Attention Atlanta girlies! These are the best gay and lesbian bars to visit on your next night out

We’re about to spill the tea on the hottest queer bars in Atlanta for WLW. 

We’ve previously talked about our top recommendations in other major cities like NYC or London, and ATL’s gay community pops off hard as hell. This town has a long history of embracing and celebrating LGBTQIA+ folks, and it shows in the vibrant culture and scene here. 

So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting to dip your toes into the world of queer nightlife, we’ve got you covered with our picks for the best gay and lesbian bars in Atlanta.

My Sister’s Room

First up, we’ve got My Sister’s Room – this Midtown spot is the bomb.com when it comes to entertainment options. From drag shows to karaoke nights and dance parties, this place has got it all. It’s a great spot to meet other LGBTQIA+ folks and let your hair down for a night of wild fun.

Plus, it has been known as Atlanta’s #1 lesbian bar for more than 25 years, and for a good reason! It is owned and operated by two awesome lesbians, Jami Atlanta and Jennifer Maguire, who made it basically a sapphic Cheers since people rave about how friendly everyone is there.

Source: CNN 

They are known for their great food prices! With 3 tacos for 9.99 with even vegetarian and vegan options on their regular and brunch menus! Their drinks range from 4 bucks a beer to 20-dollar bottomless mimosas, talk about a deal.

It’s important to note that they close on Mondays and Tuesdays, but you can go and have the time of your life any other day of the week from approximately 6 PM to 3 AM.

I literally can not say enough good about this place! The bartenders are all great but Rachel is so awesome!!! Security was friendly and helpful and the DJ looks just like Sam Eliot! Lol. We came on karaoke night without even realizing it and it was the best time of our lives! The other people there were all so kind and chatty! I’ll definitely be coming back anytime I’m in town!!! Great experience and wonderful people!!!!! – Libby Bennett

Ready to visit? Me too.

Source: The Infatuation

Lips

If you’re looking for more pizazz in your hunt for the best lesbian bar in Atlanta, head over to Lips! This place is all about the good kind of drama, with signature drag shows and bold, colorful decor that’ll have you feeling like a total queen. It’s a super welcoming spot that’s popular with a diverse crowd, so you’re sure to make new friends here. 

And if you’re more of a mimosa kinda gal, try their drag brunch! Lips is known for their delicious food and amazing shows, you can even have your birthday party there, can you imagine? A celebration full of fun, glitter, and the best company: your queer peers.

They open Wednesday through Sunday at 7 PM, with special brunch hours on the weekends. As for the costs, cocktails and shots are 12.50 USD, and you can get your fave entrees or appetizers from 10 to 13 bucks.

I had such an amazing night and everyone made me feel so special for my 25th birthday. It’s absolutely beautiful here and the  performer’s outfits were absolutely stunning along with their amazing performances. This was definitely a night to remember. The drinks were made to perfection and the hormone shot was delicious. I highly recommend. Shout out to the amazing host! I definitely will return! — Mekhia Bryant

Source: Georgia Voice

Friends on Ponce 

Over in the Poncey-Highland neighborhood, Friends on Ponce is a cozy neighborhood bar with a loyal following. You’ll find a mix of craft beer and delicious cocktails here, such as their famous Friend Cherry Bomb, and the chill atmosphere makes it a great spot to relax and catch up with friends.

This one is for the pool-playing, jukebox-jammin’ gals that prefer a casual spot where they can talk and have a cold one after work. The best part? They do great things for the community and host plenty of fundraisers and charity events alongside legendary ATL Drag Queens like Ms. Regina Simms, a beloved mentor for many, who unfortunately passed away last year, but her legacy goes on.

All menu items are only $9, and the food looks uh-amazing! Plus, they have vegetarian options for all the eco-conscious gals out there. Plus, they are open every single day from 2 PM until midnight (and even a little bit later).

I always love Friends on Ponce. The drinks are well made, and the place is casual and friendly. The jukebox is fun to mess with and pool is a great way to share some drinks with friends. I like to come on Thursday, which is poker night. It can get a little crowded on these nights but I enjoy it all the same. This has been an ATL establishment for years and still lives up to its name. — T. Nicole Webb

Source: Gayborhood

Mary’s 

For a quirky and eclectic vibe, Mary’s in East Atlanta Village is the place to be. The decor is funky and offbeat, the crowd is super diverse, and the atmosphere is always lively. It’s a great place to dance, socialize, and let your freak flag fly.

And did you know they claim to have the best karaoke in the city? With a catalog of more than 15,000 songs,  you can sing your heart out with your favorite tunes by lesbian singers and maybe impress some ladies in the process.

Mary’s is ready to receive you Monday through Saturday from 7 PM, but we must let you know that they charge a $5 cover after 9 PM in order to control capacity with their guests’ safety in mind.

Mary’s is, without a doubt, in my personal opinion, THE Atlanta queer bar. As a local transfemme, Mary’s is the one place I know I can go out to, enjoy myself, and not receive any judgment. — Kira Elizabeth

Source: Eater Atlanta

The Hideaway 

If you’re in the mood for a cozy and intimate spot, The Hideaway, previously known as “El Matador” and “New Order,” is a great option. This place has had a loyal following since the 70s, with sweet bartenders that make you feel at home and regulars who love to come in for a game of pool or pinball alongside a few drinks with friends.

The friendliness doesn’t stop at service, since they open from 2 PM to 3 AM on weekdays, extending it to 12:30 PM on the weekend, always ready to receive old and new guests alike!

They host awesome events for the LGBTQIA+ community, like hilarious comedy open mics, karaoke for professional shower-singers,fun trivia nights for the ones who know their fun facts, and of course, iconic drag appearances serving ATL realness, purr. Plus, it is known for its affordability when it comes to drinks, so if you want a fun outing on a budget, this is your choice!

Hole in the wall gem!!! A great hidden spot for a lively LGBTQIA crowd. It’s mostly for gay men, but anyone would fit in. Cheap drinks and friendly bartenders. Nick was so nice! I enjoyed myself and will be back. — Lolli Rotten

Source: Project Q Atlanta

Future

This massive nightclub is located in the heart of Downtown, and it’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a wild night out. With multiple floors, multiple bars, and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, Future is the place to be for partying like there’s no tomorrow. 

The club regularly hosts LGBTQIA+ events like Drag Race watch parties and their signature Shameless Sundays, Late Latinx Tuesdays, Karaoke Wednesdays, and, of course, the Fantasy Girls drag cabaret show on the weekends that you absolutely cannot miss.  With top DJs and performers, you’ll find a fun crowd of queer cuties dancing the night away!

If you’re the kind of person who likes to party literally all night long, then you should definitely go on a Friday or a Saturday since they’re open from 8 PM through 7 AM! And remember, unlike other recommendations on this list, this is a nightclub, so expect nightclub prices, let’s say, around 15 USD a drink.

This place was the definition of a good night out. The bartender was nice and efficient, the restrooms were clean, temperature was adequate, and the sound system and DJ at The Alley Cat pop-up were among the best I’ve ever heard. — Adam Nowlan

Source: Future Atlanta

Bulldogs

Three words: Games, burgers, and brews! This iconic bar in the Midtown neighborhood is known for its fun atmosphere, friendly staff, and of course, for being adopted by the black gay community as a mecca in the city It has a sports-themed decor, and you can catch your favorite matches on the TVs scattered throughout the space. There’s also a dance floor for when the party gets started, and you’ll find a diverse crowd of LGBTQIA+ folks dancing the night away. 

This place holds so much love and respect from its guests, with a reputation that follows it to Europe! People stop by Peachtree Street just to say they stepped foot on this community landmark that offers heavyweight drinks at an amazing price.

Bulldogs Bar is a great place to go if you’re looking for a fun, low-key night out with friends. They open at 4 PM and close at 3 AM, so there’s time to do it all! Grab a drink, hit the floor, and get ready to have a great time!

Bulldogs is an Atlanta staple for the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s one of the few Black gay spots in Midtown, so protect this place by all means! Come and support it. I love coming here and so do my friends, we’ve been coming here for years. — Talia Oliver

Source: Project Q Atlanta

So there you have it, girlies – our top picks for the best lesbian bars in Atlanta. It’s time you choose a favorite and go on a fun night out with your gal pals, meet other lesbians, or even find a new queer crew to hang out with!