Sandpiper Coastal Standard & Grill is the latest dining concept from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
Although the tapas-style restaurant opened earlier this year, Hard Rock is now publicly announcing Sandpiper. The timing is ideal since Atlantic City Restaurant Week runs from April 3 to October 6.
“We are thrilled to officially announce Sandpiper Beach Bar & Grill, a concept that our culinary team has been working hard to develop over the past few months,” said Joe Lupo, president of Hard Rock Atlantic City. “Guests can enjoy a modern, highly seasonal, and affordable menu with the same five-star service and hospitality they have come to expect from our resort destination.”
Sandpiper Beach Bar & Grill is located in the space formerly occupied by Robert’s Steakhouse.
Sandpiper Coastal features local cooking 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 previously worked at his parents’ restaurant in the local area of Northfield.
Before taking on the executive chef role at Sandpiper Beach Bar & Grill, he served as the sous chef at 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 robust wine list, and herbaceous, fruit-forward cocktails,” the casino said.
Stuffing the gap between good dining in addition to casual
Sandpiper Coastal Standard & Grill is the newest addition to Hard Rock AC’s food and beverage offerings.
The casino hotel already features upscale venues, such as Kuro, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, and Il Mulino New York. More casual options, like Sugar Factory, Hard Rock Cafe, and Fresh Harvest Buffet, are available.
However, Hard Rock AC identified the need for 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 a lower-tier level in between the cafe and our fine dining restaurants,” Govan told PlayNJ. “Sandpiper fills that gap.”
David Danzis is the lead writer for PlayNJ. He is a New Jersey native and an honors graduate of Rutgers University. As a newspaper reporter for the New Jersey Herald and Press of Atlantic City, David earned statewide awards for his coverage of politics, government, education, sports, and business. Today, he serves as PlayNJ’s Atlantic City “insider” and an industry expert on casinos, sports betting, and online gambling. David resides in Mays Landing with his wife and two children. When not on the beach, golf course, or snowboarding, David enjoys watching his beloved New York sports teams—the Yankees, Jets, Rangers, and Knicks.
