Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill is the newest dining concept from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
Although the tapas-style restaurant opened earlier this year, Hard Rock is publicly introducing Sandpiper. The timing is ideal since Atlantic City Restaurant Week runs from Oct. 3 to Oct. 8.
“We are thrilled to officially announce Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill, a concept that our culinary team has been working hard to develop over the last several months,” said Joe Lupo, president of Hard Rock Atlantic City. “Guests can enjoy an innovative, highly seasonal, and affordable menu with the same five-star service and hospitality that they have come to expect from our resort destination.”
Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill is located in the space formally occupied by Robert’s Steakhouse.
Sandpiper Coastal has local chef leading the way
The kitchen is overseen by newly-appointed executive chef John Zaitoun. A New Jersey native with over a decade of culinary experience, Zaitoun worked at his parent’s diner in nearby Northfield.
Prior to taking on the executive chef role at Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill, he worked as the sous chef of the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Signature menu items include spicy mussels, crab-stuffed oysters, shrimp & grits, kielbasa & cheddar pierogies, diver scallops with pork belly, and pork carnitas.
The beverage program focuses on “local craft beers, a hearty wine list, and herbaceous, fruit-forward cocktails,” the casino said.
Filling the void between fine dining and casual
Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill is the latest addition to Hard Rock AC’s food and beverage offerings.
The casino hotel already features high-end places, such as Kuro, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, and Il Mulino New York. More casual options, such as Sugar Factory, Hard Rock Cafe, and Fresh Harvest Buffet, are also available.
But, Hard Rock AC needed a middle-of-the-road dining experience, according to Charles Govan, food and beverage director at Hard Rock AC.
“We had a void where we needed to have a more affordable tier level in between the cafe and (our fine dining restaurants),” Govan told PlayNJ. “Sandpiper fills that void.”
Photos provided Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
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