by Shemika Stickle on This was my first (and probably my last) experience of a bar in the Hollywood area. The bar itself is really nice, but with it being Hollywood there comes a certain "scene" with it; too many boobs in my face and obnoxious assholes everywhere. The service was really good, One of the bouncers noticed I was confused on how to get out due to the sea of people, and he led me to the door, very nicely and courteous, and later on the same bouncer noticed my friend and I looking at the menu, disappointed with the prices, he came by and let us know that they have a "$5 margarita", which was realllllyyy strong, but still better than paying $10-15 If that "Hollywood" scene is your style, then I'd recommend this place
by Annette Cones on 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!!!
by Erica F. on Had my first Avalon experience last night. Luckily I was seeing the amazing Booka Shade which offset the other weirdness that was going on - the crowd was pretty wack. I was not impressed by their sound system (again, comparing it to the Gold Standard of The Vanguard, which kicks any club's ass). They didn't turn the volume up high enough, IMO, until like 3am. I wanted it LOUDER! They pour pretty strong drinks and pricing is usual club price - $10 for my stoli and soda. It was an interesting layout, many rooms to go explore. If you need a break from the heat and crowd of the main dance floor, go upstairs to what I think is called The Spider Bar, the AC was kickin up there and it is not crowded. Different dj up there vs the main room, kind of a hard electro house sound at least the night I went. Not sure if I'll ever go back here, depends on if the live act will be worth it.
