Burkhart's

If you're looking for the old biker bar at Ansley Square, it closed in 1988 and has since been replaced by Burkhart's. It's not a "strike a pose" bar; this is one of the most unpretentious gay bars in Atlanta. It's a very comfortable place to hang out, have a drink, and play some pool if you like. The boys here are approachable and laid-back, and on Sundays the legendary Armorettes will make you laugh until you can't take it anymore. Other nights you can sing karaoke or even grab a full dinner.

Insider Tip: Burkhart's patio sprawls across the entire back side of the bar. It's also intimate enough to allow you to step back and disappear into the shadows if you want.

I've seen a lot of drag in my time but the reason I keep coming back to Burkharts are the amazing drag queens! Mary Edith Pitts--you've done a great job of getting the best drag queens without the attitude. Not only do you keep the shows light and fun, you never seem to take yourself too seriously. Yall keep up the great work!

I felt compelled to tell you about my experiences at Burkharts. I have lived in Atlanta for three years and have been to this gay neighborhood pub. I especially like the fact the bar is basically undated. People say it has looked the same for years and if that is the owner's philosophy "if it ain't broke don't fix it" then let it be. I have not become a regular but have been enough times to know that the bartending staff is extremely friendly and efficient. The management staff; however, often seem aloof and a bit frazzled. Not only that, but one manager in particular rarely, if ever, speaks to any of the guests nor does he seem approachable. There is a drag show nearly every night and without mentioning any names a drag queen in particular who has her own show there just about every other night. The Amorettes, while often funny, work for a great cause and can be seen on Sunday nights with a packed house. The drag; however, is very repetitive and quite frankly we are tired of seeing one particular drag queen pull a guy onto the "stage" put her hands down his pants and sniff. The bar is spacious enough to spread out and enjoy your cheap drink. The food is extremely well priced, relatively good and suprisingly the vast majority of patrons do end up eating dinner there. I prefer the location of Blakes on the Park, but enjoy the Southern hospitality of this bar. Overall, this is an excellent venue as long as you don't mind repetitive drag and being ignored by the management staff.

After reading the glowing reviews here, We were looking forward to our visit. We should have realized from Burhart’s (outdated) web page that the place might focus on drag. The other customers all seemed to know each other, so we “tourists” felt out of place. Our bartender (Stephen) was very friendly, so we mostly chatted with him. While we waited for the announced karaoke to start (the web page says “sign up 10:30 pm”) we began to see more and more drag. Then, a drag show began and it went on and on until nearly closing. By the time the karaoke started, we were ready to leave. I suspect this place is a lot more entertaining when there isn’t a drag show. There is a large back patio (too cool that night to enjoy), and several bar areas. Will we go back? Possibly, but only with a contingency plan.

I'm not a big fan of drag shows, but the web site advertised that Monday was Karaoke night so I thought that would be fun. I should have known better. There was still a drag show - that started late, went on indefinitely, and wasn't very good on top of everything. The karaoke didn't start until 1:35 in the morning and only had a few participants by that time. The crowd seemed to be all regulars who kept to themselves. The bartender was friendly, but was slowly but surely closing his bar hours in advance of closing. It was like even he couldn't wait to get out of there. I'm afraid that will be my first and last visit.