The Reserve at Bally’s
Atlantic City

OWNER: Harrah’s Entertainment
ARCHITECT: Westar Architects
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Weatherby Construction
TOTAL INVESTMENT: $1.7 million

With striking views of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no surprise that The Reserve, the newest restaurant at Bally’s Atlantic City, takes its color cues from the surf.

Throughout the contemporary space, designers emphasized deep electric blues and shimmering aquamarines against a sand-beige backdrop, then introduced a counterpoint of warm woods and copper tiles. The restaurant’s suede-covered walls are imbedded with a slight twinkle accent suggesting subtle movement.

Private booths line one wall at the new restaurant; wine and seafood displays flank the entryway to tantalize incoming diners. An open kitchen area “speaks to the fresh preparation of the food and the attention to detail that makes The Reserve one of the most sought-after seats in town,” says Paul Heretakis, vice president of Westar Architects, which transformed the former steakhouse into a luxe dining establishment serving equal measures of steak and seafood.

The $1.7 million renovation was part of an overall restaurant renaissance at Bally’s. It included a new bar that can serve as a pre-function space for private parties and after-conference happy hours, and can also host breakfast and lunch crowds. The Reserve has become a popular meeting place for diners and conventioneers alike. 

At 4,500 square feet, The Reserve occupies the same space that once housed Prime Place, a day-one eatery that closed after 28 years in February 2008. The renovation closed the restaurant for 12 weeks; it reopened as The Reserve last summer.

In addition to its ocean view, The Reserve overlooks formal gardens with fountains that front the historic Dennis Hotel, also owned by Harrah’s Entertainment, located on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Of course, the window seats are the most coveted in the house.