GA Voice
July 6, 2012
Best of Atlanta
NIGHTLIFE BEST, continued from Page 14
www.theGAVoice.com Courrtesy photo
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Best Theme Night Sunday Service at Church
Best Overall Bar Burkhart’s This year’s top prize among bars and pubs goes to the venerable Burkhart’s (www. burkharts.com), where strong drinks, drag shows and questionable karaoke rule the night. The Ansley Square staple has helped north Midtown remain one of the gayest areas in the city, and is adored by readers. The Atlanta Eagle (www.atlantaeagle.com) and Mary’s (www.marysatlanta.com) finished second and third, respectively.
SHOPPING
& SERVICES Best Bank Wells Fargo It’s everywhere all over Atlanta these days — Wells Fargo (www.wellsfargo.com) is your favorite place to store your funds and manage financial decisions. That the establishment is one of the most gay-friendly around is an added bonus. In second is SunTrust (www.suntrust.com), third is BB&T (www.bbt.com) and fourth is Fidelity Decatur (www.lionbank.com)
Best Bookstore Best Gift Store Brushstrokes With a wide selection of bestsellers, old favorites and gifts for the most spoiled recipient, Brushtrokes (www.brushtrokesatlanta.com) is your top choice as bookstore and gift store. New this year have been the store’s author appearances, hosted by neighboring gay bar Mixx. Best Bookstore: In second is Barnes and Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com) and third Charis Books and More (www.charisbooksandmore.com).
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With DJ Vicki Powell on the turntables, the faithful flock to Sunday Service at Church (Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping-Pong Emporium) in the Sweet Auburn district. It sometimes feels sacrilegious to have such a good time on the Lord’s Day, but as we all know, the seventh day was made for partying. The Manshaft party (www.themanshaft.blogspot.com) nabbed second place, while Roll Back at the Atlanta Eagle (www. atlantaeagle.com) earned third place.
Best Chiropractic Service Midtown Life Studio Need your back whipped into shape – or help working out that neck crick? Your fave place to do so is Midtown Life Studio (www.midtownlifestudio. com), which also offers massage. The team of Dr. Greg, Laura and Glenn has proven to be a potent combination. Runner-ups are Sherwood Chiropractor Center (www.sherwoodchiropracticcenter.com) and Sandy Chiropractor (www.sandychiro.com). Best Gift Store: Your next favorites are Heliotrope (www.heliotrophehome.com) and then Melrose on Ponce (www.melroseonponce.com).
Best Clothing Store Boy Next Door
For the latest in seasonal fashions, Boy Next Door (www.boynextdoor.biz) is a longtime favorite. Gay men flock there en masse to find the sexiest and trendiest fare around. In second is Saks Fifth Avenue (www.saksfifthavenue.com) and Drew Lewis (www. drewlewis-atl.com) finished next.
Best Coffeehouse Starbucks at Ansley Mall According to our readers, there’s no better local place to grab some java than the Ansley Starbucks (www.starbucks.com/ store/14958/). The coffee is reliable and the joint is always hopping with people – perfect for a meeting or to just curl up on the laptop. Second place is Java Monkey (www. javamonkeydecatur.com) with third going to Dancing Goats (www.facebook.com/ dancinggoatscoffeebar) in Decatur and fourth to Kavarna (www.kavarnadecatur.com).
Best Hotel The Georgian Terrace Best Dermatologist Dr. Mack Rachal
The well-respected Dr. Mack Rachal (www.midtownmed.com) is part of the staff at Midtown Medical Associates as well as Piedmont Hospital and Crawford Long. Known for his punctual visits and lack of waiting time at his office, he nosed out second place Georgia Skin Specialists (www.georgiaskinspecialists.com) by seven votes. In third is Olansky Dermatology Associates (www.olanskydermatology.com).
Best Florist Twelve Flowers and Boutique Now in business for 16 years, owner John McDonald has made Twelve Flowers and Boutique (www.twelveatlanta.net) a great place to stop for a wide array of flowers for weddings and all sorts of special events. The store has turned floral art into something highly unique yet personal. Second place went to Foxgloves & Ivy Floral Design Studio (www.foxgloves.biz) and third is Maud Baker (www.maudbaker.com).
An Atlanta landmark, The Georgian Terrace (www.thegeorgianterrace.com) has Southern hospitality in spades, world class facilities and the famous Livingston Restaurant and Bar, literally across the street from the Fox Theatre. The hotel is worth checking out even if you live in Atlanta. Second place is the W Midtown (www.whotels. com/Atlanta) and third Loews Atlanta (www.loewshotels.com).
Best Gym LA Fitness The best place to stay in shape — or get whipped into shape — is the reliable LA Fitness (www.lafitness.com), which has locations literally all over the Atlanta metro area. The gym has stayed current to keep the gay men and women coming. Urban Body Fitness (www. urbanbodyfitness.com) and Core Body Fitness (www.corebody.net) round out your top picks. Please see BEST, continued on Page 18 * Search Facebook for winners with no web addresses.