Paradise's 1999 opening is credited as one factor that improved Asbury Park's struggling economy and drew the LGBTQ community back to the city after a period of local unrest.

[2] Lisa Rose of NJ.com wrote that "[a]lthough the club is geared toward the gay community, the crowd is eclectic, not limited by sexual orientation or age".

[8][10] Sapphira Cristál, who competed in the 2019 pageant, won the national title of Miss'd America later that year and subsequently appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race season 16.

[1][17] Initially, the move was only meant to be a financial investment, but Pettibone decided to target his business toward the LGBT customer base in hopes that this would attract that community back to Asbury Park.

[7] Hurricane Sandy blew the roof off of the Empress in 2012, and during the building's repair process, Pettibone gave Paradise a number of upgrades, including a new dance floor, video displays and laser lights.

[5] In the wake of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Paradise and other Asbury Park nightlife venues implemented new security measures, and local law enforcement increased its presence around all queer establishments in the area.

[7][18] In its 2018 article "All 47 bars in Asbury Park, ranked worst to best", NJ.com listed Paradise in 21st place and called it "the most popular gay club at the Jersey Shore".

[1] Michael Cook of Hornet.com said: "Poolside cocktails, tea dances and top DJs make Paradise the go-to spot for spending those lazy (and not-so-lazy) days of summer.