Nightclubs and Nightlife in Atlantic City
February 7th, 2007
Many people think of Atlantic City as the East Coast’s response to the thunderous popularity of Las Vegas, but Atlantic City actually has much deeper roots than Sin City. It was way back in 1854 that Atlantic City was incorporated and several portions of previously existing cities were rolled up and packaged in this one resort community. With the sandy beaches and an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean, the city was an obvious choice for tourist traps. Initially the city was just a resort town that drew its tourists from nearby cities as they looked for a beachside retreat.
In 1870 the first boardwalk was created and was merely meant as a way to keep sand out of the hotels, but the charm of the elevated sidewalk was great and the boardwalk kept expanding until it reached its current length, 5.75 miles, making it the world’s longest boardwalk. In 1882 the first amusement pier was opened and several others followed suit.
World War II took its toll on Atlantic City and it wasn’t until 1976 when casino gambling was legalized that the city saw a rebirth of its popularity. Now Atlantic City is a gambling Mecca for residents and visitors to the East Coast and still maintains a different appeal than Las Vegas.
If you’re headed to Atlantic City, be prepared to experience some happening nightclubs as the city knows how to rock a crowd. One of the current hotspots is MIXX located in the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa. MIXX claims too much of a good thing is a good thing, so if you’re looking to indulge or possibly overindulge, then MIXX is for you. This high energy dance club draws some of the best known DJs and they keep the crowd jumping all night. If you’re looking for a little royal treatment, sign up for the bottle service and feel like a VIP all night long. Extra bonus for those people staying at Borgata as you’re within stumbling distance of your accommodations and in a great hotel with everything you could possibly need or want.
Not content to offer its guests just one nightclub experience, the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa wants to keep you on their property with mur.mur. mur.mur is the laid back, luxury cousin to MIXX. Expect to get your groove on here, but not be jostled and hustled as much as you would with the other hotel hotspot. In fact, if you do get a chance to rub elbows, look for a celebrity as there are most likely several of them hiding in the corners, or dancing in the spotlight. Mur.mur is a bit pricier than most traditional Atlantic City hotspots, so if you’re looking for the bottle service, unless you’ve got the money to burn, this may not want to be where you want to pay for privilege. Bally’s offers a different sort of nightlife environment for their guests with Blue Martini a chic low key exclusive bar that offers more than 100 types of martinis and a built-in frosted ice rail for your drink when its not in hand. Live music keeps part of the crowd moving while sporting events on three 60-inch plasma screens keeps the rest of the crowd engaged. If you’re not a martini fan, there are several other upscale alternatives such as single malt scotches, small batch bourbons and wine. You’ll find Blue Martini located at the boardwalk entrance of Bally’s.
If you’re a Bally guest, but really not into the high end Blue Martini crowd, consider making a trip down to their Bikini Beach Bar. Open during the tourist season, this beachside bar is high energy excitement that offers great views of the ocean and more than a handful of bikini clad patrons. Pay attention to see if you can get in on one of their frequent promotions or events.
Trump is never one to be outdone, and whether its world class or not, you can guarantee he’s going to claim it is. So stop in at Trump’s world-famous Taj Mahal for a night out at Casbah Nightclub, one of the best nightclubs around. All kidding aside, Casbah can be one of the most happening places in Atlantic City, (sometimes with up to 2,200 guests a night) depending on who the guest DJ is and what else is going on around town. Check the DJ schedule to see if you’re struck by the skills of the frequently changing list of guest DJs. Beyond the musical talent, Casbah packs the club with sex as dancers are stuffed into cages and lifted above the crowd for your enjoyment. If you’re looking to spot a celebrity in Atlantic City this is probably going to be the safest bet in town.
Irish pubs are quickly becoming the most popular Irish import across the United States and Atlantic City is not exempt. The Trinity Irish Pub & Carvery is probably one of the better ones around and worthy of a visit, especially if you like a nice strong Irish whiskey or thick stout beer. The best part about Trinity is that not only the idea is imported but the interior was basically imported as well, from the ceiling tiles to the floorboards. Sit back and enjoy some upscale nouveau (or Americanized) Irish fare and soak in the lovely warm atmosphere, and a couple of beers as well.
Atlantic City is still a happening hotspot, even if it doesn’t quite compare to Las Vegas. In its own way the city proves that adage that number two is better because they try harder. The clubs in Atlantic City work to bring in top notch celebrities, whether they’re in the crowd or on the stage, the staff is very friendly and accommodating and the hotels go out of their way to offer their guests their every whim so they don’t leave their property and take their roll of gambling quarters elsewhere. And the best part about Atlantic City is ocean is right outside the door so you can take a break from the ringing bells of the one armed bandits and head out to the ocean for a relaxing nap in the sun soaked sand, or head over to Bally’s Bikini Beach Bar and begin your club hopping a little early.
While there are direct flights into Atlantic City Airport, consider Philadelphia, Newark or BWI as good alternatives.
While there are plenty of ways to book your hotel, consider Hotels Cheap as your source for cheap accommodations in Atlantic City.
(cc: photo credit: eqqman)
Categories: Nightlife
