After eight weeks of paper and online balloting, the readers of Southern Voice determined which people, places and things top the list of what makes gay life in Atlanta so worthwhile.

From artists to activists and politics to partying, you told us your picks in more than 50 categories. Southern Voice editors also weighed in with our choices for what earns Atlanta its reputation as the gay mecca of the South.

Look for old favorites on the list this year, as well as some new names that prove the city — and its gay residents — are always changing. As gay men and lesbians spread out to all corners of Atlanta, SoVo’s “Best” list shows that our readers have a hand in almost every aspect of the larger community.

The votes are in, the scores are tallied, and inside you’ll find a comprehensive roster of winners and runners-up to guide you through the Best of Gay Atlanta

DINING

Best Overall Restaurant
Best Brunch

Readers’ Choice: Einstein’s
Editors’ Choice, Overall: Roaster’s
Editors’ Choice, Brunch: Cafe 458

The waiting lists prove just how popular Einstein’s is with chic Midtown diners. Take a stretch out to the curbside patio, where your well-appointed meal and attractive company will attract envious stares from the traffic.

For Best Overall, the Colonnade scored second place, and Cowtippers roped in third. For Best Brunch, Radial Café took second place, and voters served Red Chair a third place finish.

Best Ethnic Restaurant

Readers’ Choice: King & I
Editors’ Choice: Casa Grande

When it comes to ethnic food, gay Atlanta overwhelmingly prefers to Thai one on. It might not be the prettiest, but King & I is doing something right. Customers have enjoyed the convenient Ansley Square location near popular gay retailers and bars for years, relying on the friendly service and prompt take-out.

Little Bangkok came in second, and Top Spice came in third.

Best Vegetarian Restaurant

Readers’ Choice: Café Sunflower
Editors’ Choice: Café Sunflower

Café Sunflower’s Buckhead location makes it popular and trendy, but what attracts most of the patrons is the healthy food, including sesame “chicken” made of soy. Tellingly, a whopping 80 percent of the people who eat here and return are non-vegetarian, management asserts.

Runner-ups are Green Sprout and R. Thomas.

Best Value

Readers’ Choice: Eats
Editors’ Choice: Pot & Pan

It’s hard to argue about good bargains, but if you could, Eats would win with SoVo readers. The no frills attitude and good country/Cajun cooking is an Atlanta mainstay with a diverse clientele from hungry college students to lunching professionals. For quick service on a budget, don’t miss this bare-bones deliciousness.

Roasters nabbed second, and Pot & Pan came in third. 

Best Dessert

Readers’ Choice: Matty Cakes
Editors’ Choice: Apres Diem

Matt Lewis’s Midtown bakery Matty Cakes is a menagerie of decadence that sends the even the sweetest tooth running for the hills. If the coconut cream doesn’t send you over the edge, perhaps the dolce de leche cheesecake will. Whatever your pleasure, Matty Cakes is the frosting on our readers’ list of dessert hotspots.

Café Intermezzo came in second and Metrotainment Bakery took third. 

Most Trendy Restaurant

Readers’ choice: Ecco
Editors’ choice: Piebar

Executive Chef Micah Willix brings European dining to Midtown at the spacious and super-swanky Ecco. From wood-fired pizza to eclectic grilled squid, there’s not an item on the menu that won’t take your taste buds on an exotic journey — and for a surprisingly affordable price.

Piebar finished a close second, followed by 2 Urban Licks.

Late-night Restaurant

Readers’ Choice: The Majestic
Editors’ Choice: Landmark on Cheshire

Convenient to both Midtown and Virginia Highlands, it’s no surprise that The Majestic is a favorite gay spot for late-night comfort food. The retro eatery serves up midnight grub the way it  should be: greasy, delicious and quick.

Readers voted Waffle House second place, and gave third-place to Joe’s on Juniper.

Best Outdoor Patio
Most Tried & True

Readers’ Choice: Joe’s on Juniper
Editors’ Choice, Patio: Roxx
Editors’ Choice, Tried & True: American Roadhouse

Who hasn’t shared laughs and good times over sandwiches and suds at Joe’s ? Check out fellow diners as you strut the runway, er, patio toward tasty food, cool jukebox tunes, and an adorable wait-staff.

Joe’s bros, Einstein’s and Cowtippers, follow for Best Outdoor/Patio. Cheshire Bridge faves Colonnade and Roxx also scored for Tried & True.

Most Romantic Restaurant

Readers’ Choice: Apres Diem
Editors’ Choice: Benedetti’s

With its candle-lit atmosphere both inside and outside, Apres Diem is the perfect place for ...

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