On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Mon-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Sun. 12:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Loading...
Third time's the charm (again). Came here for my friend's bday party (her choice) and had a blast on my 3rd visit. I went with 8 people, all straight. First time I lost my Blake's v-card, I was a little nervous (as you can read below) but the booze helped. The second time I was here, I was so drunk that I forgot multiple times that I was even in a gay bar. I apparently asked my friends a bunch of times, "hey why are there so many guys here?"
Third time was fun again, went on a friday night. The drag show is fun as always, and some good entertainment. I have to say, we wound up talking to a ton of other straight people, so it's definitely friendly to non-gay men. I would say a good 20% of the people here were straight and just looking to have a fun time.
It was... interesting to finally understand a girl's perspective of dealing with people passing you in a crowded area. I personally tap the shoulder and squeeze by but i've heard from women that they get flat out molested when someone squeezes by them. This visit to Blake's, I got all sorts of odd methods for dudes to pass by me. Anywhere from a slight touch on the shoulder to a whole back rub up and down and finally a little squeeze on both sides of my love handles.
On behalf of all men to all women, I'm sorry.
People thought this was:
I'm straight but I live in Midtown so I thought it'd be a shame if I didn't experience an Atlanta… Read more »
I have a confession, and it shames me to say it. I have lived 2 blocks from Blake's for nearly a year and this past Friday was my first time actually within the walls. I know, I know, it's shameful, but you can all thank David K for taking me on my inaugural voyage, and what a trip it was!
The place was PACKED on a Friday night yet David seemed expert at cutting through the crowds to get to a nice little open pocket at the back of the bar. Once we had cold drinks in hand, we busted back through to get up front for the show. Now, I had no idea what was coming, but it was beautiful. A bevy of drag queens hit the floor one by one, each performing to a different fabulous tune. The outfits, the makeup, the wigs... I was so jealous. A really fun yet laidback show and something I don't think I'd ever get sick of seeing.
As a straight woman, I must say that the patrons at Blake's were incredible. Again, it may have been the Blake's regular that I was rolling with, but definitely a really fun, obscenely attractive crowd. It won't take me a year to get back... trust.
People thought this was:
OMG. I miss this place soooo much, me and my best friend (you probably know him) Jason Snead would ALWAYS be at Blake's. I won Britney Spears Circus tickets @ Blakes in the Hot Body Contest...I GOT 1ST PLACE! lol...*sigh* I'm sure you were there.
I have mad love for this place...such good memories.
The music, the drinks, and the atmosphere is wonderful. Especially the drag shows!
People thought this was:
Would it be corny to refer to Blake's as an Atlanta Institution? I mean, I don't think I would compare it to The Varsity (a true Atlanta Institution), but I think the description fits. They've been in business for almost 3 decades and it's still the most popular gay bar in town.*
I like coming here because the employees are nice and everyone knows my name. Well, maybe not EVERYONE, though it's probably the closest thing to Cheer's that I'll ever experience. The owners/management definitely see this place as an investment because they're constantly remodeling and upgrading different areas. For example, the downstairs bathroom now has new waterless urinals and they just made some additional positive changes to the upstairs bar (or, as Joel C. says, the "trailer").
There is always something going on and even weeknights can get pretty crowded. Seriously. Try coming here on a Thursday after 11 p.m. and you'd be surprised at the crowd.
------------------------
* Want to know some Blake's trivia? The original location was at the corner of 10th and Peachtree (formerly Jock's and Jill's, now Midtown Mediterranean Diner) and they added "on the Park" to the end of the name so patrons would be able to find it after the move.
People thought this was:
My favorite bar and always a cute time. Sometimes I'll go there with friends, or go alone, or go… Read more »
We stopped into Blake's before the Soapbox races Saturday. I haven't been in a hundred years I thought before I got there, but it's the same place. Daylight hours are the only times I would venture in as a real woman. This is a man's bars and should always be treated as one. I do remember the days of going in there at night and fighting the men to get a drink.
I was starving, so we got the slider's plate. It was actually very good! Everyone was nice as usual. Maybe nicer (we had beautiful men with us! heehee)!
Blake's is a great watering hole, right at the park. If you want to cruise beautiful men, or just look at them, this is the place!
People thought this was:
Blake's is fun. It's the Atlanta neighborhood gay bar. The crowd is mixed, and often the front bar gets quite crowded at night. But, if you want to get a good idea what the ATL gay scene is, come to Blake's.
great local bar/club the drinks are reasonable and the music is good but the best part is the drag show everyone goes crazy when they come out on the floor to perform. The only draw back is you will wait in line for 10-15 min on most night but hey that means it worth it.
Ive been to Atlanta 3 times and every time I come I somehow make it to Blakes everytime. So if you are a tourist you MUST make 1 trip to Blake's because it's your typical gay bar. I usually go here to start out the night with. It's not the best bar in ATL but it's a tradition worth repeating.
The bartenders are hit or miss. If you get a good one stick with him or (drag) her. We had a crappy one when I last went. But I over heard him telling a patron he's having a rough day. I guess he was bummed about Farrah Fawcett passing. (It was still a few hours before Michael's passing) I left my credit card and ID at the bar so it was easy getting drinks for me and my friends w/o all the hassle. Until I left and forgot about it and had to come back! hahahahhahaha
There are 2 floors which oddly enough gave 2 different vibes even though the same people traveled up and down. I can't explain it but I guess it's a good thing if you get bored quickly. On the top floor there is a patio where you can go out to smoke. I like going out there for the warm air at night which I don't get back home. But my friends started sweating so we went back in.
There are drag shows every now and then, those are hits and misses. Can't say much about them cuz it's always a new host and performance everytime I go there. I did appreciate the Farrah tribute the did the following night. They had the Charlie's Angel logo on the video monitor and played the theme music. Also the last time I was there they played Obama's big speech he gave in Denver at the DNC convention. 1/3 of the upper floor crowd was glued to the television set. It was a moment and I'm glad Blake's was able to help capture that for us.
The crowd is pretty mix. Mostly white guys in their 30's and 40's. With a splash of young blood. I liked the fact that there were some black guys like 10-15. Crowd is pretty trendy, employed, guys who just want to go out for a drink type. The last time we had fun cuz we talked to a group of guys. So it's a hit or miss. Being friendly will help you out greatly.
Lastly do not park around the corner from Blake's. It's the residential block west of the bar with all the pretty houses. We got a $50 ticket because it was "residential" parking and you need a permit. Tiny signs, we wouldn't have seen it if we tried. You've been warned!!! I didn't know meter maids come out that late!!!
Liked it a lot.
I was 20 years old in Sydney Australia, incredibly drunk sitting on the lawn of a Cricket field with my buddy Gavin looking at the stars and talking about life when he turns to me and tells me he's gay.
It was the first time anyone ever came out to me, and I won't lie... I was a little nervous... two guys sitting under the stars, and he comes out to me.
Not having any experience like this, and not knowing how to react, I calmly say to him "Hey... why are you telling me this right now man?"
And he says, "Don't worry mate, you're not my type, I've just never told anyone before, and after getting to know you for the last six months you're first person I've ever met that I can trust to not be a jerk about it".
I couldn't have told you what my response would have been ten seconds before he told me... it had just never come up... but my honest response was that I was honored.
Guy trusted me with information, that at the time, could have gotten his ass kicked.
We sat there and talked about his secret life and my education in tolerance began.
What the hell do I care who you sleep with? It's weird that people get so mad or freaked out about the gay community. To anyone out there that still has tolerance issues, Shakespeare and I have this to say to you...
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks... it's 2009 get over it."
Hamlet Act 3, scene 2
That all said... Blake's is the gayest bar I've ever been in!
Jeez-us Atlanta! When you go gay, you go GAY!
The drag show was clearly a time honored tradition and the drinks were so strong I'm still drunk this morning, but seriously... this place needs to be about an acre larger and have a dance floor and stage! Just admit it Blake's... you need to expand the venue. Atlanta demands it!
... now excuse me... I'm going back to bed. Ow.
People thought this was:
I live in a highrise in Midtown, and the majority of my friends and neighbors are incredibly friendly, fun gay guys ranging from twenty-somethings to men in their fifties. Blake's is the best gay bar in Atlanta, and the drinks are strong, the patrons are friendly, and the ambiance is as "pub-like" and intimate as a gay bar can be. When I first moved to Midtown, I had fun here watching my friends rate dudes on a scale of 1-10 on attributes such as a hair, tan, arms, and most importantly, a "party butt". Of course, being a single and straight 24-year-old female, the scene did get old for me. Sure, I get a huge ego boost every time I go here, receiving compliments on everything from my "blonde-ness" to my "killer runner's calves" to my "Posh Beckham fashion sense", but it just doesn't hit the spot like a pathetic pick-up line and request for your phone number from a straight dude at a sports bar. Sometimes a girl just wants to flirt, and this ain't the place. However, Blake's is a fun, welcome respite for any chicks that need a break from the typical bar scene and the drunken, groping dudes that go along with it.
If you're a gay male in Atlanta, I cannot recommend Blake's enough. It seems to draw a crowd all the time, particularly on weekends with great weather (afternoon and evening). Give it a shot, and you never know - you may be there in time for an unforgettable lip-synching performance from a drag queen or two!
People thought this was:
i love gay men, women and trans people of most ages.
i love and fully believe in gay sex.
i love watching gay sex- the real thing, but i'll take simulation on a dance floor anyday.
blake's, however, is rather meh. don't get me wrong, it can get delightfully raunchy (and who doesn't love a nice throwdown) but the rest is totally lacking. the music is okay and perhaps it was an off night for the dj. the place is mostly, if not exclusively, for the boys, and while im down, it would be nice to drag a few of my sapphic friends to mix it up just a bit.
i like blakes, but id be more inclined to try other places before heading back to see some mano y mano action ( that is what the internet is for).
People thought this was:
I was telling a friend who came to town that we should go to Blakes and he said "Oh, you mean the double wide?" HAHA I guess he didn't have a great impression from entering the bar from the upper back side. It does look much like a double wide. Well, this IS the South. =)
The plastic dixie-cup sized drinks are deceiving because they pack a punch -- a little dab 'll do ya. And the drag show can be fun IF you get a decent spot to stand, since they pretty much just clear the floor by the main door and the queens prance away.
When its busy there's not much elbow room, but at least the scenery is decent. =)
People thought this was:
Hands down, still my FAVORITE GAY BAR in Atlanta!
Since I was here almost every day for the past two weeks (they should have called it Joel's), I thought I should update my review and add the best nights to go: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday
Guess you'll know where to find me! :)
Oh and thanks to Douglas O. for labeling the top bar as the "trailer," I think about that every time I go!
People thought this was:
Definitely my favorite gay bar in Atlanta!!! I came here last night with my neighbor Robert and we… Read more »
It's a treat bringing to a gay club straight friends you graduated with and haven't seen in 10 years. It's an even tastier treat when everyone enjoys the drag show, dances and gets so smashed that climbing into the shuttle feels like boot camp.
Blake's is an S&M meat market, with thick pretentiousness in the air, heavy pours and guys whose genetic makeup (DNA, not from Sephora) keeps the pheromones stimulated.
If Debauchery were a mystical land, Blake's would be the capital.
People thought this was:
Yes, for all the reasons listed in the other reviews, Blake's is definitely a very popular destination for many of the folks living in and around midtown. :)
I went for the first time tonight because they are the newest venue for Full House Holdem, with a Thursday night game. That, and a guy I play poker with at Smith's Olde Bar is the kitchen manager and has been talking it up for weeks.
I started by ordering a drink. It was $6 which I thought was a little steep considering it was served in a little plastic cup, but it was quite strong, so I didn't mind. The food however was quite reasonably priced and very good! I had a basket of mini-burgers served with hand-made patties on fresh bread. Far superior to other bar food I've had around town (*cough*Smith's*cough*). My friend's wrap looked delicious too. The kitchen manager claims that the employees from the Jason's Deli across the street come to Blake's for sandwiches even though they serve them at their own restaurant. I'd believe that judging from the various sandwiches I saw other people eating.
The service was fantastic, our waiter was constantly coming by the table making sure we were all taken care of, and the bartenders were quick and friendly. The whole staff were very happy to have the poker crowd there, which is a definite contrast to some bars who tend to see them as an annoyance. I only saw the upstairs portion of the bar, which is just tables and a bar, but downstairs is supposed to be more of a nightclub vibe if that's what you are looking for.
People thought this was:
If only San Francisco had a normal, nice gay bar like this. Nice bartenders, good music, friendly patrons... windows.
I went on a Tuesday night which is probably not the most hopping night of the week but I was impressed with a decent crowd for the middle of the week. Sounds like the place gets crazy crowded on Friday and Saturday nights though so maybe it's not as chill and laid back as I think.
Either way... this is what a normal gay bar should be. I wish San Francisco had a clue.
People thought this was:
This would probably get 4 stars from me if I was a gay man. But I'm not, so it wasn't the eye candy that I was noticing. The service was very friendly, but the bar lacked character. It was a typical joint, lots of space and lots of televisions showing music videos. Moderately priced for a bar of its kind, though. This was a Wednesday night, I would imagine it getting quite packed on the weekends! They had a pretty extensive menu for a bar that included breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food I saw looked pretty good, but we went to Ru San's for a sushi dinner instead of dining there and watching Rihana's latest videos.
People thought this was:
ATMOSPHERE: It was a Sunday night (after xmas) and it was crowded around 9pm! Drag queens performing downstairs (near main entrance). Really turned into a dance party after the drag queens. Have your dollar bills ready for the show! Lots of hot guys. Some of my straight friends went and had a good time.
MUSIC: Awesome dance music - very upbeat including remixes, techno.
PRICES: No cover! Drinks pretty cheap - my pear vodka on the rocks was $6.
CONCLUSION: What a fun place! Good drinks and fun crowd. Plus, girls don't have to worry about being hit on!
Hmm, well, if you are in the mood to for a little "stand and model" with your drink, do go here!
For those who aren't familiar with the "stand and model" concept, let me break it down for you. Basically, you stand in the tightest pair of jeans you own, unapproachable of course, nose cocked ever so slightly in the air, and then pretend that your shiz doesn't smell.
The only saving grace of this bar, is the "Cheers" like feel of the bar, the cheap stiff drinks and the nice bartenders who call you baby while they pour. I would like to say that everyone here knows my name, but truthfully, many of the imbibing patrons could care less.
Bummer.
People thought this was:
Can't beat the drag show! In the world of gay bars, there are plenty of annoying things to deal with - but Blake's has always been one of my favorites. The newly renovated upstairs area is a great place to chill.
The drinks can be expensive, but that is about par for the industry. And the drag show floor is simply just a side of the bar - it gets quite crowded.
This has been a mainstay of the Atlanta Gay scene for some time, and I don't see that changing. You can always come back and it's the same diverse crowd.
People thought this was:
I find Blake's boring and uninspired.
When I was single I never hooked up there.
Maybe that's why.
I'm not bitter.
People thought this was:
I have a friend who is ALWAYS coming to the bars we want to go to. Always doing what we want to do. Always letting us make the plans. Lately he's been telling us that one of these nights, we're going to HIS bar. And last night - that finally happened.
I had never been here before but heard nothing but good things about this legendary bar on Piedmont Park. I was amazed when we arrived to find a line stretching all the way down the walkway to the door and out into the parking lot! It did move pretty quickly at least, and once we walked in the door I was shocked how much space this place has.
From the entry, at the back, it looks like a little trailer. But it's actually got two levels, the lower level being the best in my opinion. There's a huge bar down there that takes up the entire center of the room, and at the front by the windows facing the park is the best place to perch because you'll get a front row view for the drag shows.
Andrea the bartender here is AWESOME. She is super friendly and pours a strooooong drink. I only had two drinks here but I'll admit, things were a bit blurry.
I will say that it's nice to go to a bar where I'm told how nice my hair smells and how fab my outfit is for a change, haha! I didn't experience one bit of pretentiousness, everyone was really nice and friendly. I am an outgoing person so if you don't start up a conversation, I'm likely to just start one with you myself. But at Blake's, people were coming up to talk to me, so I don't know what these other reviewers that say people there are stuck up are talking about.....
People thought this was:
A few weekends ago my friend and I decided to go out. We started at the Local, but he looked bored as hell. Poor thing always gets dragged out to the straight bars. So he suggested we split from our group and go to Blake's.
Sure, I'm down, and I've only had two small drinks at the Local! Let's go!
So, after waiting in a long line to get in I finally made my way into Blake's for the first time. My friend immediately buys me a shot, and this is no straight-bar shot! The "shot" came in a regular-sized cup and was filled to the top! It took about four huge swigs to get it down. These folks do not mess around.
I swear it was a shot of everclear because I was immediately jacked up. We went to the dance floor and danced our butts off with drag queens and it was so much fun!
Then he meets up with an old friend and they suggest we take the shuttle to another bar. "Shuuure, shounds goodt" I probably slurred.
So as soon as we get on the bus, some person gives us a free shot of, probably everclear again, because I pretty much blacked out after this.
Events are fuzzy, but all I remember is that me and my friends were laughing so hard this lesbian security guard kicked us off the bus! And of course I got into a fight with her. Then my pant leg slipped under my heel while exiting and I fell out of the bus. Can we say train wreck!? I felt like Lindsay Lohan, pre-rehab. The woman then asked if I was okay, and my friend, who is very shy and meek, screams, "She's fine, you bitch!" I do remember that because it shocked me, hearing a voice that loud emerge from his body.
I couldn't feel my tongue for two days after and prayed for death the next day. But we had a great time! But next time I go there will be no drinking, no no no.
People thought this was:
Ah, Blake's. It's probably the first gay bar visited by a new comer to Atlanta. And that says a lot about Blake's - it's a mainstay, and it attracts a generic and diverse enough crowd to please anyone before they start branching out to more "specialized" locales like Jungle, Hoedown's, wetBAR, Heretic, and the like.
Blake's recent renovation of their upstairs area has turned the space into a more open lay out, with a nice central square bar, and large picture windows to...well, the parking lot. But it's a nice feel. However, it's a stark contrast from the dark wood downstairs, with a neutral paint scheme on drywall and some thoughtfully directed lights. So Blake's is now a bar with two vibes - a little more "big metro" upstairs, and more "neighborhood" downstairs.
But the drinks are good, the bartenders nice, and the space cozy enough and large enough to accommodate everyone. Blake's is definitely the spot of choice to either start a wild night or have a more relaxed night out with a few friends.
People thought this was:
I am a fan of Blake's. They have good food (for a bar), the drinks are great. and there's never a cover. There's 2 levels at Blake's. The downstairs is usually always crowed and that's where the drag show is. But, upstairs you can usually find a place to stand around or might could even grab a table. I would recommend you checking out Blake's if you are in the area.
People thought this was:
its yelp best practice really is to try a place multiple times before writing a review...
yeah, i like blakes.. theres never a cover and always a crowd. the drag shows are always fun and i always have a good time with my friends. the layout of the bar is pretty nice and their drinks are cheap and strong!!..which is very important. occasionally you may even get some free shots on a slow night like tuesday..lol
the drag shows are always the best on the weekends..but its so crowded you cant even move sometimes. no complaints..
People thought this was:
I give Blake's 4 G's:
Good drinks
Gay men
Groovin' Music
Grinding on the dance floor!
People thought this was:
I am all for the comfy neighborhood bar, and was curious about the local community during a recent trip south. While I am not the tallest person in the room, I found myself getting pushed a lot with little apology. In fact, one patron that ran into me actually gave ME a dirty look. Yikes.
I guess Southern Hospitality didn't make it out that night.
Then again, this is just one perspective from an out-of-towner who only had a few days in the ATL gayborhood.
People thought this was:
Five stars for keeping the karaoke lovin going after midtown Tavern had enough of us at midnight! Til 2 am biatch! That's hardcore karaoke for ya.
I think there was food and it was good...I know I love me some gay men, and there were plenty here! FAB.
People thought this was:
If you are looking for good stiff drinks, and well, good stiff boys, look no further than Blake's on the park! Blake's is pretty much a staple of gay midtown, and it always has something going on. One of the best things, is that you can walk from Piedmont park, so on those Sunday afternoons when you are in the park, you can swing by Blake's for a drink!
Since they renovated a little while back, the place has an urban feel, with plasma tv's and more eye candy to take in than ever! If you are gay and new in town, I definitely recommend checking Blake's out... it is a great place to start your gay Atlanta experience.
Be forewarned, it is definitely an S&M bar... Stand and Model that is. Lots and lots of pretty boys; but is that such a bad thing? Drag shows and trivia throughout the week.
People thought this was:
This is a great place to meet a friend for a drink early in the evening, before the pretentiousness sets in. You can't avoid it entirely, though, because the bartenders themselves exude it.
Blaske's used to be hoity-toity, then it got more laid back. they sold & remodeled, & now it's circuit boy time again. Go for some eye candy, if you can stand being around some seriously stuck-up queens.
The drinks are strong - I guess that's something nice to say. If you sit by the sidewalk side, you have a great perch for people-watching. The televisions are usually playing videos to match the music, which is good.
There's a lot of dark wood & low lighting, so you feel a little sexy just by walking in.
People thought this was:
I second Flip C's remarks. Generic Gay Bar. Generic Gay Dudes.
Overall I would be inclined to give it a 2, maybe a 2.5, but they had to have played the worst music I've ever heard, and in the course of one hour. I mean, how can you play (NO JOKE) Paris Hilton, Cher, 2007 Brittney Trainwreck, Lindsay Lohan and others? Back to back?!? And they weren't trying to be ironic! I think it must have served as a homing beacon to all of Atlanta's homos, though, because the place was getting packed for 10 p.m. on a Wednesday night. I gladly gave up my seat for the rest of them.
People thought this was:
New to the neighborhood and just in from a long flight, my beautiful wife suggested we get out for a nightcap. Welcome to Blake's, where on a Monday night you can enjoy a full drag show! Not only a drag show but a drag show where one of the queens even played the violin, now that's something special. I have to wonder, do they have drag shows every night? The bartenders were friendly, and the bar reminded me a little of cheers, gay cheers, where everyone knows your name. Well not my name, I just got here.
People thought this was:
Let the good times roll! I don't really care for the drags but the atomsphere is good.... Sunday night is the best night to go! It's extra tight!!!
People thought this was:
Went there last night. One of my friends had never been to gay bars so we took her around to a few. It was exactly how I remembered it. Expensive drinks, crowded, kind of meat markety. I probably would have enjoyed it more if we had gotten there in time for the drag show.
File this one under Generic Gay Bar. Usually attracts a younger crowd of generic gay boys. I'll go because I live across the street from it. However, the last time I was there, I got too drunk and FELL. Oh my gosh. Falling in a bar is the worst thing you can do...
People thought this was:
I really like Blake's. Whenever plans fall through, or you can't think of anything else or anywhere else to go Blake's will always be there. I usually have a really good time at this bar, whether I'm in for a chill night (upstairs) or more for music and a good show (downstairs). The bartenders are always really friendly and the service is great even on crowded nights. It can be a bit divey sometimes, but it's a mainstay in this city. It has a great central location in Midtown so you can either make it your night's opener or you can stumble in towards the end. There's also a free shuttle that will take you to other bars in Midtown. I really appreciate a bar that cares about and feels responsible for keeping it's patrons safe and off the road!
People thought this was:
One of my fave bars in Atlanta. Drinks are cheap cheap cheap, and the place is looking good, especially after the remodel!
love blakes on the park! everything from bieng packed since 2 in the afternoon to the amazing cheesburger...not sure if that's becuase i was under the influence or not! i just know that those fries were amazing...lol the drinks were perfect, the drag shows were so beautiful and the bartenders and guys at the door were not rude...they're obviously no in miami...lol way to go blakes thanks for a great time
People thought this was:
Atlanta, GA
Category: Gay Bars
Atlanta, GA
Category: Gay Bars
Neighborhood: Midtown
Category: Bookstores
Neighborhood: East Atlanta Village
Category: Gay Bars
Atlanta, GA
Category: Gay Bars
I'm a poker addict. This is a list of where to…
Where my playa self went and stayed and ate and…
The weird, the unusual, the entertaining... these…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Here are some places that I recommend going to if…
There are a few places I like to take out of town…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
