THE PREMIER LGBTQ+ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
NORTHERN NJ Vol. 10
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+ Northern New Jersey Northern NJ has no shortage of LGBTQ-friendly cities. Asbury Park, Lambertville and Ocean Grove to name a few. The LGBTQ+ community can find the most support in Jersey City, New Jersey. In fact, Jersey City has been given the title of the “Queerest City in America’’ by LGBTQ Magazine. The Garden State’s second biggest city has a number of lesbian bars, available LGBTQ bed and breakfast hosts, trans pride parades, festivals, and more. Jersey City also boasts the largest LGBTQ+ community in the state. Asbury Park was a sleepy little Jersey Shore community until the gay community discovered it and turned it into the bustling resort town that it is today. Asbury Park is experiencing a resurgence as visitors from New York and other big cities rediscover it as a fabulous weekend getaway. Like any resort town, Asbury Park is most vibrant during the spring and summer seasons, but you’ll find a significant amount of active gay locals all year round. It won’t be hard to find gay-friendly venues in this vacation town.
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RESTAURANT GUI DE Adega Grill Restaurant with grapevine murals & a fireplace serves upscale takes on seafood & Portuguese dishes. 130 Ferry St, Newark, NJ
Chango Kitchen Laid-back venue specializing in traditional Cuban & Latin fare, plus weekend brunch & cocktails. 301 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ
Al-Basha Low-key eatery offering an array of Middle Eastern & Lebanese dishes plus a kids’ menu. 1076 Main St, Paterson, NJ
DOMODOMO Elevated restaurant with outdoor seating offering nigiri, sushi rolls & seafood dishes. 200 Greene St, Jersey City, NJ
Amanda’s American eatery serving early-bird dinner, Sunday brunch & more. 908 Washington St A, Hoboken, NJ
Don Pepe Restaurant Traditional Portuguese seafood dishes plus steaks in an old-world setting. 844 McCarter Hwy, Newark, NJ
Battello Industrial-chic eatery offering a seafoodfocused menu of modern Italian fare, scenic views & a bar. 502 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ
El Chevere Restaurant Whole chickens roasted on the rotisserie plus Peruvian standards. 258 Monroe St, Passaic, NJ El Conuco Restaurante Easygoing outpost for Dominican specialties such as mofongo, plus fruit juices & desserts. 715 Summit Ave, Union City, NJ
Bonfire Mofongo House and Lounge Part Caribbean restaurant, part nightclub hosting live music, dance parties & other events. 999 Market St, Paterson, NJ
Elysian Cafe Modern French bistro fare & classics in a restored saloon dating from 1895. 1001 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ
Bravo Restaurant Upscale-casual Italian chain serving pasta, grilled dishes, pizza & cocktails. 1000 Bergenline Ave, Union City, NJ
Five Stars Thai Restaurant Petite, white-tablecloth spot presenting spicy Thai favorites. 324 29th St, Union City, NJ
Campino Restaurant Refined, old-school dining room serving traditional Portuguese & Spanish dishes. 70 Jabez St, Newark, NJ
Fork Hill Kitchen Casual spot for locally sourced eats including sandwiches & meat dishes, plus weekend brunch. 201 16th St, Union City, NJ
Casa Vasca Big portions of traditional Basque dishes served in a warm space 141 Elm St, Newark, NJ CAVA Mediterranean restaurant serving thoughtful food. 30 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ
Fornos of Spain Large, bustling restaurant serving Spanish surf, turf & wines in an elegant, old-world setting. 47 Ferry St, Newark, NJ
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RESTAURANT GUI DE Garcia’s Restaurant Homey restaurant serving Ecuadorian cuisine, especially seafood. 800 John F. Kennedy Blvd West, Union City, NJ
Satis Bistro Rustic-chic eatery serving European fare like charcuterie, seasonal entrees & wine. 212 Washington St, Jersey City, NJ
Iberia Tavern & Restaurant Eatery with Mediterranean decor known for its abundant rodizio & seafood, with patio & parking lot. 80-84 Ferry St, Newark, NJ
South House Down-home Southern dishes & clever cocktails. 149 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ Spanish Tavern Longtime Spanish restaurant serving paella & other traditional dishes. 103 McWhorter St A, Newark, NJ
La Cocina Relaxed counter-service eatery offering Cuban-American sandwiches, empanadas, desserts & coffee. 61 New St, Newark, NJ
Steel Wheel Tavern Modern American fare, cocktails & wines. 51 N Broad St, Ridgewood, NJ
Laico’s Long-running, brick-lined nook offering an array of Italian cuisine. 67 Terhune Ave, Jersey City, NJ
The Cuban This bi-level restaurant offers Cuban fare, daily specials & live music in a stylish setting. 333 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ
Maize New American-Portuguese fare in an upscale, modern space with a lounge. 50 Park Pl, Newark, NJ
The Kitchen Step Light-filled, rustic-chic spot for creative New American plates & bespoke cocktails. 500 Jersey Ave, Jersey City, NJ
Mexico Restaurant Busy Mexican joint offering dishes like tacos, fajitas & enchiladas. 141 Market St, Passaic, NJ NICO Kitchen + Bar Sleek, high-ceilinged bar & bistro offering high-end Italian shared plates. One Center St, Newark, NJ
Vonda’s Kitchen Laid-back, neighborhood fixture with artful decor preparing Southern comfort food with a twist. 183 W Kinney St, Newark, NJ
Porto Leggero Upscale, chandelier-filled venue serving Italian fare in a high-ceilinged space. 185 Hudson St, Jersey City, NJ
Zack’s Familiar fare, such as burgers & pasta, with microbrews & weekend brunch. 232 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ
Rumba Cubana Serving traditional dishes, shakes & cocktails in a tropical-themed setting. 235 Pavonia Ave, Jersey City, NJ
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EVENTS SCH E D ULE DECEMBER
FEBRUARY
LET IT GLOW: A HOLIDAY LANTERN SPECTACULAR
ANNIE
DEC 1-3
FEB 2-4
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
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
FEB 3
NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY: 2024 LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
THE NUTCRACKER
This holiday favorite tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle toy soldiers and largerthan-life mice, and travel through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. 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
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
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
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
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EVENTS SCH E D ULE FEB 10-11
performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. For more info visit: bit.ly/3gGNjeo
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 show, stop by the lobby to shop for beautiful papercraft by traditional artists. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/ycyxba5u
APRIL APR 6
CAETANO VELOSO: MEU COCO
“One of the greatest songwriters of the century” (The New York Times), Brazilian legend Caetano Veloso returns to NJPAC. He’ll sing from his brilliant album Meu Coco, which The Washington Post calls “unsurprisingly gorgeous, adventurously polyrhythmic.” Caetano famously co-founded the provocative Tropicália movement of the 1960s, alongside artists including Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Tom Zé and his sister Maria Bethânia. Arrested by Brazil’s military dictatorship and exiled for so-called subversion, Caetano never stopped truth-telling through music. He continues to be a major artistic, social and cultural force in his home country and around the world. For more info visit: njpac.org/event/ caetano-veloso-meu-coco
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
MAY
MAY 11-12
MEAN GIRLS
Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. For more info visit: stnj.org/events/detail/mean-girls
MAR 16
ILLUSIONS THE DRAG QUEEN SHOW
Come see this amazing drag queen show and laugh your butt off all night long while being amazed by the stellar
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BAR GU ID E Black Bear Bar & Grill Lively 2-level bar & grill on Hoboken’s main drag. 205 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ
Paradise Over-21 nightclub & gay bar with entertainment. 101 Asbury Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
Blitz Sportsbar Sports bar serving American & Portuguese bites. 179 Wilson Ave #5317, Newark, NJ
Pint Neighborhood joint offering a wide range of American craft brews. 34 Wayne St, Jersey City, NJ
Club Feathers Buzzing gay nightclub featuring DJs, dancing & drag shows. 77 Kinderkamack Rd, River Edge, NJ
QXT’s Night Club Alternative club spinning cutting-edge dance music until the early morning. 248 Mulberry St, Newark, NJ
Georgies Low-key gay hangout offering pool & karaoke, plus go-go boys & live music. 810 Fifth Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
The Stone Pony National acts headline this rocking, historic music club known for launching Springsteen & Bon Jovi. 913 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ
Jamie’s Cigar Bar & Restaurant Upscale Italian cigar bar for classic dishes. 915 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ
Tierney’s Tavern Irish bar with 2 floors features darts, live music & comedy, plus a jukebox. 138 Valley Rd, Montclair, NJ
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen American restaurant including a raw bar, a rathskeller & a lounge, all set in a 1917 landmark. 110 South St, Morristown, NJ
Watermark Upscale lounge with mixed crowd. 800 Ocean Avenue, Second Floor, Asbury Park, NJ
NJ Bar & Grill Casual joint offering globally-inspired American eats, happy hours & trivia nights. 100 Randolph Ave, Mine Hill Township, NJ
Wonder Bar Quirky bar with frequent live music, TV sports & a dog friendly patio. 1213 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ
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LGBTQ+ COMM U NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
North Jersey Gay Lesbian Bowling LGBTQ+ Sponsored Bowling League. njglb.net 200 US Rt 46 E, Elmwood Park, NJ
GAAMC Not-for-profit volunteer-run organization that provides social, educational, and outreach programs. gaamc.org
North Jersey Pride LGBTQ+ events and activities to promote inclusivity, equality, awareness. northjerseypride.org
Garden State Equality Lifting up the diverse voices of LGBTQ+ communities. 1408 Main St, Asbury Park, NJ
Qspot LGBT Community Center Providing resources, referrals, education, and outreach. qspot.org 1601 Asbury Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
Hudson Pride Center One of New Jersey’s leading providers of LGBTQ+ cultural sensitivity training. hudsonpride.org 3000 John F. Kennedy Blvd # 306, Jersey City, NJ
The Pride Center Providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. pridecenter.org 85 Raritan Ave #100, Highland Park, NJ
Newark LGBTQ Community Center A volunteer-run, community-based organization. newarklgbtqcenter.org 89 Market St, Floor 2, Newark, NJ
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY COMMERCIAL LAW Kiernan Fischer LLC................................. 9
HEALTHCARE Bergen New Bridge Medical Center......................................... 5
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Pantheon Construction LLC.................... 9
HOTEL Embassy Suites by Hilton Berkley Heights.................... 15
CONTRACTOR Garden State Brickface........................... 3
KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING Pantheon Kitchens and Baths................ 9
CORPORATE LAW Kiernan Fischer LLC................................. 9
LITIGATION Kiernan Fischer LLC................................. 9
DOG DAY CARE Hounds Town Hillsdale............ Back Cover
MEDICAL CENTER Bergen New Bridge Medical Center......................................... 5
EDLER LAW Law Office of Robert A Bernstein Esq LLC............... 1
NON PROFIT Red Cross.....................Front Inside Cover
EVENT VENUE Embassy Suites by Hilton Berkley Heights.................... 15
REAL ESTATE Barbara Ostroth/Jeffrey Shapiro Coldwell Banker Realty........................ 13 C21 Preferred Realty............................. 17
FAMILY LAW Cipriano Law Offices............... Front Cover, Back Inside Cover
REMODELING Pantheon Kitchens and Baths................ 9
FINANCIAL ADVISOR Edward Jones Investments Jeff Lewis & Bob Pactwa...................... 15
TRUSTS & ESTATES Law Office of Robert A Bernstein Esq LLC............... 1
GIFT SHOP The Cupboard Shop.............................. 19
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