Friends on Ponce

Friends is great for what it is, if you are clear on the type of vibe you are looking for. My 5 stars are reflective of that, not that it's such an amazing spot, but let's be clear it's not terrible either. I would not come here to dance, you can dance here, but the area dedicated for that is entirely too small in my opinion. I would not come here for food, outside of chips, there is no food. If you want to grab some decently priced drinks, listen to music and connect with friends for either a chill night or a spot before going out and dancing, then this is the space for you. There is a drag show but I don't know the date/time, the service here and the drinks are good. Saturday nights seem to be the most lively.

Fell up in here on a Tuesday night after our girls date. Lucky for us, it was Karoke night! The laughs, the music, the fun.....all outstanding. Definitely a vibe to check out.

Great vibe here. Both gay and straight crowds although it is a gay bar. MJQ is right below so you get an overflow of ppl from there. I never ate the food but other ppl enjoy it. Nice place to start the night b4 u go to the club etc.

Friends definitely is a place I would visit again. The music was nice attractive atmosphere, drinks definitely on point. I must admit moving from California to Atlanta was the best choice in all aspects 💯💪🏾

BUSTING! This spot was bussin. No long lines, enough room to breath, dance, and order a cocktail. Friendly bartenders! Everyone was vibing, straight men, women and the lgb too, all vibing and respectful! I had a blast. I'm the, dance until they close type and I definitely GOT MY LIFE! The Dj July 5th weekend did his Thang! Surprised it was a white boy! A must !

Everything about here is Great to me no complaints always a great time. When its time for me to vibe and chill here is one of those places I would end up. ABSOLUTELY 💯 💯 💯

Had a blast here!!! Met some new friends and it got busy real quick. Will try to come back next year when I'm in town.

Just a whole vibe to chill and relax with and have a gud time everyone enjoyed there drinks and music and u can park off the lot jus have to be because trust they will boot ya car

I had a amazing experience at friends on Ponce. Chivalry is not dead thanks to SECURITY OFFICER TJ! This gentleman showed supreme customer service is overall is a outstanding very observant enforcement officer. He paid attention to detail and provided me a exceptional bar experience. Give Tj his flowers

I was having a great time until I had a very unfortunate encounter with a a very judgmental, impatient, and prejudiced bartender. He's light skinned and wore a claw clip to hold his hair up. I bought drinks and tipped him on my first order. While I was placing my order, he visibly grew impatient and irritated as I was deciding which tequila I wanted (even though I took all of 3 seconds to decide). I attempted to place a 2nd order and I realized he was attending to other customers before me even though I told him I wanted to order. He then made the comment that he "had to go where the money was". This confused TF out of me being that I tipped him on my first order. Apparently someone I was with didn't tip him on his SECOND order (even though he left a hefty tip on the first order) and he decided to take it out on me even though we didn't have the same transaction. This pissed me off and ruined the experience for me. You don't treat customers that way. And when you assume, you make an a** out of you and me. I canceled the order so he def costs this establishment money if this is the type of attitude he has as he handles people. And the company can look at my name in their system and see my transaction. I used to be a bartender myself. 10/27/24 (And given that I see a picture of him in the most recent review before mine, he routinely pisses people off lol. Try and avoid him)

Bartender was incredibly rude. Music was great! I love a dive bar. I love the location. Drinks were definitely overpriced

I'm in at Friends Neighborhood Bar and I'm parked in a handicapped spot and an employee comes up to my truck and says "hi can you move to that spot I want my employees to be closer to the building". I responded "I'm handicapped with handicapped tags on my truck and I'm in a handicapped spot". He said "O you are", then walks to the back of my truck to check. I said "see" then he says "you don't have to yell". He comes back up to the truck and says "youre ok" I said "I know I'm ok I'm not doing anything wring. I said "my friend just introduced us while in this establishment and I've been coming here for a few yrs and I park in this spot. He realized I was recording it and said "are you recording this" I said "yes I am" I then attempted to talk to the manager she was so unprofessional and yelled "he just wanted you to move so our employe can get in" and walked away from me" I said "you were there" I said "I'll let the police inform you that you can't request that I move. I said "the employee is illegally parked" when they realized the cops were coming they had the illegally parked came out and corrected his parking

Strong drinks and good vibes I met my birthday twin and fairy godfather here! To know is to know I'm a spiritualist so any place with good vibes people and music is the place for me! Can't wait to go back every time I visit and specifically on a Sunday.

It took my friends and I 30 minutes to order drinks. Once we actually got them the bartender (he had glasses and pretty shitty tattoos) yelled at my group for roughly 5 minutes about how he's the fastest and it was just busy. We are a very civil and understanding bunch but we weren't expecting to get yelled at by a bartender. I'm giving it 2 stars because the music and the drinks are pretty good. I would go elsewhere though

The vibe is chill and friendly. Most people engage with mutual friends while enjoying a cocktail or two! They offer slot machines, karaoke, and pool tables for entertainment. Light refreshments like chips and pretzels.

Packs out on the weekends and is definitely a fun hangout place. It's not your average dive bar but that's what makes it lit on the weekends. Bartenders are fast and everything is relatively cheap. It's also super LGBTQ+ friendly ^.^

Do NOT use your debit card here! We bought drinks with the card and gave a cash tip.. 2 days later my debit card purchase increased $5 to include an extra tip. Reported to mgmt and just a simple "oops sorry" smh. It was the Hispanic lookin guy with the shaved sides and pony tail. PS: they dont like blk folks, just your money

Very cool neighborhood bar. Tony the bartender is awesome! It was our first time there we would definitely go back!

A very nice place, great food, great service, nice atmosphere. If this place comes up on your list definitely try it

Very casual and friendly staff-hence, it lives up to its name. Would definitely recommend this place for everyone!

I went to this bartender that looks like a mouse to purchase 2 drinks and was charged for 5 drinks totaling $69. I became upset and returned the drinks back and requested a refund. The bartender kept the receipt and pretended like he refunded my money back to my credit card. 2 days later I found out that he did not refund my money instead the mouse looking bartender took it upon himself to self tip $30 totaling $99 to my credit card. I contacted my credit card and disputed the transaction. They think that they can take advantage of people and I hope the bartenders who are doing this get fired and arrested. This is unacceptable and I will never go to this place again. I see a few people had the same issue being overcharged and bartenders adjusting the tip to a higher amount. I hope this place goes out of business since the owner is blind about what's going on. Maybe the owner is doing the same. This establishment needs to be reported to the authorities. Yelp should start allowing to let customers rate a zero because this place don't deserve a 1 star.

One of my favsss definitely an Atlanta staple!! Love all the bartenders and it's always a great vibe there.

If you want a good drink, and to meet up with some friendly people, make sure you check out Friends on Ponce. There's always a good time to be had here.

Small bar. They have pool tables and play really good music. Stumbled in here during happy hour since everywhere else was completely empty. There were several friendly people around willing to talk and hang out. Everyone was having a drink and relaxing. It seems like it would be a good time during the weekend night time hours.

This is a staple. It will remind you of your home town bar. It's filled with friendly folks. So show up solo or with friends. The bartenders are pros. They won't take your drink order right away or recognize you when you try to get their attention. But they have a scope and are always working their way around. I like it better than mjq any day.

"Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your name!" Lol. Well, they may not know your name, but they probably will remember your face. This place is awesome. It's surrounded by other great bars. The drinks are reasonably priced ($4 wine, 5-8 for a cocktail). There's even a jukebox. I wouldn't necessarily categorize this place as a gay bar, but gay people are more than welcomed. This is the bar where the random person walks up to you and tells you their entire life story while you cringe on the inside and bare a nervous smile on the outside for 40 minutes while pondering an escape plan.

Friends on Ponce is one of the best neighborhood bars that there is to offer around the Virginia Highlands area! My friends and I use to come here on the regular when I use to live in Atlanta. On my most recent trip back home for old times sake we hit this place up again! On the weekends you can always expect to find a packed night but one of the great things is that the service is always fast and friendly! The bartenders here are all great and I never have any issues with my drinks coming on mediocre! Any bartender who isn't selfish with the "pour" is quite alright in my book! The music is usually good here so if you add that with great drinks you can guarantee a night of fun with your Friends on Ponce!

Went to friends after visiting ponce market. Manager kept hovering down my back on the juke box that I was paying money for telling me that I am going to be very disappointed when he pulls the plugs while also giving me and my friends dirty looks the whole night. we spent a good amount of money at his establishment and he still treated us as terrible guests. Really should not be in the hosting business with that attitude or should change the name of their business because friendly was not in his forte.Bartender was very friendly and the other owners were too it was just the balding fat guy that was terrible. Also, don't go into the bathroom with your friends or else he will jump down your back. Other then that asshole, the people who were there were nice and welcoming.

Tonight my wife and I went to friends on Ponce and we were disrespected by the bartender that works at the front bar that wears the glasses with a pony tail and shaved sides. He over charged us for a drinks and refused to show us a receipt. Once brought to his attention he is old us to stop talking and continued to be rude. He took shots before servicing us as well. We reported the incident to Sam who was the manager tonight 3/2/2022. She tried to say she was going to reprimand the incident but while discussing the incident that same bartender came to the back and made a disrespectful comment again and nothing was said to him and then we left. My wife and I have been to friend multiple times and have never been treated this way. I am truly disappointed in the service tonight. My wife and I just moved from Maryland and thought that FRIENDS was a a safe place for LGBTQ+ but we were wrong tonight.

One star is being generous, fuck this place! I will never come back to this shithole, 30 minute wait for a shitty and VERY unprofessional bartender... no thanks. I am a former bar manager myself and I would never hire such a dumbass of a bartender...

We tried this place out of desperation after the hipster douchebags over at Bookhouse kicked us out after we spent an hour drinking and waiting in vain for a f*cking place to sit. Friends was like night and day.... its a bit more dive-y than Bookhouse, but the staff are so very nice and accomodating! It was my wife's birthday and there were 15 of us. We walked into Friends and there was plenty of room for us! The bouncer and bartender were very happy to see us, and they even let us bring in food, since they don't really have a kitchen of their own (or if they do, it wasnt running that evening). I walked to murder kroger across the street for snacks and birthday cake which I immediately offered to share with them. :) The description of the venue says 'gay bar' but I would call it 'gay-bar-light'. It was a pretty evenly diverse crowd there with regards to age, race and sexual orientation. One of the friends in our group warned us the place was pretty seedy (before we arrived) but when we got there we didn't think it was seedy at all, and he was plesantly surprised at how much better the place was then the last time he was there. The drinks are quite cheap too!!! Now we plan to go back on a Wednesday night for trivia. :)

this bar. You are guaranteed to have a good time. They have good music, games, a small dance floor and a good a indoor patio. I went there last week and had a great time. I like it because it's a mix crowd. Mostly gay but not everyone is gay. It's just a fun crowd drinking and having fun.

Second time being at this bar and I've had a great time atmosphere is nice and chill and I can smoke inside which is a huge plus

I visited Friends On Ponce last Saturday, and had an interesting experience. The place had a nice and friendly crowd, but the smell of smoke was too overpowering! As soon as I walked in I knew that I had to leave, because smoke just plumed out the door. It was terrible! It's not hard to have a good ventilation system. While I wish that Atlanta had a city-wide smoking ban, businesses could do more to filter smoke that that everyone can enjoy a venue. Friends didn't have this kind of infrastructure, so I didn't stick around long enough to enjoy it.

What can I say..it was a mixed crowd with bad drinks. It took almost a half an hour for me to get a shot of Patron. The bartender seemed oblivious to my side of the bar. It wasn't packed but I can sorta understand he may have been overwhelmed due to the fact that he was the only bartender. There's pool tables, poker and even a patio. This place is off the beaten trial, but I must say, I enjoyed myself.

One of my favorite dive bars. I like it because literally all types of people come here. Gay, straight, old, young. They have a couple of pool tables and some games. And lets not forget about the TouchTunes box lol. If you don't like what's playing, simply log in on your phone, and change that S@?#!!!!!! It you aren't a judgmental person and love strong/cheap drinks, come here! Only bad thing I can say is that there is indoor smoking but it's a nice sized place so it's not too bad.

Friends is a really great place to.... make friends! The bar is very laid back and they have a cool patio with decorative lights and plants!! Pool's a great way to meet people too! Smoking is allowed; you will be inhaling a lot of smoke. The drinks are cheap and I always get a good amount for the little amount I pay for. Drag shows are always good. I like how close the stage is to the bar seating, it all feels personal. I enjoy the bartenders and the people that hang out here. Everyone I meet turns out being real characters!

I love this neighborhood dive. At first look, this place isn't the most attractive, especially not for a younger crowd when there's other pubs and bars around the corner. However, as soon as you walk in you're greeted by great music, disco balls, and a very cool atmosphere. It attracts an older crowd, but everyone is nice and wants to have a great time. Shoutouts to Ms. Regina, who I believe is the owner/ manager of the bar. She always greets you with a smile and makes sure you're enjoying your night. Beware/you MUST try the Friends' Cherry Bombs. They sit quietly at the corner of the bar in a huge clear dispenser. They may look like harmless cherries you'd put in a Shirley Temple.. but damn, these won't compliment your night... they'll START them. Believe that!

I absolutely love this bar. They are very friendly. They are part of my family!!! My favorite part is watching the wonderfully put together drag shows. I have only missed one or two since October of last year.

I first came into Friend's around November 2012 when I first moved to Atlanta and was looking for a nice, safe place to visit. I was a newly MtF transgender and wasn't sure where I would be accepted so I googled "gay bar atlanta" and Friend's was towards the top of the list so I went and checked it out. I was immediately welcomed by Ken, the bartender, who made me feel at ease and introduced me to some of the patrons. I immediately knew that this was going to be my bar and have been going regularly ever since and have met a lot of great people and have made some fabulous friends. I wouldn't necessarily call Friend's a gay bar. It's a neighborhood bar where everyone is welcome and accepted. On a given night, you'll find gay, straight, lesbian, bi, trans, and everything in between! Everyone gets along and everyone has a great time together. Their drag shows, usually on the 2nd Sunday of the month starting around 9:30, are a must-see! Yes, I am a regular performer there so stop by and say "Hi!" Cheers and beers, Faith

Laid back, and fairly chill as far as the gay-places go. I don't partake in many gay establishments due to my lack of proximity to such fine locations, but I don't hesitate to visit when decent drinks are in order. Decent atmosphere, and a little less acute than say Mary's, Blakes, or the Eagle. This is more of a neighborhood place with a lower key feel. I would return if I had some more friends who weren't so ashamed of their sexuality. Who gives a shit.

Bring your own smoke eating machine or start smoking like it's 1980 something...

I love this bar, you can find me here most Saturday nights, hanging with my gay posse and fellow fruit flies. Yep, if you weren't aware already, Friends on Ponce is a great big gay bar and I love it. I love my great gay bar!!! They have a great jukebox, a dance floor, patio seating, keno, friendly staff and hugs for everyone.

A friendly neighborhood gay bar perched over Ponce by the murder Kroger. No frills, just friendly drinks, games and pool. They have weekly shows featuring some of Atlanta's longest performing drag queens. Friends features a nice shady porch to enjoy, that overlooks busy Ponce De Leon Ave.

Hilarity ensues: I am ze DUTCHESS of Friends! Where everybody wants to know your name, in an A/S/L sort of way. Because of such Friend-ly visitors, this dive is... dare I say it? More entertaining for people-watching than the Clermont? I know. I did it. But when someone is traversing the bar in a glitter wheelchair, you have to show some respect. And I do. With friendly randoms, a bit of dancing under the disco lights, and making your rounds about the wrap-around bar, you'll end up spending a bit of time here! Someone might tell you their life story, and you might learn something new. And more likely than not, it is something you could have waited for an entire lifetime, but hey, that's what we're here for, folks. You'll be able to find parking in several lots around this bar. In front of the Bookhouse pub next door, a block down at the Local, street parking, and more. Beware, on certain nights when MJQ or Drunken Unicorn (just underneath Friends) there is likely to be very little parking. You will be in luck with taxi-service, as this area of Ponce is highly populated. A word to the wise, though- don't pack yourself and two others into the bathroom at Friends. It's a good way to get kicked out, even if you were just taking care of your plumbing. OOH WEE did my friends get a verbal smack-down. There's no telling what they THOUGHT we were doing in there together, besides chit chatting and reapplying lipstick, but they weren't having it. I respect that, especially if they were just trying to monitor sketchy activity.

Great bar, been coming here for years. Bartenders and management are like family and same with the crowd. So many regulars here. Wednesday nights are the nights if you want to come in when there is a good crowd. Drinks are great, cheap and and will get the job done! They've got two pool tables, jukebox, couple arcade games and darts to keep you entertained. They've got a patio in the back stop in and say hello!

Its Thanksgiving wknd and I am to meet a group of "friends" here for some drinks and pool! I'd been here long ago when it was Rico's! Friends has a tiny lot behind the upstairs entrance + you can park in the adjacent lot nextdoor. Its a chilly and sunny afternoon about 2. Pool was free and I was told drinks were cheap, but a tad bit weak..... The staff was fairly friendly and so were most patrons. the only real downfall was the odor of smoke!!! I actually did not see anyone smoking or smell it upon arrival but did note it after I walked out for the evening, as I was on premises for about 5 hours or so...... Ugh it was all IN my clothes! I pride myself on smelling fresh always:-) I did have a nice time, I did not have any appetizers, just two drinks, shot pool which was free for the gathering I was attending. I recommend if you're wearing a sweater or outer garment, leave it in the car so it doesn't catch the aroma in the air......

Friend's is a lovely little gem in town. First, what it isn't: - a restaurant: They do not have a kitchen, so don't come hungry. You make popcorn to snack on while you drink. - trendy: that's pretty much it. Now, what Friend's is: A great place to begin (or end) your night. Friend's isn't really a destination, but it's a great pit stop on a night where you're in it for the long haul. Their drinks are reasonably priced. You can play pool and there is a jukebox. They have a screened in porch area which is very lovely on a spring Midtown evening. There's always an interesting and eclectic mix of people there, so never a dull moment. Here's a tip, try the Maraschino cherries soaked in grain alcohol. They REALLY add some fun to your night, but go easy, they're potent! This place is a must-try. It's especially convenient if you're going to see a show at MJQ. Even if you aren't, it's worth a stop.

Drag queens, nipple pasties, and drunks dancing, oh my! That pretty much sums up my night at Friends on Ponce last night (yes, that would be a Sunday for those keeping score at home). Admittedly, I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I agreed to go last night, but it was a surprise in a good way. I love a good dive bar, so throw in a good dj, a gender bending tribute to Johnny Cash, and a burlesque performer and I'm sold. Though the highlight of the evening was definitely the very hammered 40something doing his best impression of Keanu Reeves in The Matrix. He also kissed the DJ and complimented my shoes. I'm still trying to figure out the latter out considering I was wearing pink Chucks. While the Johnny Cash tribute was a special performance, I'd like to come back and see what it's like on average night. The people watching alone is worth it.

Friends on Ponce is always a good time. The drinks are cheap and strong. Sure it's a little dive-y but it's clean. The bartenders are as friendly and helpful as you could want them to be. The crowd varies wildly in age but everyone seems to be having a good time for the most part. It's definitely one of my favorite neighborhood bars, and it's not even in my neighborhood. I stop by on my way to the masquerade a lot during the summertime, which is right around the corner. Definitely stop by if you find yourself rolling down ponce. Also, do yourself a favor and have a few of the cherries. I respect a place that would get this wild with a garnish.

This is my favorite bar in Atlanta because of the cheap drinks, great people watching and awesome jukebox. They also have pool tables and a great enclosed patio. The only real problem is parking which is only an issue on busy Friday or Saturday nights at MJQ/Bookhouse. I always have fun here and meet interesting people. It's a very "come as you are" environment with none of the pretentiousness you get in Midtown or Buckhead. Definitely a good time.

Fantastic, dirt cheap prices coupled with the friendliest crowd!!! Felt both safe and entertained. I barely got through the door before my hand was escorted onto the dance floor

Dont go on Sunday nights when the older bartender is working cause he chewed me out over not tipping for a $3 drink. Then refused to serve me yelling out F*ck people that dont tip. I havent been back since.

Perfect for a divey, friendly, inexpensive night out. Drag show every second Sunday. The drinks are strong and the bartenders are great. Mama Regina runs the place & it couldn't be more of a neighborhood staple. Hang out on the patio to overlook to the poncey entertainment.

If you're new in Atlanta and you are single the Friends On Ponce is for you. Friendly and sexy bartenders, nice people and great drinks this is al about this place. Me and my friends love this place

Four of my friends and I went to friends by accident! Lol! It was great! Cheap drinks and friendly's! Didn't know it was a gay bar, but ehh didn't matter! Go check it out, it a dive bar in my opinion.

Terry rules so hard!!! ask him to make you a Marcellus, you will not regret it (until maybe the next morning).