Isiah Christie 
There are so many ways to celebrate our local LGBTQ+ community and its allies, and one of the best is through shopping small. From beauty gurus to shore-famous bars, there are plenty of LGBTQ+-owned businesses to support at the Jersey Shore, and Team JSG has rounded up a list of them. Read on to see a list of LGBTQ+-owned businesses at the Jersey Shore.
Disclaimer: This is an ever-growing list. We want this list to be as inclusive as possible, so if you know of another LGBTQ+-owned business that would like to be included, please email [email protected].
Asbury Alterations | Asbury Park-based
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Asbury Alterations is a custom clothing alteration + repair business based in Asbury Park. It is owned by Lauren, a queer, neurodivergent artist with a background in theatre costume design and 18+ years of sewing experience. Asbury Alterations is dedicated to acting as a safe space for expression, with the understanding that one’s clothing style can be deeply personal.
Bespoke Hair Studio | 310 NJ-36, Unit #9, Studio 10, West Long Branch
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Bespoke Hair Studio is a queer-owned and woman-owned private hair studio based in Sola Salons of West Long Branch. Owned by hair stylist Miranda Rodriguez, the studio’s mission is to create a space for all clients to express themselves. Miranda specializes in alternative hair + alternative hair color, but offers all color services.
Read More: Things to Do in Avon-by-the-Sea, A Jersey Shore Getaway
The Chat + Nibble | 932 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park
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The Chat + Nibble is an LGBTQ+-owned cafe known for its brunch options. Check out its Breakfast Specials, which are only $8-13 and come with eggs, toast, and a side (either home fries, hash browns, or grits). It also has weekend specials, which include creative dishes like Strawberry Stuffed French Toast and Spanish Tamales. For more information, visit here.
Cut By Saint Vier | 1175 NJ-33, Suite 127, Farmingdale
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Cut By Saint Vier is a private studio run by Veda, a New Jersey-born haircutting stylist + educator who specializes in low-maintenance, intuitive haircutting. Veda provides three full-service haircut options: standard, extended, and transformation haircuts. They also offer both group and one-on-one cutting education for licensed stylists and cosmetology students.
The Empress Hotel + Paradise Nightclub | 101 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park
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The Empress Hotel is a gay resort with a long history at the Jersey Shore, initially opening in the 1960s before closing down in 1988 due to business struggles. It was later purchased by American record producer Shep Pettibone, who opened the nightclub Paradise inside. Paradise is a popular Jersey Shore summer nightlife venue and one of the oldest-operated gay clubs in New Jersey. It is known for its guest dancing, drag shows, and other themed events. The hotel portion of The Empress re-opened in 2004 and has been in operation since.
Georgies | 810 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park
Georgie’s is a well-known LGBTQ+ dive bar, located in Uptown Asbury Park. It is known for its fun vibes and dance parties, as well as events like karaoke nights, drag shows, and live music. FYI: It was also named as one of the 29 Best Bars in America in 2025 by USA Today.
Paranormal Books + Curiosities | 621 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Paranormal Books + Curiosities is known for the Paranormal Museum, which provides a unique way to explore Asbury Park’s haunted history through mysterious items + relics. The bookstore portion specializes in paranormal literature, folklore, and local history, and also offers the following walking tours: “The Original Asbury Park Ghost Tour”, “Shipwrecks, Sharks & Storms: A History Tour”, and “Hidden History: LGBTQ+ in Asbury Park”. For more information on its tours, the Paranormal Museum, and other events, be sure to check out its website.
Pasta Volo | 419 Bond Street, Asbury Park
If you’re looking for comfort food, look no further than Pasta Volo, which specializes in speedy, homemade pasta dishes. The entire eatery is built around its takeout-friendly, to-go format, where you can select your pasta, sauce, and toppings. It also offers gluten-free pasta, as well as vegan cashew-based ricotta and vegan vodka sauce. To see Pasta Volo’s menu, visit here.
QSpot LGBTQ Community Center | 1601 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park
QSpot is a support center for the LGBTQ+ community and has been serving the Jersey Shore since 2005. Some of its services include advocacy, support, and education for LGBTQ+ youth, LGBTQ+ seniors, parents + families of LGBTQ+ individuals, 12-step recovery groups, Buddy Programs for LGBTQ+ individuals ages 50 and up, support groups, social clubs, and more.
Wolfe + Kron Books | 808 1/2, Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park
Wolfe + Kron Books is a woman/queer-owned bookstore that opened in Asbury Park in 2024. It has all types of literature, including poetry, memoirs, science fiction, fantasy, and more. It also hosts book-themed events such as author pop-ups, book fairs, and book tours. To see some of Wolfe + Kron Books’ events, visit its website here.
See More: LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses to Support in Hudson County
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