# Georgies
> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Georgies
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Georgies.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgies
> Source revision: 1329442335
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
{{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](/source/Asbury_Park%2C_New_Jersey), US
| coordinates = {{Coord|40.2256|-74.0127|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| elevation =
| type = {{flatlist|
*[Gay bar](/source/Gay_bar)
*[dive bar](/source/Dive_bar_(drinking_establishment))
}}
| broke_ground =
| built =
| opened = 1999
| renovated =
| expanded =
| closed =
| demolished =
| owner =
| operator = Joe Cole
| surface =
| scoreboard =
| production =
| cost =
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| builder =
| project_manager =
| structural_engineer =
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| embedded =
| website = {{URL|georgiesbarap.com}}
| public_transit = [Asbury Park station](/source/Asbury_Park_station)
}}
'''Georgies''', also spelled '''Georgie's''',[{{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](/source/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}}][{{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](/source/Heavy_(website)) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610153148/https://heavy.com/news/2019/11/pissi-myles/ |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |url-status=live}};]
{{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](/source/Travel_%2B_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}} is a [gay](/source/gay) [dive bar](/source/Dive_bar_(drinking_establishment)) in [Asbury Park, New Jersey](/source/Asbury_Park%2C_New_Jersey). Opened in 1999, it is known colloquially as "the gay [Cheers](/source/Cheers)". In addition to static entertainment such as [pool](/source/Pool_(cue_sports)) and sports match broadcasts, Georgies features live programs most nights; these include [go-go dancing](/source/go-go_dancing), [karaoke](/source/karaoke) and [drag show](/source/drag_show)s. 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](/source/COVID-19_pandemic_in_New_Jersey), 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](/source/COVID-19_pandemic_in_New_Jersey), visible in the mirrors]]
Located on Fifth Avenue in [Asbury Park, New Jersey](/source/Asbury_Park%2C_New_Jersey), Georgies is a [dive bar](/source/Dive_bar_(drinking_establishment)) that caters to the [LGBT community](/source/LGBT_community). It is known for its neighborly, accepting environment, for which reason it is nicknamed "the gay [Cheers](/source/Cheers)".[{{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}}][{{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](/source/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}};]
{{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}} Liz Dennerlein of the ''[Asbury Park Press](/source/Asbury_Park_Press)'' wrote: "[T]he tables are a bit run down, the bar still only accepts cash, but inside clients feel at home."[{{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](/source/NJ.com) |publisher=[Advance Publications](/source/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}}]
==History==
Georgies opened in 1999.[{{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](/source/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}}] 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](/source/Christmas_and_holiday_season) of 1999, Georgies founded the Asbury Park [Toy Drive](/source/Toy_drive) for local children; the charity event subsequently grew into an annual, citywide undertaking.[{{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}}] The bar regularly hosts [Pride](/source/Gay_pride) celebrations[{{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}}][{{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}}] and afterparties for Asbury Park's yearly Pink Prom, which raises funds for the [Ali Forney Center](/source/Ali_Forney_Center) and for Project REAL, a local organization that supports gay and [bisexual](/source/bisexual) men.[{{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}};]
{{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}} In the wake of the 2016 [Pulse nightclub shooting](/source/Orlando_nightclub_shooting) in [Orlando](/source/Orlando%2C_Florida), Georgies implemented new security measures, including the use of a hand-held [metal detector](/source/metal_detector) at the door.[{{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}}] Additionally, municipal law enforcement increased its presence around all [queer](/source/queer) establishments in Asbury Park.[{{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}}] The following year, Georgies held a benefit event in remembrance of the shooting, donating the proceeds of the evening to Project REAL.[{{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}}]
Georgies was closed for several months in spring 2020 due to the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic_in_New_Jersey), during which time its management revamped the space and "freshened up" its look.[{{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](/source/Instinct_(magazine)) |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}}] Still closed in early June, the bar hosted a [live-streamed](/source/Live_streaming) Pride party in lieu of its traditional in-person festivities.[{{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}}] The establishment was able to reopen for outdoor service on its patio later that month.[{{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}};]
{{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](/source/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}}
==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](/source/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.[{{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}}]}} 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."