Casino Ac Outdoor Dining
Bally’s Atlantic City Resort welcomes you with delectable tastes from around the world. With fine Atlantic City restaurant options including steak and seafood and casual fare ranging from burgers and Asian dishes to oysters and breakfast staples, dining at Bally’s Atlantic City Resort puts you in the center of the action. Currently, indoor dining is only permitted while seated at a restaurant or in your hotel room, and beverage service on the casino floor is available if you are seated at a slot machine or table game. Recently, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a curfew on indoor dining & beverage service. Enjoy the view with Ocean’s new option for Outdoor Dining and Outdoor Bars in Atlantic City. Outdoor Bar and Seating areas: Outdoor Lobby Bar, Sky Garden Bar, Harper’s To Go, Boardwalk, Brow, and Pool Areas (hotel guests only). Please visit one of our dining outlets for indoor dining or takeout. View the listing here. The safety and wellbeing of our team members and guests is our top priority as we eagerly welcome guests and boaters back to the best bayfront bar and restaurant in AC!
Update: Indoor dining returned to Atlantic City casinos on Sept. 4. View indoor dining options here.
- Here is an updated list of Atlantic City restaurants, bars & pools open at Caesars Entertainment properties. See the outlet's page for updated hours.
- Atlantic City Restaurants at Resorts Casino Hotel. Mouth-watering steaks, award-wining Italian cuisine, delectable desserts and more will have your taste buds begging for more! Whether you want quick and casual, it’s date night or a night out with friends and family, Resorts culinary team has the right meal for all your occasions.
Book now at 35 restaurants near Caesars Atlantic City on OpenTable. Explore reviews, photos & menus and find the perfect spot for any occasion.
Atlantic City casinos are reopening today but without indoor dining.
However, that doesn’t mean the casinos lack eating or drinking options. In fact, most have outdoor dining available. Restaurants also provide takeout options in some cases.
If you’re heading to the Jersey Shore this weekend and plan to visit one of the eight Atlantic City casinos that are reopening, here’s a primer on the dining options available.
And if you’re curious about parking, we note a few details there, too.
Borgata, of course, will remain closed until further notice. Caesars, Bally’s and Harrah’s plan to reopen July 3.
Keep in mind that it is prohibited to eat, drink or smoke inside AC casinos when they reopen, per the guidelines released by the state earlier this week. There are only a few exceptions on that front.
Masks are required indoors, and social distancing measures will be enforced.
To that end, here’s what we know about dining options and gambling updates from AC casinos reopening this week.
Caesars, Bally’s and Harrah’s
The three Caesars properties are waiting a day before opening to the public again.
Join us at the center of all the action! Bally’s Atlantic City is ready to welcome you back Friday at 10 a.m. #MyBallys
View our health and safety protocols here: https://t.co/C25Sa28FAopic.twitter.com/OlRHllGU47
— Bally's AC (@BallysAC) July 2, 2020
The three casino hotels do have options for dining, of course, once they reopen. Take a look:
Caesars AC
- Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill (takeout)
- Morton’s The Steakhouse (takeout)
- Nero’s Starlight Dining (takeout, outdoor dining, pool deck)
- Tazza (takeout)
- Beachside Bar (outdoor dining)
Bally’s AC
- Dunkin Donuts (takeout)
- Guy’s Bar-B-Que Joint (outdoor dining)
- Guy’s Rooftop Chop (outdoor deck dining)
- Harry’s Oyster Bar (outdoor dining)
- Johnny Rockets (outdoor dining)
- Sac O’ Subs (takeout)
- Walt’s Primo Pizza (takeout)
- Bally’s Beach Bar (outdoor dining)
- Boardwalk Saloon (takeout)
Harrah’s Resort AC
- AC Burger Co. On the Baywalk (outdoor bar)
- Cafe Tazza (takeout)
- Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar (outdoor dining, pool deck)
- Gordon Ramsay Steak Under The Stars (al fresco dining located at the Outdoor Pool Bar)
- Martorano’s (takeout)
- Pin-Up Pizza (takeout)
- Starbucks (takeout)
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Golden Nugget plans to reopen at 6:01 a.m.
Slots will operate 24 hours a day, and table games will close from 4 a.m. to noon daily. The poker room at Golden Nugget will be closed.
Join us at The Deck for your favorite summer cocktail all weekend long! 🍓🍹🍓#Cheers
Now open daily for outdoor dining & drinks. View the new social distancing guidelines: https://t.co/vRb20iiS8Qpic.twitter.com/1jkTwImQUv
— Golden Nugget AC (@goldennuggetac) June 26, 2020
The Deck will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner starting Friday, July 3. The Deck will also be available for to-go orders. Its hours of operation are as follows:
- Breakfast: 8 a.m. to noon (Sun-Thurs)
- Lunch/Dinner: Noon to 8 p.m. (Sun-Thurs), noon to 10 p.m. (Fri-Sat)
The casino notes that, depending on demand and capacity limitations, it may implement Open Table to allow guests to make reservations. And of course, all dining is outdoors.
Coffee will be made available for sale at The Deck, too.
Here are a few other reopening details:
- Room service will be available for hotel guests from noon to midnight daily with a modified menu.
- Essentials will be open 24 hours and will offer packaged liquor and to-go food items for guests to take to their room or off property.
- The Pool and H20 will be open for registered hotel guests daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Food and beverages will be available outdoors.
- 24 Karat will be open Thursday, 12 to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 1 to 11 p.m.; and Sunday and Monday, 12 to 8 p.m. The Casino Cage will handle all 24 Karat transactions when 24 Karat is closed.
- Valet parking will not be available at this time. Valet may be used for drop-off and pickup only. But there is still free self-parking for all guests.
Hard Rock Atlantic City
Like Golden Nugget, Hard Rock AC will reopen at 6 a.m.
The wait is finally over! We are excited to announce that we will be reopening on July 2.
Stay tuned for more details. pic.twitter.com/q7WPNNHkZs
— Hard Rock Atlantic City (@HardRockHCAC) June 22, 2020
Outdoor dining will be available at the following Hard Rock locations:
- Hard Rock Beach Bar
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Sugar Factory
There are several takeout options, too. The restaurants that will be open for takeout include:
- Hard Rock Cafe
- YOUYU Noodle Bar
- Sugar Factory
- Flavor Tour’s six concepts
For hotel guests, room service will be available. And effective Monday, July 6, the brand-new restaurant Fish & Co. and the Balcony Bar will be available exclusively to hotel guests.
Caesars Casino Atlantic City Restaurants Open
As far as parking goes, Wild Card Rewards members receive complimentary self-parking seven days a week. And that won’t change.
Valet and self-parking are still available as well. Valet attendants, however, will be wearing PPE, and enhanced sanitation measures will be in full effect.
As a side note, the casino will be celebrating its second anniversary with a giveaway that includes two grand prizes of a two-night stay (valid Sunday-Thursday), $200 dining credit and $200 in free play.
Additional prizes include:
- Second-Place Prizes (five winners): One-night stay valid Sunday–Thursday, $100 dining credit, $100 in free play.
- Third-Place Prizes (25 winners): An overnight stay valid Sunday–Thursday.
- Fourth-Place Prizes (50 winners): $50 in free play.
Hard Rock Casino Atlantic City Outdoor Dining
To participate, visit the Hard Rock Atlantic City website.
Casino Ac Outdoor Dining Table
Restaurants Near Caesars Casino Atlantic City
Ocean Casino
Ocean Casino Resort will reopen at 8 a.m.
Welcome back home! We've missed you. 🤗 pic.twitter.com/jytWFVfvyX
— Ocean Casino Resort (@TheOceanAC) July 1, 2020
Some, but not all, amenities and dining options will be accessible when the AC casino reopens.
First off, the food and beer trucks will be available for reopening weekend. This includes Bites + Brews and a few local favorites. The food trucks will be setting up shop at the Boardwalk entrance from noon to 9 p.m.
Takeout dining will be offered at the following Ocean Casino restaurants:
Caesars Casino Atlantic City Restaurants Fine Dining
- Board Wok
- District Grill
- Cafe 500
- Frose Coffee Bar
- Lobby Brew
- Harper’s
- Pit Boss
- Rocco’s Italian Kitchen
- Seaside Deli
- Scoops
- Simply Salads
- The Grind
- Zhen Bang
- Wahlburgers
Outdoor bar areas located in the O2 area adjacent to the Hotel Lobby, Sky Garden, pool areas and Boardwalk Brow are also open.
Three pools on the property are set to reopen, including Eclipse Pool and Poseidon. The Boardwalk Pool’s reopening is on hold for the time being, but is billed as “coming soon.”
Caesars Casino Atlantic City Shows
Exhale Spa will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, the saunas, steam, rooms, Jacuzzis and pool are temporarily closed. Bangz Salon + Blow Dry Lounge will reopen on July 16.
Tropicana AC
Tropicana Atlantic City plans to reopen its doors at 8 a.m.
We are happy to announce that Tropicana Atlantic City will be opening tomorrow at 8 AM. We can’t thank you enough for your patience and are excited to see you again soon. What are you looking forward to most when you return? #WELCOMEHOME#TOGETHERWEWINpic.twitter.com/1FC30PxKd0
— Tropicana AC (@TropicanaAC) July 1, 2020
When it does reopen, Tropicana’s dining options will be a bit more extensive because there are more outdoor seating areas. The Quarter retail center is nearby as well.
The following restaurants will be open for outdoor dining and/or to-go options. In-room dining is available Wednesdays through Sundays.
- Corner Market
- Chickie’s & Pete’s Crabhouse & Sportsbar
- Casa Taco
- Cuba Libre
- Green Bar
- La Petite Crêperie
- Mrs. Fields
- Perry’s
- Premium Ice Cream Parlor
- P.F. Chang’s
- The Palm
- Tony Luke’s
- Starbucks Marketplace
- Starbucks The Quarter
Stores within Tropicana and The Quarter that are opening with 25% capacity include:
- Blue Mercury
- Essentials
- America, Marshall Rousso
- Erwin Pearl
- Francesca’s
- Hat Emporium
- Luxe Salon
- Step-Up
- Swarovski – Monday
- Time After Time
- White House/Black Market
Resorts Casino Atlantic City
Resorts, too, will reopen at 8 a.m. The city’s oldest casino has been counting down the days via its Twitter account:
Tomorrow! All that’s missing is you! Will we see you here? pic.twitter.com/cxWISblLlP
— Resorts Casino Hotel (@ResortsCasino) July 1, 2020
Resorts will offer multiple outdoor dining options (hours of operation are subject to change):
- Landshark Bar & Grill
- Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
- Eastwind
- Wet Willie’s
Takeout options include:
- Gallagher’s Steak House
- Eastwind
- Landshark Bar & Grill
- Margaritaville
- Soup Man
- Dunkin Doughnuts
- Famiglia Pizza
- Ruby Dinette
- Wet Willie’s
Casino Ac Outdoor Dining Ideas
© Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/nj.com/TNS Lead cook, Darnell Butcher, works the grill at Gordon Ramsay Steak Under The Stars on the rooftop at The Pool at Harrahu00d5s Resort Atlantic City, Tuesday, July 21, 2020.
Casino Ac Outdoor Dining
Marleen George and Don Gaudutis celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in style at Nero’s Italian Steakhouse by eating filet mignon and a seafood special while sitting poolside under a glowing sunset.
For the couple, who have been a constant at this Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino restaurant for more than 20 years, this evening was a little different. Instead of dining inside, they ate al fresco on the deck of Caesars’ Qua Spa pool deck.
For George, she would prefer to eat inside, getting back to the status quo, before COVID-19. Her husband didn't mind the change of scenery.
“It’s just a little bit more elegant normally inside,” said Gaudutis. “But for a laid back sort of resort kind of dining, this is just terrific up here, particularly with the way they’ve set it up.”
It might not be the perfect scenario for some guests who would rather dine inside. For more than six weeks now New Jersey eateries and customers have had the chance to adjust to the new outdoor dining setups, whether they are in a parking lot or in a more picturesque area.
© Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/nj.com/TNS Garlic Buffalo Wings at Guy Fieriu00d5s Rooftop Chop on the spa deck of Ballyu00d5s Atlantic City, Monday, July 27, 2020.Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City believes that they have taken outdoor dining to a new level, literally, at all three of its Atlantic City locations Harrah’s Resort, Caesars and Bally’s.
© Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/nj.com/TNS Sea Bass with Saffron Lemon Sauce and a Blueberry Lavender Martini at Nero's Italian Steakhouse on the Qua Spa pool deck at Caesars Atlantic City, Monday, July 27, 2020.According to Ron Baumann, regional president for Caesars Atlantic City, the three properties were able to take advantage of prime locations that they already had.
'The deck at Bally's, the deck at Caesars, the deck at Harrah's, they were all there,' he said. These areas were mostly used for sunbathing, cocktails and special events but now are full with hungry guests looking to break free from ordering takeout or escaping their own mundane home cooking while being able to feel comfortable and safe.
Gordon Ramsay has taken over the pool deck at Harrah's, Guy Fieri's Chophouse now is located on Bally's spa deck and Nero's Italian Steakhouse is now serving on the Qua Spa pool deck at Caesars.
Baumann credited the Caesars team for moving quickly once Gov. Phil Murphy pulled the plug to reopen indoor dining back on June 29, just days before casinos were set to open.
'They actually created that in four days, from all of a sudden you can't open up indoor dining to three outdoor rooftop experiences,' he said. 'We learned on Monday and had them opened by Friday.'
© Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/nj.com/TNS AC Burger Company outdoor dining on the Baywalk at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City, Tuesday, July 21, 2020.The hardest thing about that Monday, Baumann explains, was telling the restaurant employees who were being welcomed back that there would be no indoor dining after all and that some would be laid off again.
'That was awful. I can't tell you how awful that felt, I can't tell you how awful that was to do to people that were just so happy to be back.'
But the reality is with the casinos open and guests checking in, some form of dining was essential.
'How do we make lemonade out of lemons?' said Baumann.
Using areas already in place and the proximity of a kitchen and a bar were all factors in deciding the best location for Caesars' properties outdoor dining experience, Baumann said.
'You're really replicating what was already a terrific experience and just replicating it in a different area with I'd argue the best views in the city.'
One of the best views is from Guy Fieri’s Rooftop Chop eight floors up on Bally’s spa deck.
Customers can dine on a wood-grilled filet mignon, chili soy glazed Chilean sea bass, or can keep it simple with garlic buffalo wings all while enjoying the views of the boardwalk, Bally’s Beach Bar and the ocean.
Karie Hall, senior vice president and general manager of Bally’s Atlantic City believes that while the Guy experience is always great it’s even better from the deck.
'That rooftop has one of the most spectacular views in all of Atlantic City.'
Jerry Beaver, director of food and beverage of Bally’s Atlantic City, said that business is good enough that they are thinking about adding more seats to the approximately 50 there now because people are enjoying the experience.
'They are so appreciative and thankful to us actually for just being there,' he said. 'It's kind of overwhelming.'
“As long as I’ve been hittin’ AC, I’ve always loved the summer weather and gettin’ out there and hitting the beach and the boardwalk. So, for me to be able to offer outdoor rooftop dining with the Chophouse and my BBQ Joint right on the beach, it’s a dream come true. We’re keepin’ it safe and makin’ it fun. Come see us,” said Guy Fieri.
Harrah's offers two completely different outdoor dining options -- a casual setting along the Absecon Inlet with views of Brigantine and a fine dining experience on the deck of the Pool at Harrah's.
© Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/nj.com/TNS View of Gordon Ramsay Steak 'Under The Stars' on the rooftop at The Pool at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City, Tuesday, July 21, 2020.Gordon Ramsay Steak “Under the Stars” takes over the pool deck at 5 p.m. and is surrounded by greenery and six cabanas which makes it feel more like dining in South Beach than Atlantic City.
© Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/nj.com/TNS Outdoor dining at Guy Fieri’s Rooftop Chop on the spa deck of Bally’s Atlantic City, Monday, July 27, 2020.Other than the scenery, what’s different about Ramsay “Under The Stars” compared to dining inside the restaurant are the two grills located by the chefs’ area that are used to grill the steaks, pork chops, lamb and some seafood.
Gordon Ramsay Steak Executive Chef Larry Smith said that they were a little apprehensive at first but now that things are coming together it’s been nothing but a positive experience, adding that there is something about cooking outside.
© Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/nj.com/TNS Outdoor dining at Nero's Italian Steakhouse on the Qua Spa pool deck at Caesars Atlantic City, Monday, July 27, 2020.'It's a lot of work with the grills and the heat but we ended up loving this,' he said.
Collingswood residents June Stambaugh and Karen Langenheim were loving the atmosphere while enjoying their first night out dining since the pandemic started.
'I was concerned it was going to be warm and I was gonna be uncomfortable but it's just been wonderful,' said Stambaugh, who ordered the Beef Wellington and the crab cake appetizer.
Along the baywalk that runs along the Absecon Inlet, where there is always a breeze, the AC Burger Company serves a more relaxed menu with specialty cocktails and craft beers.
According to Lou Dimino, director of food and beverage at Harrah's Resort, they will be adding a new bar in addition to Adirondack chairs with umbrellas that will be spread out along the seating areas and along the water.
'I don't think we can get much better than this,' said Dimino, adding that he understands people want to get back to drinking and dining indoors but the options that Harrah's provides with the views and the solitude beats the hustle and bustle that some outdoor dining areas may experience.
© Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/Tim Hawk NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/nj.com/TNS June Stambaugh, left, and Karen Langenheim, both of Collingswood, enjoy outdoor dining at Gordon Ramsay Steak Under The Stars on the rooftop at The Pool at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City, Tuesday, July 21, 2020.For 26 years Nero’s Italian Steakhouse has been serving guests from the third floor of Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino which offers magnificent views of the beaches and the ocean. Once outdoor dining was allowed they moved one floor up to the Qua Spa pool deck where the views are a little different but the quality of the food remains the same.
Betty McHugh, restaurant manager, said that because they are only serving one floor up they are able to use Nero’s kitchen which keeps the food tasting exactly the same as people have come to expect.
'They still can get that Nero's experience,' she said.
That experience begins at 5 p.m. and includes some of the favorites like Paccheri Bolognese, Lobster Francaise, seafood pasta and the porterhouse steak, all while enjoying the ocean breeze -- and if your timing is right, a glimpse of the sunset.
McHugh said that now that they are serving outside, guests can capitalize on a few different opportunities. There is a cocktail garden for people to relax before dinner and diners have the option of sitting under a canopy if the sun is still shining or right by the pool to enjoy more of the views as the evening becomes cooler.
The 31 tables are spaced six feet apart and an ocean breeze flows through the dining space sweeping away whatever warm air the afternoon sun left behind.
As the remaining light from the sunset faded into night George and Gaudutis wrapped up their anniversary dinner and a pleasant new experience on the pool deck.
“The waitstaff is taking care of us very nicely and they’ve been very conscious of all of the protocols that are in place,” he said while adding, “What’s not to be pleasant sitting by the sea right?”
Baumann said that there are a few things the Caesars' team has learned over the course of the pandemic beginning with how to mitigate COVID-19. They hired a very renowned epidemiologist to develop all their protocols including properly cleaning the rooms and gaming floor which he said will probably be permanent.
“We underestimated the value of outdoor dining,” he said was another learning experience. “It is probably something that in the future we definitely should look to invest in from a capital standpoint, because people just love it.”
Over the next few weeks, Baumann said they would begin to think about what the next step is if this condition exists into the cold winter months and what the plan is when indoor dining resumes.
“The outdoor dining has taken off spectacularly and I am not sure we want to wrap it all up and shut it down right away even if we have indoor dining.”
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