Piedmont Heights/Virginia-Highland
Just north of Midtown is Piedmont Heights, Atlanta’s oldest neighborhood known as a “small town in a big city.” If you’re looking for a chiller, more suburban vibe, Piedmont Heights is the place for you.
The area is home to Ansley Mall and Ansley Square Shopping Center, gay Atlanta’s hot spot. There, you can find a slew of gay-friendly establishments (even the Starbucks is lovingly referred to as Bearbucks). Hit up Brushstrokes Pleasures, the one-stop shop for gifts, pleasures, DVDs, and other adult entertainment since 1989, or check out Barking Leather for leather clothing, accessories, and all things BDSM and fetish. Ansley Mall is also the home of Ansley Wine Merchants, a seven-days-a-week wine shop with over 1,000 bottles of wine, 600 types of liquor, and 200 types of beer; The Cook’s Warehouse, a local chain that carries a huge selection of more than 15,000 kitchen tools and supplies; and Intaglia Home Collection, a furniture and home décor store that brings a fresh approach to Atlanta furniture.
If you’re a movie lover, catch a film at Plaza Theatre, Atlanta’s longest continuously operating independent movie theatre, or the historic Tara Theatre. You can also pick up a DVD at Videodrome, an old-school video rental shop stocking both indie and obscure films as well as recent releases. Afterwards, head across the street to The Supermarket to enjoy local art, performances, and workshops in a one-of-a-kind venue.
When it comes to gay nightlife, Ansley is the place to be. Felix’s Atlanta is a friendly, small neighborhood bar that’s perfect for early evening drinks and hanging out with friends. Oscar’s Martini Bar offers video on demand with weekly events that include show tunes, karaoke, and DJs. And of course, the Atlanta Eagle is the favorite among Atlanta’s leather community.
Other gay nightlife in the area includes District Atlanta, the only venue in the U.S. with a unique, 300+ floating orbs kinetic light system, making it the perfect spot to dance the night away. Friends on Ponce is a no-attitude bar with inexpensive drinks and pool tables popular among the alt gay crowd, and Mixx Atlanta is Atlanta’s premier video venue, hosting three different lounges for socializing with friends or hosting a party or event. Chill on weeknights with piano night on Tuesdays, then sizzle with DJs Fridays through Sundays. Or enjoy some karaoke with a live band every Monday night at Dark Horse Tavern.
Keep the party going with libations from Green’s Beverages or Tower Beer, Wine, and Spirits.
Virginia-Highland is also home to Ponce City Market, a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Housed in a former Sears catalog facility, Ponce City Market is home to several retailers, including Citizen Supply, Madewell, Lululemon, Modern Mystic, Nike, Sephora, West Elm, and Williams-Sonoma, as well as a diverse food hall. Grab some Mexican fare and craft cocktails at Minero or enjoy Asian cuisine at Pacific Passage, Ponce’s new Asian food market that includes street food, pho, baos, bubble waffles, and more. Then head up on The Roof to enjoy carnival games, delicious cocktails, seasonal ice and roller skating, and awe-inspiring views of the Atlanta skyline.
Just outside Ponce City Market is City Winery, a hip, intimate venue with a New American restaurant, bar, and on-site winery. The venue is often home to Wussy Mag’s beloved themed drag brunches, check their website to see if any brunches are happening while you’re here!
Outside of Ponce City Market, there are so many other delicious choices for dinner in the neighborhood. La Hacienda is a casual Mexican restaurant offering tableside guacamole, a full bar, a rooftop patio, and vibrant decor. Metrofresh is “world food” restaurant that delivers fresh fare fast and gives back to its community; fundraisers for AID Atlanta and PALS are just a few of its LGBTQ-friendly gestures. Nowak’s neighborhood bar and restaurant serves high-quality steaks and seafood, but if you’re looking for something more casual, Eats is quick, conveniently located, and won’t put a dent in your pockets. Enjoy pasta dishes and good ol’ jerk chicken, plus delicious Southern sides like green beans and baked sweet potatoes.
If you want to opt for some home cooking, pick up some ingredients at the Virginia Highland Farmers Market at VaHi Farm Burger on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. from March 30 through November 16.
Fun Facts
- Piedmont Heights is Atlanta’s oldest community, settled in 1822 by Benjamin Plaster.
- Entrenchments built by General T.J. Wood’s troops during the Civil War remained in the area until they were destroyed by the construction of a Holiday Inn in the 1950s. Today, a few crumbling stone steps and historic marker on the site honor the Edwin Cheshire family’s handyman “Gold Tooth John,” whose ghost is rumored to still wander the halls of the old hotel at night.
- Virginia-Highland used to be considered one of the seven “arboreta” in the city of Atlanta.
- In 2021, thatsister.com rated Virginia-Highland as the best neighborhood for Black families to move to.
- Virginia-Highland is home to Fire Station #19, Atlanta’s oldest fire station.
