The Hook

Atlantic City, NJ, United States

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The Hook

Atlantic City, NJ, United States

Firm

NOOD

Type

Cultural › Hall/Theater

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2023

SIZE

10,000 sqft - 25,000 sqft

BUDGET

$10M - 50M

Photos

Alex Staniloff (12)

The Warner Theatre, a revered 1929 Movie Palace, once a pinnacle of cinematic grandeur, lost its entertainment legacy by the 1960s. Enter The Hook, a new entertainment hub paying homage to the Theatre's illustrious past and the vibrant boardwalk it graces. It cleverly resurrects the Theatre's historic charm, utilizing its façade to evoke 1930s splendor, offering patrons an immersive journey from entry to seat.
Drawing inspiration from the Theatre's history and the boardwalk, The Hook's layout loosely mirrors the historic Theatre. Visitors step through the refurbished façade adorned with a new marquee honoring the original monument. The experience continues with a nostalgic nod to the Steel Pier's diving horse phenomenon through the Horse Dive Bar, featuring a 40-foot atrium showcasing original masonry and stained glass from the bygone Spanish Moorish vestibule.
The journey unfolds further through a reclaimed bowling alley, leading to the black-and-white striped threshold of Tides Out—a theatre bar reminiscent of classical vaudeville, circus acts, and Mark Ogge's renowned circus art. Bursting with vibrant colors, patterns, and dynamic lighting, this space transforms during performances, enveloping patrons in visual spectacle.
Passing through a corridor reflecting 1968's ambiance, patrons encounter the enigmatic purple door of Superfrico—an unconventional restaurant deemed party space accessed through a backstage-like service entry. The restaurant's setting juxtaposes theatre drops and lighting storage against a contemporary mirrored bar adorned with modern art and furnishings. Meanwhile, the main dining area nestled within modified dressing rooms exudes femininity, layered with dramatic artistry.