with ice-cold libations. Dancer cages, lines of television screens, rotating cameras and generous amounts of fog sit below a seemingly invisible ceiling. If an exhausting day of sun-basking hasn’t worn you out, this is the place to come and bust a move.
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32 Degrees Luxe Lounge
2801 Pacific Ave
Past the darkened windows of 32 Degrees Luxe Lounge, located on the third level of The Quarter, is a concentrated area that packs a big punch. If you’re ready to party in a more personal venue, this smaller establishment is the place to be. Tables are available for the European bottle service, and private liquor lockers allow select guests to store their spirits in a safe area (offered on one-year rentals.) Glittering crystal hangs from the ceiling, and a posh crowd packs the area. Word to the wise: dress to impress for a classy night out.
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Ri Ra
2801 Pacific Ave
If the roulette table hasn't been kind, the luck of the Irish is one way to boost your dwindling paycheck. Ri Ra, located in The Quarter at the Tropicana, offers a pub feel, minus the less-than-desirable Gaelic alcoholics and stale countertop crackers. A warm atmosphere of polished wood and soft lighting makes you feel like you’re a regular of a classier Cheers...in Western Europe. With live music seven nights a week, you won’t have to worry about digging around for quarters to feed a dilapidated jukebox.
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Mixx
1000 Boardwalk
Borgata’s original nightclub has a warehouse vibe with lofty ceilings and plenty of cavernous space. It just might be the nicest warehouse you’ve ever stepped inside, teeming with fashionable crowds and carafes of cocktails. The bottom floor is reserved for dancing, when all tables are cleared out at 10 pm. The second level hosts the bar and lounge/VIP sections.
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Club Worship
801 Boardwalk, House of Blues
Thankfully, nothing about Club Worship at Showboat bears any resemblance to Sunday school setting. The three-floor, two-bar club offers several options for seizing the night, whether you’re a dance-a-holic or would prefer something more low-key. Enjoy the VIP-sitting area in the third floor, venture down a level for a relaxed atmosphere or go first-floor to boogie the night away.
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