Contrary to popular belief, Atlantic City is more than boardwalks and casinos.
Should you venture from the Big Apple to America’s Playground, you’ll find nine (!) classy resorts on par with Las Vegas’ finest.
However, none may be swankier than the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa located in Atlantic City’s Marina District.
Founded just a little over two decades ago in 2003, the 161,000 square-foot entertainment, fine dining, gambling and relaxation destination has everything a weary traveler could need and more.
And, rather than rest on their laurels, the Borgata continues to innovate and stay ahead of the curve.
“Last year we completed a remodel and rebranding of the MGM Tower,” Borgata Director of Communications Alex Hennessey told the New York Post. “This year we’ve expanded our iconic outdoor pool with new cabanas, and refreshed menus and spaces at Long Bar and The Metropolitan.”
Over a mid-June weekend, the New York Post toured the space after attending a show at the Borgata Casino Event Center and found a lot to love from its three entertainment venues, nine exquisite restaurants, four pools, massive casino floor, salon, barbershop and luxurious spa.
That’s not to mention their immaculate ocean-view rooms.
Or the exciting acts like Duran Duran, Jerry Seinfeld, Boyz II Men, Gabriel Iglesias and Dave Attell dropping into headline their spacious yet intimate showrooms these next few months.
Yes, there really is a lot going on at the Borgata and when it’s time to go, you probably won’t want to leave.
Truth be told, we didn’t. Heck, we wish were still there.
Want to fill in the blanks on the Borgata?
For a closer look, here’s everything you need to know and more about how to maximize your time and get the most out of Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
The Borgata’s premier entertainment destination is a 2,400-seat theater (3,500 for general admission events) that often houses the biggest names in music and comedy.
When we attended, we had the privilege of seeing EGOT winner John Legend wow the crowd in the cozy yet comfortable space where there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Sound like the perfect venue for you?
Here are all the acts you can see at the Casino Event Center these next few months:
Friday, Aug. 16 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 31 at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m.
Borgata Casino Music Box Theater
If you happen to hit the Borgata on a night when there isn’t a show at the Event Center, you need not fret.
Over the next few months, there will be comedy shows featuring A-list talent, weekly sultry burlesque performances and legendary classic rockers at the 1,000-seat Music Box, conveniently located right in the heart of the resort.
To give you a better idea of what’s coming next, take a look at all the recurring shows and performers headed to the Music Box here:
Mondays through Wednesdays, Fridays through Sundays at 9 p.m.
Thursdays at 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 13 at 9 p.m.
Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20
Friday, July 26 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 27 at 9 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 2 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 3 at 9 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 9 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17 at 9 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 5 at 9 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 9 at 8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 15 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.
Borgata Casino Premier Nightclub
It’s late at night.
You’ve caught a concert or comedy show, dined out and threw down at the Blackjack table. Still, you’re craving more. In your mind, you’re just getting started.
Thankfully, the Borgata has just the place for you.
Smack dab in the middle of the casino floor is the Borgata’s Premier Nightclub complete with DJs dropping beats, bottle service and waitresses serenading guests with bubble guns and confetti.
Honestly, there’s no better way to end a Borgata night.
Borgata hotel experience
Time to call it quits and head in for the evening.
Thankfully, with 2,798 luxurious rooms — and 757 in the newly-constructed MGM Tower — you won’t have to go far.
Once you’ve clicked your key card and enter, you’ll find state of the art mattresses, modern showers, speedy top-notch room service from the hotel’s expansive menu, 50+ channels on your HDTV and a view of the water.
Now, that’s comfort.
Just make sure you don’t stay in the room too long. There’s still so much to see at the resort.
Want to book a stay? You can with just a few clicks here.
Borgata restaurants
As you may have noticed above, the Borgata boasts nine exquisite restaurants on its premises. To give you a taste, here’s a sample of their mouth-watering fare on which you can dine during your visit.
B Prime is the Borgata’s premiere steakhouse. Boasting an expansive meat lover’s menu, you can’t go wrong with their mouth-watering wagyu beef sliders to start or certified Kobe beef entree, which can only be described as a fatty, chewy meat pillow that melts in your mouth.
American Bar and Grille blew us away. Chef Aram Mardigian takes simple, familiar dishes like grilled white meat chicken and miraculously makes them taste like thigh meat with a hoppy, pepper flavor permeating its crispy skin. Mardigian’s tropical pork is crispy, chewy, sweet, savory and everything in between. That’s not to mention their to die for crème brûlée cheesecake. You heard it here first: this is the Thanksgiving dinner you’ve dreamed about your whole life.
The Metropolitan has everything you could ever want and more in a breakfast and lunch spot. Should you fancy something sweet, you might like the inventive American eatery’s churro French toast, tiramisu pancakes or robust milkshakes. For those that are all about the savory, we recommend sneaking a peek at their brand new Thai chicken salad their chef describes as a “deconstructed egg roll.” It’s massive and we guarantee you’ll have leftovers for later.
Noodles of the World really lives up to its name’s promise. The tucked away, multicultural culinary experience boasts entrees from Bangkok, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Cleveland. Yes, you read that right. Whether stir fry, pho, pad thai or pasta is your speed, N.O.W. has you covered.
Angeline just might be the most romantic spot at the resort. The candlelit Italian hideaway from James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Symon delivers elevated yet classic dishes. Think handmade pastas, charcuterie boards, tender octopus and free-flowing wine. This ought to be your go-to date spot if you’re in town for an anniversary or a special occasion with your significant other.
Borgata Buffet comes through in a pinch. Should you find yourself looking for a place that will fit every picky eater in your party’s needs, you certainly can’t go wrong with this expansive but not expensive all-you-can-eat destination. Think burgers, pizzas, salad, desserts and so, so, so much more.
The Food Hall Eatery also fits the bill if you need to satisfy a group of high-maintenance diners. This underground, fast-casual food court features burger, pizza, Mexican and Chinese spots as well as a Haagen Dazs, mini deli and delightful, open-floor-plan winery with a juice bar thrown in for good measure.
Sunroom Lounge feels downright tropical. The welcoming foliage and sunroof above make you feel more like you’re in Hawaii than New Jersey. As for the grub, it’s nothing to sneeze at. This was our last meal of our visit and the whole ride home, we thought about the plump grilled chicken sandwich, thick-cut fries and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Old Homestead Steak House rounds out the Borgata’s impressive restaurant roster. New Yorkers may be familiar with the name since it’s been in the Big Apple for almost 150 years. From sirloin to filets to porterhouses, you can’t go wrong with any dish on this menu over a century in the making.
Prefer to snack? Bread and Butter, Borgata Baking Co. and Starbucks are also quick grab-and-go alternatives should you need to return to the casino floor ASAP.
For those that want to kick back with a drink, there are options aplenty.
The Wine Bar, Lobby Bar, Gypsy Bar, Long Bar Amphora Lounge, BetMGM Sportsbook and Bar, and Borgata Beer Garden are all just waiting for you.
Borgata casino
Ah, yes, the real main attraction.
The Borgata has everything a seasoned gambler could dream of on their ground floors.
From baccarat to Black Jack to Texas Hold ’em to Roulette to Pai Gow Poker, there’s a variety of experiences for high rollers to take part in.
Personally, we’re partial to the colorful slots — we couldn’t take our eyes off the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” machine or the always popular Dragon Link — but we suggest you wander the space and get a feel for everything at your disposal to ensure you don’t miss out on the many thrilling games the Borgata offers.
Don’t forget the to bet on games and races at the BetMGM Sportsbook & Bar, too.
Borgata spa and pools
Need to get away from it all for a minute?
If so, the outdoor pool just may be your best. Featuring a beer garden complete with a full menu, 21-and-over guests can lounge in a cabana or float in a pool, that’s up to you.
Attendees that brought along little ones may find the indoor pool that comes with a splash pad is the best bet. It makes for a fun break from the high stakes hustle and bustle on the casino floor where you can let loose and goof around a bit.
In total, eagle-eyed guests will be able to find four (!) pools on the premises.
Working out is also on the menu for those that like to hit the treadmill or weight room on vacation. Make sure to check out the sleek gym overlooking the outdoor pool if you want to get a quick cardio break or lift in.
And please don’t sleep on the spa. Treat yourself to a deep tissue massage or relax in the sauna or hot tub. You deserve it.
Final verdict
Pound for pound, show for show, restaurant for restaurant, the Borgata delivers a luxury experience that can’t be matched.
Our only complaint?
We wish we were there right now.
If you haven’t been, go, go, go and thank us later.
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed Bruce Springsteen and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
