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This thoughtfully designed pop-up at Ocean Casino Resort is worth the visit

I visited Ocean Casino Resort's America's Birthday Bar— Here's why it's worth the hype

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Ocean Casino Resort
Emily Caldwell / The Manual

There’s no question that Ocean Casino Resort is the nicest Atlantic City hotel & casino resort — and most Atlantic City regulars would agree. While there are other hotels I love for different unique reasons, Ocean Casino Resort is an overall great choice for the majority of visitors. You just can’t beat the vibes of Ocean Casino Resort that remind me more of Vegas than any other hotel resort in the area. From the taller ceilings to the modern rooms, the entire stay experience here is designed to feel a bit more luxury than was once associated with Atlantic City. Plus, you can’t beat those incredible ocean views you get from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest rooms.

Though I’ve been to Ocean Casino Resort many times in the past, my most recent visit made me fall in love with this resort all over again. Every time I come back here I find something new to explore — whether it’s the Enomatic wine dispensers at Bottled Wine Bar or Ocean’s 18 mini golf, this hotel is the spot to be for guests who want a different experience every time they visit Atlantic City. Sure, there’s something to be said for going back to your favorite restaurant or playing at the same blackjack table you always win on. But, frequent visitors like myself want something new to look forward to during every visit. It’s clear Ocean Casino Resort understands this, especially after checking out their most recent innovation: America’s Birthday Bar.

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America’s Birthday Bar is a pop-up, immersive themed bar located right off the casino floor. From craft cocktails inspired by iconic American flavors to festive decor, this place surely gets you in the mood to celebrate America’s birthday all year long. Right after I first entered the bar, I found myself impressed with the thoughtfulness of each America-inspired decoration. Here’s a look inside this immersive pop-up bar (and why you should go check it out before it’s no longer America’s 250th birthday year).

America-inspired crafted cocktails

Ocean Casino Resort
Emily Caldwell / The Manual

I love themed cocktails. In fact, I love them so much I even made sure to have a winter-themed Jack Frost cocktail at my December wedding. There’s something so fun about celebrating a season or a holiday with a festive drink. At this Americana-inspired pop-up experience, it’s pretty easy to get into the patriotic spirit. The themed cocktail menu includes a selection of beers, shots, and cocktails with festive names and ingredients. Some of my favorites I tried:

  • The Liberty Daiquiri, made with Liberty Rum, Passion Fruit Puree, Lime Juice, & Pineapple Juice (this was my personal favorite)
  • The Independence Cooler, crafted withAmerican Harvest Vodka, Watermelon Puree, Lime juice, and a touch of Red Bull White Peach
  • The Blueberry Bluecoat Smash, crafted with Bluecoat American Dry Gin, Blueberry Syrup, Lemon Juice, and Club Soda (you can also order this Ocean Casino Resort special drink at some of the restaurants across the resort).

While I’m not personally one for taking shots, you can also celebrate America’s birthday a little harder with some holiday-inspired shots like the Birthday Sugar Cookie. This bar does not offer any food or light bites, so it’s a great option to stop in either before or after a dinner reservation. I chose to go on the earlier side to get a great seat, but this bar gets really lively later in the evening.

America-inspired decorations at the Birthday Bar

Ocean Casino Resort
Emily Caldwell / The Manual

Yes, themed cocktails are an essential part of an enjoyable experience at a pop-up, seasonal bar like this one. But it’s only a part of what makes for a memorable night. I was so impressed with the quality of the immersive decor inside this pop-up lounge. From the hanging string lights above in red, white, and blue to the big birthday cake for America, the whole bar felt really fun. There were quite a few great photo opp spots, too.

Once you enter, you feel completely removed from the casino floor with fun elements like a light-up “ring my bell” sign and USA-themed decor from floor to ceiling. Whether you choose to sit right at the bar or take a comfortable seat on the couch near the piano, you’re truly immersed in the American spirit from all angles of this bar. The Statue of Liberty sculpture at the entrance of the bar is pretty fun, too.

Entertainment at Ocean Casino Resort

Ocean Casino Resort
Emily Caldwell / The Manual

Great drinks? Check. Fun decor? Check. Sure, these are components that can lead to a fun night out. But what sets a good night out apart from a memorable, great night out you’ll remember for years to come? Live entertainment. The centralized piano in the 1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino Resort can be heard from anywhere in the bar. The couches all face the piano, so you’ll get a great view from no matter where you’re seated. On the wall, there’s also several TV’s that run through a series of American history-related trivia questions, adding a fun element of something to do with your group when live entertainment is not on.

The live entertainment throughout the night really made the experience for my husband and I. Musician Steven Luhmann was playing, keeping guests engaged by taking song requests, giving opportunities for sing-alongs, and learning the guests names. Great live entertainment can make you want to hang around longer — and that’s exactly what listening to Steven did. If you find yourself in Atlantic City this year, a stop by Ocean Casino Resort’s Americana-themed Birthday Bar won’t disappoint. After all, it’s only America’s 250th birthday once.

Emily Caldwell
Emily Caldwell
Contributor
Emily is a Features Writer at The Manual, where she specializes in food, beverage, and travel content. She focuses on weaving… Read Full Bio
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