Northern NJ - 8

LGBTQ+ Northern New Jersey

Northern New Jersey 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 gayfriendly venues in this vacation town.

Adega Grill

Restaurant with grapevine murals & a fireplace serves upscale takes on seafood & Portuguese dishes.

130 Ferry St, Newark, NJ

Al-Basha

Low-key eatery offering an array of Middle Eastern & Lebanese dishes plus a kids’ menu.

1076 Main St, Paterson, NJ

Amanda’s

American eatery serving early-bird dinner, Sunday brunch & more.

908 Washington St A, Hoboken, NJ

Battello

Industrial-chic eatery offering a seafoodfocused menu of modern Italian fare, scenic views & a bar.

502 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ

Bonfire Mofongo House and Lounge

Part Caribbean restaurant, part nightclub hosting live music, dance parties & other events.

999 Market St, Paterson, NJ

Bravo Restaurant

Upscale-casual Italian chain serving pasta, grilled dishes, pizza & cocktails.

1000 Bergenline Ave, Union City, NJ

Campino Restaurant

Refined, old-school dining room serving traditional Portuguese & Spanish dishes.

70 Jabez St, Newark, NJ

Casa Vasca

Big portions of traditional Basque dishes served in a warm space

141 Elm St, Newark, NJ

CAVA

Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food.

30 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ

Chango Kitchen

Laid-back venue specializing in traditional Cuban & Latin fare, plus weekend brunch & cocktails.

301 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ

DOMODOMO

Elevated restaurant with outdoor seating offering nigiri, sushi rolls & seafood dishes.

200 Greene St, Jersey City, NJ

Don Pepe Restaurant

Traditional Portuguese seafood dishes with garlicky green sauce plus steaks in an old-world setting.

844 McCarter Hwy, Newark, NJ

El Chevere

Whole chickens roasted on the rotisserie plus Peurvian standards such as ceviche in a simple space.

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

El Tapatio Snug, mom-&-pop outpost featuring hearty plates of traditional Mexican fare. 104 Market St, Passaic, NJ

Elysian Cafe

Modern French bistro fare & classics in a restored saloon dating from 1895.

1001 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ

Five Stars Thai Petite, white-tablecloth find presenting spicy Thai favorites.

324 29th St, Union City, NJ

Fork Hill Kitchen

Casual spot for locally sourced eats including sandwiches & meat dishes. 201 16th St, Union City, NJ

Fornos of Spain

Large, bustling restaurant serving Spanish surf, turf & wines in an elegant, old-world setting.

47 Ferry St, Newark, NJ

Garcia’s Restaurant

Homey restaurant serving Ecuadorian cuisine, especially seafood.

800 John F. Kennedy Blvd West Union 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

La Cocina

Relaxed counter-service eatery offering Cuban-American sandwiches, empanadas, desserts & coffee.

61 New St, Newark, NJ

Laico’s

Long-running, brick-lined nook offering an array of Italian cuisine.

67 Terhune Ave, Jersey City, NJ

Maize

New American-Portuguese fare in an upscale, modern space with a lounge, set in a hotel near NJPAC.

50 Park Pl, Newark, 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

Porto Leggero

Upscale, chandelier-filled venue serving Italian fare in a high-ceilinged space with tall windows.

185 Hudson St, Jersey City, NJ

Rumba Cubana

Serving traditional dishes, shakes & cocktails in a tropical-themed setting.

235 Pavonia Ave, Jersey City, NJ

Satis Bistro

Rustic-chic eatery serving European fare like charcuterie, seasonal entrees & wine.

212 Washington St, Jersey City, 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

Steel Wheel Tavern

Modern American fare, cocktails & wines. 51 N Broad St, Ridgewood, NJ

The Cuban This bi-level restaurant offers Cuban fare, daily specials. 333 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ

The Kitchen Step

Light-filled, rustic-chic spot for creative New American plates & cocktails. 500 Jersey Ave, Jersey City, NJ

Vonda’s Kitchen

Neighborhood fixture preparing Southern comfort food with a twist. 183 W Kinney St, Newark, NJ

Zack’s

Familiar fare, such as burgers & pasta, with microbrews & weekend brunch. 232 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ

NOV 17

HOTTIES & ODDITIES

AT GEORGIE’S

Joe Cole & Skoot Golightly present a drag show at Georgie’s, starring Tastie & Morrigan Von Haunt with DJ UnclesNephew.

For more info visit: georgiesbarap.com

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:

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/event/nutcracker

JANUARY

JAN 15

DRAGONS & MYTHICAL BEASTS

Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical new show for the whole family! This Olivier Award-nominated show comes to the U.S. direct from the West End, from the creators of the international smash hit Dinosaur World Live, who bring spectacular puppets to life.

For more info visit: bit.ly/3wnMT1x

JAN 27-29

MY FAIR LADY

My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics

Concerto in A minor with UkrainianAmerican piano soloist, Stanislav Khristenko; and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major.

For more info visit: bit.ly/3wln95S

FEB 26

THE BEST OF JOHN WILLIAMS

WITH NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY

Celebrate the music of iconic composer John Williams as your New Jersey Symphony brings to life some of his most legendary film scores. Relive the magic themes of Harry Potter, Jaws, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and more! Hearing Williams’ music performed live is a true symphonic treat. Invite your family and friends for an awesome concert experience.

For more info visit: bit.ly/3Cldm3K

MARCH

MAR 3-5

ILLUSIONS

THE DRAG QUEEN SHOW

ASCAP and Spot-On Entertainment proudly present Jerry Herman: The Broadway Legacy Concert, starring a cast of New York’s top Broadway and concert vocalists celebrating the songs and the stories of one of the giants of musical theater.

For more info visit: bit.ly/3D5aNSe

APRIL

APR 1

THE PEKING ACROBATS®

A breathtaking spectacle 3,000 years in the making! The time-honored art form of Chinese acrobatics combines with traditional music and high-tech special effects for a jaw-dropping extravaganza. The Peking Acrobats join with The Shanghai Circus to perform thrilling stunts including juggling, tumbling, contortion, rope walking and trick cycling. Bring the whole family to experience this showcase of athletic precision and dazzling artistry.

For more info visit:

Black Bear Bar & Grill

Lively 2-level bar & grill on Hoboken’s main drag.

205 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ

Blitz Sportsbar

Sports bar serving American & Portuguese bite.

179 Wilson Ave #5317, Newark, NJ

Club Feathers

Buzzing gay nightclub featuring DJs, dancing & drag shows.

77 Kinderkamack Rd, River Edge, NJ

Georgies

Low-key gay hangout offering pool & karaoke, plus go-go boys & live music.

810 Fifth Ave, Asbury Park, NJ

Jamie’s Cigar Bar & Restaurant

Upscale Italian cigar bar for classic dishes.

915 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, 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

NJ Bar & Grill

Casual joint offering globally-inspired American eats, happy hours & trivia nights.

100 Randolph Ave

Mine Hill Township, NJ

Paradise

Over-21 nightclub & gay bar with entertainment.

101 Asbury Ave, Asbury Park, NJ

Pint

Neighborhood joint offering a wide range of American craft brews. 34 Wayne St, Jersey City, NJ

QXT’s Night Club

Alternative club spinning cutting-edge dance music until the early morning. 248 Mulberry St, Newark, 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

Tierney’s Tavern

Irish bar with 2 floors features darts, live music & comedy, plus a jukebox. 138 Valley Rd, Montclair, NJ

Watermark

Upscale lounge with mixed crowd. 800 Ocean Avenue, Second Floor Asbury Park, NJ

Wonder Bar

Quirky bar with frequent live music, TV sports & a dog friendly patio.

1213 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ

GAAMC

Not-for-profit volunteer-run organization that provides social, educational, and outreach programs. gaamc.org

Garden State Equality

Lifting up the diverse voices of LGBTQ+ communities.

1408 Main St, Asbury Park, NJ

Hudson Pride Center

One of New Jersey’s leading providers of LGBTQ+ cultural sensitivity training. hudsonpride.org 205 Brunswick St, Jersey City, NJ

Newark LGBTQ Community Center

A volunteer-run, community-based organization. newarklgbtqcenter.org

5 Washington St, Newark, NJ

North Jersey Gay Lesbian Bowling LGBTQ+ Sponsored Bowling League. njglb.net 200 US Rt 46 E, Elmwood Park, NJ

North Jersey Pride

LGBTQ+ events and activities to promote inclusivity, equality, awareness. northjerseypride.org

Qspot LGBT Community Center

Providing resources, referrals, education, and outreach. qspot.org 1601 Asbury Ave, Asbury Park, NJ

The Pride Center

Providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. pridecenter.org 85 Raritan Ave #100, Highland Park, NJ