The ByrdCage restaurant and bar in Atlantic City is a celebration of inclusivity and community. Their mission is to create a vibrant, welcoming space and unforgettable experiences as Atlantic City’s only gay restaurant and bar. In fact, it’s been decades since the town had a full-service, LGBTQ+-owned-and-operated bar and restaurant. (The last being Studio Six, which closed in 2004.)
“We wanted to create a community and fill an absence that has been missed for over 20 years,” says Jason Tell, co-owner and visionary of ByrdCage.
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Food, Fun, & More
The spacious restaurant can seat 238 guests in their downstairs and upstairs event space and dance area. Likewise, their The 2,220-square-foot outdoor patio can seat 80 more guests. According to Jason, ByrdCage is “sophisticated, elegant, warm, and comfortable.” It’s decorated with bird cages and iconic gay art, paying homage to its moniker’s namesake, the film The Birdcage.
ByrdCage is open for brunch, happy hour, dinner, and nightlife.Popular dishes feature fun names like The Out and Proud. (Marinated chicken cutlet, cornflake crunch, garlic spinach, and mashed potatoes). Another hot item is The Big Daddy Smash. (Two smashed patties, melted cheddar, bacon, caramelized onions, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and their Sassy Sauce on a toasted brioche bun.) One other fan favorite is the Bottoms Up (marinated grilled artichoke hearts with a lemon garlic aioli and fresh herbs). Howeve, CEO Richard Helfant loves the Seoul Mate. This Korean BBQ-glazed, bone-in pork chop comes with pineapple-jalapeno salsa, cilantro lime rice, and seasoned vegetables).
A Tribute to the Stars
ByrdCage is a go-to nightlight spot for music and events. For instance, the team loves their Sinatra Sunday weekly Special Italian Dinner menu. It’s their tribute to Frank Sinatra, who saved the Atlantic City Medical Center from bankruptcy in October 1978 by donating his talent for a benefit concert at Boardwalk Hall. Each dish is inspired by his songs and style, including the Fly Me to the Romaine (Caesar salad).
Of course, ByrdCage is also a full-service bar. Signature cocktails include the Golden Girl, with Reposada tequila, vanilla bean, and passion fruit puree. For Giulietta Consalvo, Chief Operating Officer of ByrdCage, The Twinkletini is the standout option. It combines Absolut Vanilla Vodka, lychee liqueur, pineapple juice, and edible glitter. The bar also serves draft cocktails, wines (on tap or by the bottle or glass) and beers (draft, bottle, can).
Visit ByrdCage at 3426 Atlantic Ave in Atlantic City. Look for them online to learn more.
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All Photos: © ByrdCage
