Errol Smith-Boddy's guide to Atlanta

Presented by Las Vegas

The local promoter/bartender chats about a few of his favorite, local places, events, and things.

Name: Errol Smith-Boddy

Age: 34

Gay.com Member Name: cyboi

Profession: Promoter/Bartender

City: Atlanta

Relationship Status: Newly single

Sexuality: Gay/open ended

What are some of the things you love most about Atlanta?

Atlanta has the perfect mix of southern hospitality and big city attitude. You can have catfish and biscuits served by a sassy and fabulous drag queen or beautiful tranny and still taste the down-home soul in the food and atmosphere.

What are some of your least favorite things about Atlanta?

There is just enough of the southern-ness to remind me that I am not in California anymore.

What gym do you like most in Atlanta? Why?

I'm gym-phobic. I prefer not to work out, run, or scissor kick in public any longer. There's something I can't get around with respect to the whole "spin class cruising" thing.

What are some great restaurants for a night out with gay friends in Atlanta?

Most of the really fun places in Midtown Atlanta are gay-owned, gay-friendly, and most likely gay-staffed, so I pick according to my pallet. I do enjoy the pub atmosphere of Joe's on Juniper as a top pick, though.

What are some great restaurants for a romantic gay date in Atlanta? What about these restaurants appeals to you?

When I was into romance (I say, being newly bitter, I mean, single), I really enjoyed a couple of places in the Landmark Shopping Center. The Indian and the Thai restaurants are really great, and close to the movie theater... hint, hint, hint. I only wish I could remember the names.

What are your favorite gay bars and/or dance clubs in Atlanta? What do you like about them?

Favorite gay bar -- it's a toss up between Blake's and Burkhart's for neighborhood bar, depending on how anonymous I want to be. As far as dance clubs go, I'm good for The Heretic on a Friday, if I am not in the Sabor Latino mindset and ending up at Wild Mustang/Jungle.

What are your favorite gay parties or events in Atlanta, if any? What is the crowd or scene like at those places?

Considering I'm in the business now of "event-ing," I'd have to say anything that Navigation attaches its name to, but barring that shameless plug, Pride is still my paramount choice.

Where is the best public place for a gay person to make out in Atlanta?

I'm kind of in the old school/high school mindset there. Parks or movie theaters, I think are the most likely.

What is the gay community like in Atlanta? Do you consider yourself to be part of any particular "scene"?

The gay community in Atlanta is different from what I grew up seeing and relating to. Oddly enough, they're pretty normal in the crazy ways we all are a little off. I mean, there's a shade for everyone in the rainbow here, but I don't see as much of the "stand outs" as I remember, especially in San Francisco. I mean, I don't randomly see a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence here at a Kroger or Publix in Midtown, but I have seen them buying a pre-made sub or some falafel mix in the Safeway off Market Street by the Castro in San Francisco. I guess it's just so "normal" that it really doesn't strike me. I will say one thing though, pretty is really in here. That took some getting used to.

Are you involved with any LGBT community organizations in Atlanta? Which ones?

What do you like about those groups? I support when and where I can, personally. I have close friends who work with Atlanta Pride, so I am available to be tapped for volunteering or whatever whenever, but in general I do what I can when I can for a group I may have just discovered. I will say that the number of organizations in this area is very heady. I was surprised and impressed.

What do you think of the annual LGBT pride celebration in Atlanta? Do you usually attend? What are the highlights for you? What do you like least about it?

Atlanta Pride: what to say? Well, apparently Mother Nature is always up for putting the celebration itself to the test of wills. I think that most of the larger events like that seem to get hit with the whammy in general, though. I always attend, even if it's not necessarily the parade. I have historically caught parts of the parade, but I just get antsy and need to move around. I dig on the chaos and the really heterogeneous mix of people all wandering around. As overwhelming as it can be, I still love it just the same.

Do you have a particular fashion style? Where do you shop for clothes?

I totally dress for comfort. I'm jeans and tees as often as possible (I think it comes from being new in the 90's). I'm not into the designer jeans and all the flash. It looks good on other people, but I think I just look overdone or like I'm just trying too hard. But I do love shoes. I'm all about getting the things I like at a bargain, and if I have to do it up myself, I have a sewing machine if it comes to that. I do have an affection for Filene's Basement and Target, which borders on the bizarre, but they have what I want, usually, and don't make me feel bad about it. No buyer's remorse.

Where do you go for other forms of entertainment -- live theater, concerts, movies, art exhibits? Are there any local gay performance groups, bands, or artists that you're a fan of?

For concerts, The Tabernacle, Philips Arena, and I will always be a fan of the 40watt Club in Athens, GA. I have seen some of the best shows in just those three venues alone. Smith's Olde Bar is also good for smaller, intimate shows. As far as performance groups and artists and bands, I dig the Athens Boys Choir, and the Effies Follies girls, but those are Athens. As far as Atlanta goes, I usually "happen" upon a show that takes my breath away, so I can't pick anything in particular right now.

If you had gay friends visiting from out of town for the first time, what are some "musts" that you'd recommend they see or do?

You must go to Blake's and stand and stare on at least one night. You must go to Mary's and do the same, especially if it's one of the random, seedy, dark, fun and trashy Industrial nights. You must go to The Heretic at least once. 'Nuff said about that one, and you must have at least one meal at Joe's or Einstein's... preferably a brunch or such.

What city (or cities) in America would you most like to visit next, and why? Are there any specific spots there (theaters, nightclubs, historic sites, etc.) that you'd really like to see?

Personally, I love Chicago, Milwaukee, and N.Y.C. I miss San Francisco and Los(t) Angeles because they are home, but I would love to see Seattle and go back to Austin for a weekend or something. Orlando to "P-House" just 'cause it's a riot. Philly to Woody's for the same reason. Woody's in Milwaukee was fun, too. Brandy's in N.Y.C., a little piano bar, is just awesome!

For more on Errol Smith-Boddy, check out: http://my.gay.com/cyboi.

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