For years, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall has been known as a go-to for its upbeat energy, robust beer selection, and lively gatherings on Atlantic City’s Orange Loop. But under the new leadership of Sal Spena, the venue is quietly entering a new chapter—one that blends its casual spirit with a distinctly elevated dining experience.
That reinvention comes to life through the launch of a monthly culinary series, a new hallmark of the Beer Hall’s elevated direction. What was once best known for its craft beers and laid-back vibe is now also a setting for thoughtfully curated beverage pairings and multi-course menus. These dinners mark a shift—inviting guests to discover a more refined side of Tennessee Avenue while still keeping its signature sense of community at the table.
Last month’s sold-out Taittinger Champagne Dinner gave diners a taste of this new direction. Five artfully plated courses—from a marinated scallop crudo with grapefruit and pink peppercorn to a seared sea bass with champagne beurre blanc—were paired with hand-selected bottles from Taittinger’s renowned cellars. Each pour, from the crisp Domaine Carneros Brut to the celebratory Nocturne Sec, was chosen to highlight the vibrancy of summer flavors, while desserts like lemon panna cotta with seasonal berries left guests with a sparkling finish.
This month, the spotlight turns to Napa Valley for the Cakebread Cellars Wine Dinner on Friday, September 26. The five-course menu will showcase dishes like seared ahi tuna with avocado purée, prosciutto-wrapped figs with blue cheese, and Colorado lamb chops with a merlot reduction, each paired with wines from the Cakebread family. The evening closes on a sweet note with lavender honey panna cotta complemented by a pinot noir reduction.
It’s more than just dinner—it’s an experience that captures the story of wine, food, and the way they elevate each other when carefully curated. At $75 per person plus tax and gratuity, the evening brings both accessibility and sophistication, offering Atlantic City a distinctive dining experience that feels elevated and inviting.
And this is just the beginning. With plans to release each dinner one at a time, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall is ensuring anticipation remains high and menus stay inspired. From Champagne houses in France to vineyards across California, the lineup is as adventurous as it is refined.
For Sal Spena, these dinners are about creating a new layer of connection. “The Beer Hall will always be a place for fun and community,” he says. “But with the culinary series, we’re showing how versatile the space can be—whether you’re here for a casual night out or a memorable culinary experience.”
In a city where reinvention is a tradition, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall’s culinary series is proving that fine food and wine don’t need to live behind velvet ropes. They can be shared, savored, and celebrated—one course, and one glass, at a time.
Cakebread Cellars Wine Tasting
Join us at The Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall for an exclusive evening celebrating the exquisite flavors of Napa Valley with a specially curated 5-course dinner paired perfectly with wines from the Cakebread Cellars family of vineyards.
Friday, September 26, 2025
7:00 PM 9:00 PM
Menu:
First Course Seared Ahi Tuna with Avocado Purée, Wasabi Foam, and Microgreens Paired with Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay Reserve Carneros (2022)
Second Course Mixed Greens with Goat Cheese, Candied Pecans, Strawberries, and Balsamic Glaze Paired with Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley (2022)
Third Course Prosciutto-Wrapped Fig Bites with Blue Cheese and Balsamic Reduction Paired with Mullan Road Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley (2020)
Fourth Course Grilled Colorado Lamb Chops with Merlot Reduction Sauce, Rosemary Potatoes, and Seasonal Vegetables Paired with Cakebread Cellars Merlot Napa Valley (2022)
Fifth Course Lavender Honey Panna Cotta with Fresh Berries and Pinot Noir Reduction Sauce Paired with Bezel Wines Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo Coast (2024)
This is a perfect opportunity to savor Napa’s finest wines alongside thoughtfully crafted dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Reserve your seat today!
Purchase tickets for the Cakebread Cellars Wine Dinner here
