While Old Bridge may not be the center of New Jersey’s nightlife scene, it does have at least one hot spot.
The Breakfast Club has a constantly packed dance floor, a signature drink selection, and a soundtrack of songs from the '80s and early '90s.
Although most of the Breakfast Club’s clients were just toddlers during the ‘80s, the club draws partiers of all ages. As owner Mike Van Leeuwen said, “Whether you are 21 or 51, you will fit in and have a good time.”
With its fun, upbeat music, it’s easy to see why people flock to the Breakfast Club. Its dance floor is usually crowded with people dancing to “Billie Jean” or singing along to “Love Shack.”
Regular customer Andrea Taylor said, “It’s the music I’ve grown up with, it’s like stepping back in time. The nostalgic atmosphere is fun, and everyone always has a good time.”
As for the Breakfast Club’s décor, the highlight is its black-and-white checkered dance floor. The walls are covered in giant portraits of such '80s-music icons as Billy Idol, Madonna, Axl Rose and Prince.
The club is well known for its signature fishbowl drinks. Served in souvenir plastic fishbowls, the drinks come in two sizes – a smaller bowl for one person, and a larger one to share amongst friends. There are four options to choose from: The Incredible Hulk, Grape Crush, Pretty in Pink and Twisted Sister. Van Leeuwen, who created these drinks himself, said, “We wanted to keep the drink menu simple but with some variety and, most importantly, make sure they all taste great.”
The two bars, at opposite ends of the dance floor, also serve drink specials called out by the DJ throughout the night. Additionally, there are waitresses selling test-tube shots as they make their way through the crowds.
While most people will have a good time, there are some things to keep in mind. It can get very warm inside, and those who arrive after 10 p.m. will often have to wait in line outside before getting in. However, the Breakfast Club now sells VIP cards, which allow customers free admission with no wait in line.
Regardless, many of its customers come back week after week. As Taylor said, “It’s a great place to have a few drinks and dance the night away. And I like that I don’t have to go to New York to have a good time at a club.”
Van Leeuwen would probably agree with this assessment. When asked why he thinks the Breakfast Club is so popular, he said, “It really is just one big, fun party every weekend.”
