Planning a trip to Atlantic City and wondering about dining options? Many visitors inquire about the Tropicana Hotel’s buffet. While there was once a buffet called The Quarter, it is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, fret not!
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Tropicana Atlantic City did have a buffet called “The Quarter at Tropicana”. However, it was permanently closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This guide will explore alternative dining options available at the Tropicana Hotel and other nearby locations, ensuring you have a delightful culinary experience during your stay.
Previously: The Quarter Buffet at Tropicana
A Culinary Haven (Closed Due to COVID-19)
The Quarter Buffet at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City was once a culinary paradise for visitors. This expansive buffet offered an unbelievable array of food stations with cuisines from around the world.
Guests could indulge in made-to-order omelets, carving stations with prime rib, pasta prepared fresh, and extravagant desserts like gelato and chocolate fountains. With seating for over 500 guests, the glittering Quarter Buffet was a bustling spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Unfortunately, the Quarter Buffet has been closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many buffets were forced to shut down temporarily to prevent the spread of illness.
Nearly two years later, the Quarter Buffet has still not reopened. This has left a huge void for Tropicana guests looking for an all-you-can-eat dining experience.
Diverse Menu Options (No Longer Available)
In its heyday, the Quarter Buffet delighted guests with an incredibly diverse menu. The buffet showcased food from barbecue to seafood, Italian pastas to Asian stir fry.
Some of the most popular stations included the crab leg bar, taco station with made-to-order guacamole, carved turkey and ham, and a decadent dessert station.
With nine live-action cooking stations, there was always something hot and fresh being prepared right before your eyes. The chefs were from all over the world, providing authentic renditions of international cuisine.
Kids were drawn to the colorful fruit and cereal bar while those with a sweet tooth indulged in the lavish chocolate fountain flowing with creamy chocolate.
The extravagant Quarter Buffet offered an unparalleled Las Vegas-style buffet experience for Atlantic City visitors. Unfortunately, none of these diverse food options are currently available with the buffet’s extended closure.
Lively Casino Setting (Temporarily Unavailable)
Part of what made the Quarter Buffet so enjoyable was its lively casino setting. Located right on the casino floor, buffet guests could feel the energy and excitement of the gaming action while they dined.
Slot machines were always ringing and flashing neon lights surrounded the buffet entrance, creating a high-energy ambiance.
Many tourists planned their Atlantic City trips around the Quarter Buffet, knowing they could eat endless crab legs and sample decadent desserts while people-watching on the bustling casino floor. Friends and families gathered at large tables, enjoying the non-stop entertainment.
Unfortunately, due to ongoing COVID-19 health and safety protocols, most casinos are still operating at limited capacity. The vibrant, lively casino setting that was part of the Quarter Buffet’s appeal is temporarily unavailable.
However, Atlantic City regulars remain hopeful the Quarter Buffet will reopen in the future once casinos can safely operate at full capacity again.
Exploring Alternative Dining Options at Tropicana
Upscale Restaurants for a Fine-Dining Experience
Although the Tropicana Atlantic City no longer has a buffet, there are still plenty of fantastic upscale dining options for those looking for a refined culinary experience. The Chelsea Five Gastropub offers an eclectic menu with globally inspired shared plates and handcrafted cocktails in a chic, modern atmosphere.
For Italian fare, try the Olón which features homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas along with an extensive wine list. Seafood lovers will enjoy the fresh catches and ocean views at Bimmers, a steak and seafood restaurant overlooking the Tropicana’s beautiful beach and boardwalk.
And if you’re celebrating a special occasion, the Palm Restaurant’s premium steaks and legendary service make it a top choice for fine dining in Atlantic City.
Casual Eateries for a Quick Bite
When you want a fast, casual meal between gaming sessions, shows or beach time, the Tropicana has lots of convenient options. Grab a burger, shakes and fries at Chickie’s & Pete’s, a beloved sports bar chain known for its signature Crabfries.
For affordable comfort food, try the Marketplace Express food court with everything from pizza to tacos. Coffee lovers can get their caffeine fix at Starbucks or Auntie Anne’s along with breakfast sandwiches, pastries and pretzels on the go.
And for something sweet, indulge in cupcakes, cookies and custom cakes at the Boardwalk-facing Sweet Shop.
In-Room Dining for Convenience and Comfort
After a long day gaming and exploring Atlantic City, in-room dining is a convenient and cozy option. The Tropicana’s 24-hour room service menu ranges from snacks like wings and nachos to hearty entrees like steaks, seafood and pasta.
Late-night options like burgers, omelets and pizza satisfy after-hours cravings. And with prompt delivery right to your room, you can dine in your pajamas while enjoying the ocean view. Breakfast in bed is a great way to start the morning before heading out to the beach or casino.
With family-friendly favorites, health-conscious choices and decadent desserts, in-room dining makes it easy to refuel without leaving your room.
Additional Restaurants Nearby
As part of Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk, the Tropicana is surrounded by many dining options just steps outside the hotel doors.
Adjacent options include Latin cuisine and flaming cocktails at Azucar, authentic New York-style pizza at Tony Boloney’s, and East Coast oysters and seafood boils at Dock’s Oyster House.
A block away, Gordon Ramsay Steak offers the celebrity chef’s signature fare and lively ambiance. And streetside kiosks along the boardwalk serve fun snacks like fried Oreos, waffle ice cream cones, and salt water taffy as you stroll.
With so many excellent eateries nearby, you’ll never go hungry when staying at the Tropicana in Atlantic City.
Planning Your Dining Experience at Tropicana
Researching Restaurant Options and Menus
When planning a dining experience at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, it’s important to research the various restaurant options and menus ahead of time. The Tropicana website provides an overview of the different restaurants, bars, and lounges, along with links to view menus and make reservations.
You can also read reviews on sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google to get first-hand accounts of the food, service, and ambiance. It’s helpful to consider the cuisine, price range, dress code, and reservation policies as you narrow down your top choices.
Some of the most popular Tropicana restaurants include Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar for Cuban-inspired dishes and live music, Chickie’s & Pete’s for sports bar fare, and Olón for upscale Mexican cuisine.
Be sure to check out the menus in advance to get a sense of the portion sizes, signature dishes, and pricing. You may also want to note options that can accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, or preferences within your group.
Making Reservations (If Available)
Once you’ve decided on one or two restaurant options, the next step is to call ahead and make reservations if they are accepted. Many Tropicana restaurants, particularly the upscale venues like Olón, encourage reservations to secure a table.
You can call the hotel’s main number and ask to be transferred to the restaurant of your choice. Be ready to provide the date, time, party size, and any special requests. Making reservations takes the stress out of dining and ensures you won’t have a long wait.
For more casual spots like Chickie’s & Pete’s, you may not need a reservation on weeknights but it’s still wise to call ahead on weekends.
The host can give you an estimated wait time so you can plan accordingly. Walk-ins are generally welcome at most Tropicana restaurants, but reservations provide an extra guarantee.
Considering Dress Codes
When choosing a restaurant and preparing for your meal, keep the dress code in mind. Many Tropicana restaurants like Olón, Cuba Libre, and Il Verdi have business casual or smart casual dress codes, so men may need collared shirts and women stylish blouses or cocktail dresses.
This elevates the dining experience and ambiance. However, casual spots like Chickie’s & Pete’s, Starbucks, and North End Pizza have no dress code so jeans and tee shirts are fine.
If you have doubts about the attire, you can call ahead to double check. As a rule of thumb, avoid extremely casual clothes like ripped jeans, shorts, or flip flops if you want to enjoy one of the nicer Tropicana restaurants. Packing a dressier outfit is advised to keep your options open.
Exploring Online Reviews and Recommendations
Reading online reviews can provide valuable insider tips about the must-try dishes, quality of service, and overall dining experience at Tropicana restaurants.
Sites like Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor feature detailed reviews from diners that can help you manage expectations.
Sort by the highest ratings and look for restaurants with at least a 4-star average. Also check Facebook and Instagram for photos of the ambiance, food presentation, and recommendations in the comments.
Some examples of top-rated Tropicana restaurants based on online reviews include:
- Olón – Highly rated for ambiance, creative Mexican cuisine, and attentive service.
- Cuba Libre – Popular for its lively atmosphere, mojitos, and Cuban dishes like ropa vieja.
- Chickie’s & Pete’s – Casual spot praised for delicious crab fries and sports bar vibe.
Leveraging online reviews ensures you choose a restaurant suited to your tastes and gives helpful advice to maximize the experience.
Conclusion
While the Tropicana Hotel’s Quarter buffet is currently closed, a variety of exciting dining options await you. This guide has provided an overview of alternative choices within the hotel and nearby locations.
We encourage you to explore the diverse culinary scene and discover the perfect fit for your taste and preferences. We wish you a delicious and enjoyable dining experience in Atlantic City!
