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Casino Lounges
Published: Friday, April 04, 2008
Long Live the Lounge
By REBECCA GRITES

Just because you're in Atlantic City, a place that's so high-energy and action-packed you may be tired just thinking about it, doesn't mean you have to expend all that energy on a dance floor in a noisy, crowded club. The lounges inside Atlantic City's casinos are just as inviting, entertaining and exciting as any dance club in the area, and you may actually be able to relax a bit in this non-stop party of the city.

Atlantic City's lounge scene has come a long way, reinventing the lounge lizard genre with modern touches. But there are still plenty of traditional lounges, like 25 Hours at Resorts, Tango's at the Tropicana and Jezebel's at Trump Plaza. Then, there's more hip spots like Borgata's B-Bar, Trump Plaza's Liquid Bar and the HIlton's Dizzy Dolphin and 10 'Til.

Whatever your taste, whatever your age, the lounge scene lives on in Atlantic City. Be a part of it on your next trip and take some time to relax and enjoy what the casinos have to offer.

If you're the type who likes to mix it up, then make your first casino lounge stop at The Wave inside the Trump Marina. The Wave is more than just your regular casino lounge; The Wave offers a happy medium for adult partygoers by being high-energy with fabulous bands and DJs but also offering a more traditional club atmosphere that can be relaxing and simply enjoyable.

Bill Schmal, entertainment director for Trump Marina and Taj Mahal, explains that The Wave is, historically, "one of a kind."

"The Wave has been (at the Trump Marina) for almost 23 years," Schmal says. "It was the precursor for the traditional dance club scene, which is different than the clubs that only offer pre-recorded music." Schmal says that you can't mention The Wave without talking about DJ Jim Stritch, who has been at The Wave for 15 years or the hugely popular party band Don't Call Me Francis, which plays at The Wave nearly every weekend.

Schmal also commented on the Trump Taj Mahal's Ego Lounge, which is located right off the casino floor.

"The Ego Lounge is a combination of adult music with the addition of two elements: the lounge is also treated as a sports bar, and it has table games inside the room, itself," he says. And Ego's No. 1 entertainer is Louie Louie, who has been a Las Vegas icon for years.

As far as demographics go for both The Wave and Ego Lounge, Schmal says they are "totally diverse."

"The Wave and Ego have a mix of people, from early 20s and up," Schmal says. "Like The Deck (at Trump Marina), it's been a popular spot for the locals for years."

Bill Borenstein, regional director of entertainment for Harrah's Casino, had plenty to say about the mass appeal of the lounges inside Casesars, Harrah's, Bally's and the Showboat.

"There are all sorts of cool experiences for all kinds of folks," says Borenstein.

Are you in the mood for an incredible piano experience? Borenstein recommends The Forum Lounge inside Caesars.

"The Forum Lounge has a relaxing atmosphere," Borenstein says.

"You can sit back, have a drink and hear songs on piano from every genre from Billy Joel to Sinatra to Tony Bennett to Elton John."

Inside Bally's you'll find The Blue Martini and the Mountain Bar, both great places to unwind during your stay in Atlantic City. At The Blue Martini, Borenstein says you'll be able to dance, as well as relax, all while listening to some of the area's best cover bands. Over at the Mountain Bar, you'll get a taste of current and old-school country music with a mix of folk and acoustic rock.

"You'll have a good ol' time," says Borenstein of the Mountain Bar, "It's a great kick-back bar."

And while you're visiting the Showboat, spend an evening at the House of Blues Restaurant, a place with a fabulous New Orleans-style menu and live music on Thursdays and Saturdays.

For the early-afternoon loungers, Showboat is also home to the Masque Bar, which has live, relaxing entertainment nearly every day.

Atlantic City Lounges

10 'Til (Atlantic City Hilton) - 10 'Til is only open on Saturday nights at 10 p.m. in the space that is usually the HIlton's VIP players' club. 10 'Til caters to the older crowd but is a great place for fun, drinks and comfort. DJ Steve-O appears weekly. Full menu and signature cocktails, including the Billy Joel and the Elton John. 609-347-7111.

25 Hours (Resorts Atlantic City) - The fun and romantic lounge atmosphere will please any patron, young or old. The crowd is mostly more adult and the ambiance is sophisticated and chic. This lounge never closes and offers top-notch service from bartenders and cocktail waitresses in cabaret garb. No food. Strong emphasis on the "Art of the Cocktail." 609-344-6000.

B Bar (Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa) - Located in the middle of the casino floor, this bar always seems to be buzzing with energy and music. No live music. "Hearty and eclectic" cuisine. Open 24 hours. 609-317-1000.

Blue Martini (Bally's Atlantic City) - The Blue Martini is more high-energy than some lounges but still has a comforting vibe. Rock cover bands play Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. Dance floor lets you show your wild side. Open daily with more than 100 martini options. No food. 609-340-2000.

Dizzy Dolphin (Atlantic City Hilton) - The Dizzy Dolphin offers a soothing ambiance with nautical themes and unique scenery, including an ocean mural. The Dizzy Dolphin has a great stage and acoustic set-up to show off its nightly entertainment. No food service. The Dizzy Dolphin is open daily from 10 a.m. 609- 347-7111.

Eden Lounge (Harrah's) - With live music nightly, flair bartending at its Sapphire Bar and an upbeat atmosphere near the casino floor, the Eden Lounge is one of the most popular bars in town. No food. Call 609-441-5000.

Ego Lounge (Trump Taj Mahal) - The Ego is open 24 hours a day, offers a signature cocktail menu, is home to 26 plasma-screen TVs and permits smoking. The Ego Lounge offers a unique blend of live entertainment, game tables and slots inside the lounge and a sports bar feel. The live music is usually a mix of a DJ, and live entertainment offered Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. No food service. 609-449-5138.

Forum Lounge (Caesars Atlantic City) - The Forum Lounge is the prime place for the best piano playing in the city with an ocean view. You'll hear a wide variety of musical genres by great pianists, who perform Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 6 p.m. The Forum Lounge has standard drink options at the bar and is one of the most relaxing lounges in Atlantic City. 609-348-4411.

Gypsy Bar (Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa) - Perhaps the hippest bar in an A.C. casino, the Gypsy Bar caters to the young set with eclectic beers, great tequila selection and live, modern cover bands nearly every night. Hearty all-American cuisine. 609-317-1000.

Jezebel's (Trump Plaza) - The newest lounge inside the Trump Plaza is causing quite a stir in more than just a cocktail cup. Jezebel's is home to one of the area's greatest cocktail menus, big-screen TVs for all your favorite sporting events, and bar-top video slots. Jezebel's is just a few steps off the casino floor and offers a comfortable, plush environment. Jezebel's is a good blend of the quiet, calm place to have a great conversation or the music venue where you can get up dance if you'd like. Never closes. No food service. 609-441-6000.

Liquid Bar (Trump Plaza) - This stylish lounge has been a favorite meeting spot for tourists and locals before big casino events, shows or just a night of playing the slots. The Liquid Bar is right off the Boardwalk and offers bottle service at the tables. Live entertainment on weekends and weekly karaoke. Open weekdays from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. and weekends from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. The atmosphere is upscale yet quaint and intimate. No food service. 609-441-6000.

Masque Bar, 12 Bar, Spirit Bar (Showboat) - Masque Bar near the hotel lobby features Big East Frozen Drink and daily entertainment, including pianists and jazz players. 12 Bar is a cozy, upscale spot with cool cocktails, tabletop slots and a casino-floor location. Spirit Bar is the most high-energy of the three three, located next to House of Blues restaurant. 609-441-6000.

Mountain Bar (Bally's Wild Wild West Casino) - Getting into the country-western vibe has never been easier now that the Mountain Bar is in full swing at Bally's Wild Wild West. This bar is truly one to lounge in and enjoy yourself without any high-stress distractions. The Mountain Bar is always open and offers live country entertainment every weekend, starting at 2 p.m. and going through the night. No food service. 609- 340-2000.

Tango's (Tropicana) - Located inside The Quarter, this relatively new lounge is classy, sophisticated and fun. With live music nightly, Tango's routinely features the smooth, classic sounds of Beth Tinnon as well as performances by traditional lounge singers offering Sinatra and Rat Pack favorites. 609-340-4000.

The Wave (Trump Marina) - The Wave is always hopping on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with live music by the area's top rock cover bands and DJ Jim Stritch, at 9 p.m. The Wave is also known for its occasional theme nights like '80s Night or Ladies Night. The crowd is diverse, and The Wave's dance floor is high-energy while the lounge area is more low-key. No food service. 609-441-8500.

Xhibition Bar (Harrah's) - The Xhibition Bar is a 360-degree lounge in the middle of the casino floor featuring plasma televisions, plush seating, music and an indulgent atmosphere. Open 24 hours daily. Call 609-441-5000.

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