Central NJ - 9

THE PREMIER LGBTQ+ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

CENTRAL NJ Vol.9

SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule

TABLE OF CON TENT S

04 ABOUT GUIDE 06 RESTAURANT SCHEDULE 08 EVENTS GUIDE 16 BAR ORGS & ATTRACTIONS 18 LGBTQ+ DIRECTORY 20 BUSINESS

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ABOUT LGBTQ+ Central NJ For centuries, Central NJ’s position midway between New York and Philadelphia was a strategic asset for farming, industry, and in our nation’s struggle for independence.

Today, its farms, wineries, parks, and historic sites are just one small hour away for millions of visitors seeking to relax, reconnect, and rediscover.

Our educational institutions of Princeton University and Rutgers attract the best artists, musicians, and theatrical performances. Spend your days enjoying the great outdoors, followed by the stimulating night life of our college towns.

Central NJ also has some of the most LGBTQ+ friendly towns in the state. With that comes many places that members of the community can visit to spend their day. You’ll make new friends while hanging out with old ones and go home at the end of the day with fun memories to share.

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RESTAURANT GUI DE Agricola Eatery Creative farm-to-table fare is the draw at this modern eatery with an open kitchen & hip atmosphere.

11 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ

Jozanna’s Family-run place serving hearty portions of Italian food in a casual environment.

409 Lincoln Blvd, Middlesex, NJ Masala Bay Counter-serve Indian eatery with buildyour own naan wraps & bowls, and vegan options.

1135 Easton Ave, Somerset, NJ

Blue Point Grill Lively dinner-only spot serving up seafood from the neighboring market.

258 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ Enzo’s La Piccola Cucina Plates of pasta & other Italian staples served in an old-school space with live jazz monthly.

1906 Princeton Ave, Lawrence Township, NJ

Pizza ‘n Pasta Offering a friendly and vibrant atmosphere proudly enjoyed for over 30 years.

930 S Main St, Manville, NJ Rat’s Restaurant Country-style French dishes presented in a chateau-like setting surrounded by a sculpture garden.

16 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton Township, NJ

Erini Restaurant Mainstay for Mediterranean-inspired meals using area-sourced products.

1140 River Rd, Ewing Township, NJ Ferraro’s Pizzeria & Pub Great food, very friendly staff and good selection of quality craft beers.

275 Lincoln Blvd, Middlesex, NJ

Seafood Boil Cajun-style seafood boils & meals.

201 North Ave, Dunellen, NJ

Ganesh Divine Great Indian cuisine and friendly atmosphere.

619 Bound Brook Rd, Middlesex, NJ

Sophie’s Bistro Bistro offering French comfort foods in an antique-adorned space.

700 Hamilton St, Somerset, NJ

Girasole Family-run restaurant cooking traditional Italian fare with creative touches.

502 W Union Ave, Bound Brook, NJ

Stan’s Chitch’s Cafe Old-school bar known for its thin-crust pizza, Italian fare & lively atmosphere and sports TV. 14 Columbus Pl, Bound Brook, NJ

Hong Kong Garden Sit-down eatery for familiar Chinese dishes, from chow fun to sesame shrimp.

1760 Easton Ave # 4, Somerset, NJ

Steakhouse 85 Restaurant Steakhouse with a surf ‘n’ turf menu in an upscale space.

85 Church St, New Brunswick, NJ

House of Thai Curries, rice dishes & vegetarian Thai entrées served in a casual eatery with vibrant decor.

319 US-22, Green Brook Township, NJ

Vincenzo’s Ristorante Italian spot with wines by the glass & traditional meat & pasta entrées.

665 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex, NJ

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EVENTS SCH E D ULE NOVEMBER

Greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, Clara enjoys a suite of brilliant and joyful dances before opening her eyes to the familiar sights of her home, wondering if it was all a dream.

For more info visit: stnj.org/events/ detail/nutcracker

NOV 21

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS

For the 9th consecutive year, Murray & Peter present, A Drag Queen Christmas, the longest running drag tour in America. Get ready for your favorite queens performing live on stage. We’ve got Winners, Fan Favorites, OGs, Miss Congeniality, plus queens from Season 15 and All Stars 8. VIP Meet & Greet tickets are available. The M&G starts at 6pm. The show starts at 8pm. There will be a 20-minute intermission.

18+ welcome.

For more info visit: stnj.org/events/ detail/drag-queen-christmas

JANUARY JAN 5-7

COME FROM AWAY

This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them.

Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

For more info visit: stnj.org/events/ detail/come-from-away

DECEMBER DEC 1-31

LET IT GLOW: A HOLIDAY LANTERN SPECTACULAR

Let it Glow is a symphony of vivid glowing colors to tease your eyes and dazzle the mind. Come and enjoy an enchanting stroll throughout the zoo.

These larger than life lanterns are amazing in picture but stunning in person! With over 30 scenes, these hand-made artistic wonders are more breath-taking than the last! It’s one of those things you need to see in person to truly appreciate.

For more info visit: friendsofbergencountyzoo.org

FEBRUARY FEB 2-4 ANNIE

Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package.

Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production—just as you remember it and just when we need it most.

For more info visit: stnj.org/events/ detail/annie

DEC 15-17

THE NUTCRACKER

Celebrate American Repertory Ballet’s annual Nutcracker tradition with your family! Featuring a live orchestra and choir! This holiday favorite tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle toy soldiers and larger-than-life mice, and travel through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets.

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EVENTS SCH E D ULE FEB 3

show, stop by the lobby to shop for beautiful papercraft by traditional artists.

For more info visit: tinyurl.com/ycyxba5u

NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY: 2024 LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Join us for this evening of community and cultural exchange that is wonderful for families and children as we celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Music Director Xian Zhang ignited the first Lunar New Year Celebration six years ago, and this festive tradition continues with conductor Yue Bao and pianist Tony Siqi Yun. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/nhbvyayk

MARCH MAR 10

WEDDING BLISS EXPO

New Jersey’s Premier Wedding show designed for those with a high attention to detail and interests in the finest design-led products and services.

Our stunning, centrally-located venue of Hotel LBI will be transformed into a wedding wonderland to delight both couples and the industry alike as attendees are introduced to the area’s top creative professionals, industry leaders, planners, entertainers and vendors while enjoying a chance to network, exchange ideas and walk away empowered and inspired.

For more info visit: weddingblissexpo.com

FEB 9-11

THE CHER SHOW

The Cher Show is the Tony® Awardwinning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her: the kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon. The Cher Show is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy®, an Oscar®, an Emmy®, and enough Tony® Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have audiences dancing in the aisles!

For more info visit: stnj.org/events/ detail/the-cher-show

APRIL APR 6

STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI IN CONCERT WITH NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY

FEB 10-11

Coming to New Jersey from a galaxy far, far away—experience Star Wars: Return of the Jedi like never before as your New Jersey Symphony performs John Williams’ Oscar®-winning score live to the entire film. “You must feel the Force around you...” Watch the complete film unfold as the New Jersey Symphony performs John Williams’ legendary score live.

For more info visit: stnj.org/events/ detail/return-of-the-jedi-njsymphony

YEAR OF THE GREEN WOOD DRAGON

Welcome the Year of the Green Wood Dragon. Every year, the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company celebrates the lunar New Year with a spectacular performance at NJPAC. This year, we’ll embrace the spirit of the dragon — a symbol of power, strength, good luck, prosperity and happiness. Bring the whole family for this joyful display of Chinese dance, contemporary dance, acrobatics, vibrant costumes and live music. And of course, you’ll experience the dazzling Dragon Dance! After the

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BAR GU ID E Ivy Inn Enduring, laid-back watering hole.

248 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ

Alchemist & Barrister Quaint restaurant & pub offering up standard American bar food.

28 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ

Perlé Lounge Lively nightclub offering bottle service & cocktails.

13 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ

BLEND Unfussy, industrial-chic spot featuring local craft beers, beer cocktails & pub grub.

911 NJ-33 Hamilton Township, NJ

Six26 - Lounge & Rooftop Weekend drag shows & DJ music.

128 Columbus Dr, Jersey City, NJ

Club Feathers Long-standing gay nightclub on 2 floors.

77 Kinderkamack Rd, River Edge, NJ

The Dinky Bar & Kitchen Beer, cocktails & American plates.

94 University Pl, Princeton, NJ

Georgies Low-key LGBTQ hangout offering pub fare & cocktails.

810 Fifth Ave, Asbury Park, NJ

Tir na nOg Easygoing, festive watering hole with regular live music performances, including Irish artists.

1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton, NJ

HOB Tavern Old-school corner pub serving up beer, wine, spirits & traditional American meals.

146 2nd St, Bordentown, NJ

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LGBTQ+ COMM U NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS

Hudson Pride Center One of New Jersey’s leading providers of LGBTQ+ cultural sensitivity training.

3000 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ

PCNJ Out Bowling A social bowling club for Central New Jersey. pcnjoutbowling.com 1 Carolier Ln, North Brunswick, NJ

GAAMC NJ’s longest meeting LGBTQ+ social/ support/activism group.

21 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, NJ

The Pride Center Providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.

85 Raritan Ave #100, Highland Park, NJ CJPRIDE Matching diverse candidates for teaching positions. cjpride.com

Garden State Equality Advancing the movement for equality in New Jersey.

1408 Main Street, Asbury Park, NJ

Qspot LGBT Community Center Providing resources, referrals, education, and outreach.

1601 Asbury Ave, Asbury Park, NJ

Newark LGBTQ Community Center Providing safe space, programs, and services that support the well-being of the LGBTQ community and our allies.

89 Market St, Newark, NJ

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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY ARBORIST Bartlett Tree Experts................................ 5

MORTGAGES LoanDepot................................................ 7

GYNOCOLOGICAL SERVICES LivWell Healthcare............... Front Cover, 3

NON PROFIT Red Cross............................................1, 19

HEALTHCARE Bergen New Bridge Medical Center...................................... 13

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER Keep it Neat with Pam............................ 7 REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE LivWell Healthcare............... Front Cover, 3

HOME INSPECTIONS PG Home Inspections.... Back Inside Cover

RESTAURANT Pizza’n’Pasta............................................. 7

HVAC Coastal Air Conditioning................ 14-15 MEDICAL CENTER Bergen New Bridge Medical Center...................................... 13

RESTAURANT ACCOUNTING Strictly Restaurants Accounting & Hospitality Services........ Front Inside Cover, 10-11

MEN’S HEALTH LivWell Healthcare............... Front Cover, 3

TREE SERVICE & MAINTENANCE Bartlett Tree Experts................................ 5

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