Have you ever attended a bachelor party without a plan, intent on keeping things spontaneous? Ever found yourself unable to secure a table for dinner? Unable to reserve a hotel room at the last minute? Unsure how much the night is going to cost you? Annoyed with the other partygoers because no one can agree on *anything*? Every successful bachelor party needs some framework. Our recommendations will keep you engaged and entertained, while also helping you stick to a budget and allowing room for flexibility.
Your home base for the weekend is Ocean Casino Resort. Like the bride-to-be, it’s the prettiest girl on the boardwalk, yet somehow still attainable. If your crew is down to gamble all night, you’ll love it for the 12,000 square foot sports book, almost 2,000 slot machines, and 125 table games. If you’re just looking for a place to rest your weary head after a couple (dozen) beers, the rooms here are extra comfy, have amazing views, and are within walking or quick rideshare distance from all the destinations on our itinerary.
About half a mile from Ocean, on Baltic Avenue, is a one-stop pregame shop. There’s always that one guy who’s chronically late, even to his own wedding. We’ll call him Scott. While you’re waiting for Scott to show up, pick up some truly remarkable beers from The Seed: A Living Beer Project and take them next door to Westecunk Axe Throwing. Once a champion has been declared, walk to Little Water Distillery for a tour, a tasting, a cocktail, or all of the above. There is something for everyone here: whiskey, rum, vodka, and gin. You’ll see their spirits atop the shelves of bars all over the city, and for good reason.
It’s time to soak up some of that liquor with a delicious meal in a fun atmosphere. Scott said he’ll meet you over there. One of our favorite restaurants in the city is Dock’s Oyster House. It’s an upscale seafood restaurant, but it’s not even close to being pretentious. Flat screen TVs line the wall behind the bar, the piano plays 80’s Joel and not Mozart, the menu appeals to even the pickiest palates, and all at a reasonable price point, especially during happy hour. We recommend ordering several appetizers for the table: fried calamari, a chilled shellfish sampler, and both raw Cape May Salt and fried oysters. The cocktail program here is always evolving with the next big thing, and our current favorites are the Whole Lotta Love Negroni, 1897 Manhattan, Heavy Waters, and the Seasonal Old Fashioned. Dock’s Seafood Fry is a timeless classic, on the menu since their doors opened over 125 years ago. It comes with panko breaded shrimp, flounder, and a crab cake and is served with fries. For a lighter option, the pan roasted bronzino is served alongside quinoa and haricot vert with fresh herbs and a lemon beurre blanc. Our final entree suggestion is the seared sea scallops with mashed potatoes, broccoli rabe, and roasted tomatoes with a lemon vinaigrette.
After dinner, it’s time to check out the boardwalk bar scene, starting with Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall. With 40 beers on draft, 60 canned and bottled selections, indoor/outdoor seating, fire pits, games, and live music, it’s the perfect place to get your party going. When you’re ready to move on, you can take a beer to-go and walk down to The Yard at Bally’s, another indoor/outdoor venue. The Yard has an extensive cocktail menu, including draft cocktails, 33oz yard drinks, and, just what every bachelor party needs: specialty shots. There is live entertainment every Friday and Saturday with a really energetic vibe that will make you want to hang out until last call.
Lucky for you, there is no last call at Tony’s Baltimore Grill. This dive bar off the boardwalk is an AC institution. Come for the clams casino pizza, stay for the jukebox and cheap beers. TBG is an ideal hang when you’re just not ready to call it a night.
We assume that you’ll want to sleep in, rolling out of bed just shy of the 11:00am checkout time to make the 2 minute drive to Tony Boloney’s. This place is a hungover bachelor’s paradise. Think of the Fat Sandwiches from the Grease Trucks… on steroids, then add pizzas, fries, wings, and pasta to the mix. One of our favorite items is the Shitfaced 3000 sub: beer battered chicken, honey stout bbq sauce, smoked bacon, aged mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Fritos. The portions are generous here, so sharing is ideal. A sandwich, fries, and 2 slices of pizza will easily feed two people.
After a reanimating lunch, you’ll suit up for a thrilling afternoon at Gear Up Paintball, about 45 minutes outside of the city, in Hammonton. Admission is $39 per person and includes 500 paintballs, all day air, and all day play. Rental equipment is an additional $15. Extra balls and other gear can be purchased a la carte. Gear Up has a great environment for all skill levels. You’ll end your trip on an adrenaline rush, probably with a few sick battle scars and memories to last a lifetime.
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Please remember to drink and play responsibly.