The Best Day Ever in… is an Original Best of New Jersey video series that brings our audience along as we spend the day in popular and up-and-coming towns throughout the state. During each trip, we enjoy all the must-eats, must-sees, and must-dos that make the town memorable. It’s the ultimate day trip guide to New Jersey’s hidden gems, culinary hotspots, and most exciting destinations!
A Special Thank You to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City For Letting Us Have The Best Day Ever! To Learn More:
| Visit Their Website | Book Hotel Room | Book Spa Treatment | Reserve Restaurant Table | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 609-449-1000 |
How to Have The Best Day Ever…
at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of food and fun for the whole family, listen up: The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City is the perfect home base for a Jersey Shore vacation. With tons of casual and fine dining options, an eclectic event schedule featuring the world’s biggest names in entertainment, and easy access to the beach and boardwalk, plus tons of on site amenities, The Hard Rock has everything you need to have The Best Day Ever.
While adults can enjoy the exciting casino floor and world-class musicians and comedians stopping through on tour, younger visitors can enjoy exploring the Hall of Fame memorabilia throughout the hotel, gourmet desserts from Sugar Factory, and immediate access onto the Atlantic City boardwalk, beach, and nearby Steel Pier amusement park. For the inside scoop on how to have The Best Day Ever in… Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, follow along with us as we go on a Day Trip to Atlantic City:
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Stop #1:
Terrace
After arriving at the Hard Rock, we headed straight to the Terrace. The Terrace offers a relaxing weekend experience with the ambiance of seaside dining and beach views. Standout starters include the Sheet Pan Nachos and Carne Asada French Fries, both of which pair great with their signature Open Face Steak Sandwich. For a hearty lunch option, go for the stuffed half lobster.
The Terrace is open Fridays and Saturdays from 3pm – 9pm, with a special Happy Hour running from 4pm – 6pm. It’s a great place to grab a cocktail before an event, or before dinner plans elsewhere inside the Hard Rock. Signature cocktails include the Watermelon Martini, Lemon Drop Martini, and white rum-based Mojito. It’s the perfect first stop to fuel up before a day at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Stop #2:
Hard Rock Hall of Fame
The Hard Rock brand is known for its museum-quality memorabilia found throughout each establishment, and The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is no exception. The entire property — all 17 acres — is full of priceless clothing, instruments, apparel, and more from the world’s best musicians. Every display includes a brief excerpt saying who it belongs to and why it is significant. Whether it’s a pair of boots worn by Cher or Elvis Presley’s Rolls Royce Phantom V, you’ll find it here.
Of course, the Atlantic City hotel has an entire section celebrating the history of New Jersey music royalty. For example, their collection includes pieces from Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, Frankie Valli, Whitney Houston, and more. If you’re a music lover with NJ pride, you owe it to yourself to tour the hotel and see this.
| Learn More About The Hard Rock’s Memorabilia Collection |
Stop #3:
Backstage Cafe
After touring the resort grounds to see the amazing memorabilia on display, we needed to refuel. Hard Rock VIPs know that the place to be is the Backstage Cafe, the exclusive area of their namesake Hard Rock Cafe. The cafe is open from 8am to Midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s the perfect spot to start your day with breakfast, or end with a late night pit stop.
There is no shortage of food and cocktails at the Hard Rock Cafe. We recommend starting with the Pepperoni Flatbread and One Night in Bangkok Spicy Shrimp. Their Legendary Steak Burger is the go-to lunch item, but the latest menu addition is their signature Messi Burger. (Developed in partnership with superstar footballer, Lionel Messi). It features a double smashed beef patty, provolone cheese, sliced chorizo, caramelized red onion, and a spicy smoky sauce.
Stop #4:
Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
Our dining tour continued with a trip to Council Oak Steaks & Seafood. This upscale steakhouse offers a fantastic atmosphere, where attention to detail goes into every dish. In particular, Council Oak’s chefs craft meals using state-of-the-art J&R wood fire grills and Josper coal ovens. This produces flavorful USDA prime cuts of beef and perfectly seared seafood selections.
Of course, as a premier fine dining destination, Council Oak offers perfect wine and cocktail pairings with every dish. Popular cocktails include the Rum Rocker, Aperol Spritz, and Seminole Sour. Meanwhile, their selection of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines will enhance any entree. Just don’t leave without ordering some of their must-try Warm Apple Strudel.
Stop #5:
Rock Spa & Salon
Treating yourself to some pampering is crucial to any relaxing getaway. Luckily, the Rock Spa & Salon at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is designed for total escape. The spa offers 31 different treatment rooms and treats every guest like a VIP. This includes 20 dedicated massage rooms, four facial rooms, two couples’ suites, three body treatment rooms, and two Rhythm & Motion rooms.
The menu easily accommodates both singular treatments as well as full-day escapes. In addition to gender-separated locker rooms and lounges (complete with steam and sauna rooms) they offer a co-ed space that is perfect for couples and small groups. This Vitality Pool area features a large heated hydrotherapy tub, ambient temperature tub, and specialty shower.
| Book Spa Treatment | Learn More |
Stop #6:
Kuro
Kuro is a contemporary Japanese restaurant with a menu is almost entirely made up of small plates to share. The chef told us they use locally sourced and imported ingredients directly from Japan to create their menu. Specialty items range from sushi, sashimi, and hand rolls to premium A5 Japanese Wagyu Beef and Robata Charcoal Grill skewers. That’s to say nothing of their exquisite beverage program and rotating dessert menu.
Must-try items include the Softshell Crab or Salmon Avocado sushi rolls, Wagyu Tacos, and Crispy Brussel Sprouts. As for drinks, Kuro serves Japanese imported craft beers, Japanese whiskeys, multiple sake brands, and over 70 wine labels. For dessert, our go-to is the Japanese Fluffy Cheesecake. Gluten-free and vegan diners can also rest easy that this fine dining restaurant has plenty of safe options.
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Top Photo: © Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City | Website
