Gay bars were absent from Atlantic City for more than two decades. ByrdCage changes that.
ATLANTIC CITY — Watch out, A.C., there's a new, gay bar and restaurant in town: Welcome to ByrdCage.
Before its first official weekend in business, a crowd of people poured inside the Chelsea neighborhood space for a ceremonious (and, yes, rainbow) ribbon-cutting on Friday, Jan. 24.
It marks the first time in more than two decades that Atlantic City is home to a full-service, gay-owned-and-operated gay bar and restaurant space — and at a time when some would argue that a place to call "home" is needed most. Members of the LGBTQ+ community have expressed some concern about the political climate in America under a second Donald Trump administration.
More:'We're still here': LGBTQ+ seniors reflect on what pride means to them
"Our rights are going to be challenged for the foreseeable future," CEO Richard Helfant said.
"Perhaps not since Stonewall has it been more important that this community sticks together and bands together and unifies to tell the world that here love wins all the time," he added in reference to 1969 riots in New York that galvanized the gay community.
Helfant is joined in the ByrdCage venture by visionary Jason Tell and COO Giulietta Consalvo, the three business partners having worked to ensure the restaurant and club location is brimming with personality, nods to gay culture and a warm air of acceptance in spite of the frigid January cold waiting just outside.
ByrdCage's partners were joined by friends and supporters at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, as well as a collection of dignitaries that included Atlantic City Mayor Marty Smalls Sr., who provided pride flags from the city to be displayed at the venue.
Judah Dorrington, Atlantic City's LGBTQ+ liaison and programs and service coordinator, likened the significance of gay bars for the LGBTQ+ community to that of Black churches for the Black community.
"We are able to show up at a spot, and we are able to celebrate together, co-commiserate together, plan our strategies together, and we haven't had that in Atlantic City for 20 years," Dorrington said.
Members of the Atlantic City Police Department and Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office were also in attendance. The venue was officially recognized by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office as a part of their "Safe Place" program.
"You know what is amazing to me," Helfant said during his speech.
"Back in 1969 when the Stonewall riots happened, the cops were there beating us up. Today, the Atlantic City police are here protecting us."
ByrdCage, which is located at 3426 Atlantic Ave., is a spot to peck at some brunch, to perch at the bar for happy-hour craft cocktails or spread your wings with the nightlife scene. The dual-level venue offers sit-down dining with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, plus a piano lounge.
A walk up the rainbow-painted stairs takes you to where the party is, with a second-floor bar and space dedicated for entertainment such as drag shows and other themed events.
Beginning Feb. 22, the space is to open for brunch Saturday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Happy hour is 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Dinner is to be served daily from 5-9 p.m.
Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
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