Last weekend, at a time when most Jersey clubs and bars were winding down and waiting for last call, DJ Felix da Housecat was just starting to get the dance floor going at Mixx, which is part of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
A short walk across the Borgata's casino floor, there are people waiting to get into the Gypsy Bar, where the crowd inside sings along to a cover band's rendition of the Guns N' Roses signature "Sweet Child O' Mine."
Mixx and Gypsy Bar are just two of the nightlife attractions that have helped make the Borgata the town's top fiscal performer at a time when news has circulated about declines at each of the city's casinos.
Bars and clubs
The Borgata's nightlife options are a sure bet. In addition to Mixx and Gypsy Bar, the Borgata has the B Bar, which bills itself as a high-energy ultra-lounge located that's right on the casino floor.
Then there's the mur.mur nightclub, which opened in 2006 and was created to continue the Borgata's tradition of "offering guests the ultimate sense of escapism," according to public relations manager Noel Stevenson.
"Partygoers escape the moment they enter the club," she says. "As they descend into a sensual party atmosphere complete with signature bottle service and great music, the vibe is international, similar to New York, L.A, Miami and Vegas."
She goes on to describe Gypsy Bar as having "earned its reputation as a rock 'n' roll haven" by presenting impromptu musical performances by Jon Bon Jovi, Slash and Vince Neil, among others.
"It's a place where inhibitions are left at the door," Stevenson adds.
For the dance crowd, there is Mixx, which, according to Stevenson, is the ideal venue for embracing what the Borgata is all about.
"When Borgata debuted in 2003, Mixx truly introduced bottle service and celebrity hostings to Atlantic City," she says. "This high-energy dance club has a personality all to itself and has the hottest dance scene in the city." Performers and guest DJs at Mixx have included the likes of DJ Tiesto, Grandmaster Flash and Wyclef Jean.
Concert venues
In recent weeks, the Borgata has hosted Paris Hilton, Samantha Ronson, Lindsay Lohan, Joey McIntyre and Donnie Wahlberg, but the clubs aren't the only place to see celebrities.
There was a time when if you wanted to see big-name shows and concerts, you had to go to venues such as Manhattan's Madison Square Garden and Holmdel's PNC Bank Arts Center. But the acts featured at the Borgata's two entertainment rooms, The Event Center and The Music Box, have helped boost Atlantic City's rep as a top-tier concert city.
The 2,400-seat Event Center and 1,000-seat Music Box have featured such stars as Eric Clapton, Pearl Jam, The Who and Alanis Morissette, as well as Fergie, Usher and Sara Bareilles.
Big-name comedians, among them Chris Rock, Robin Williams and Cheech and Chong, also perform in both places. In addition, there is the Comedy Club, and according to Stevenson, it features an "up-close and personal experience with the most renowned comics on the circuit -- some famous, some soon-to-be."
Culinary choices
With the clubs staying open until 4 a.m., there is plenty of time for a bite to eat within the Borgata before the partying begins. There are seven fine dining restaurants and six casual dining options from which to choose.
"Guests are offered a one-of-a-kind culinary experience on the East Coast with a wide array of restaurants and world-renowned chefs under one roof," Stevenson says.
The fine-dining choices include Bobby Flay Steak, which offers classic steakhouse flair and the famous chef's unique grilling techniques; Wolfgang Puck American Grille, which features the culinary legend's East Coast debut; and SeaBlue, which tempts diners with celebrated chef Michael Mina's signature and acclaimed approach to seafood.
For a more quick and casual meal, there is contemporary and classic American cuisine at the 24-hour Metropolitan cafe, Italian street fair food at Risi Bisi and Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisine at N.O.W, to name a few.
With money tight in this turbulent economy, more people are taking "staycations" instead of vacations, and Stevenson makes a case for the Borgata as a top choice.
"A third of the U.S. population lives within drive time of Borgata and are presented with a destination designed to rival those once found only in Las Vegas," says Stevenson, "and it can all be reached on a tank of gas."
Patrons enjoy the scene at the Borgata's Gypsy Bar. (Photo by Anthony DiPasquale)
