Summer Fun & Food at Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City | Better Living

Ocean Casino Resort isn’t just another casino. It’s the Jersey Shore’s premier beachfront destination, with ocean view suites, two new Stephen Starr restaurants, a private pool oasis, and summer celebrations that rival any East Coast resort. Here’s why Ocean should be your next getaway.

Summertime at Ocean Casino Resort

After falling in love with Ocean Casino Resort during the holidays last winter, we couldn’t wait to see what summer would bring. We just returned from an incredible long weekend, and Ocean in summertime exceeded every expectation.

Most visitors to Atlantic City focus on the casino floor, but Ocean proves itself as a true resort destination first.

Where winter brought cozy Holiday Social Suites and festive Jingle Bell Bar cocktails, summer offers something entirely different: Stephen Starr’s two brand new restaurants, elevated poolside cabanas with ocean views, and a relaxed beachside vibe. Ocean provides  a complete resort experience that goes way beyond gaming.

Our Studio Suite: 25 Floors Above It All

Our newly decorated corner Studio Suite on the 25th floor gave us front-row seats to Atlantic City.

Floor-to-ceiling windows opened up sweeping views of the ocean, Steel Pier with its Ferris wheel, the inlet filled with boats, and the boardwalk below where people strolled day and night. From sunrise to sunset, the scene outside never stopped changing and quickly became our favorite part of the stay.

Each morning we enjoyed coffee from the in-room Keurig while watching the sun come up over the water. In the evenings, sunset was just as spectacular.

The suite itself felt like a true retreat. It was spacious and bright, with power shades when we wanted to unwind. A cozy couch gave us another spot to sit back and enjoy the views and the mini fridge was great for leftovers.

The king bed was super comfortable, the room was clean and fresh, and the shower was one of the best we have ever experienced. Large enough for two, with jets from the top and sides, perfect water pressure, and intuitive temperature controls, this was the Holy Grail of hotel showers. After days in the sun and salt air, stepping into this shower felt like visiting a spa.

I especially loved stretching out on the bed after those showers, sipping coffee, watching TV, and still catching glimpses of the Ferris wheel turning, boats passing through the inlet, and the lively boardwalk below.

This corner suite provided everything we wanted: comfort, style, and amazing summertime views.

The Cabanas at Ocean Casino Resort Are Worth It

If you think you know what a casino pool feels like, think again.

Ocean Casino Resort has completely reimagined the experience with its adults-only pool deck, offering a serene, elevated escape that feels worlds away from the main pool and beach.

No kids. No rowdy parties. Just calm vibes, ocean breezes, and a view that stretches endlessly across the Atlantic.

We spent the day bouncing between a daybed and a cabana, and honestly, both were incredible in their own way. The daybeds are comfortable for soaking up the sun, sipping cocktails, and watching the coastline shimmer. But the cabana is seriously next level.

The cabanas feel like your own private retreat. Think plush seating, shade when you need it, a TV, dining area, and a mini fridge stocked with complimentary water and soda to keep you refreshed. It’s quiet, intimate, and the views are unreal – parasailers drifting by at eye level, helicopter tours cruising the shoreline, and the iconic Steel Pier rides spinning in the background.

Located away from the main pool area, the cabana zone has its own exclusive pools and a jacuzzi, reserved just for cabana and daybed guests. It’s like a VIP hideaway within the resort, and it never feels crowded or chaotic. Just mellow groups enjoying their own slice of paradise.

Service here is top-tier too. Our server, Melody, was fantastic and kept the frozen cocktails flowing poolside all afternoon. We were in full vacation mode.

And if you really want to treat yourself, you can even book a massage right in your cabana. Exhale Spa & Bathhouse offers a few different styles. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like a deep tissue massage with the ocean breeze rolling in.

The Cabanas at Ocean are open daily, with food and cocktail service running throughout the afternoon. You can book online, and everything is designed for guests 21 and over. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, the drinks stay cold, and the only thing on your to-do list is to relax.

If you’re planning a trip to Atlantic City, this is the pool experience that changes everything.

Pool season runs late May through September. Cabanas need booking 1-2 weeks ahead for summer weekends. Daybeds are first come, first served.

Lucky Summer of Sevens: Ocean’s 7th Birthday Bash

Ocean Casino Resort is celebrating its seventh birthday, and the vibe is currently everywhere. The Lucky Summer of Sevens brings fireworks, special dining events, and over $7 million in prizes, but even without joining the promotions, the energy is contagious.

The Birthday Bar popup at 1927 Lounge, where the Jingle Bell Bar was during the holidays, features elaborate décor with a giant birthday cake photo op, red sequin walls, cherry decorations, and fun “Happy Birthday” banners. The Instagram opportunities are everywhere, and yes, we took full advantage.

Summer Dining at Ocean Casino Resort

Dining at Ocean Casino Resort goes far beyond tantalizing cuisine and carefully crafted cocktails. Award-winning chefs prepare international dishes across both upscale and casual venues, ensuring there is something to satisfy every craving.

Guests can savor Chef José Garcés’ Spanish tapas at Amada, enjoy late-night sushi at Zhen Bang, indulge in gastropub fare at Villain & Saint, or experience fine dining at Linguini By The Sea.

The Lucky Summer of Sevens celebration added special menus and happy hour deals throughout the property, making summer dining even more enticing.

Stephen Starr Debuts at Ocean

The biggest culinary news at Ocean this summer arrived on August 1st with two highly anticipated restaurant openings from James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr.

Chez Frites delivers stripped-down contemporary French flair with traditional steak and frites, while Sunny’s offers sundrenched American breakfast and brunch.

Starr grew up coming to Atlantic City, worked the boardwalk as a kid, and you can feel that personal connection in these restaurants.

Chez Frites Review: Paris on the Jersey Shore

We dined at Chez Frites on our first night. Walking in, the vintage French cinema posters covering the walls immediately set the mood. The bar area buzzed with couples sipping cocktails and we were seated in a burgundy leather booth that felt like it belonged in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Our server Jacob provided outstanding service with excellent recommendations. Chez Frites quickly became our favorite meal of the trip. We visited Paris for our anniversary and had steak frites and moules-frites there, and this experience transported us straight back to those French bistros.

Starr drew inspiration from traditional Parisian entrecôte restaurants where you could eat well and affordably, and he has brought that exact concept to Ocean.

Here’s what makes Chez Frites brilliant: The prix fixe menu keeps things beautifully simple. You start with mixed greens in white balsamic vinaigrette. Not fancy, just fresh and dressed. Then comes your choice of main course: prime steak frites, lobster frites, salmon frites, or salt baked celery root with black trumpet mushrooms for a plant-based option.

There’s also a small ala carte menu where we started with the Scallop Crudo. Three large diver scallops served in the shell and dressed with lime, passionfruit, and hazelnut oil. Each bite delivered sweet, tart, nutty, and oceanic flavors that set the tone for our meal.

For mains, we ordered both the steak and lobster to share. The steak arrived with an expertly grilled char and accompanied by a silver boat of béarnaise sauce. The lobster, a large South African tail, was tender and sweet. Its flavor was close to Maine lobster, a little firmer, and nearly twice the size. It was served with drawn butter and chimichurri. We wanted to order another.

But let’s not forget the frites.

Golden, crispy, perfectly salted, and unlimited. Our server Jacob mentioned people average two servings. We hit three without shame. They arrive hot, and just when you think you’re done, Jacob appears with “Would you like more fries?” Yes. Always yes.

Dessert was profiteroles, three choux pastries filled with vanilla ice cream. Jacob brought a small pitcher of warm chocolate sauce to pour over them for a dramatic presentation. The passionfruit almond tart provided a bright, tangy contrast. Both were exceptional endings to a meal that captured authentic Parisian bistro magic.

We stayed for nightcaps at the bar, not ready for the evening to end. The bartender made us New York Sours with egg white foam floating on top, a red wine float creating this beautiful sunset effect in the glass. The bar became our regular evening spot for the rest of the weekend.

Sunny’s Review: Breakfast & Brunch in Atlantic City

On our first morning, we headed to Sunny’s at 11 a.m. for brunch. Stephen Starr created the concept after sitting in the resort, looking out at the ocean, and thinking “sunshine.” That is exactly what you get. Eleven floors up, the space glows with morning light.

Coffee comes in bright yellow mugs. It’s a small touch, but it instantly makes the experience feel happier.

Our server Megan guided us through both the menu and the cocktails with spot-on suggestions, and she kept our mugs filled with hot coffee the entire time.

We started with the lobster roll, overflowing with large chunks of lobster lightly dressed in lemon mayo on a buttery toasted Portuguese roll. This is what summer tastes like. The Maryland crab cake followed, all jumbo lump with almost no filler, pan-seared golden and served with remoulade.

Then came The Elvis. This double-stack French toast is piled with peanut butter whipped cream, maple caramel sauce, sliced bananas, and bacon bits. It all works without being overwhelming. The peanut butter cream and French toast are lighter than you expect, while the banana, bacon, and maple pull it together. We love dessert for breakfast, and this one is fit for The King.

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We returned the next morning for simpler options. The Two Eggs Any Style came with crispy potatoes and bacon that started the day off right. The matzo ball soup surprised us on a summer morning, but those tender matzo balls in rich chicken broth with fresh dill proved comfort food has no set time or season.

Their already famous Monkey Bread also needed to happen. These warm, soft pillows came topped with cinnamon butter and served with icing for dipping. Fun to share and even better with coffee.

Sunny’s cocktails are just as memorable. The Spa Day blends Hendrick’s, aloe, cucumber, and mint into something that tastes like self-care, while the Tequila Sunrise Mimosa brings vacation vibes to any morning.

Amada by Chef José Garcés’

On our last night, we dined at Amada, Chef José Garcés’ Spanish masterpiece that we had discovered during our winter visit. The ocean views from the dining room are striking, especially at sunset.

We began with the Chef’s Special Ceviche served with crispy plantains. For tapas, the portions were generous and easily shareable between two people. The heat from the spices hit immediately, the kind of burn that makes you reach for a plantain and then go back for more. Fresh citrus balanced the spice, while the crispy plantains added a satisfying crunch.

Next, we enjoyed the albóndigas, lamb meatballs swimming in sherry and foie gras cream. The piquillos rellenos featured sweet roasted peppers stuffed with crab and topped with marcona almonds, delivering sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in harmony. We also tried the coca de costillas, a beef short rib flatbread that combines tender short rib, horseradish cream, crispy bacon, and arugula. The Amada empanada with spinach and Manchego was also delicious.

By the time the Tarta de Santiago arrived, an almond cake accompanied by white chocolate gelato and a bright amarena cherry, we were blissfully full. We had planned to order paella, but after enjoying the tapas, there was simply no way. A return trip is now absolutely mandatory.

Gaming and Evening Entertainment

The casino at Ocean itself spans 135,000 square feet with modern design that feels more Vegas than old Atlantic City. We tried our luck with a few fun games, bouncing between slots and table games. The contemporary design with sweeping fabric installations and dynamic lighting creates an energetic atmosphere that makes gaming feel like part of the resort experience rather than the only focus.

We spent evenings starting with cocktails at the Chez Frites bar or lobby bar before hitting the casino floor. But honestly, between the restaurants and pool, the gaming felt almost optional.

Summer vs. Winter at Ocean Casino Resort

Having experienced both seasons, Ocean masters seasonal transformation. Winter brought cozy Holiday Social Suites with hot cocoa stations and Christmas trees, the festive Jingle Bell Bar, comfort food at Harper’s, and warming cocktails by indoor firepits.

Summer brings a completely different energy. Sun soaked pool days, Stephen Starr’s new restaurants, frozen cocktails with ocean views, and that laid back coastal atmosphere that makes Ocean feel like a true beach resort.

Is Ocean Casino Resort Worth Visiting?

Ocean Casino Resort has redefined what Atlantic City can be and is absolutely worth visiting.

This isn’t just a casino with some restaurants attached. It’s a complete luxury resort that happens to have gaming if you want it.

Stephen Starr’s new restaurants alone justify the trip. Add the elevated pool experience, those suite views, and the wonderful summer vibes, and you have a destination that rivals any East Coast beach resort.

Since we’re less than 90 minutes away in Wilmington, DE – we’re already planning our return before pool season ends in September.

Whether you’re here for the food, the pool, or just to escape reality for a weekend, Ocean delivers an experience that goes way beyond what you expect from Atlantic City.

Planning Your Visit

Getting There:

• 1 hour from Philadelphia
• 2.5 hours from NYC
• Free self parking for Pearl members and above
• Valet available at entrance

Booking Tips:

• Reserve Chez Frites when you book your room
• Sunny’s takes walk ins but expect waits on weekend mornings
• Pool cabanas book up 1-2 weeks in advance for weekends
• Corner Studio Suites on higher floors are worth the upgrade

Best Time to Visit: Pool season runs through September. Weekdays offer easier restaurant reservations and more pool space. The Birthday Bar popup and Lucky Summer of Sevens celebrations continue through September.

➡ Ready to experience summer at Ocean? Visit theoceanac.com for reservations.