Brad Williams must be a genius. Last year, the owner of Red Chair launched what looked like a risky venture, renovating the former Chamber nightclub into his tropical-themed discotheque called JUNGLE. By the end of the summer, the numbers were undeniable: Atlanta had caught Jungle fever. This year, the space has seen even more cosmetic improvements and has hosted a who’s-who of gay nightlife elite. Not only have live performers like Kristine W. and Deborah Cox graced the stage, but DJs Tony Moran, Kimberly S., and Craig Spy have gotten the dancefloor whipped into a frenzy. No wonder it’s a weekly destination for scores of sweaty party boys out to release the animal within. less...

Brad Williams must be a genius. Last year, the owner of Red Chair launched what looked like a risky venture, renovating the former Chamber nightclub into his tropical-themed discotheque called JUNGLE. By the end of the summer, the numbers were undeniable: Atlanta had caught Jungle fever. This year, the space has seen even more cosmetic improvements and has hosted a who's-who of gay nightlife elite. Not only have live performers like Kristine W. and Deborah Cox graced the stage, but DJs Tony Moran, Kimberly S., and Craig Spy have gotten the dancefloor whipped into a frenzy. No wonder it's a weekly destination for scores of sweaty party boys out to release the animal within. less...

We may be premature in handing out accolades, given that the dust hasn't fully settled from its recent renovation, but early signs show that BLAKE'S ON THE PARK has returned to its former glory. Once the must-hit spot on Atlanta's gay scene, Blake's saw a dip in its customer base a couple of years back as trendy new competitors sucked away its clientele. But this spring, a change in ownership led to a sleek facelift for the longstanding 10th Street landmark, along with a revitalized lineup of weekly diversions. Apparently the old stand-and-model format never goes out of style. "227 10th St. 404-892-5786. www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com" less...

Who knew that RED CHAIR RESTAURANT AND VIDEO LOUNGE would make such a big splash as a gay destination by banning smoking indoors? The re-fashioned former Fusion location now features a large central bar, Picasso-esque murals and a dining room where people eat ("really") while viewing large screens showing the latest Kylie and Madonna videos. On weekends, when the dinner crowd dwindles, the men begin their slut walks through the tightly clad hordes. But on weeknights, the bar has become a new hot spot for the women, who flock to the weekly drag king shows. And for those who need to smoke, there's a porch - which is often packed. "550-C Amsterdam Ave. 404-870-0532." less...

227 10th St. 404-892-5786 Love or loathe it, Blake's is the one gay bar in town almost always guaranteed to be guy central. Wednesday night's Lust & Bust drag show draws an oppressively packed house downstairs, which explains why this Midtown fixture has a reputation for S&M (standing and modeling). Weekends can be even crazier, thanks in part to the Saturday night Body Parts Contest and the abundance of eye candy upstairs. Sure, Blake's has a reputation for attitude. But with a clientele like this, who can argue? less...

Say what you will about the attitude or the cramped downstairs, the boys at Blake's make it worth the effort. Whether you're after across-the-bar eye contact or private conversation on the patio, this Midtown institution is infamous for its flirtation factor. Wednesday nights — if you can circumvent the world's smallest drag show — find masses of men on the make, half of whom seem to live handily nearby. But did we mention the attitude? less...

One word why gay men love Backstreet: Raven. The quintessential Glamour Drag Queen pairs Wonder Woman fierceness with Cher showmanship for a performance that's always packed. Decked in a seemingly endless line of headdresses, Raven makes her audience work, stripping the obligatory straight boy down to his boxers or slinging those signature fire batons. Sure, there's the throbbing dance floor and hot guys for days, but it's Raven who keeps the queens coming back. less...

Mary's in East Atlanta has proven in just a couple of years that gay bars can thrive even outside of Midtown. The kitschy-meets-trendy video bar brings a much-needed neighborhood feel to the scene, disarming even the most jaded queens with its decidedly drama-free atmosphere (and delicious Mary-tinis). Crowded weekend nights are known for impromptu dance parties, while all-request Thursdays give everyone a place to enjoy their Madonna videos in peace. less...