held a benefit event in remembrance of the shooting, donating the proceeds of the evening to Project REAL. Georgies was closed for several months in spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time its management revamped the space and "freshened up" its look. Still closed in early June, the bar hosted a live-streamed Pride party in lieu of its traditional in-person festivities. The establishment was able to reopen for outdoor service on its patio later that month. It resumed indoor service at 25% capacity in September, several weeks after Governor Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey bars and restaurants would be permitted to do so. Reception In its 2018 article "All 47 bars in Asbury Park, ranked worst to best", NJ.com listed Georgies in 20th place with the following comment: A 2015 Asbury Park Press article stated: "The bar has become more than just a hangout spot—it's become a space where people can be themselves without judgement." In a review of "the 11 best bars in Asbury Park", Courtney Marabella of the Press ranked Georgies seventh and called it "the best dive bar in the city". She further commented: "It has labeled itself the 'gay cheers', and I have to admit, it's the truth (I know the names of most of the regulars). They serve a strong drink... and are an excellent watering hole for the LGBTQ community and beyond." See also List of dive bars References External links 1999 establishments in New Jersey Asbury Park, New Jersey Buildings and structures in Monmouth County, New Jersey Dive bars in the United States Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the LGBT community LGBT nightclubs in New Jersey