My Sister’s Room (or MSR to regulars) attracts studs, femmes, butch lesbians, and the people who love them. Queer and trans people are certain to feel comfortable at MSR, too. There’s always a party going on with MSR regularly hosting special guest performers and DJs to keep the self-described “go-to” bar fresh and exciting. Stop by on a Sunday afternoon for a classic tea dance or one of the many comedy and cabaret shows offered throughout the week. The bar launched a non-alcoholic drinks menu for Pride, too, which becomes a permanent addition to MSR going forward.

Bulldog’s has been the spot for Atlanta’s Black gay men for nearly 45 years now, making it one of the city’s oldest gay bars, too. It’s friendly, reliable, and a bar that’s seen so much Atlanta history, it should be considered a landmark. Bulldog’s has a small dance floor that’s usually packed, along with a bar outside. The drinks are strong and the vibe inside is always welcoming. Regulars here are fiercely loyal and proud of a place which has witnessed Atlanta transform over the last four decades.

X Midtown (TEN) features a massive street-side patio that’s nearly unrivaled in the city. It’s right in the heart of Atlanta’s “gayborhood” at the intersection of 10th and Piedmont and has plenty of space for patrons to enjoy the bar’s “stand and be seen” atmosphere. On busy nights, there’s a full bar pouring drinks outside. X Midtown often hosts big names and community events, including political fundraisers and rallies, a raucous drag brunch on Sunday afternoons, and cabaret performances throughout the weekend. Atlanta’s warm weather means there are plenty of nights to sip under the stars while checking out pretty boys in Polo shirts.

Atlanta’s only gay sports bar recently moved from its longtime home on Piedmont to an expanded space on Plasters Avenue, just off of Armour Drive. With the move came a new food menu, including tacos, sandwiches, and wings. There’s also a lot more parking. Hang out with other athletic supporters to watch an Atlanta United game on one of Woofs’ 27 televisions or test some knowledge during Wednesday night trivia. Woofs regularly hosts charity events for local LGBTQ organizations such as clothing swaps and donations for trans folks and welcoming the local Atlanta queer sports leagues.

Sister Louisa’s on the corner of Edgewood and Boulevard isn’t explicitly a gay bar, but anyone who has visited knows this bar certainly experimented with its queer side during college; and it’s not ashamed to admit it. Sister Louisa herself is queer, a former clergy member who turned the bar into a campy “religious experience.” Weekends see the divey Sister Louisa’s packed with straight people making the bar rounds up and down Edgewood. But swing by on Sunday night for one of DJ Vicki Powell’s “Sunday Services” to find queer folks of all stripes dancing under the setting sun in what can only be described as a modern-day tea dance. Make sure to check out Church Organ Karaoke on Wednesday evenings, too. Owner Grant Henry expanded and upgraded the bar in 2020, which now offers more seating and more drinks and food, including from pop-up Illegal Food.

After closing in 2020 due to the pandemic, one of Atlanta’s oldest and most legendary gay and leather bars is reopening in Midtown, taking over the Midtown Moon space at Ansley Square shopping center on Piedmont Avenue. Owner Richard Ramey hopes to reopen Atlanta Eagle by October 7, ushering in the return of the bar’s popular dance floor, regular drag show performances, and karaoke nights. Atlanta Eagle has been welcoming bears, cubs, and leather enthusiasts for over two decades, and regulars and fans of the bar are happy to see its legacy continuing at Ansley Square. Ramey may also open a small restaurant called Eagle Cafe there in hopes of becoming “everybody’s bar” in the neighborhood.

Oscar’s is a martini, art, and gay bar rolled into one at Ansley Square Mall in Midtown that also plays music videos on demand. This bar is all about theme nights, too, including Martini and Messy Karaoke Mondays, Show Tunes Tuesdays, Jukebox Wednesdays, and video nights on Friday and Saturday. The walls at Oscar’s often display art for sale from local Atlanta artists.

Located in the MJQ Concourse on Ponce, Friends is one of the most unpretentious spots on the Atlanta LGBTQ bar scene. A welcoming neighborhood bar, folks can grab drinks and relax together while playing pool or poker, singing along to the jukebox, and partaking in theme nights like Let’s Make A Deal on Tuesdays and Wednesday evening trivia. Head in every second Sunday of the month for the New Faces amateur drag competition hosted by the incomparable Ms. Regina Simms (aka “Mama”,) who also hosts the bar’s various charity events, Fourth of July barbecues, and Super Bowl watch parties.

Mary’s oozes East Atlanta Village dive bar realness with its 1980s-style, pink glitter bar, intimate dance floor, and tattooed bartenders. And people love it that way. Mary’s clientele has become decidedly more mixed-orientation in the past few years. However, one look at the posters lining the walls advertising past and future events (Queer Bait, Heat Stroke, Halloweenie, Bitch, Please!) will remind people this bar is not straight. During the week, visitors can enjoy drag and cabaret performances as well as great DJs. There’s Maryoake on Wednesday evenings, too.

Like Disneyland for straight people, Lips is where to head for dinner (or brunch) and a drag show any day of the week filled with glamorous gowns, lots of glitter, and seriously big hair and heels. The food menu is prix fixe with a variety of entrees to choose from and typically includes the price of admission. Drinks are extra. Reservations are absolutely necessary. And don’t be surprised if you run into more than a few bachelorette parties here, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.