Nightlife: from glitzy casino clubs to friendly neighborhood watering holes, Atlantic City's night scene has it all

Pool & Spa News, Jan 11, 2002 by Pamela Mills-Senn

True, conventions are hard work, but they're never all work and no play. With its numerous bars, restaurants, clubs and lounges (not to mention casinos), Atlantic City offers you ample opportunity to unwind, or to at least continue business away from the hectic convention floor.

Even though this is technically the city's off-season, several of the hotel/casino entertainment venues are still holding shows. Because show information for many of the hotels was not available at press time, you should check with the concierge or guest services to see what entertainment has been added.

For those preferring a local flavor to their entertainment, there are plenty of DJs, area bands, clubs, open-mike nights and comedy shows from which to choose. And, of course, there's always the option of simply relaxing at one of the picturesque waterfront bars.

CASINO-HOTEL NIGHTSPOTS

* Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort, Boston & Pacific Avenues; (609) 347-7111; toll-free sales (800) 231-8687; fax 609-340-4879. Entertainment: The main stage is dark (no shows) at this time.

Dizzy Dolphin: The Hilton's beachfront bar offers a great ocean view. Its nautical setting makes you feel as if you're on a schooner, complete with sailing masts. There are myriad specialty Dizzy Dolphin signature drinks (more than 100 choices), spirits and beers. Open 24 hours, live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights.

* Bally's Park Place Casino Resort, Park Place & Boardwalk, (609) 340-2000; toll-free (800) 772-7777; fax (609) 340-2595. Entertainment: "The Legends in Concert" revue is on the main stage every day but Friday. This long-running show features a series of impersonators performing the music of popular singers both past and present. Check with hotel services for prices.

* Caesars Atlantic City Hotel Casino, 2100 Pacific Ave., (609) 348-4411; toll-free sales (800) 345-7253; fax: (609) 343-2611. Entertainment: TBA; check with guest services.

Gladiator Sports Bar: Formerly called the Bacchus Bar, this nightspot is located off Caesars' first-floor Pacific Avenue entrance. The multilevel bar features a dance-floor stage for entertainment and an elevated view of gaming. Happy Hour is Tues.-Thurs., 5:30-7:30 p.m. A complimentary food buffet, drink specials and prizes on weekdays, 2 p.m.-1 a.m.; Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m.-4 a.m. Live entertainment, Wed.-Sat. Free admission.

Forum Lounge: Recently moved to the front area of Nero's Grill, which also is in Caesars. Musical entertainment Fri.-Sat., 8-10:30 p.m. The lounge opens daily at 5:30 p.m. Venice Bar: Musical entertainment, Fri., 5:30-10:30 p.m.; Sat., 6:30-11:30 p.m. Opens daily at 11 a.m.

* Claridge Casino Hotel, Indiana Avenue & Boardwalk, (609) 340-3400; toll-free sales (800) 257-5275; fax (609) 340-3867. Entertainment: TBA; check with guest services (this casino typically puts on "revue-type" entertainment). Luna: soft listening music, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

* Harrah's Atlantic City Casino Hotel, 777 Harrah's Blvd., (609) 441-5000; toll-free (800) 2-HARRAH; fax (609) 344-2974. Entertainment: TBA; check with guest services.

Atrium Lounge: Voted "Best Casino Lounge" by Atlantic Monthly, the Atrium features live entertainment at various times; check with hotel services. No cover; no drink minimum.

* Resorts Casino Hotel, 1133 Boardwalk, (609) 344-6000; toll-free (800) 336-6378; fax (609) 340-6349. Entertainment: Main stage: TBA; check with guest services.

VIP Lounge: For the bigger players, this bar offers a free, exquisite buffet and all the amenities. Check with hotel services to see if you qualify.

* Sands Hotel & Casino, Indiana Avenue & Brighton Park, (609) 441-4000; toll-free (800)-AC-SANDS; sales (800) 367-1550; fax (609) 441-4630. Entertainment: The show area is under construction. No entertainment is planned.

The Copa Lounge: Located on the second casino level, this is the place to be Tuesdays and Thursdays as DJs broadcast their shows live from the lounge. On Thursdays, step back in time with a popular DJ from the '60s, Jerry Blavat, who spends the evening spinning rock `n' roll oldies. Fridays and Saturdays, the music is live. Open Mon.-Thurs., noon-2 a.m.; Fri. & Sat., noon-4 a.m.

Brighton Steakhouse: piano music played outside the restaurant in small lounge area, 6-10 p.m.

* Showboat Casino Hotel, 801 Boardwalk, (609) 343-4000; toll-free (800) 621-0200; fax: (609) 343-4532. Entertainment: Management expects to have a show at this time of year; check with guest services.

* Tropicana Casino & Resort, Brighton Ave. & Boardwalk, (609) 340-4000; toll-free (800) 843-8767 or customer services (800) 257-6227; fax (609) 340-4007. Entertainment: Main stage: Bill Lloyd's Masquerade (a celebrity impersonation review). Call for show schedule.

The Comedy Stop: Shows every night: Sun.-Thurs., 10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9 and 11:15 p.m. Call for schedule of performers.

Hooters: Restaurant/bar connected to the Tropicana, featuring winsome waitresses in orange short-shorts. Happy hour Mon.-Fri., 3-5 p.m., featuring Hooter's famous chicken wings.

Top of the Trop: Set up on the 20th floor of the North Tower, this venue has various acts Thursday through Sunday. Free admission. Open Mon.-Sun., 2 p.m.-midnight; Fri.-Sat., open until 3 a.m.