New Jersey has a number of bars and clubs that serve the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. Many of these bars are located in the northern New Jersey, close to New York City, but others can be found in the central and southern regions of the state.
Having opened in 1944, the Den in the Central Jersey town of Somerset is New Jersey's oldest gay bar. The family-owned establishment survived a six-year legal fight in the 1960s for being an "apparent homosexual" gathering place, which was then illegal. The bar is still going strong, with weekly events like College Night that cater to students of nearby Rutgers University.
The Den Night Club
700 Hamilton St.
Somerset, NJ 08873
732-545-7329
dennightclub.com
Paradise gained instant credibility within the gay community because its owner, Shep Pettibone, has produced and mixed hits for the likes of Madonna and George Michael. Located inside the Empress Hotel in Asbury Park, Paradise regularly features guest DJs, dance parties and karaoke nights.
Paradise
101 Asbury Ave.
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-988-6663
paradisenj.com
Atlantic City's only bar catering to the LGBT crowd, Westside is open until 4 a.m. or later seven days a week. The bar's events include a weekly Fab Fridays DJ night with no cover charge and Latin Night every Sunday. The bar also offers Happy Hour on Friday starting at 6 p.m.
Westside Bar & Lounge
511 North Arkansas Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-344-0883
myspace.com/westsidebarac
Switch is a Northern New Jersey establishment open 365 days a year. Its calendar is packed with karaoke, drag shows and country line dancing. Patrons can play pool or video games, watch television on the big screen or relax on the outdoor patio or in the smoking lounge.
Switch Nightclub
202 Myrtle Ave.
Boonton, NJ 07005
973-263-4000
switchbar.com
Club Feathers is located in the North Jersey town of River Edge not far from Manhattan. Entertainment includes bingo, drag shows and weekend dance nights, most of which require a cover charge. Latin Thursdays is a popular weekly event.
Club Feathers
77 Kinderkamack Rd.
River Edge, NJ 07661
201-342-6410
clubfeathers.com/index.html
The Cage serves the gay and lesbian communities of Hoboken with Happy Hour every day from 5 to 9 p.m. and a different type of music on the dance floor each night. Wednesday is Ladies Night with a mix of top 40, hip-hop and R&B music. The Cage also hosts karaoke and a buffet on Fridays and bingo on Sundays.
The Cage
32 Newark St.
Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-216-1766
http://www.thecagehoboken.com/
