Q Atlanta Magazine | March 21, 2019

Q

March 21, 2019

inform | inspire

QUEER DINING 2019 Eating good in the gayborhood

The Queer Agenda Q Shots The Q Q Voices The Weekly Print Publication of Project Q Atlanta

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EDITOR’S NOTE Q Q MAGAZINE THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION OF PROJECT Q ATLANTA PUBLISHERS INITIAL MEDIA, LLC MIKE FLEMING PUBLISHER & EDITOR MIKE@THEQATL.COM MATT HENNIE PUBLISHER & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MATT@THEQATL.COM RICHARD CHERSKOV PUBLISHER & GENERAL MANAGER RICHARD@THEQATL.COM ADVERTISING SALES RUSS YOUNGBLOOD SENIOR SALES REPRESENTATIVE RUSS@THEQATL.COM ART DIRECTOR JOHN NAIL JOHN@THEQATL.COM

EAT This

Taste the rainbow in Q’s Dining Guide to queer Atlanta FROM THE MEAL OF OUR PEOPLE at brunch, to gatherings around a communal table, one of the LGBTQ-ATL’s rites of passage is eating good in the gayborhood. This week’s issue of Q is all over it.

For this special issue, we scoured intown Atlanta for queer and allied

places to eat, and came up with not only a list of the most popular spots,

but some new and hidden gems too. With the help of our advertisers, the

PROJECT Q ATLANTA PATRICK SAUNDERS EDITOR PSAUNDERS@THEQATL.COM

Q Dining Guide takes you from casual dives

CONTRIBUTORS IAN ABER LAURA BACCUS GABRIELLE CLAIBORNE BUCK COOKE CHARLES E. DAVIS JON DEAN BILL DICKINSON JIM FARMER BRAD GIBSON JAMES L. HICKS TAMEEKA L. HUNTER HEATHER MALONEY ERIC PAULK KYLE ROSE JAMES PARKER SHEFFIELD VINCE SHIFFLETT ALEXANDRA TYLER VAVA VROOM

It was so hard to winnow it down to just our

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to fancy occasions, from group meals to date night and beyond.

Top 25, so we also included a list of other

queer-owned restaurants for your to-try list.

MIKE FLEMING EDITOR & PUBLISHER

That’s where we round it all up on an Index

Page to tear out and keep when you’re out of ideas at mealtime.

But before you get good and hungry, drop in on our other weekly features.

In Q Voices, Vince Shifflett talks about how even though we’re stereotyped, queers can be just as guilty of using categories and assumptions

against people. In The Q advice column, people fear being basic, stupid or blind, and we help them get a grip on their situations.

Of course, we wouldn’t be Q without the Queer Agenda calendar of events.

Be sure to check it for places you might get caught by our photographers,

then enjoy the results of our most recent pics in the Q Shots gallery pages.

While you’re deciding where to eat and where to go afterward, remember that Q is about you. If you have a person, group, event or issue that needs

telling on our pages, e-mail me at mike@theQatl.com, and visit Project Q Atlanta online for fresh content every day at theQatl.com.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 18 MARCH 21, 2019

BADASS BEATS

The Black Madonna takes Atlanta

COVER

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Eating Out Q’s 2019 restaurant taste tour

Q VOICES

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31 First Down

Et Tu Brute?

How bigoted queers victimize each other THE QUEER AGENDA

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Must Do

33 Pitchers & Catchers

The week’s best LGBTQ Atlanta events

FEATURES Q Voices

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Queer Agenda

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Q Shots

31

The Q

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35 This Sissy theQatl.com

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Q

VOICES

Assumed

GUILTY

Stereotyping: Every queer’s worst nightmare that every queer does

IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, STEREOTYPING MEANS making over-generalized assumptions about a particular category of people, assuming every individual in that group is alike. Basically, by stereotyping we infer that a person has a whole range of characteristics that we assume all members of that group have.

It is nothing more than a preconceived notion and many stereotypes are racist, sexist, or homophobic. And we’re all both victims of it and guilty of it at the same time.

by white American men.

Has anyone ever mistaken you for a pervert just for being a member of the LGBTQ community? This stereotype was obvious during the initial AIDS crisis when the Christians were saying we were perverted and this was God’s punishment. The truth is there are gay people of God, preachers, gospel artists and more. Still, we continue to be stereotyped as all being the same with the same characteristics.

I’ve had several people ask me, “So who is the man and who is the woman in your relationship?” “Wow” is all I can say. No one is the woman. That’s the point.

Ever stereotyped or been stereotyped as someone who eats uncontrollably because of your weight? Ever assumed anything about someone based on their demographics? We all have. The trick is to stay aware of the falseness of this way of thinking, remember that it can cause a lot of hurt and pain, and nip it in the bud in ourselves and others if we witness it.

I believe that we are all humans and one with the creator regardless of our groups or categories. We are also each unique expressions of the creator. No two people are exactly alike or have exactly the same characteristics, and just because we belong to a particular group or identify with a particular group does not mean we are exactly like every person in that group.

As a gay man, I’ve been the victim of stereotyping on more than one occasion, as a great VINCE home designer, floral designer and quite the SHIFFLETT fashionista. I am none of those. We all do not hang curtains or cut hair because we’re gay. We are all There is both good and evil in every group and indeed in every not fashionistos because we’re gay. Of course, there are also person. It is impossible to just look at someone and assume they gay hunters, plumbers, professional athletes, carpenters and are a certain way, the way they are dressed, the way they worship, many other things we stereotype as a specific group or cateor the color of their skin. gory of people.

I recently had a conversation with a great friend who is African American. By the end of the conversation, my heart was heavy and I was appalled. He said that anytime he walks into a bar or club, a white guy comes up to him asking if he has “party favors” for sale. These guys assume that because my friend is black, he is a drug dealer.

Have you ever seen a woman walking down the street with her head, face and entire body covered in clothing, and for just a second thought about terrorism? Have you ever seen anyone of Middle Eastern descent and just assumed that they were not good for our country? A lot of people in our country do, though the majority of the terrorist acts committed here are 8

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My precious mother used to always say, “You can’t look at a book and tell what’s under the cover.” So true.

Let’s make a commitment to not judge, make assumptions, or stereotype others based on them being different from us or their membership in any group or category of people. Let’s spread love.

Stop the stereotyping and put on a new pair of glasses that allows you to see everyone as the beautiful creation of God that they are.

Vince Shifflett is a nurse practitioner and blogger in Atlanta. Read more of his work at vinceshifflett.com.

April 6, 2019 Emory University Grab some friends and spend a fun day competing in your favorite version of schoolyard games. Tug-of-war, 3-legged and wheelbarrow races, and more.

Two fun events to raise money for AIDS vaccine research and local service organizations including Emory Vaccine Center, Positive Impact, AID Atlanta, Jerusalem House and HERO for Children.

May 18-19, 2019 A 2-day 200-mile bike ride across the beautiful Georgia countryside.

Shorter options are available, including relays.

Register for one or both events, volunteer and/or donate to a participant at actioncyclingatl.org

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5 QUEER THINGS Q

Rebel HEART

Activist, DJ, badass unleashes inclusive music and magic

By Mike Fleming

T

he Black Madonna isn’t about religion.

She’s more about religious experiences.

She brings a well-honed and unique brand to any dance floor she graces, so we gathered intel on five fast facts before you and she hit Heretic to make beautiful music together on March 22.

Mixtapes Your girl got her start in music selling her mixes of underground DJs at raves in the 1990s.

What’s in a Name

Gender Wars Before becoming an internationally in-demand queer DJ, The Black Madonna was nee Marea Stamper, who dropped out of high school after being bullied for her gender-nonconforming appearance. Now she actively champions inclusion of LGBTQ people, women over 40, and nonbinary people inside and outside the club scene.

The Big Time With huge gigs all over the world like Coachella, and profiles in such illustrious outlets as the New York Times and Rolling Stone, The Black Madonna has been called “one of the world’s most exciting turntablists” by South China Morning Post and was named DJ of the year by Mixmag in 2016. Beyond all that, her coolest accolade has to be when asked to play herself as an in-residence DJ for the video game Grand Theft Auto Online.

Sources: Soundcloud, New York Times, Wikipedia

Raised Catholic in Kentucky, her stage name is a tribute to her mother’s favorite saint, who is depicted in paintings from various regions and eras with dark skin. The paintings are preferred by some viewers and considered not only more accurate to the origins, but just a bit more of a badass than her pale counterparts.

Local Scoop Vicki Powell’s roving party crew Deep South is your connection to the Black Madonna’s Friday, March 22, set at Heretic.

Because of course they are. Making it a queer girl-power kind of night for all comers, Atlanta DJ Ash Lauryn and Powell share the opening set.

Visit The Black Madonna on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Q

THE QUEER AGENDA

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

The Best Queer Things To Do in Atlanta This Week

Drag Queen Story Hour

March 21 – March 27

Edie Cheezburger reads to kids for the

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

amusement of adults @ Posman Books,

LGBTQ Lobby Day

Queer rights advocates hit the offices of lawmakers hoping to make a difference @ Georgia Capitol, 8:30 a.m. georgiaequality.org Dine out For Pride Week

A portion of your meal benefits Atlanta Pride, and this is just the first

day of the whole week through March 24 @ Doc Chey’s Grant Park, all day. atlantapride.org

2 p.m. posmanbooks.com Gays For Plays

The LGBTQ theater fan group watches I Am My Own Wife with a social hour to boot @ Out Front Theatre, 7:30 p.m. gaysforplays.com Neon Wonderland

DJ Nina Flowers helps transform a stalwart nightspot into a glowing Gomorrah

Floof, Boops & Toe Beans

@ BJ Roosters, 9 p.m.

Pet role play with Queer Women in Kink. Get off

Ft. Maneuvers

the couch right meow, bad girl @ Rush Center,

Don your military gear for a theme night at the gay

7 p.m. facebook.com/QueerWomeninKinkATL

men’s sex club @ Manifest4U, 10 p.m. manifest4u.com Sprung

One of RuPaul’s stable of winners, Aquaria joins

the Wussy crew for a celebration of the season @

Deep End, 10 p.m. wussymag.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 24 ABCD Photo by Jon Dean

La Choloteca

Ian Aber hosts a queer variety production, A

Burlesque Comedy Drag show @ Laughing Skull, 8 p.m. laughingskullounge.com

DJ Bembona rocks the house for this queer-inclusive Latinx party @

Mothership

MJQ, 10 p.m. facebook.com/Choloteca

Left-of-center queens led by Taylor Alxndr do the damn thing @ Mother Bar + Kitchen, 9 p.m.

Nasty Women

mother.bar

Lesbians, trans women and drag queens serve up a burlesque variety

show to benefit Pride @ My Sister’s Room, 10 p.m. mysistersroom.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 Outworlders Movie Night

Atlanta’s LGBTQ and allied sci-fi/fantasy fan group does Disney night, screening

Lilo & Stitch and The Black Cauldron @

Fulton County Library, Metropolitan

Branch, 7 p.m. outworlders.org Piano Sing-a-long

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 FRIDAY, MARCH 22 Suite 35 ft. Fade Dra

It’s actually Saturday morning, but it’s still Friday night to

you with tunes by this team

led by DJ King Atlas @ Tokyo Valentino Midtown, 2 a.m. tokyovalentino.com

Broadway veteran Robert Ray tickles the ivories while

backup peeps do Blues Night @ the

y’all sing @ Campagnolo, 9 p.m. campagnoloatl.com

Velvet Note, 7 p.m. thevelvetnote.com

The Black Madonna

this DJ wunderkind @ Heretic,

Bakery for the Kudzu Afterparty,

away, 9 p.m. atlantahideaway.com

ean

late night. facebook.com/deepsouthATL

Birdcage Bingo

Ruby Redd corrals the queens for fun and games @ The Hide-

Jon D

10 p.m. Then head over to the

o by Phot

Vicki Powell’s Deep South presents

Michelle Malone Band

Our favorite lesbian rocker and her

Find even more LGBTQ events in the Queer Agenda each Thursday at theQatl.com. theQatl.com

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DINING GUIDE Q

QUEER DINING

2019

Take the Q taste tour of a few dozen options for eating good in the gayborhood

S

Compiled by Mike Fleming ometimes it’s easy to forget how lucky we all are to be LGBTQ in Atlanta. The sheer volume of options for nightlife, entertainment, sports, arts and social options for just about every LGBTQ subuculture outweighs that of our rural red-state brethren and even some iconic larger cities.

An awesome extension of our cultural wealth is Atlanta’s full plate of restaurant choices. From casual to chic, date night to gurlz night, enjoy our roundup of the most popular queeer and allied eateries on the following pages.  Pick up Q magazine on the second and fourth issues of each month for more great restaurants in our Good Eats directory.

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Q

DINING GUIDE, Continued

IT’S CASUAL

Forget the pretense. Your t-shirt and jeans are welcome here, whether you’re on a break or you have all day.

Eats

Mama’s Cocina

Hidden in plain sight on Ponce de Leon Ave. near Monroe Drive in the shadow of Ponce City Market, big portions of American comfort food come cafeteria-style at this popular, offbeat eatery.

Who doesn’t love Mom’s Kitchen. Well when Mom is the same one responsible for Las Margaritas and the former Taco Cabana, it comes with all your Latin favorites at prices your mom would appreciate you spending too. Perfect for lunch, dinner or post-bar 24-hour deliciousness.

EAT THIS: You can’t go wrong here with an entrée-and-three concept, but we have a hard time passing up the jerk chicken.

The meatloaf and chicken chili, as well as a pasta selection, are good choices as well.

600 Ponce De Leon Ave NE eatsonponce.net

Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill

the islands do the rest.

1958 Piedmont Road mamascocinalatina.com Come say Ay, Papi, to this longtime favorite on the Ponce corridor.

Within steps of some and minutes of all the big gay bars, this place gives Holes in the Wall a good name. You bring your appetite, and let the flavors of

EAT THIS: You can’t leave without trying Rey’s Cuban or Ropa Vieja Sandwiches. These conglomerations of pressed perfection may be the best of their kind in Atlanta.

216 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE papisgrill.com

EAT THIS: We’re eating the Pollo a la Plancha, and we’re eating it every single time. Comes with rice, beans, tortillas and the sweet satisfaction of a full belly.

Thai Chili It is said that you can spin around, throw a rock and hit a Thai restaurant in Atlanta.

Whether that’s the case or not, you’ll want to land on this gem in the Lavista Park neighborhood near Emory and Toco Hill. All your favorites in a hospitable, comfortable atmosphere, if your table is for 5 or for 25.

EAT THIS: Panang Curry Beef is our favorite, and you might also consider a starter with the Chicken Coconut Soup. Not sure what magic they do to make them so special, but you’ll be glad they did.

2169 Briarcliff Road NE thaichilicuisine.com

Johnny’s Pizza The real McCoy. New York Italian pizza so good you’d slap your mama. Whole pie or by the slice, the prices are great, too.

Get a slice with one of their actually good side salads if you just have to watch your figure. Speaking of watching, watch them make it through the old-timey window.

EAT THIS: Turn the tables and devour a Great White. Cream sauce, grilled chicken, garlic, and spinach.

1810 Cheshire Bridge Road NE johnnyspizza.com Pick up Q magazine on the second and fourth issues of each month for more great restaurants in our Good Eats directory.

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DINING GUIDE, Continued

SO GAY

It’s here. It’s queer. Sit back, relax and enjoy the food of your people by your people with your people.

Roxx A one-stop shop for American fare and a gay clientele. A popular patio, a menu of favorites from salad to meat-and-threes and beyond, a friendly staff, and a guaranteed crowd of gay men and their cohorts. What’s not to love?

EAT THIS: The fried chicken wraps with flavor options and dipping sauce are a favorite. And there’s no gay man who doesn’t love a Sausage Fest. Try that as well.

Henry’s With a patio presence you don’t want to miss in springtime and a menu that keeps ‘em coming back for more all year, this gay-owned sibling eatery of Campagnolo’s nearby has all the gay you can handle in one sitting.

EAT THIS: Baby baked potato starters are bangin, burgers are to die for, and any of a half-dozen tacos or hot dogs are a sure bet.

Our favorite? Barbecue Baby Back Ribs. Fall. Off. The. Bone.

1824 Cheshire Bridge Road NE roxxfanclub.com

132 10th St. henrysatl.com

Las Margaritas

La Hacienda

Latin fare with a gay flair. On any given Sunday, brunch is hopping.

And on most every day of the week, gay Atlanta’s own Oscar Valdivieso is usually holding court over his popular eatery. Sample the extensive tequila selection and specialty drinks while you scarf up some awesome food.

If it’s not already, this Mexican eatery is about to become a regular stop on your restaurant rounds. Generous portions, a helpful staff and authentic flavors raise this place over its brethren and instantly into a Midtown mainstay.

EAT THIS: You can’t go wrong from Mexican specialties to Spanish Paella. We love to start with the Taste of Las Mas appetizer, munch on the Ultimate Mix Trio of dips, and go big with Fajitas big enough to share.

EAT THIS: Just ask for “The Bowl.” Your choice of meat — but pick the pork marinated all day in milk — with cheesy rice, charro beans, onions, pico, corn, guac, sour cream and cilantro.

Mix it up and enjoy.

900 Monroe Dr. NE lahaciendamidtown.com

1842 Cheshire Bridge Road NE lasmargaritasmidtown.com

Lips Come for the drag, stay for the food. OK the food and the drag. Dinner and a show finally answers your burning question about how, exactly, is life a cabaret.

High-glam decor and high-drag divas like Charlie Brown and Bubba D. Licious make this a must-stop to make a big night of it. Try Sunday Gospel Brunch too.

EAT THIS: The menu of American fare changes, but it’s always worth the prix fixe or a la carte pricing. Do make reservations.

3011 Buford Hwy NE lipsatl.com Pick up Q magazine on the second and fourth issues of each month for more great restaurants in our Good Eats directory.

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American Contemporary Dining in the Heart of Midtown

LGBT owned Enjoy our new menu

by Chef Lenny Santiago Tues - Thurs 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Fri - Sat 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Sun 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

1425 Piedmont Ave. NE Suite B • Atlanta 404-907-4712 eclecticbistroatlanta.com theQatl.com

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1492 Piedmont Ave NE • Atlanta, GA 30309 • 404-343-651

4 • KITCHEN HOURS: Mon-Sat 4 -10 p.m. • Sunday: 3-10 p.m.

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GROUP THINK Meet your friends for a party any given night of the week with orders from the kitchen and the bar.

Hobnob You’ve noticed this neighborhood spot perched at the corner of Monroe Drive and Piedmont Avenue, and maybe even dropped in for drinks. If you and your crew haven’t done the refined Southern take on tavern fare, you’re missing out.

DINING GUIDE, Continued Q

Midtown Moon You’d be hard pressed to find a more delicious meal at these prices. Cooks are just on the other side of the bar ready to fix your plate of man-that-hits-the-spot. Dip in on Sunday for a smorgasbord brunch buffet that will knock your socks off.

EAT THIS: Yes, they have bar-food fare, but sink-your-teeth meats with fresh sides are the way to go. You’re welcome.

1492 Piedmont Ave. facebook.com/MidtownMoon

EAT THIS: You are a go for tons of options at lunch, dinner and brunch with the guys who own G’s and three Hobnob locations. The BLT Salad, Roasted Tomato & Basil Bisque and Pot Roast are excellent, but we can’t live without the Mac & Cheese, available with your choice of meat.

1551 Piedmont Ave NE hobnobatlanta.com

No Mas Cantina Known for its food and fun as well as hosting events as a member of the gay chamber of commerce, this Mexican food place is a gay mainstay featuring lively décor and a gift shop stocked with handmade goods.

EAT THIS: The enchiladas are divine, but Southern meat lovers will agree that the Carnitas — seasoned, grilled pork chunks — are as good as it gets.

180 Walker St. SW nomascantina.com

Woofs

Frogs Cantina

Atlanta’s first and only gay sports bar makes its name on jocks and the guys who love them, but its kitchen has always been a big deal with entrees and sides that makes watching the big game even better.

Known as much for their support of queer organizations with beer busts as for their delicious Mexican food, this Midtown Promenade spot is always down for a good time. Tacos, tequilas and tons of gay clients make it a must.

EAT THIS: You won’t go wrong with a varied and delicious burgers and baskets menu. We for one are always down for the Turkey Reuben-style or Pulled Pork Sandwiches.

EAT THIS: Oh, did we already mention the tacos?

Because they are amazeballs. Chicken and beef, of course, but we are here for the shrimp and fish versions. Mix and match for a custom plate you’ll love.

2425 Piedmont Road NE woofsatlanta.com

931 Monroe Drive NE frogsmidtown.com

Pick up Q magazine on the second and fourth issues of each month for more great restaurants in our Good Eats directory. theQatl.com

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Q

DINING GUIDE, Continued

DATE NIGHT

Gaze into each other’s eyes over great-looking plates and a curated ambiance.

Campagnolo

Après Diem

Nothing says lovin’ like Italian food. On a date, sit inside with classic dishes, plus some special menu items that show you this gay-owned sister eatery to Henry’s knows what it’s doing.

This European bistro is consistently voted the best place for a gay first date umpteen years running.

Conveniently located by Midtown Art Cinema, it’s perfect for a movie night, before-or-“après” your day.

Or night.

EAT THIS: Start with the antipasti platter then dive face first into one of the decadent pasta dishes. Orecchiette (house fennel sausage) is our favorite.

980 Piedmont Ave NE campagnoloatl.com

EAT THIS: Nothing says you’re sweet on each other like dessert.

Rotating selections here are always on point. Visit the display case together and share your selections on one plate. Cozy.

931 Monroe Drive NE facebook.com/apresdiem

City Winery With vino in the name and Ponce City Market as home base, you know it’s elegant. Beyond a vineyard-worthy cellar on site and live shows by nationally touring musicians and comics, creative dishes on the menu offer a little something for everyone.

EAT THIS: The Q staff loves to gather around a table full of appetizers like fried mac-n-cheese and balsamic Brussels sprouts, but entrees like a gourmet pizza to share or a perfectly crusted salmon may be more appropriate for your date. Desserts are fab too.

650 North Ave. NE citywinery.com

Poor Calvin’s Eclectic The truth is in the name, and the proof is on your plate. Right by the botanical gardens, here’s where you find modern American fare featuring global accents served in mellow digs with exposed brick, or have your date on the patio in warmer weather.

EAT THIS: All we can think about is the Pasta Carbonara, but you might like something like Butternut squash ravioli, pork tenderloin or a balsamic flank steak.

1425 Piedmont Ave. NE eclecticbistroatlanta.com

Your palate will thank you for this fusion of Asian and American food.

From fried chicken to Pad Thai, only the freshest ingredients will do, and the presentation of the plate is just as lovingly prepared as the flavors in the food.

EAT THIS: The house specialty Duck Dynasty takes a seared maple duck breast and tops it with Tiger Shrimp and a potato cake. Seasonal specials are also always on point.

510 Piedmont Ave NE poorcalvins.com

Pick up Q magazine on the second and fourth issues of each month for more great restaurants in our Good Eats directory.

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SO HOT RIGHT NOW

DINING GUIDE, Continued Q

Queer-owned, as well as brand new or just hitting their stride, you’ll want these places on your to-eat list.

Gusto!

With four locations open — Peachtree, Ponce, Decatur and West Midtown — as well as one in Chamblee imminent and a sixth location pending, this is the hot new place for fresh food fast. Build your wrap with ala carte ingredients from protein on down, then bite into the deliciousness.

EAT THIS: Ready-to-love combinations include the Chipotle Mango Avocado, Tahini Cucumber Feta and the Sweet Soy Sriracha.

1935 Peachtree Road 782 Ponce De Leon Ave. 530 17th St. 1545 Church St, Decatur whatsyourgusto.com

Coq et Oeufs The last thing you might expect from a gay bar, but the first thing you’ll be so glad to find is this quaint eatery between Ten Atlanta and Zocalo. Grab and go when you’re there already, or drop in just for the menu of delicacies.

EAT THIS: The name is a play on French slang for something else, it literally means “chicken and eggs,” and the roasted chicken is definitely what you should try first. It’s amazing. Also: Mac-N-Cheese Donuts. Yes, really.

990 Piedmont Ave. NE coqetoeufs.com

Firepit It’s a pizza tavern, but get ready for anything but conventional when you come to Grant Park.

Queer chef and Cutthroat Kitchen winner Leslie Cohen puts her extensive culinary background center stage on amazing, creative pizzas. Great apps and rotating taps too.

EAT THIS: Do not, under any circumstances, miss the meatball, spinach and mozzarella pizza with red onions. Other options include white and steak versions, and specialties like the rich Porchetta Pizza and the spicy Fuego Pizza.

519 Memorial Drive SE firepitatl.com

The James Room The female couple who made a splash with their 18.21 Bitters at Ponce City Market have taken over the Beltline with their new concept eatery that opened this month. Just like their first endeavor, this borrows from the past for a European vintage vibe. It features coffee and lattes, craft cocktails and an innovative global palate.

EAT THIS: In addition to a charcuterie plate or a flight of caviar to start, all of the rotating small plates will put you in the mind of a European café.

661 Auburn Ave. thejamesroom.com

D.B.A. Barbecue Just say yes to this casual neighborhood outpost for tangy and sweet bbq plus homemade sides at lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, as well as a full bar and a full complement of specialties.

EAT THIS: All the things. We kid, sorta. Lately the fried chicken and waffles on weekends is our obsession, but the wings and pulled pork are what you come for, and come again.

1190 North Highland Ave. NE dbabarbecue.com Pick up Q magazine on the second and fourth issues of each month for more great restaurants in our Good Eats directory. theQatl.com

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DINING GUIDE, Continued

QUEER DINING

Index

All of Q’s 2019 restaurant listings in one handy place, plus a few more queer-owned spots we love Après Diem 931 Monroe Drive NE facebook.com/apresdiem

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Campagnolo 980 Piedmont Ave NE campagnoloatl.com

Gusto!

1935 Peachtree Road 782 Ponce De Leon Ave. 530 17th St. 1545 Church St, Decatur whatsyourgusto.com

City Winery 650 North Ave. NE citywinery.com

Henry’s 132 10th St. henrysatl.com

Coq et Oeufs 990 Piedmont Ave. NE coqetoeufs.com

Hobnob 1551 Piedmont Ave NE hobnobatlanta.com

D.B.A. Barbecue 1190 North Highland Ave. NE dbabarbecue.com

The James Room 661 Auburn Ave. thejamesroom.com

Eats 600 Ponce De Leon Ave NE eatsonponce.net

Johnny’s Pizza 1810 Cheshire Bridge Road NE johnnyspizza.com

Eclectic 1425 Piedmont Ave. NE eclecticbistroatlanta.com

La Hacienda 900 Monroe Dr. NE lahaciendamidtown.com

Firepit 519 Memorial Drive SE firepitatl.com

Las Margaritas 1842 Cheshire Bridge Road NE lasmargaritasmidtown.com

Frogs Cantina 931 Monroe Drive NE frogsmidtown.com

Lips 3011 Buford Hwy NE lipsatl.com

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Mama’s Cocina 1958 Piedmont Road mamascocinalatina.com Midtown Moon 1492 Piedmont Ave. facebook.com/MidtownMoon No Mas Cantina 180 Walker St. SW nomascantina.com Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill 216 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE papisgrill.com Poor Calvin’s 510 Piedmont Ave NE poorcalvins.com Roxx 1824 Cheshire Bridge Road NE roxxfanclub.com Thai Chili 2169 Briarcliff Road NE thaichilicuisine.com Woofs 2425 Piedmont Road NE woofsatlanta.com

Queer Owned & So-so Goooood Baker Dude 1039 Grant Street SE bakerdude.com

Community Smith 866 West Peachtree Street NW communitysmithatl.com Delia’s Chicken & Sausage 881 Marietta St .NW 489 Moreland Ave. SE thesausagestand.com Georgia Beer Garden & Joystick Gamebar 420 and 427 Edgewood Ave SE georgiabeergarden.com joystickgamebar.com Guac Y Margy’s 661 Auburn Ave. NE guacymargys.com Highland Bakery 655 Highland Ave NE 319 W Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur 1180 Peachtree St NE 1300 Clifton Road 3353 Peachtree Road NE 25 Park Place NE highlandbakery.com MetroFresh 931 Monroe Drive NE metrofreshatl.com Twisted Soul 1133 Huff Road NW twistedsoulcookhouseandpours.com

SATURDAY MARCH 23RD 10 PM - 3 AM

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306 PONCE DE LEON AVE NE, ATLANTA, GA 30308

NFFLA SEASON OPENER

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‘SISSY’ AT CHARIS BOOKS & MORE

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Q

THEQ?!

Basic, Stupid or BLIND? When others think less of us because we do, too

Q

I ’ve been dating a pretty perfect person for about a year.

One of the things that attracts me to them is their exacting and precise way about everything. When they get something done, they get it done right.

Dinner parties are done by searching Martha Stewart videos.

Every home task is researched and organized from concept to completion. The most obscure music is analyzed, and every movie is hashed out afterward.

I’m the opposite. If people are coming over, I want to make popcorn and put a few bottles of booze on the counter. I listen to pop radio and don’t care enough about most movies to talk about them afterward. I enjoy the results of my partner’s efforts, and I admire their commitment, but I don’t care enough to do things that way myself.

If something needs doing, I’m fine with “fine.” I’m OK with functional. I’m… basic. I admit it. I’m basic!

My partner says they love me as I am, and that my way is “cute.”

Still, I don’t think they find themselves admiring me the same way I do them. I love this person deeply, but I fear I’ll never live up to their standards, and usually I just feel like I’m not good enough.

Dear Practically Perfect: First and foremost, no one can make you feel inadequate but you. Even if your partner was actively trying to make you feel that way, it’s up to you to accept or reject such bullshit.

In your case, it sounds like they’re not abusing or gaslighting you, and that you may be sabotaging yourself. In fact, you may actually be “perfect” for Mx. Perfect. While you (and maybe them, over time) may find that there is no such thing as perfection, and pursuing it obsessively is an anxiety attack waiting to happen, their approach is just them being them. As beautiful as that is, so is you being you.

Opposites do attract — and for good reasons. Maybe your partner can learn to be a tinge less relentless, and maybe you can learn to nudge closer to minding a detail or two. In the meantime, believe them when they say they love you. And by all means, relax and enjoy the fancy meals, well organized home, exposure to cool music and insight on movies.

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Q

My husband had an affair with another guy about two years after we met but supposedly cut it off. Unbeknownst to me, they kept it up for 20 years. During that time, we built a life together as husbands, and in an effort to salvage that, he agreed to end the love part of their relationship.

I do believe that he has not seen this guy again since our agreement, but they are having some phone conversations. My husband says it’s OK because they are just friends now, and that I am unreasonable and being “stupid.”

Should I “man up” as he says and accept that I “won,” or is it fair to ask that even these calls stop?

Dear Wrong:

You’re not stupid, but you may be blind. While people can change sometimes, your husband appears not to have even tried.

The pattern of behavior — making promises, doing whatever he wants afterward while lying about it — has lasted 20 years.

Even if we assume that they really are “just friends” now, you’ve got a big problem. Logically, friends on the phone do no harm, especially compared to two decades of lies. But emotionally and taken in the spirit of rebuilding trust, it’s unreasonable. Actually, it’s egregious for him to ask you to put up with it.

Where you go from here is a tough road no matter what you decide. If your husband is as willing to make a change as he says, and you are willing to believe he’s capable of it, you’ll both have to work hard to make it happen. Deciding to leave would be difficult as well, but if the only person you trust is you, you’d still be in better company alone.

Whichever way you go, learn to think more of yourself without his characterizations, and unpack the toxic phrase “man up.”

The Q is for entertainment purposes and not professional counseling.

Send your burning Qs to mike@theqatl.com.

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