As of December 2025, the status of Babes Nola in Burlington, New Jersey, remains one of the most debated topics in the South Jersey adult entertainment scene. While some online directories and long-time patrons claim the venue at 1137 Bordentown Road is permanently closed, other sources have, at various points, reported that the establishment has "recently re-opened its doors for business," creating a persistent ambiguity around its actual operational status. This complex situation is the latest chapter in the club's colorful, and often controversial, history.
The establishment, known for its unique Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) policy and its location in Burlington Township, has long been a fixture for nightlife seekers in Burlington County. To truly understand the Babes Nola story, one must delve into its operational model, the legal challenges it faced, and its place among the competitive landscape of nearby gentlemen’s clubs in the region.
The Complex Status of Babes Nola: Closed, Re-opened, or Rebranded?
The most pressing question for anyone searching for Babes Nola is its current operational status. The address, 1137 Bordentown Road, is a known landmark in the area, but the business listing frequently fluctuates between "Open" and "Permanently Closed." This is not uncommon for independent adult entertainment venues, which often face licensing, zoning, or ownership changes.
- The "Closed" Report: The most definitive reports suggest that Babes Nola has ceased operations under that specific name and brand. This could be due to various factors, including the high-profile legal issues it was involved in, which often lead to a change of ownership or a complete closure.
- The "Re-Opened" Claim: Conflicting reports and older directory entries suggest a re-opening. This may refer to a brief period of operation after an initial closure, or it could be a placeholder description for a new entity that took over the property, potentially operating under a different name or concept to avoid the legacy of the previous brand.
For those traveling to the area, the most reliable information points to the fact that the original Babes Nola experience, with its specific BYOB policy and atmosphere, is no longer active. Patrons are advised to verify the status of the 1137 Bordentown Road location before visiting, as the adult entertainment market in South Jersey is highly dynamic.
The Legal Battles and South Jersey's Adult Entertainment Landscape
Babes Nola’s history is inextricably linked to a significant federal lawsuit that shed light on the practices of several adult clubs in the region. Babes Nola, alongside other prominent South Jersey venues like Adelphia in Deptford, NJ, and the former Centerfolds Cabaret in Pleasantville, NJ, was named as a defendant in a lawsuit concerning the unauthorized use of model photos. This legal challenge centered on allegations that the clubs used professional photographs of models in their advertising and promotional materials without permission or proper compensation.
This type of litigation is a major risk factor in the industry, and the involvement of Babes Nola in this multi-club lawsuit highlights the complex legal environment surrounding adult entertainment in New Jersey. The outcome of such a case—whether through a settlement or a court resolution—often forces a complete restructuring or closure of the business, which could explain the ambiguous status of the Burlington Township club.
Rivals and Regional Competition
Babes Nola operated in a competitive corridor, particularly near the major traffic routes of Route 130 and the New Jersey Turnpike. Its most famous neighbor and rival was the Playhouse Lounge, also located in Burlington, NJ, at 1205 Route 130 North. The proximity of these two establishments—often described as being "right across the way" from each other—created a local hub for nightlife in Burlington County.
- Playhouse Lounge: Operating as a topless juice bar and gentlemen's club, the Playhouse Lounge also utilizes a BYOB policy for beer, wine, and champagne (no hard liquor), a common model in New Jersey to navigate liquor licensing laws.
- Centerfolds Cabaret: Located further south in Pleasantville, this club, now the "former" Centerfolds, was a key regional rival that faced similar legal scrutiny.
- Adelphia: Situated in Deptford, NJ, Adelphia is another major regional entity, making the legal case a significant event for the entire South Jersey adult entertainment market.
Inside the BYOB Policy and Burlington Township's Zoning Rules
A distinctive feature of Babes Nola was its Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) policy, which allowed patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages. In New Jersey, this model is a common workaround for venues that do not possess or cannot afford the state's notoriously expensive liquor licenses. By not selling alcohol, the venue can operate as a "juice bar" or similar non-alcohol-selling entity while still catering to patrons who wish to drink.
Operating in Burlington Township, Babes Nola was subject to specific municipal regulations and zoning ordinances concerning adult entertainment businesses. These local laws are designed to control the location, appearance, and operation of sexually oriented businesses. Key restrictions often include:
- Signage Limitations: Ordinances typically restrict the number and size of exterior signs to minimize visibility and impact on the surrounding community.
- Nudity Definitions: Local codes provide explicit definitions of what constitutes prohibited public indecency and nudity, often focusing on the coverage of specific anatomical areas.
- Distance Requirements: Zoning laws frequently mandate that adult establishments maintain a minimum distance from residential areas, schools, churches, and other sensitive locations.
The existence and enforcement of these stringent Burlington County and Township codes highlight the constant regulatory pressure that businesses like Babes Nola faced. Any violation of these codes, combined with the federal lawsuit over model photos, could have been the final catalyst for the club’s reported closure or rebranding.
The Enduring Curiosity and Legacy of 1137 Bordentown Road
Despite the conflicting reports, the name Babes Nola continues to generate significant curiosity, primarily because it represents a specific era of South Jersey nightlife. The venue's legacy is defined by its unique operational model—a late-night, BYOB, nude entertainment option—and the high-stakes legal drama that enveloped it and its regional competitors.
For those seeking the atmosphere of a gentlemen's club in the Burlington area, the nearby Playhouse Lounge on Route 130 remains the most prominent and verifiable option. However, the story of Babes Nola serves as a compelling case study in the challenges of running an adult entertainment venue in a tightly regulated state like New Jersey, where local zoning, state liquor laws, and federal litigation all play a role in a business’s ultimate fate. The 1137 Bordentown Road address, whether currently operational under a new guise or sitting dormant, remains a landmark steeped in the intrigue of its past.
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