New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 


Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Named Among Nation's Best for Dining and Entertainment

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 09/16/2026

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City continues to position itself as a premier destination for award-winning dining and world-class entertainment, earning national recognition across several of its signature venues. From Kuro's acclaimed Japanese cuisine and Il Mulino's Old-World Italian fare to the star-studded performances at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the resort's culinary and entertainment offerings continue to garner praise from leading industry and consumer publications.

Kuro, the resort's Japanese craft kitchen, was recently honored with the title of USA TODAY 10BEST'S Best Hotel Restaurant. The restaurant has consistently been recognized as one of the nation's top hotel restaurants, ranking in the top three in 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024 before being named No. 1 in 2025.

Led by Executive Chef Leslie Daniel, Kuro features contemporary artisanal dishes using locally sourced and imported ingredients directly from Japan. Menu items boast complex and balanced flavors that are designed with sharing in mind. Menu items include premium-grade sushi, sashimi and hand rolls, A5 Japanese Wagyu Beef, a variety of Robata Charcoal Grill skewers, and delectable desserts. Designed to accommodate all guests, Kuro also features a selection of gluten-free and vegan dining options.

Hard Rock Atlantic City's Italian restaurant, Il Mulino, was recently named one of OpenTable's Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America, the only New Jersey restaurant to make the list. The highly acclaimed rustic Old-World Italian eatery offers small-batch cooking and handcrafted foods. Offering seasonally inspired menus, Il Mulino showcases the finest produce, fish, lamb and cured meats alongside homemade cheeses and carefully crafted pastas.

"We are so proud of our incredible food and beverage team for achieving these prestigious honors," said George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Atlantic City. "The commitment and standards built by our extraordinary team members speak volumes and are rooted in dedication and a commitment to service at every single level. These awards belong to each and every one of them."





 

Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



Adding to the resort's impressive list of accolades, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the resort's preeminent entertainment venue, earned the No. 4 spot on the Pollstar's 2026 Top 25 U.S. Casino Venues list, reinforcing its reputation as one of the Northeast's premier live entertainment destinations.

The 5,500-seat Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena is a world-class entertainment destination located inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems make it the perfect venue for hosting concerts, comedians, boxing and MMA matches, award shows, and more. Previous A-list entertainers who have graced the stage include Kelly Clarkson, Stevie Nicks, Guns N Roses, Kenny Cheseney, Diana Ross, Pitbull, Kevin Hart, and more.

"Being ranked among the nation's top casino entertainment venues is a tremendous honor," said Goldhoff. "This recognition reflects our commitment to excellence for every headliner that takes the Hard Rock stage and their fans across music genres."

Hard Rock Atlantic City's recognition extends across several additional categories. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort's signature steakhouse, received a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the sixth consecutive year and Reviewed.com named Council Oak Steaks & Seafood the 2026 Best Casino Chophouse along with Hard Rock Atlantic City being named as the 2026 Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas.

These accolades underscore Hard Rock Atlantic City's continued commitment to delivering exceptional culinary offerings, headline entertainment, and all-around memorable guest experiences.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info






Your shows can be listed here for just $10
click here for more information

Dementia

Dementia Man, An Existential Journey

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 11:00am
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ

Is it possible to believe in a meaningful future with a neurocognitive disease?


Lou

Lou Antonucci - "You, Me, & Harry" Celebrating The Music of Harry Chapin​

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ

"You, Me & Harry" offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the music of Harry Chapin, transcending the typical tribute show. By integrating lesser-known anecdotes and backstories with a captivating solo musical performance, this show delves into Harry Chapin's multifaceted career - not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a storyteller, filmmaker, and, most importantly, as a humanitarian. His music resonates deeply, embodying truth, emotion, and purpose.


Will

Will Hoge

Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ

Will Hoge has a career whose milestones include Number One hits, Grammy nods, major-label record deals, and hard-won independence. Years before Americana music received its own category at the Grammy Awards, Hoge was on the frontlines, helping to pilot and popularize the genre's blend of American roots music. In the current digital era dominated by influencers seeking shortcuts to stardom, Will Hoge proudly treads the scenic route, immersing himself in the journey rather than fixating on the destination.


Teenage

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 35mm

Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ

Raised in the sewers of New York, bathed in radioactive ooze, and trained in the art of ninjutsu by their rat sensei Splinter, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael – are heroes in a half shell!


ADVANCED EVENTS

To search for a single date, choose the same starting and ending date.

Starting Date:
     

Ending Date:
     

All Events art comedy dance
film kids music theatre
community

North Jersey Central Jersey
South Jersey


 


EVENT PREVIEWS

(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Send Me No Flowers from September 16 through October 22, 2026. When George Kimball, a Westchester commuter with a flair for hypochondria, overhears his doctor discussing a heart patient, he’s convinced his time has come.

SOPAC presents "The Unwitting Magician" on September 16th

SOPAC presents "The Unwitting Magician" on September 16th

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents The Unwitting Magician on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Is it a play? Sort of. Is it a reading? Kind of. Is it a magic show? Sure. With a magician? Definitely not.

LOVERULES at Rutgers Shines the Spotlight on a Jersey-Born Artist and Activist

LOVERULES at Rutgers Shines the Spotlight on a Jersey-Born Artist and Activist

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, the largest exhibition of art by Hank Willis Thomas in New Jersey to date, runs from September 17 to December 20, 2026 in the Voorhees Gallery of Zimmerli Art Museum.

Twenty-fifth Season of Westminster Conservatory Noontime Recitals Opens on September 17th

Twenty-fifth Season of Westminster Conservatory Noontime Recitals Opens on September 17th

(LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ) -- On Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 12:15pm, the 25th season of Westminster Conservatory at Nassau will open with a recital of music for solo piano by Korean composers. The performer, Eunju Kim, is a member of the teaching faculty of Westminster Conservatory. The recital will take place in the Niles Chapel of Nassau Presbyterian Church (61 Nassau Street) in Princeton. It is open to the public free of charge.

The Newton Theatre presents Molly Tuttle on September 17th

The Newton Theatre presents Molly Tuttle on September 17th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Molly Tuttle on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. Molly is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and virtuosic guitarist whose innovative blend of bluegrass, Americana, pop, and rock has made her one of the most dynamic artists in modern roots music.

SOPAC

SOPAC's Herb + Milly Iris Gallery Presents unveiled26, Celebrating the Artists of the 23rd Annual Studio Tour SOMA

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents unveiled26, an exhibition featuring works by artists from South Orange and Maplewood, opening Thursday, September 17, at the Herb + Milly Iris Gallery. The exhibition will remain on view through November 8, 2026.

The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Will Hoge on September 17th

The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Will Hoge on September 17th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Will Hoge on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Hoge has a career whose milestones include Number One hits, Grammy nods, major-label record deals, and hard-won independence.

PEAK Performances welcomes A.I.M by Kyle Abraham with White Space on September 17th

PEAK Performances welcomes A.I.M by Kyle Abraham with White Space on September 17th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- PEAK Performances at Montclair State University welcomes acclaimed choreographer Kyle Abraham and his celebrated contemporary dance company A.I.M for White Space, a haunting new evening-length work, co-commissioned by PEAK Performances, coming to Montclair State University on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 7:30pm.

Lighthouse International Film Society presents a screening of "Ask E. Jean" on September 17th

Lighthouse International Film Society presents a screening of "Ask E. Jean" on September 17th

(LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ) -- The Lighthouse International Film Society presents a screening of Ask E. Jean on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is director Ivy Meeropol's acclaimed new documentary about journalist, author and legendary advice columnist E. Jean Carroll.

Collingswood Community Theater presents Musical Comedy Cabaret on September 18th

Collingswood Community Theater presents Musical Comedy Cabaret on September 18th

(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- Collingswood Community Theater presents Musical Comedy Cabaret on Friday, September 18, 2026 in the Collingswood Grand Ballroom. The event begins at 7:30pm. This is a fundraiser for the company.