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CALL BURKHART'S OL' RELIABLE. For 11 years, this studiously unpretentious bar has drawn a wide range of gay men seeking a friendly spot to hang out. It looks deceptively small from the outside but can actually fit 350 comfortably, considering the pleasant brick-laid patio and second floor. The Hollywood room includes film screenings and movie posters such as "Fight Club" and "Vanilla Sky." On weekends, Burkhart's is considered a warm-up spot to grab a couple of cocktails before hitting dance clubs like Backstreet or Blu. Drink prices are reasonable, ranging from $3 domestic beers to $6 martinis.

PRICE: No cover charge.

TUNES: A DJ pumps low-volume house music, but there's no dance floor. The bar hosts a popular drag show late Thursday nights hosted by Kitty LeClaw, who also happens to be the general manager under a name he won't reveal. (He cites stalkers for maintaining his anonymity.) On Sundays, Burkhart's hosts a drag show featuring gospel music. Karaoke is featured on Mondays and Tuesdays and retro music on Wednesdays.

SCENE: This is a jeans-and-sneakers aesthetic. A few women and drag queens dot the bar, but it's mostly gay guys in their 20s to 40s, a slightly older mix than competitor Blake's.

• THE 411: 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. weekdays; 2 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. to midnight Sundays. 1492 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-872-4403.

-- Rodney Ho and Jon Waterhouse contributed to this article