Pickles to punk rocker Sammy Hagar return to Atlantic City food scene - Newark restaurant

Sammy's Beach Bar, the hottest on-the-beach party, returned to the Atlantic City Boardwalk on Friday, May 18.  Sammy Hagar, Rock 'n Roll Hall-of-Famer and founder of the Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, brought his signature lifestyle to the beaches of Bally's Atlantic City two years ago to an overwhelming response.  Sammy's Beach Bar will once again offer unique live entertainment, new drink specials and signature dishes with beachside access and views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Sammy's Beach Bar officially opens for the summer season on Friday, May 25, Memorial Day Weekend, with a performance by legendary reggae band, The Wailers. The band, originally formed by Bob Marley in 1963, will take center stage and perform a catalogue of their hits ranging from "I Shot the Sheriff" to "Get Up, Stand Up" and everything in-between. 

For the first time ever, Sammy Hagar's new Beach Bar Rum will also be available at Sammy's Beach Bar alongside Mexican fusion favorites such as Spicy Jersey Shore Fries, Sea Salt Spiced Peel & Eat Shrimp and Wabo Wings and Burgers. The Cabo-meets-Jersey-Shore concept will also boast a vast array of specialty cocktails such as Sammy's Maui Libre made with Beach Bar Rum and Malibu Cocktails, as well as specialty "cocktails of the day."

"What better way to kick it off Bally's summer of non-stop excitement then by welcoming back my good friend, rock 'n roll legend, Sammy Hagar." said Don Marrandino, Caesars Entertainment Eastern Division President.  "Last year Sammy's Beach Bar proved to be the region's favorite on-the-beach location for locals and visitors alike.  With The Wailers set to play on May 25, I can tell you we don't plan on giving back the title of Atlantic City's best beach bar."

"Atlantic City is becoming my second home so either I need to get a place of my own or Don needs to get a more comfortable couch," said Sammy Hagar.  "Seriously, I've partnered with Bally's for three years and it's been electric ever since. Now I'm so excited to be back launching my new Beach Bar Rum at my beach bar. So Atlantic City, consider this your warning - this summer is going to get loud."

Sammy's Beach Bar will be open on May 19 and 20 from 12 noon to 3 a.m.  Starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, it will be operational seven days a week from 12 noon to 3 a.m. A variety of packages and accommodations for parties of any size can be arranged through the Sammy's hotline at 609-236-6983. Additionally, Bally's is offering an On the Beach at Sammy's Room Package, which includes a $30 Sammy's Beach Bar food and beverage credit.  For more information please visit www.ballysac.com

On the Atlantic City Boardwalk, anything goes, especially outside Bally's. From punk rocker, Sammy Hagar's Beach Bar and pitchers of Margaritas to Pickles,  a resemblance of a New York-style deli. Pickles, which reopened yesterday, May 18, combines all the staples of a traditional New York deli while featuring premier Boardwalk seating.

The reasonably priced menu features such Jewish deli staples as Matzo Ball Soup ($4.95), Stuffed Cabbage with Gravy ($6.50), and Potato Latkes ($5.50). However, the real stars at Pickles are the over-sized and stuffed sandwiches; Corned Beef, Pastrami, Brisket, Tongue, Turkey and Reubens (all priced at $15.95). Hungry beach-goers looking for something "hot off the grill" will find huge Philly Cheesesteaks, Juicy Rib-Eye Steak Sandwiches, and several burger variations including the signature Pickles Pastrami Burger (all priced at $12.95).  Gigantic desserts include Strawberry Tall Cake ($8.00), Apple Pie à la Mode ($8.00), Death By Chocolate Fudge Cake ($8.00), Chocolate Covered Bananas ($3.50), and Cheesecake, described only as "the way it should be" ($8.00).

"Visitors wanted a summer dining destination where they could truly take in the beauty of Atlantic City's famous Boardwalk while enjoying some comfort food; so last year we at Bally's decided to launch Pickles," said Jerry Beaver, Director of Food and Beverage for Bally's Atlantic City. "This is Atlantic City's premier deli - maybe its only true deli."

Pickles officially opened on Friday May 18 with hours of operation from 12 noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 12 noon to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Outside seating on the Boardwalk will remain open until 10 p.m. seven days a week.  The traditional deli offers alcoholic options that include wines and beer.

To kick-off Pickles' mouth-watering menu, on May 31 SoJO 104.9 " South Jersey 's Own" radio station will offer a contest with five contestants battling against each other to pile up as many traditional deli meats and condiments to make the tallest sandwich in five minutes. 

For a chance to win one of the five spots in this epic "Man vs. Sandwich" showdown, listen to the SoJO's morning show with Tom Morgan from May 21-25 or enter simply by showing up at the Dennis Courtyard on Thursday, May 31 at 11 a.m. when one lucky person's name will be drawn for a chance to compete. Each of the five participants will be given a Pickles $25 gift card and a mid-week stay at Bally's. The grand-prize winner will receive a two-night stay at one of Bally's exclusive Ruby Suites and a Pickles $100 food and beverage credit. For more information visit Bally's, 1900 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, 609.340.2320.

Enjoy this article? For food news, recipes and an inside look at great restaurants and events, click on the "Subscribe" button above to receive e-mail alerts and please visit me at Shore Region Food Examinerand TastefulLiving.net.

What's on Your Mind...