Havana Hot Spot
The Quarter celebrates 10 years on the Atlantic City Boardwalk
by Lisa Robertson-Dziedzic
Ten years ago this month The Quarter, a $280 million dining, shop-ping and entertainment complex opened at the Tropicana as the largest non-gaming expansion in Atlantic City history. Celebrating 1940s Havana, the three-story, 200,000-square-foot facility replicates the Cuban capital’s vibrant “Old World” streetscape, making it the first Vegas-style destination amenity in Atlantic City. This not only gave the Trop an edge on the competition, it brought an exciting new energy to Atlantic City and established one of the area’s hottest destinations.
Today, the Quarter’s party spots include A Damn Good Sports Bar, Cuba Libre, Rí~Rá Irish Pub, and Planet Rose Karaoke Bar. Another place you’ll definitely want to check out is Chickie’s and Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar, a two-story, 16,000-square-foot hangout with 50 big-screen TVs and Play2 “amusement pods,” which allow patrons to create their own interactive entertainment.
If you’re up for the late hours, stop by The Providence, a two level nightclub that features gorgeous go-go dancers, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, world class DJ’s, and a seriously hot dance floor as the evening progresses. And the party doesn’t stop here. For an explosive after-hours scene, head over to the Missile Bar—upstairs at Cuba Libre—where the party starts at midnight and rages until dawn.
On the Boardwalk, Atlantic City visitors have been laughing it up for years at The Comedy Stop. With locations in The Quarter, Las Vegas and Laughlin, NV, The Comedy Stop has an impeccable track record of showcasing break out stand-up artists. Comedians such as Tim Allen, Drew Carey, Ray Romano, Lewis Black and Rosie O’Donnell have all spent time honoring their craft on its stages. In 2013, Bob Kephart, The Comedy Stop producer and owner, was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of producing 30 years of comedy in Atlantic City. No other show holds this prestigious honor.
The Quarter also makes the Tropicana one of the most eclectic dining destination in town, with standout restaurants including The Palm, a classic steakhouse; Carmine’s, a New York institution that serves family-style Italian fare; the exotic Cuban cuisine of Cuba Libre; the trendy P.F.Chang’s Asian bistro, and Rí~Rá Irish Pub that serves great beer and classic pub fare.
If shopping is your thing, The Quarter has reached new heights with more than 25 retail shops under one roof. Spend an afternoon meandering the cobblestone streets where the shops have an eclectic flair, from old-fashioned down home charm at the Old Farmer’s Almanac General Store to stylish hats at The Hat Emporium, to hand-made home décor, apparel, dried flower arrangements and a unique children’s boutique. Food and wine are well represented at the massive Zeytinia, where you can shop for international gourmet items or buy specialty entrees from pasta and sandwiches to gourmet coffees and pastries. Bring home delicious treats from Lick, the ultimate candy shop, or a seashore tradition of James’ Salt Water Taffy. A Time For Wine specializes in hand-picked wines and cigars from around the world. Men will be pleased to find AKA while women happily hop from Chico’s to White House/Black Market, Edwin Pearl to Cache, Francesca’s Collectibles to Talk Of The Walk to name a few.
If you need to wind down for a while, Tropicana’s blue mercury spa is available for a wide range of facials, therapeutic massage, and luxury body treatments. A large retail apothecary carries a full line of cosmetics and skin care items. Or stop by the IMAX theater which features first-run movies. Upcoming shows are Interstellar: The IMAX Experience, Nov. 6-Dec. 16,and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies in IMAX 3D, Dec. 16-Jan. 1.
While celebrating a decade is certainly a mile-stone, November marks one of the most wonderful times of the year at the Tropicana. The Holiday Musical Light Show is back and better than ever. This festive experience combines holiday décor, interactive lights with an inspiring array of beloved holiday musical selections from jazz to rock to international favorites. Back by popular demand, is the marvelous 35-foot tree in the center of it all. Daily shows from Nov. 24– Dec. 26, are every hour on the hour, from noon until 10 p.m. Monday– Thursday and noon until midnight Friday– Sunday. Adding to the festive décor is the Trop’s famed 25-foot tree Poinsettia Tree located in Palm Walk.
On Nov. 24, Tropicana will host an official ceremony at 1 p.m. to commemorate the past and celebrate the future. Guests will enjoy food samples, cake, sparkling beverages, and guest speakers. Immediately following, the Trop will kick off the holiday sea-son with the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony.
Last but certainly not least, take a break from the holiday madness and take advantage of the Holiday Shopping Package for just $84. Price includes overnight accommodations, a $40 Tropicana gift card, and a $20 breakfast credit. Package is valid Monday through Thursday from Nov. 10 – Dec. 23. Rates are based on double occupancy and do not include taxes. To book your room, call 1-800-345-8767 and refer to the booking code THOL14 when making your reservation.
With all this and so much more, it’s no wonder The Quarter is one of the most popular destinations in the city. For more information and a list of upcoming entertainment visit, www.tropicana.net/celebration.
