5 Shocking Revelations About Johnny A's Hitching Post Paterson NJ: Controversy, Current Status, And The Post's Enduring Legacy

Johnny A's Hitching Post in Paterson, New Jersey, is far more than the cozy restaurant some of its descriptions suggest; it stands as one of the Tri-State area's most notorious and long-running adult entertainment clubs, often simply referred to by patrons as "The Post." As of December 17, 2025, the establishment continues to operate, maintaining its reputation for "Go-Go Entertainment" while simultaneously being inextricably linked to a major, high-profile controversy involving its owner. This deep dive uncovers the current operational status, the shocking legal troubles that rocked the venue, and its place in the vibrant, yet sometimes shadowy, New Jersey nightlife.

The club’s history is a blend of local lore and sensational headlines, making it a key, albeit controversial, landmark in the city of Paterson. Despite the sensitive nature of its business and the serious legal issues surrounding its leadership, The Hitching Post remains a fixture, prompting curiosity about how such an establishment manages to endure in the modern New Jersey landscape.

The Establishment Profile: Johnny A's Hitching Post (The Post)

The Hitching Post, officially known as Johnny A's Hitching Post, is a classic example of a New Jersey go-go bar that has adapted over decades. It is not a traditional diner, despite some historical or misleading references, but rather a full-service adult entertainment venue that also happens to serve food.

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• Official Name: Johnny A's Hitching Post
• Nickname: "The Post," "Bikini Bar"
• Location: 95 Barclay Street, Paterson, NJ 07503
• Operating Status (Current): Open 7 Days a Week
• Hours of Operation: Typically 11:30 AM to 2:30 AM
• Key Features: Classic bar-around-the-stage design, "Gourmet Kitchen" serving lunch and dinner, often featuring a "free buffet" or specials like "Legs 'n' Eggs"
• Owner (Accused): John Acunto (from Bergen County, NJ)

The club prides itself on offering "The Finest Go-Go Entertainment in the Tri-State area." This self-proclaimed status is often supported by its long operating hours and its location in Paterson, a city known for its diverse and active nightlife scene. The mix of adult entertainment and a full kitchen service, open from late morning, is a defining characteristic that sets it apart from typical nightclubs.

The John Acunto Controversy: Sexual Assault Charges and Legal Fallout

The most significant and serious event to impact the club in recent years was the arrest of its owner, John Acunto, on shocking charges related to a dancer at the establishment. This controversy brought a harsh spotlight to the operations of the club and the broader issues within the adult entertainment industry.

The Details of the 2021 Arrest

In September 2021, the Paterson Police Department responded to a report of a sexual assault that allegedly occurred on the premises of Johnny A's Hitching Post. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office later confirmed the arrest of owner John Acunto, a resident of Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey.

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• Date of Alleged Incident: September 28, 2021
• Location of Alleged Incident: A VIP room within the club
• Victim: A dancer employed at the club
• Charges Filed: Second-degree sexual assault and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact

The charges are extremely serious, with a second-degree sexual assault conviction carrying a potential sentencing exposure of five to ten years in state prison. The incident sparked widespread news coverage across North Jersey and the Tri-State area, raising questions about employee safety and the regulatory environment for adult entertainment venues in Passaic County.

The Impact on "The Post's" Reputation

While the legal proceedings against John Acunto are separate from the club's day-to-day operations, the association of the owner with such severe charges inevitably casts a long shadow over the establishment. The case highlights the complex and often precarious working conditions for dancers and employees in the go-go bar environment. Local news outlets, including the Northern Highlands Daily Voice, covered the story extensively, ensuring the details of the alleged assault were public knowledge. Despite this, the club remains open, suggesting a resilience or a loyal clientele that separates the business from the owner's alleged personal actions.

Hitching Post's Place in Paterson's Broader Nightlife Scene

Paterson, NJ, is a central hub for nightlife in the region, and The Hitching Post is just one element of a larger ecosystem. To understand its significance, one must look at the surrounding venues and the specific area it occupies.

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A Hub of Adult Entertainment

The Hitching Post is not alone in the adult entertainment sector of Paterson. The city is home to several well-known go-go and gentlemen's clubs, including Sunrise Sports Gentlemen's Club (also known as Sunrise Go-Go) on Straight Street. This concentration of venues creates a competitive market that caters to a regional audience, drawing visitors from various parts of New Jersey and the greater Tri-State area.

The club's location near the newly rejuvenated St. Joseph Medical Center area and close to other major nightlife destinations like Roxxies Night Club and Dubai Lounge on E Railway Ave, solidifies its position as part of a major entertainment corridor. This proximity fosters a dynamic environment where patrons can easily move between different types of establishments, from high-energy nightclubs to more intimate go-go bars.

The Enduring Appeal of "The Post"

Despite the controversies and the competitive landscape, The Hitching Post maintains a loyal following. Reviews often cite the "nice lineup" of dancers and the classic, no-frills "dive bar" atmosphere. The club's unique offerings, such as its full kitchen and daily specials, also contribute to its enduring appeal, positioning it as a place for more than just late-night entertainment—it's a long-standing lunch and dinner option for some patrons.

The club's long history—referenced in local memory as a place that people once jokingly thought was for getting married ("getting hitched")—speaks to its deep roots in the Paterson community. This history, combined with its current operational status and the sensational news surrounding its owner, ensures that Johnny A's Hitching Post remains a topic of intense local curiosity and discussion in North Jersey.

Key Entities and Topical Authority Keywords

To provide comprehensive topical authority on the subject of "Hitching Post Paterson NJ," the following key entities and LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords are essential:

• Locations & Jurisdictions: Paterson, NJ, Passaic County, Bergen County, North Jersey, Tri-State Area, 95 Barclay Street, E Railway Ave, Ho-Ho-Kus.
• Legal & Enforcement: John Acunto, Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, Paterson Police Department, Sexual Assault, Criminal Sexual Contact, Second-Degree Charge, VIP Room.
• Industry Terms: Adult Entertainment Club, Go-Go Entertainment, Strip Club, Bikini Bar, Night Club, The Post, Gourmet Kitchen, Diner, Legs 'n' Eggs, Free Buffet.
• Nearby Landmarks: Lambert Castle, St. Joseph Medical Center, Sunrise Sports Gentlemen's Club, Roxxies Night Club, Dubai Lounge.

The ongoing operation of Johnny A's Hitching Post, despite the severe legal cloud over its ownership, serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of nightlife and adult entertainment in major metropolitan areas like Paterson, New Jersey. The establishment’s story is a blend of local business resilience and the serious consequences of alleged criminal misconduct.