Atlantic City gets its gay back: ByrdCage turns one

Step inside ByrdCage, and you’ll find more than vibrant cocktails and dazzling drag performances. You will discover the new heart of Atlantic City’s LGBTQ+ community, beating stronger and more visibly than it has in years. As the city’s first full-service LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant in over two decades, ByrdCage is approaching its first anniversary, marking a joyous milestone for locals and visitors alike.

The upcoming anniversary isn’t just about looking back on a successful first year; it’s also about embracing a renewed sense of belonging among Atlantic City’s LGBTQ+ community and visitors.

“We’re not just celebrating one year of business,” says ByrdCage co-owner Richard Helfant. “We’re celebrating the return of a safe space where people can be authentically themselves in a city that’s always had room for everyone.”

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A Legacy of Welcome

Atlantic City’s LGBTQ+ roots run deep. During its golden age in the mid-20th century, the famed boardwalk city attracted queer visitors from across the Northeast. They were drawn by its anything-goes atmosphere and the freedom it offered from the conservative pressures of their hometowns. The city’s entertainment district welcomed performers and patrons regardless of their orientation or gender identity, establishing a legacy of acceptance.

That welcoming tradition never entirely vanished, even as dedicated LGBTQ+ venues closed their doors over the years.

The community found creative ways to maintain visibility and connection. The Miss’d America Drag Pageant, which began in 1994, became a cornerstone event that kept Atlantic City’s vibrant drag scene alive and slaying. In addition, many of the city’s resort casinos, such as the Hard Rock Atlantic City and Borgata, stepped up to host Pride events and queer-friendly parties.

Atlantic City’s queer-friendly evolution is also on full display at The Hook, the city’s award-winning residency show. This hilarious, adults-only variety spectacle weaves strong LGBTQ+ themes throughout its narrative. It features openly queer performers and creates vital representation on one of the city’s most prominent entertainment stages. Its rotating line-up of performers keeps the show fresh and ensures there is always something new to see when you visit.

“The community never left. We just spread out across different venues and events, waiting for someone to give us a home again—and BrydCage is now that welcoming place,” explains Markie Matthew Fera-Padilla, president of AC Pride, a non-profit organization that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in Atlantic City and host of the annual Dancing Under the Rainbow and Rainbow Ride events.

Making its presence and commitment to the community widely known, BrydCage, with support from local officials and community groups, organized The Great Pride Festival as part of Atlantic City’s Pride Month celebration earlier this year. The free event drew thousands for a spectacular celebration of love, identity, and inclusion, with plans already underway for its return in June 2026.

Building More Than a Bar

It is clear that ByrdCage represents much more than its brick-and-mortar walls—it has become a steadfast community anchor. The venue hosts a range of events, from high-energy drag shows to fundraisers for local LGBTQ+ organizations. Weekly events include karaoke, line dancing, a piano bar, and college night. There is also its very popular “Sinatra Sunday,” which features a special Sinatra-inspired Italian menu and the classic sounds of the Chairman of the Board.

The venue’s decor purposefully reflects both history and progress. Vintage Atlantic City memorabilia shares wall space with contemporary LGBTQ+ art. The stairwell connecting the downstairs restaurant to the upstairs entertainment space is lined with portraits of Miss’d America winners. At the bar, you’ll find cleverly named signature cocktails like the Twinkletini and The Sultry Sipper, while the dining menu offers a selection of traditional American comfort food.

Looking Forward to a Bright Future

As ByrdCage prepares to celebrate its first anniversary in January, it stands as a symbol of resilience and hope. While exact plans are still being finalized, the celebration will showcase everything that makes the venue special. Expect appearances by Miss’d America pageant alumni and the local entertainers who have found a new stage to call their own.

ByrdCage has not only revived a nightlife scene but also re-energized a community. It has created a space where history is honored, the present is celebrated, and the future looks brighter and more inclusive than ever.

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