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Atlantic City 7/11-7/15

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Trip Reports' started by cmani, Jul 19, 2017.

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  1. cmani

    cmani Low-Roller

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    My Trip Report

    This was just my 4th trip to Atlantic City. My wife and in-laws have made the trip with me for the last 3 summers. We stayed at Caesars (Centurion Tower, room 4006) overlooking the south side of the Boardwalk.

    Caesars Room 4006 small.jpg View from Caesars 4006small.jpg

    Nice room, loved the view, but I would've liked more outlets by the bed. Bathroom was ample and the water pressure was very nice.

    After check-in, the first order of business was to get our free gift at the Tropicana. The flyer said we'd be getting something called the Better Brella, but they either gave them all away or I read the dates wrong. We ended up with a cheese cutting board set and a weed-trimmer. (I was kinda looking forward to that Better Brella...)

    After giving the Trop some play, it was time to check out Kelsey & Kim's Southern Cafe. As Southerners, I wasn't too keen on getting food that I could have pretty much everyday, but everyone else wanted to see just how "Southern" their food was. Here's the outside as well as a menu:

    Kelsey & Kim's Outsidesmall.jpg Kelsey & Kim's Menu.jpg

    Kelsey & Kim's passed the first test when we all ordered sweet teas. Not only did they have sweet tea, but it was pretty damn good. (Some people would probably say overly-sweet). The waiter also brought us a complimentary basket of cornbread that was extremely moist and again, very sweet. We hadn't eaten since 6:00 that morning so unfortunately, I was thinking more about eating than snapping pictures so no food porn. I got the fried chicken which wasn't the best I ever had, but far from the worst. The collard greens were tasty but the waiter looked at me sideways when I asked for "pepper sauce." (They did have Crystal hot sauce for the chicken though!) My wife loved her pork chops and mom & dad killed their meat loaf. The plates were massive and big enough to share. Overall, this little group of Southern folk was very impressed with this Southern cafe in New Jersey!

    Our next stop was over to the Borgata for the Comedy Show. It's hard to find a bad seat at this venue (the Music Box) and we were happy with our seats in the 2nd row of the back section.
    Borgata Music Boxsmall.jpg
    The three performers all were funny, but apparently not enough to remember their names.

    We made it back to Caesars shortly after the show and called it a relatively early night.
     
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  2. cmani

    cmani Low-Roller

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    The next day's activities included an early lunch, cruisin' with the Dolphins, and then off to Harrah's for Legends. We cabbed it over to Historic Gardner's Basin and got the cruise tickets before walking over to the Back Bay Ale House.

    Back Bay Alesmall.jpg

    My better half isn't a seafood fan at all, so I take advantage of the food here as much as I can. I got the lobster roll while she ordered the kielbasa. The lobster filling was lightly sauced in what I believe was mayo and vinegar. I enjoyed it while the wifey seemed to like her kielbasa as well. The steak fries were good, but I'd pass on the homemade potato chips.

    Back Bay Ale Lobster Rollsmall.jpg Back Bay Ale Kielbasasmall.jpg

    We did the Dolphin cruise last year with Atlantic City Cruises and had a great time so we decided to do it again. (I had pleaded for the Happy Hour cruise instead, but was outvoted!) Tickets were $35 minus $5 thanks to a coupon on AC Hotel Experts. The year before we had gone way down the coast to Ocean City, but this time we stuck more around Brigantine. We ended up finding several pods that totaled to about 30 dolphins. I tried getting some good shots, but it's hard as hell to time it right.

    Dolphins3small.jpg Dolphins5small.jpg

    Sidenote: During the cruise, the captain announced that he heard the night before that the Revel was going to be sold for $200 million, but didn't say who to. (This was also confirmed by one of our drivers during this trip.)

    Revel & Showboatsmall.jpg Maybe there's hope for the Revel yet!

    After we freshened up back at Caesars, we headed over to Harrah's for the Legends show. I've never been to the Vegas version, but I hope it's better than what we saw in AC. They opened up with a pretty decent Garth Brooks before a dreadful Prince impersonator took the stage. He couldn't hit the high notes and had to be bailed out by the female dancers who were also singing. Next up was Madonna, who while she was talented, looked and sounded very little like the real thing. The Elton John performer was absolutely killer and I would've preferred a show of just him and the excellent Michael Jackson impersonator who came up next. Rather than closeout with those two, the show ends with a Blues Brothers set that's pretty fun, but paled in comparison to the previous two.

    Legends Elton2small.jpg Legends Michael Jacksonsmall.jpg

    We stuck around for a bit and got absolutely hammered by whatever slot we touched. My wife and I both had a couple decent hits on Buffalo Grand at Caesars earlier, but we gave it all back to Harrah's (and then some)!
     
  3. cmani

    cmani Low-Roller

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    The next day was just an easy day at the Boardwalk. I slept in while the wife and parents hit the beach and then Caesars buffet. I used this opportunity to make my annual trip to Harry's Oyster Bar located on the bottom floor at Bally's. I was too early for $1 oysters so I settled for eight Chesapeakes and a crab cake sandwich (not a fan of the lobster roll here).

    Harry's Oysterssmall.jpg I always sit at the bar and watch the shuckers in action.

    The rest of the night was spent gambling between Caesars and Bally's. Buffalo was the only machine that treated us right at either place, but we still ended up giving it back. Video poker is usually my saving grace, but I couldn't hit shit on DDB. Most of my play was at the Toga Bar at Caesars where you can get a decent beer on tap.

    Flying Fish Hopfish IPAsmall.jpg Despite its name, Flying Fish Hopfish IPA wasn't really all that hoppy, which worked for me.

    Just past Boardwalk Hall, there's a couple pizza joints next to each other that we tried during this trip: Jersey Shore and Molto's. No pictures, but I will say that Jersey Shore was a bit better overall. The slices were pretty close taste-wise, but the variety and service was better at Jersey Shore. Plus, they dished out some killer chili cheese fries!
     
  4. cmani

    cmani Low-Roller

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    On our last full day of Atlantic City, the plan was to hit Chickie's & Pete's at the Trop and then give Resorts a little play before heading over to the Golden Nugget for Fake Fest and the Borgata for Ricky Nelson Remembered.

    This was my first time trying Chickie's & Pete's but I knew we had to try the Crabby Fries. We love crinkle fries anyway and the seasoning with the cheese on the side was just perfect.

    Chickie & Pete's Friessmall.jpg I found myself unable to stop eating the crinkly little bastards....very addictive!

    Chickie & Pete's Lobster Rollsmall.jpg I ordered the lobster roll, which was VERY good and had a nice little kick at the end of each bite.

    We got to the Golden Nugget later in the afternoon but there was a freaking downpour so Fake Fest didn't get started on time. We were looking forward to seeing a Van Halen cover band as well as a Prince tribute band. Alas, we ended up leaving in order to make the Ricky Nelson show.

    We had just enough time to get a quick bite at The Metropolitan, so we made our own little small plates buffet.

    Metropolitansmall.jpg Hot wings, beef nachos, and a grilled cheese w/bacon and fries.

    Some of you might remember the band Nelson from the early 90s. They were a couple dudes that looked like hot Swedish chicks from a distance and had three hits from the same album: (Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection, More Than Ever, and After the Rain. Anyway, they were the twin sons of Ricky Nelson and have been touring for a while now doing only their dad's songs. We got amazing stories about Ricky, as well as their grandparents, Ozzie and Harriet, and they really got into the songs. I never knew the impact Bob Dylan had on Ricky Nelson, but he was the one who convinced Ricky to start writing his own songs and stop worrying about pleasing everyone. The backstory to Garden Party was my favorite as it was his response to the crowd at Madison Square Garden that booed him in 1971. The show was a Rock n' Roll Revival with Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and others, but Ricky came out with long hair and bell-bottoms singing different songs, so they booed him off stage. A year later, Garden Party came out. The pictures of the show are on my wife's phone but I do have a couple of shots we got after the show.

    Nelsonsmall.jpg That's Gunnar on the left and Matthew on the right.

    The brothers were very personable and stuck around for almost an hour signing autographs and taking pictures. My wife is a huge Nelson fan, so this totally made her trip.

    The next day we were were en route to PHL when I got a text saying our flight would be delayed by an hour. I asked our driver if we could call an audible and get a cheesesteak on the way to the airport. He was happy to oblige so we hit Tony Luke's, which was on the way. By the way, I need to give a shout-out to Atlantic City Luxury Black Car Service. They took great care of us and the owner, Paul, was very easy to work with. Anyway, we went to what I believe was the original Tony Luke;s and it was a GREAT call. Out of all the places in Philly, I had only had Pat's, but I gotta give the nod to Tony Luke's. That whiz really hit the spot!

    Tony Luke's Countersmall.jpg Not a bad last meal for the trip!

    And that's it! Hope y'all enjoyed this report! Thanks for reading!
     
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  5. NYNYGirl

    NYNYGirl VIP Whale

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    Nice report. Thanks for the pics as well. As far as Kelsey and Kim's Southern Café how close are they to the boardwalk? Looks like a great place to try and we will be there in a couple weeks. We will be staying at a Sheraton Resort that is somewhat away from the boardwalk. Though I believe it is walking distance. Thanks
     
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  6. The Rumor

    The Rumor VIP Whale

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    Legends in LV was pretty good when I went 3-5 years ago.

    You're discovering the truth about cheesesteaks: Pats and Genos are not that good relative to whatever is out there.
     
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  7. smerrian

    smerrian View from Bally's

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    Yes, my favorites are Delasandro's (Manyunk) and Jim's Steaks (on South Street). Gino's and Pat's are far down the list.
     
  8. The Rumor

    The Rumor VIP Whale

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    Jim's is the one that comes to mind to me, although I haven't been enough places to call myself an authority.

    He gets some big Philly points for having Chickie and Pete's too!
     
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  9. hammie

    hammie VIP Whale

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    I love to visit AC, especially in the summer so it's great to read a trip report from your perspective, thanks for sharing.

    You hit several of my faves, Harry's, Back Bay Ale House, Toga Bar, Tony Luke's, and Hopfish; winner of a gold and bronze medal at 2014 and 2016 Great American Beer Festival. Really difficult to get a seat at a VP machine at Toga, on my last visit, the end machine was set at $25 a hand. I need to Check out Kelsey's and Kim's, but they also have another location called Kelsey's on Pacific Ave. between Resorts and the Claridge.

    You were at the original Tony Luke's on Oregon Ave., they make a great cheesesteak, but the Roast Pork Italian is awesome. They really stuff their sandwiches. A couple blocks away is John's Roast Pork and another great cheesesteak, but the hours are limited. I won't visit Chickie's, just google the term "Pete's Tax", the owner is a scoundrel.

    I'm about a two hour car ride away, but one of the biggest impediments to visiting AC seems to be flying into Philly and getting down there. I guess for a party of four, the cost of a limo ride was not too bad.
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2017
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  10. Gino

    Gino "The King of Inappropriate."

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    Great TR, Thanks!
     
  11. cmani

    cmani Low-Roller

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    I'm far from an AC expert, so maybe someone can verify, but I think you're going to be staying by the Convention Center, which is about a 10-15 minute walk to Caesars/Bally's (on the Boardwalk). You do pass through a nice Tanger outlet store village before you get there.

    As for Kelsey & Kim's, there are two locations: Kelsey's, which is on Pacific fairly close to Bally's and is a bit more upscale; and then Kelsey & Kim's Southern Cafe, which is located closer to Gardner's Basin. From the Sheraton, you could walk to Kelsey's, but it'd definitely be a cab ride to the Southern Cafe. I personally haven't had any problems walking in Atlantic City, but you do hear a lot of stories of how unsafe it can be.
     
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  12. cmani

    cmani Low-Roller

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    It's still difficult to get a seat thanks to so many people playing a quarter every 10 minutes to get their free drink. I asked one of the bartenders if they planned on bringing in the red light/green light system and he said it's coming soon. I actually sat down at that $25 machine and put a $100 in and couldn't figure out why I only had 4 credits til I took a closer look! I moved a couple seats down and observed several others do the same on that machine.
    I hadn't heard about them docking their employees. Talk about a total doosh.
    It's less than ideal, but we'd rather fly Delta than Spirit. Plus, we get to experience a little bit of Philly each time. I don't know the ins and outs but it seems like AC would do more to encourage travelers to the city that's supposedly struggling. Speaking of which, I found this ad oddly placed while I was there:

    Mount Airy Ad.jpg
     
  13. bshowell

    bshowell VIP Whale

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    Lol funny about Delasandro's - that's our go-to because it's across the street from my parent's apt. So good.
     
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  14. bshowell

    bshowell VIP Whale

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    I love a good AC TR. Haven't been able to get there in the summer in a while so it's always nice when someone goes and reports back.
     
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  15. Fet297

    Fet297 113 survivor North Vegas

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    Thanks for the great TR, I throughly enjoyed your adventures. We always make a summer beach trip and I feel the Atlantic City beaches are underrated. While the numerous casino closings have been well documented AC offers a good variety of casinos in close proximity.
     
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  16. hammie

    hammie VIP Whale

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    Re: Toga, you are spot on, I typically make a couple passes but don't want to hover over folks, most times I just move on and play VP up by the Diamond lounge and near the TR desk. But sometimes I just want a craft pint and play some bartop VP. I hate to say it, but I f any bar needed a green light system, it would be here.

    On a recent visit to Bally's, I slipped a twenty into the VP machine at the lobby bar, the bartender informed me they comp beers for diamond and above. That will be $8.50 for your Heineken. And he said he's heard it all from players about comped beers at Toga and Harrah's bars.

    As for the Mt. Airy billboard, I guess hope springs eternal. The poconos is a change up from being on the ocean to being near some lakes and water parks.

    As for the Revel, I would like nothing more than to see that charlatan Glen Straub sell the property and slink back to his Florida polo club. He will never open it up. He's refused to apply for a casino license and thinks rules apply to others. But maybe if I bought a two year old hotel/casino for four cents on the dollar, I would play rope a dope too.
     
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  17. bshowell

    bshowell VIP Whale

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    This is correct. So it's technically walkable, but you can also take the jitney. I'd also keep an eye out for the train jitneys across the street at the convention center since they're free and head to the Boardwalk properties that way.
     
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  18. Burnsie

    Burnsie VP Low-Roller

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    Great review! You really made the rounds. That's how to enjoy AC and the Jersey Shore.

    We're staying at Caesars AC in early September so I have a question about VP at Toga: were there any $.25 games at the bar with 5-coin max play? Or was it all $1 and/or 10-coin max play? Thanks in advance!
     
  19. cmani

    cmani Low-Roller

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    Other than the $25 machine, all the other machines at the Toga Bar (that I played) had $0.25 5-coin max. The VP bar at the Trop was 10-coin and the one at the Nugget was 5-coin.
     
  20. Burnsie

    Burnsie VP Low-Roller

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    Excellent, thanks!
     
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