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’s 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 boldly designed space after attending a show at the Borgata Casino Event Center and found a lot to love from its brightly lit 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 exciting acts like Duran Duran, Jerry Seinfeld, Boyz II Men, Gabriel Iglesias and Dave Attell dropping into headlines at their spacious yet intimate showrooms these next few months.
Basically, it’s all your vacation love languages rolled into one and when it’s time to go, you probably won’t want to leave.
Truth be told, we didn’t. Heck, we wish we 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.
Borgata Casino Event Center
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 a 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:
Boyz II Men
Friday, Aug. 16 at 8 p.m.
Gabriel Iglesias
Saturday, Aug. 31 at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8:30 p.m.
Duran Duran
Saturday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.
Jerry Seinfeld
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 1) comedy shows featuring A-list talent, 2) weekly sultry burlesque performances and 3) 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:
Borgata Comedy Club shows
Mondays through Wednesdays, Fridays through Sundays at 9 p.m.
The Burlesque Show
Thursdays at 9 p.m.
Amos Lee
Saturday, July 13 at 9 p.m.
Kathleen Madigan
Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20
Tom Papa
Friday, July 26 at 9 p.m.
Big Jay Oakerson
Saturday, July 27 at 9 p.m.
Jared Freid
Friday, Aug. 2 at 9 p.m.
Modi
Saturday, Aug. 3 at 9 p.m.
Celebrating Meat Loaf
Friday, Aug. 9 at 9 p.m.
Dave Attell
Saturday, Aug. 17 at 9 p.m.
Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Friday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m.
Grand Funk Railroad
Saturday, Oct. 5 at 9 p.m.
Becky Robinson
Friday, Oct. 11 at 9 p.m.
Atsuko Okatsuka
Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.
Anthony Rodia
Friday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.
Joe Dombrowski
Friday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m.
Jim Breuer
Saturday, Nov. 9 at 8 p.m.
Trombone Shorty
Friday, Nov. 15 at 9 p.m.
Mark Tremonti
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 thrown 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 rave-ready waitresses serenading guests with bubbles 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 entered, 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. To start, you can’t go wrong with their mouth-watering wagyu beef sliders, chipotle corn brûlée (which somehow brings an air of sophistication to corn) or delectable, spicy Italian long hots at this meat lover’s paradise. When entree time rolls around, we recommend their certified Kobe beef, which can only be described as a fatty, chewy meat pillow that melts in your mouth. We’re still drooling thinking about it.
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 a succulent thigh 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 his to-die-for crème brûlée cheesecake, strawberry apple crumble or flourless chocolate tart. 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, rustic, New 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 the recently debuted menu item as a “deconstructed egg roll.” It’s massive and we guarantee you’ll have leftovers for later. Also, please, please, please ask for the bacon mustard. The condiment was a fan favorite at our table and in our hearts.
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 feels more Hawaii than Jersey. As for the grub, it’s nothing to sneeze at. This was our last meal of our visit and the whole ride back, we wished we had taken a second round of plump grilled chicken sandwiches, thick-cut fries and fresh-squeezed orange juice back home to make the trip last.
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 who 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 dual play baccarat to blackjack 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 bet. 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 who brought along little ones may find the indoor pool that comes with a splash pad is the way to go. 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 who 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.
The Borgata isn’t just a casino — it’s a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered.
Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post
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 a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.