David Magazine Presents: Best of Atlanta 2011
Every summer we look around and see the numerous Best of issues on newsstands across Atlanta and wonder how can you select winners for a Best of issue when the year isn’t even over yet? We posted nominations during the holidays and let our readers vote in the waning weeks of 2011 and beginning of 2012 to tell us who TRULY was the Best of 2011. We received thousands of nominations and votes and after weeks of sifting through the results we’re finally proud to unveil the winners.
Nightlife
Best Bar to Cruise
Blake’s on the Park
You have met your boyfriends there, you run into your ex’s there, and more times than not find your temporary lover there. Regardless, we love to look at the boys at Blake’s.
Best Laidback Bar
Burkhart’s
Burkhart’s is the multi level bar that has something for everybody. Large outdoor patio, blackjack table, pool tables, and at least 4 bars… this is an easy place to come hang out and just be yourself with hundreds of your closest friends. Dress up or dress down, nobody really cares, just bring your grade A personality and have a blast.
Best Bar Off the Beaten Path
The Cockpit
The Cockpit may be one of Atlanta’s newest additions to the nightlife scene, but it certainly has found its mark in 2011. The bar may not be the biggest space, but it certainly packs a punch. With raging parties, sexy guys, and strong drinks, this bar is certainly worth the (5 minute) drive outside of Midtown.
Editor’s Choice (Bar Off the Beaten Path): Mary’s
It may be The Cockpit’s neighbor, but the East Atlanta gay bar is infamous and has helped pioneer bringing people out of Midtown. The sprawling bar taps into alternative Atlanta’s niche gay community and offers outrageous parties, kick-ass bartenders, and some of the best karaoke in the city.
Best Place to Dance
Jungle
The 18+ dance club has brought some of the biggest and best names to Atlanta this year as Tommy Frese (co-owner) acts as one of Atlanta’s best hosts and invites you into his house. The drinks are pouring, the talent is spinning, and there is always a perfectly timed drag performance for good measure. The recipe works as the dance floor is always full of sweaty men having a great time.
Best Bar to Pickup a Guy
Eagle
If you’re looking for a real man, the Eagle has plenty of them to go around. The hot cubs and bears here know how to have a great time, and apparently, the good times go beyond just the dance floor. Stop in sometime, grab a drink, and make sure you don’t get your hanky code wrong! Be prepared for some great music and an awesome dance floor.
Editor’s Choice (Best Bar to Pickup a Guy): Heretic
Heretic, who just proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary this past year, has notoriously had sexy boys & men grace the bar each weekend. With a hot dance floor, the men can’t help but take their shirts off, and while there is great eye candy, it’s a great place to meet someone sexy and grab a beer with them. Cheers!
Best Bar to Pickup a Girl
My Sister’s Room
Atlanta’s recently reopened girl bar has some of the sexiest ladies in Atlanta coming in to drink, hang out, and party. The newly reopened establishment features a new sports bar vibe, outstanding food, and a great area to hang out and shoot some pool. The girl of your dreams might be playing a round of pool right now; you should stop on in and find her.
Best DJ
Jay McCracken
Some of you know him for his music, some of you know him for his killer body, but regardless of the reason, you know who he is. The Atlanta DJ has taken the city by storm for several years now and is getting ready to start the next part of his career in sunny California. We wish him the best of luck as he moves on to bigger and better things (let us hope he doesn’t forget us)!
Best Jukebox
Joe’s on Juniper
The oversized electronic jukebox takes up a good part of the wall, but it has all the songs you want to hear. Besides, don’t you hate going to a restaurant and having awful music on in the background? You get to control the songs, you get to set the mood for the party, and Joe’s is the perfect place for a party.
Strongest Drink
Swinging Richards
This really should come as no secret to anybody, right? Even the best alcoholics in Midtown can only get down two or three of their super drinks before they are face down, ass up. The bartenders are just as sexy as the dancers, and Swinging Richards has a full line up of events during the week.
Best Place to Play Pool
Burkhart’s
In addition to being the most laid back bar in Atlanta, it also is the hottest spot for a game of pool. It’s hard to find a place to play in Atlanta where you aren’t pushed up against 30 people trying to drink, and Burkhart’s has a great room dedicated to the sport.
Editor’s Choice (Best Place to Play Pool): Hideaway
If you haven’t been to the Hideaway yet, you are missing out on one of Atlanta’s best-kept secrets. The former New Order space has been given a stellar makeover and incorporates a great gaming corner. Complete with dart boards, pinball machines, a blackjack table, a jukebox, and two pool tables, this space really is perfect for those with a competitive edge.
Best Theme Night/Party
Jungle
Jungle has been a staple in Atlanta nightlife for close to a decade now, and the parties have stayed original and fresh. This past year Jungle has thrown Fur & Fire parties, Carnivals, and more as they listen to what the community wants and strives to deliver something fun for all. Stay tuned for 2012 as they have a slew of new ideas for massive events they will be throwing!
Best Place to Grab a Beer
Woof’s
Beer…. Bear… same thing! Woof’s is Atlanta’s premier gay sports bar and it’s easy to hang out, grab a beer and watch the game on one of their many televisions. It’s the ultimate hangout spot with the guys, a perfect place for Sunday Funday, and if you are hungry, they have a huge menu with options for all. If you are lucky, one of those sexy, hairy bartenders might try to flirt with you.
Best OTP Bar
The New LeBuzz
It has been hard for many bars to survive outside of the Midtown area, but LeBuzz proves that it can be done, and done well. The bar is positioned in Marietta, but is known for its amazing shows, pageants, and café. Stop in, catch a great drag show, and sip on a martini. Easy enough, right?
Best Karaoke
Burkhart’s
We have all spent time drunk yodeling (er… singing) during karaoke at some random bar, and Burkhart’s has been “blessed” to hear so many of our lovely singing voices throughout the years. Hosted by some of the most fabulous queens in the city, fantastic sound system, and huge karaoke book to choose songs from, it’s a great place to get your song on. Get there early so you get your chance to practice for that botched American Idol audition.
Editor’s Shout Out: We can’t talk about karaoke without giving shout outs to CJ at Mary’s and Brett & Tyler at Felix’s!
Best Drag Queen
Ruby Redd
The sassy bingo bitch has delivered raunchy jokes, poured you drinks, and pretended to listen as you babble on about your boyfriend issues, but most importantly she has raised lots of money for local charities! This Atlanta icon has a huge heart and has time and time again been there for the community when she has been needed most. If you are ever looking for a way to get involved in community and charity work, you should talk to this fine lady right here.
Best Drag King
Devin Liquor
Drag Kings don’t seem to get as much attention as Drag Queens in Atlanta, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have some amazing ones out there! Devin Liquor has broken that barrier and is incredibly well known in Atlanta for his style, look, and authenticity. Keep an eye on him in 2012 as he grows into more venues, competitions, and continues to break down barriers.
Best Night of the Week to Go Out
Saturdays
Let’s face it, there is nothing on TV, you haven’t spent half the day in the office, and you can get crazy drunk and then go to brunch in the morning. I mean, who DOESN’T love Saturdays?
Best Bartender
Eddy Herrera @ Burkhart’s
While he is a great bartender, lets not forget he is incredibly sexy too. The man can rock out a bar and has a loyal following of customers (maybe for his drinks, maybe because he has a cute ass… who knows). What we do know is this though, he is a fun loving guy and makes a potent drink. Woof!
Best Overall Bar
Blake’s on the Park
Some of you call it “Blakes Church of the Messy”, others call it “The Double Wide Trailer” and then there are those of you who call it “Home” because you practically live there (damn drunks). No matter what you want to call it, the 10th Street hot spot has been a staple in Midtown for over 20 years offering hot boys, drag queens, and some of the drunkest memories we have. Lets face it, who doesn’t love Blake’s? They have fun bartenders, familiar faces, shows every night of the week, and that sassy chick who sits at the door… yes, we’re talking about you Lynn! It defines “Cheers for Queers”, and is really an iconic place that brings us vodka… and lots of joy.
