Cape may gay bar

What to perform in Philly this week

Provincetown and Rehoboth may be among the most famous gay destinations on the East Coast, but did you know that the Jersey Shore is also dwelling to several LGBT-friendly beach communities? Within just a scant hours or less from downtown Philly are stunning stretches of sand that have become both official and unofficial havens for slathering on out and proudness “down the shore.”

Asbury Park’s beach and beyond

Asbury Park has become an LGBT mecca in recent years thanks to a boom in gay-friendly shops, restaurants and nightlife less than 55 miles from Fresh York City. And while there’s no “official” gay beach at this North Jersey hot notice, the sand between 4th and 5th Avenues at Convention Hall has grow an unofficial gathering place for all things fierce. In fact, the location is ideal for catching some rays (and waves) and tapping into the mile-long boardwalk attractions – everything from noshing to shopping (there are lots of great boutiques featuring local designers).

Beyond the beach, the town is

Magnificent artwork, custom wallpaper and an iconic fireplace combine with a grand circular bar and delicious list of cocktails, creating a unusual and intimate vibe.

CONGRESS HALL CLASSICS

Blackberry Bramble17.00

alibi gin, lemon, blackberry

Centennial Martini18.00

grey goose vodka, blood orange pomegranate

Cherry Bourbon Sour16.00

redemption bourbon, lemon, luxardo

Congressional Cosmo17.00

absolut citron vodka, orange liqueur, lime, white cranberry

Easy Livin'15.00

carpano bianco, beach plum farm mint, club

Espresso Martini17.00

absolut vanilia vodka, caffè borghetti

Perry Street Paloma18.00

solento organic reposado tequila, lime, sparkling grapefruit

Jalapeño Gimlet17.00

tanteo tequila, thyme, lime

The Antique Admiral19.00

patron cristalino añejo tequila, aperol, carpano bianco

The West Wing16.00

union mezcal, pineapple, lime, pinot noir

ALCOHOL - FREE

Zero Bramble12.00

blackberry, lemon, ginger beer

Higbee Spritz12.00

strawberry, jalapeño, lemon, bubbles

Cucumber Mint Mule13.00

beach plum farm cucumber, mint, lime, ginger beer

FEATURED BEERS

Miller Lite7.00

Allagash Surf Hous

Under the Rainbow: The story of GABLES

Seldom do I write a feature in which I am a key player. It was a moment of mixed reaction when I was assigned to write a piece on GABLES of Cape May County, a nonprofit LGBT community group celebrating its 23rd year. Having been an active member of GABLES since 1996, my head was in a scramble wondering on which of its many charitable accomplishments I should focus, which of the countless socials or cabaret shows I should recount, trying to decide on which of the monumental legislative issues I should mention in which GABLES played a contributing role. Yet, with all the excitement in knowing I would be sharing the GABLES stories with others, it was also a sobering moment for me to realize how far we, as a gay and lesbian organization, had come in being seen as equals in our collective. Here was a moment when Cape May Magazine, an established publication, was turning the spotlight on the group that not terribly long ago was chastised, threatened, and even shunned by local print media simply based on the sexual identity of its members.  

To best perceive the formation and significance of GABLES in Cape May County, I’ll begin by taking a look at

It’s About Time! AC Gets Its First LGBTQ+ Bar in 20 Years

The announcement that a new LGBTQ+ owed and operated restaurant and bar is opening in Atlantic City has to be a source of joy and pride for people who live in one of the most gay-friendly places in the nation.

The ByrdCage will be the first gay club in Atlantic City since Studio Six closed in 2004.

The ByrdCage is Coming to Atlantic City

The ByrdCage, located at 3426 Atlantic Ave. (formerly the swingers club Role Play Lounge and most recently Good Pup Bar), will be a restaurant and bar and much more, says owner Jason Tell, an award-winning caterer and party planner recognized as Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best Party Planner.” 

Jason has over three decades of experience in the diet and beverage industry, having worked in or owning restaurants in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and Cape May County.

His concept for the ByrdCage aims to offer a unique and inclusive space for everyone -gay and straight alike-to enjoy.

“We are so excited to deliver the ByrdCage to life,” says Tell. “This is not just a restaurant or a bar—this is a space where the enti