If you want the inside scoop on queer Atlanta look no farther than the intrepid duo of Matt Burkhalter and Jordan McAuley. The boys-about-town and Hotlanta natives have chronicled the southern metropolis for every publications from Genre to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Now Out Traveler has published Matt and Jordan’s fabulous new guide to Atlanta. Matt was gracious enough to share some of his favorite Atlanta haunts with GayCities.
Halo Lounge (Thursdays) Bar/Club
If you’re looking for a “pretty” experience, check into the Biltmore Hotel’s basement to visit Halo. Although Halo has stopped it’s “Boy’s Night” it’s still a great place for a martini. Here you’ll find some of Atlanta’s best-dressed ready to parade. The DJ is always spinning something groovy, and recent renovations have made the lounge sleek and wild vibe. If you like S&M (standing and modeling), then you’ll love Halo. Insider Tip: Since it’s located in the Biltmore Hotel’s basement, Halo is unmarked and a little nondescript. Just look for the large bouncer guarding the metal door.
El Chaparral (Fridays and Sundays) Bar/Club
Ay Papi! El Chaparral is primarily a Latin club — and when we say Latin, we mean Latin. Although sometimes it’s hard to find someone who speaks perfect English, who cares when the boys are hot, hot hot! Inside you’ll find two bars on either side of an expansive dance floor that pumps out authentic Latin music. You can also just plop down on the pleasant leather couches and enjoy a nice siesta. Insider Tip: To appease your hunger after grinding on the dance floor, El Chaparral also offers a small cafe serving up tacos and burritos late into the night.
Wild Mustang Bar/Club
Jungle Club has gone through a couple of identity changes and is back! The bar is always filled with shirtless boys dancing and showing off their washboard abs and perky pecs on the stage and large dance cubes. The bar is huge and tended by shirtless, perfectly-toned muscle boys. There are also several jungle-themed rooms around the warehouse-sized dance floor where you can sit, chat, or make out if you just can’t help yourself. The cover charge is a bit steep on some nights, but definitely worth it for the music, DJs, and dancing.
Bulldogs Bar/Club
Not many of Atlanta’s original gay bars from the 1970s are left but Bulldogs has been open and pouring since 1978. Beware as you approach the large, well-stocked bar–their bartender’s reputation for a heavy-handed drink is infamous. Although the spacious dance floor pumps out hip hop and house, if shaking your tail is not your thing you can always claim a pool table. Because of its prime location on Peachtree Street, Bulldogs is convenient to the hotels in the area…you’ll probably meet a visitor or two, and the back patio is a great place to get to know them even better! Insider Tip: Although Bulldogs is well-known as a black gay bar, it welcomes everyone (especially if you love hip hop).
Atlanta Eagle Bar/Club
Atlanta Eagle, Atlanta’s best-known leather bar, is famous for its cavernous dark rooms and shadowy corners. The DJ always spins great music for patrons on the small but lively dance floor. The crowd at the Eagle tends to be hard-core, so pretty boys and dolled-up drag queens don’t really play here. Insider Tip: For late-night cravings, the 24-hour Krispy Kreme donut and coffee shop is right across the street.
Thumbs Up Diner Restaurant
For the morning after an all night dancing binge, Thumbs-Up Diner serves the best breakfast in town! I am ALWAYS raving about this place and I’ve been eating there for several years!
Heretic Bar/Club
After closing its doors for good, Claire’s Chowder House – where your grandma and grandpa probably ate at the buffet for $4.95 – later reopened as the Heretic. The inside is very moody, and two bars are located in rooms on either side of the dance floor. The DJ pumps out good music, and everyone dances hard. Sometimes there’s a cover charge, but it’s usually less than the cost of your grandparent’s buffet we mentioned earlier. There’s also a back deck that overlooks the free parking lot. Be sure to check out the leather shop, where all types of “gifts” are for sale. Insider Tip: The back hall of the Heretic has a notorious reputation for heavy breathing and a little groaning…venture there if you dare. Also be prepared for the “dress code” to be enforced. Some nights the only way to get on the dance floor is to rip off your shirt!
The Oscar’s Bar/Club
If you love to sing along with your favorite divas, you’re in for an entertaining night at the Oscar’s video bar. There are screens everywhere – there’s even a big video wall at the end of the bar. One of the more popular theme nights is Show Tunes night when you can sing along with Liza, Barbra, and their showbiz sisters. Other nights the DJ plays all of our favorites – from Donna Summer to J-Lo. The in-the-round bar makes it easy to flirt with the cute guy across from you while you wait for him to send a drink your way. Insider Tip: Although you may find a bit of “Atlantatude” at The Oscar’s, it usually disappears once the boys start singing along to Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas.”
Swinging Richards Bar/Club
This fully nude male strip club (which you won’t find in Miami, Las Vegas or L.A.) features some of the hottest dirty dancers in the Bible Belt. With over 65 performers, Swinging Richards is the largest all-male strip club in the U.S. Large is indeed a good word to describe this place – as well as the dancer’s…um…”richards.” The mirrored stage features every type of guy to tickle your fancy, from built centerfold models to hot frat boys to barely legal twinks. Although the drink prices are a bit steep, they’re huge and almost as strong as jet-fuel. Bring a group of friends and plenty of single bills for tips and you’ll have a blast. Insider Tip: Although they have more dancers on the weekends, Tuesday nights are your best bet if you’re looking for cute local boys!
Woofs Bar/Club
In an unassuming shopping center you’ll find Woof’s, Atlanta’s only gay sports bar. TVs tuned to ESPN, college pennants, team banners and beer signs – for most of us this sounds like our worst nightmare. But if you love sports – or the men who play them – you’ll love Woof’s. The men packed wall-to-wall inside are a little on the bearish side. Grab a chair, a beer, some greasy bar food and watch the game.
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