ByrdCage Is a Place to Feel at Home and Happy in Atlantic City

Inside ByrdCage’s First Anniversary and Its Growing Impact on Atlantic City’s Nightlife and Community

In a city that knows how to entertain, it takes something special to truly connect. Over the past year, ByrdCage has done just that—quietly, confidently, and with heart. As Atlantic City’s first gay-owned and operated restaurant and club of its kind, ByrdCage has become more than a night out. It has become a place where people feel comfortable being themselves, whether they’re longtime locals, weekend visitors, or first-time guests walking through the doors.

On January 24, ByrdCage celebrates its one-year anniversary with Passport to Freedom, an immersive evening that reflects both where the venue has been and where it’s headed. The concept is simple and playful: guests receive a custom ByrdCage passport and travel through themed “destinations” set throughout the space. Stops include Tel Aviv, Bangkok, Amsterdam, Italy, Ibiza, Tulum, and Greece, each brought to life with a signature cocktail, a thoughtfully paired bite, and an atmosphere that captures the spirit of the place.

The experience encourages movement, conversation, and discovery. Guests mingle as they collect stamps, share drinks, and explore the venue in a way that feels festive but unforced. Once passports are complete, they can be entered into a raffle for ByrdCage prizes and experiences announced later in the evening. It’s a celebration designed to be enjoyed and not overthought, much like ByrdCage itself.

What makes this anniversary meaningful, however, goes beyond the party. In just one year, ByrdCage has carved out a rare kind of space in Atlantic City—one where inclusivity feels natural, not performative. From curated dinners and dance nights to casual evenings at the bar, the venue has become a reliable gathering place for people who want good food, fun cocktails, and an environment that welcomes them exactly as they are.

That impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. Former Atlantic City Mayor and New Jersey Assemblyman Don Guardian has spoken to the importance of spaces like ByrdCage, noting that they create a sense of belonging that strengthens the entire community. A proudly gay-owned and operated venue, ByrdCage sends a clear message: visibility matters, safety matters, and joy is something everyone deserves access to.

“As ByrdCage enters its second year, the focus remains on community, connection, and creating space for freedom—on the dance floor, at the bar and tables, and in everyday moments,” says Rich Helfant, ByrdCage partner. “Passport to Freedom is a celebration of that journey so far, and an invitation to keep showing up, together.”

In a city built on reinvention, ByrdCage represents progress in a very human way. It’s not trying to be exclusive or everything to everyone—it’s simply doing what it does well. The result is a place where every day is a celebration, friendships are formed, and nights turn into memories that people carry with them long after last call.