{{short description|Gay bar in Asbury Park, New Jersey}} {{other uses|Georgie (disambiguation)}} {{good article}} {{Use American English|date=August 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2020}} {{Infobox venue | name = Georgies | logo_image = | logo_caption = | image = Georgies entrance.jpg | image_size = | image_alt = Dark wall with white text and white door at night | caption = Entrance to Georgies | pushpin_map = USA New Jersey Monmouth County | pushpin_mapsize = | pushpin_map_caption = | pushpin_label_position = | pushpin_relief = | address = 810 5th Avenue | location = Asbury Park, New Jersey, US | coordinates = {{Coord|40.2256|-74.0127|type:landmark|display=inline,title}} | elevation = | type = {{flatlist| *Gay bar *dive bar }} | broke_ground = | built = | opened = 1999 | renovated = | expanded = | closed = | demolished = | owner = | operator = Joe Cole | surface = | scoreboard = | production = | cost = | architect = | builder = | project_manager = | structural_engineer = | services_engineer = | general_contractor = | main_contractors = | seating_type = | capacity = | suites = | record_attendance = | dimensions = | field_shape = | acreage = | volume = | tenants = | embedded = | website = {{URL|georgiesbarap.com}} | public_transit = Asbury Park station }}

'''Georgies''', also spelled '''Georgie's''',<ref name="usa">{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/08/19/lgbtq-bars-fight-survive-covid-19-these-spaces-need-saved/3399667001/ |title=LGBTQ bars work to survive COVID-19: 'These spaces need to be saved.' |last=Biese |first=Alex |date=August 19, 2020 |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821205427/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/08/19/lgbtq-bars-fight-survive-covid-19-these-spaces-need-saved/3399667001/ |archive-date=August 21, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://heavy.com/news/2019/11/pissi-myles/ |title=Pissi Myles Is the Drag Queen at the Impeachment Hearings |date=November 14, 2019 |last=Farrell |first=Paul |access-date=October 29, 2020 |website=Heavy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610153148/https://heavy.com/news/2019/11/pissi-myles/ |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |url-status=live}};<br>{{cite news |url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/what-to-do-asbury-park |title=Why Asbury Park Is the Coolest Place on the Jersey Shore |date=July 24, 2018 |last=Rizzo |first=Cailey |magazine=Travel + Leisure |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625013343/https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/what-to-do-asbury-park |archive-date=June 25, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> is a gay dive bar in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Opened in 1999, it is known colloquially as "the gay Cheers". In addition to static entertainment such as pool and sports match broadcasts, Georgies features live programs most nights; these include go-go dancing, karaoke and drag shows. The bar also hosts a variety of fundraisers to benefit the local community. Georgies closed for several months in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it reopened for outdoor service in June and for limited indoor service in September of the same year. Critics note Georgies for its relaxed, non-judgmental atmosphere and its tight-knit community of regulars.

==Description==

[[File:Georgies stage.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Stage with wooden wall adorned with mirrors|Stage area with the bar, outfitted with plastic dividers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visible in the mirrors]]

Located on Fifth Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Georgies is a dive bar that caters to the LGBT community. It is known for its neighborly, accepting environment, for which reason it is nicknamed "the gay Cheers".<ref name="app1" /><ref name="app2">{{cite news |url=https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/dining/2019/09/04/nj-bars-best-bars-asbury-park/2142083001/ |title=NJ bars: These are the 11 best bars in Asbury Park |date=September 4, 2019 |last=Marabella |first=Courtney |newspaper=Asbury Park Press |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029110542/https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/dining/2019/09/04/nj-bars-best-bars-asbury-park/2142083001/ |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/opinion-head-asbury-park-perfectly-gay-weekend-n637121 |title=Opinion: Head to Asbury Park for a Perfectly Gay Weekend |date=August 30, 2016 |last=Smith |first=Rob |website=NBCNews.com |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121210910/https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/opinion-head-asbury-park-perfectly-gay-weekend-n637121 |archive-date=November 21, 2017 |url-status=live}};<br>{{cite news |url=https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/2018/11/19/8-out-world-jersey-thanksgiving-eve-nightclub-parties/1990796002/ |title=8 out of this world Jersey Thanksgiving Eve nightclub parties |date=November 19, 2018 |last=Jordan |first=Chris |newspaper=Asbury Park Press |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029231741/https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/2018/11/19/8-out-world-jersey-thanksgiving-eve-nightclub-parties/1990796002/ |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Liz Dennerlein of the ''Asbury Park Press'' wrote: "[T]he tables are a bit run down, the bar still only accepts cash, but inside clients feel at home."<ref name="app1" /> Patrons vary widely in age, and staff estimate that approximately 75% of their customers are regulars. Managed by Joe Cole, the venue hosts live entertainment most nights.<ref name="app1" /><ref name="app2019" /> According to the ''Asbury Park Press'', "Monday night features half-priced drinks and free pool. Tuesdays feature go-go boys at 10 p.m. Wednesdays feature a karaoke dance party. Thursday is drag night. Friday is beer pong night. Saturday is all-day karaoke."<ref name="app1" /> Georgies also broadcasts live sports matches, such as football games.<ref name="app1" /> The bar's pool table is particularly popular because few other establishments in Asbury Park have one.<ref name="njrank">{{cite news |url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2016/05/all_39_asbury_park_bars_ranked.html |title=The ultimate ranking of all 39 bars in Asbury Park |last=Olivier |first=Bobby |date=May 25, 2016 |website=NJ.com |publisher=Advance Publications |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029225132/https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2016/05/all_39_asbury_park_bars_ranked.html |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==History== Georgies opened in 1999.<ref name="app1">{{cite news |url=https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/2015/11/01/georgies-gay-cheers-jersey-shore/74620186/ |title=Georgies: The gay 'Cheers' of the Jersey Shore |date=November 1, 2015 |last=Dennerlein |first=Liz |newspaper=Asbury Park Press |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029084056/https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/2015/11/01/georgies-gay-cheers-jersey-shore/74620186/ |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to its regular weekly programming, the bar has been the site of a number of larger events and fundraisers. During the holiday season of 1999, Georgies founded the Asbury Park Toy Drive for local children; the charity event subsequently grew into an annual, citywide undertaking.<ref name="toy">{{cite news |url=https://www.app.com/story/news/local/eatontown-asbury-park/asbury-park/2015/12/19/asbury-park-toy-drive/77365752/ |title=The Christmas elves of Asbury Park |date=December 19, 2015 |last1=Solis |first1=Steph |last2=Mikle |first2=Jean |newspaper=Asbury Park Press |access-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030131759/https://www.app.com/story/news/local/eatontown-asbury-park/asbury-park/2015/12/19/asbury-park-toy-drive/77365752/ |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> The bar regularly hosts Pride celebrations<ref name="app2019">{{cite news |url=https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/events/2019/05/28/pride-50-years-after-stonewall-lgbtq-community-allies-stand-together-june/1119874001/ |title=Pride: 50 years after Stonewall, LGBTQ community and allies stand together in June |date=May 28, 2019 |last=Biese |first=Alex |access-date=October 29, 2020 |newspaper=Asbury Park Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029230326/https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/events/2019/05/28/pride-50-years-after-stonewall-lgbtq-community-allies-stand-together-june/1119874001/ |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="pride18">{{cite news |url=https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/events/2018/05/31/lgbt-pride-10-ways-celebrate-pride-month-jersey-shore/651231002/ |title=LGBT Pride: 10 ways to celebrate Pride Month at the Jersey Shore |last=Biese |first=Alex |date=May 31, 2018 |newspaper=Asbury Park Press |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029233602/https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/events/2018/05/31/lgbt-pride-10-ways-celebrate-pride-month-jersey-shore/651231002/ |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> and afterparties for Asbury Park's yearly Pink Prom, which raises funds for the Ali Forney Center and for Project REAL, a local organization that supports gay and bisexual men.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://outinjersey.net/sixth-annual-pink-prom-in-asbury-park/ |title=Sixth Annual Pink Prom in Asbury Park |author=Out In Jersey |website=Out In Jersey |date=March 9, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029213100/https://outinjersey.net/sixth-annual-pink-prom-in-asbury-park/ |url-status=live}};<br>{{cite news |url=https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/events/2015/02/26/asbury-park-pink-prom/24062257/ |title=Don't miss Asbury Park's Pink Prom |last=Canacci |first=Bill |date=February 26, 2015 |newspaper=Asbury Park Press |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029214616/https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/events/2015/02/26/asbury-park-pink-prom/24062257/ |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the wake of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Georgies implemented new security measures, including the use of a hand-held metal detector at the door.<ref name="app3" /><ref name="njpulse">{{cite news |url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2016/06/11_places_you_can_show_support_for_njs_lgbtq_commu.html |title=11 places you can show support for N.J.'s LGBTQ community |date=June 15, 2016 |last=Shaw |first=Sydney |website=NJ.com |publisher=Advance Publications |access-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030112702/https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2016/06/11_places_you_can_show_support_for_njs_lgbtq_commu.html |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, municipal law enforcement increased its presence around all queer establishments in Asbury Park.<ref name="app3">{{cite news |url=https://www.app.com/story/news/crime/jersey-mayhem/2016/06/13/shore-nightclubs-safe/85820996/ |title=Are Shore nightclubs safe? |last1=Serrano |first1=Ken |last2=Turner |first2=Ashley |last3=Guion |first3=Payton |date=June 13, 2016 |newspaper=Asbury Park Press |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828234426/https://www.app.com/story/news/crime/jersey-mayhem/2016/06/13/shore-nightclubs-safe/85820996/ |archive-date=August 28, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> The following year, Georgies held a benefit event in remembrance of the shooting, donating the proceeds of the evening to Project REAL.<ref name="pulserem">{{cite news |url=https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/2017/06/08/asbury-park-host-pulse-anniversary-benefit-show/380513001/ |title=Asbury Park to host Pulse anniversary benefit show |last=Dennerlein |first=Liz |date=June 8, 2017 |access-date=October 30, 2020 |newspaper=Asbury Park Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030110941/https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/2017/06/08/asbury-park-host-pulse-anniversary-benefit-show/380513001/ |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Georgies was closed for several months in spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time its management revamped the space and "freshened up" its look.<ref name="inst">{{cite news |url=https://instinctmagazine.com/were-coming-out-the-lgbt-community-of-asbury-park-n-j-prepares-for-a-pride-season-reopening/ |title=We're Coming Out – The LGBT Community Of Asbury Park N.J. Prepares For A Pride Season Reopening |date=June 1, 2020 |last=Cook |first=Michael |magazine=Instinct |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828225457/https://instinctmagazine.com/were-coming-out-the-lgbt-community-of-asbury-park-n-j-prepares-for-a-pride-season-reopening/ |archive-date=August 28, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Still closed in early June, the bar hosted a live-streamed Pride party in lieu of its traditional in-person festivities.<ref name="appvp">{{cite news |url=https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/events/2020/06/01/pride-month-lgbtq-community-can-celebrate-amid-coronavirus/5258588002/ |title=Pride Month: How LGBTQ community, allies will be celebrating differently due to COVID-19 |date=June 1, 2020 |last1=Biese |first1=Alex |last2=Lauria |first2=Maddy |last3=Beckerman |first3=Jim |last4=Whittaker |first4=Celeste E. |last5=Lahman |first5=Sean |newspaper=Asbury Park Press |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029225553/https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/events/2020/06/01/pride-month-lgbtq-community-can-celebrate-amid-coronavirus/5258588002/ |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> The establishment was able to reopen for outdoor service on its patio later that month.<ref name="usa" /> It resumed indoor service at 25% capacity in September, several weeks after Governor Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey bars and restaurants would be permitted to do so.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.app.com/story/life/2020/09/03/nj-indoor-dining-asbury-park-restaurants-bars/3456252001/ |title=NJ indoor dining: Will summer extend beyond Labor Day for Asbury Park? |date=September 3, 2020 |last1=Biese |first1=Alex |last2=Griesemer |first2=Sarah |newspaper=Asbury Park Press |access-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030103846/https://www.app.com/story/life/2020/09/03/nj-indoor-dining-asbury-park-restaurants-bars/3456252001/ |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |url-status=live}};<br>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/georgies.bar.1/posts/1789167764589801 |author=Georgies Bar |title=Tuesday, September 29th! Georgies OPEN 7pm-1:30am with inside & outside! *seating is limited inside, if we reach capacity, no new entries will be permitted*|via=Facebook |date=September 29, 2020 |type=Facebook post |access-date=October 30, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030103053/https://www.facebook.com/georgies.bar.1/posts/1789167764589801 |archive-date=October 30, 2020}}</ref>

==Reception==

thumb|right|alt=Sign bearing the following text: "This is a gay establishment. All people are welcome. But, while in this building, you are a guest of the gay community. If you are not comfortable with this, do not come in. If you cause a disturbance you will be asked to leave & you will not be allowed back on the premises.|Sign outside the bar's entrance

In its 2018 article "All 47 bars in Asbury Park, ranked worst to best", NJ.com listed Georgies in 20th place with the following comment: {{quote|While Georgies, the enduring, wood-paneled and cash-only dive on Fifth Avenue, is known as the city's neighborhood gay bar{{nbsp}}... it really is a spot for all, with welcoming staff and patrons, TVs to watch the game and a pool table. More importantly, Georgies{{nbsp}}... is one of the last places in Asbury Park that still touts real dive bar prices. If you need a cheap, cold beer and maybe a laugh, go to Georgies.<ref name="njrev">{{cite news |url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2018/08/best_asbury_park_nj_bars_2018_ranked_porta_johnny.html |title=All 47 bars in Asbury Park, ranked worst to best |last=Olivier |first=Bobby |date=August 23, 2018 |website=NJ.com |publisher=Advance Publications |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106075154/https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2018/08/best_asbury_park_nj_bars_2018_ranked_porta_johnny.html |archive-date=November 6, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>}} A 2015 ''Asbury Park Press'' article stated: "The bar has become more than just a hangout spot—it's become a space where people can be themselves without judgement."<ref name="app1" /> In a review of "the 11 best bars in Asbury Park", Courtney Marabella of the ''Press'' ranked Georgies seventh and called it "the best dive bar in the city". She further commented: "It has labeled itself the 'gay cheers', and I have to admit, it's the truth (I know the names of most of the regulars). They serve a strong drink{{nbsp}}... and are an excellent watering hole for the LGBTQ community and beyond."<ref name="app2" />

==See also== {{portal|LGBTQ|New Jersey}} * History of the LGBT community in Asbury Park * List of dive bars

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * {{Commons category-inline|Georgies}} * {{Official website|georgiesbarap.com}}

{{Asbury Park, New Jersey}} {{LGBT culture in New Jersey}}

Category:1999 establishments in New Jersey Category:Asbury Park, New Jersey Category:Buildings and structures in Monmouth County, New Jersey Category:Dive bars in the United States Category:Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the LGBTQ community Category:LGBTQ nightclubs in New Jersey