Gatsby’s — Cherry Hill, NJ (1978–1995)
For nearly two decades, Gatsby’s stood as one of the most well-known gay bars in South Jersey, serving the community of Cherry Hill and the greater Philadelphia area from 1978 to 1995.
At a time when most LGBTQ nightlife was centered in big cities, Gatsby’s offered something important: a welcoming space outside the urban core where people from South Jersey could gather without crossing the bridge into Philadelphia.
And people came from everywhere.
Cherry Hill.
Camden County.
The Jersey Shore.
The bar became a lively nightlife hub known for its dance floor, strong drinks, and packed weekend crowds. Through the late ’70s and ’80s, Gatsby’s embodied the era’s club culture — disco giving way to pop and early dance music while the room filled with regulars who made the bar part of their weekly routine.
Like many queer venues of its generation, Gatsby’s also existed during a complicated time in LGBTQ history. The bar remained a social anchor for the community during the AIDS crisis, hosting gatherings and providing a place where people could connect, support one another, and keep nightlife alive.
For many South Jersey locals, Gatsby’s was simply the bar — the place where friendships formed, relationships began, and weekends started.
