Checking in on Yelp to a person seems a little creepy. But with Baton Bob, it brings a big smile to my face. For those of you super un-hip folks who don't know, Baton Bob struts around the streets of Atlanta in some of the most fab-outrageous costumes you can imagine, blowing on his whistle, shaking his tail feather and making moves that you and I could only dream of. He's a city treasure, and he's also a badass--getting in to a recent kerfuffle with police who got up in his business. Look, Poh Poh, you don't want to mess with Baton Bob. kitty got claws. I ran in to Bob at Henry's in midtown one evening, and went up to him. "Honey, I want my picture with you," I said. "You called me honey! amazing!" apparently he was excited that I used the right terminology. either way, I got my selfie and went on my way. when you pass by him on the street, honk your horn in support for one of our city's quirky-fabulous treasures. read more

Every city has their famous "characters" - Chicago has the Walking Dude, my hometown of Milwaukee has Milverine and Atlanta has the fabulous Baton Bob. I've heard of this legend before but never managed to spot him before today. (There may have been a sighting of him years ago in a wedding dress outside a bar near Piedmont Park, but I was pretty hammered and may have been hallucinating) Today - there he was, strutting down Peachtree in a red tutu and mask, with his famous whistle and baton. It kind of made my day, until I realized that he rocks a tutu better than I ever will. read more

L O L I see Baton Bob every now and then if I get a chance to escape the office for a late lunch or a quick coffee break. He patrols Peachtree Road between Lenox and Piedmont. Today, in particular, he was dressed in this captain's get up, in what I figure was his way of honoring the veterans on Veteran's Day. His little skirt was probably smaller than any skirt I've ever owned. And that's saying something. He was just on the sidewalk, twirling his baton and blowing his whistle. Some people stopped to record, others passed by without a second glance (obviously Baton Bob was no surprise to them). Even though he is a little odd and I have no idea how he makes money for a living, he somehow brings a smile to my face every time I see him. Keep that baton up, Bob! read more

True, he's a person and not a business....but Baton Bob is as much of an Atlanta institution as the Big Chicken or Stone Mountain and deserves to be added to our local flavor section. On a side note, somewhere there's a redneck who just had a heart attack when I compared Baton Bob to the Confederate sculpture on Stone Mountain. Just doing my part, folks. Baton Bob (a.k.a The Ambassador of Mirth) can be seen around Piedmont Park or major intersections and parades. He's a majorette leading his own personal parade most of the time, waving to passing traffic and generally putting on an awesome show. The man has skills, 'nuff said. He's been featured on CNN, major newspapers, commercials, magazines, etc. Bob got into the majorette business as an attempt to lift spirits (his own and others') and do something he enjoys. For the entire Baton Bob history and ongoing saga, check out his page on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baton_Bob read more

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Whoever doesn't give Baton Bob 5 stars should get a lump of coal in their stockings. No matter how your day is going if you're lucky enough to see Bob in all of his glory it makes you smile....unless you're Usama Bin Laden or a James Bond Villain and then you even want to smile you really do. Bob is not just a part of the Atlanta community he's an ambassador, LOL my ultra conservative parents were in Atlanta lost looking for my office my mom asked Bob and he walked them to the building. Who does that anymore? Bob you're the best I hope you're twirling that Baton for a very, very longtime. read more

I'm not trying to throw shade on someone who is so obviously loved, lauded and considered a veritable institution, but I hate Baton Bob's whistle. Of the half dozen times I've seen Bob, he's only had a baton *once*. The rest of the time, he has that whistle that he blows at full capacity. Shrill whistle blasts promote "cheer and mirth" as much as fog horns and police sirens. At our most recent encounter, the Virginia Highland Summerfest, he blew the darned whistle so loud and arbitrarily, I "pulled over" for the cops, thinking they were chasing a miscreant. But it was just Baton Bob. Being annoying. I get the whole marching to your own drummer, wearing costumes and not having any fucks to give thing. My neighborhood in NYC was full of them. I've had drag queen roommates and bunny suit-wearing landlords. Sure, maybe I'm just desensitized to people going to great lengths to stand out as a result of my past indie film-worthy living arrangements. But, for real, that whistle kills joy. read more

My GF and I came to St. Louis back in 2003, traveling there to consult about her spinal injury with the team which had worked on Christopher Reeve. We got there for a first visit on a hot afternoon in August and woke the next morning hungry. We were staying at a hotel next to the Barnes Jewish Hospital and set off up Euclid Avenue in search of lunch. We were both nervous and worried because we were at the end of two years of frustration in working toward her recovery and had come to St. Louis from our native Seattle desperately hoping for answers. There wasn't a lot of talking as we trudged up the street, sweltering in the sort of heat we just don't have in Seattle. Suddenly, through the pall of worry, I heard...a referee's whistle? This is Central West End, St. Louis' artsy neighborhood, and this wasn't fitting the neighborhood vibe. I'm thinking cop, maybe, but I don't see him. As we passed in front of Tom's Grill, around the corner came a sweating, muscular black man in a white sequined majorette's outfit, elaborate head-dress, and make up, twirling a baton and tooting away on the whistle. Dumb-struck, we maintained just enough of our Seattle Cool to avoid gaping openly but were absolutely transfixed by what we were seeing. The guy marched smartly down Euclid, past us, favoring us with a big, toothy grin, and, keeping perfect march tempo, executed a snappy hitch-turn and marched straight into the open doorway of a shadowy bar. The music faded out and Judye and I looked at each other. For the first time in a good week, we burst out laughing. This was barely eleven o'clock, remember, and there were almost no people on the street. It was so incongruous, so fabulously unexpected that there was literally nothing I could think to say. I only discovered today, April 7, 2009, who that fella was: Baton Bob. I was thinking about that morning and sat with google, trying to figure out how to search: "Black, male, majorettes in St. Louis"? "Cross-dressing faux majorettes"? Finally, I settled for "St. Louis Street characters". The first link gave me Baton Bob and the news that he had gone home to Atlanta. I now have his website bookmarked and will visit often. Bob, I just wanted to thank you. Just as you did in the aftermath of 9/11, you found two people awash in despair and let them see that life can be surprising, delightful, and hopeful, even in the darkest hour. Congratulations. Since giving people that gift of whimsy and optimism was your goal, you've become that rarest of all human beings: the person who sets out to create happiness and succeeds. Thanks from your two friends and Biggest Fans in Seattle. You made our day and raised our spirits! read more

It was nice seeing Bob making his way through the crowds of Taste of Atlanta this year. Hell, I even got a "shout out" as he was parading down 5th St whilst blowing his whistle. He pointed at me and waved. Give em hell, Bob. You're just great. read more

I think Baton Bob should copyright and produce his own leg workout videos. This could include just 90 minutes of following him strutting around Atlanta. read more

* He is cool. He is a genuine star. * He happens to make magic appareances when people is about to kill themselves, and cheer them up like no $250-an-hour shrink can. * I love his closet, even though I have never seen it. His outfits are FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC. I've seen him as a cheerleader, a bride and... ...as a bumblebee. He was all golden and charcoal and wrapped in fuzz and tulle when he entered the Flying Biscuit location at Midtown (of course), sat next to me at the bar and asked for something to drink. I can't remember what it was, because I was as mesmerized with him as I would be with, say, Johnny Depp or Daniel Day-Lewis. I was listing all my big and tiny miseries over a cup of not-so-good coffee, until he said "hi!" to me, and became the object of the affection of every single soul around (well, we weren't many on that Tuesday morning). * I smiled. I was so happy to be sharing those few moments with Baton Bob I couldn't remember what we talked about. I'm pretty sure it was about the weather... or maybe about the eternal constructions and holes on the asphalt of poor, battered 10th St. All I know is those 5 to 10 minutes made me MUY happy. * Then he stood up and walked out, leaving a trail of je-ne-sais-quoi behind him, for all of us. Someday, I'll write him a poem... read more

What can be said that hasn't already been said. I am so enamored of this man and his ability to share his seemingly boundless joy with the people around him. If we had more Baton Bob's in this world, it would be a much, much better place to be. Someone give George W. a baton immediately and hope that it has the same effect. Rock on, Bob! read more

Love, love, love, love, love, love Baton Bob! He has a knack for making people smile regardless of what type of day they're having. I love to see the newvbie's face the first time they seem him parade down the street! We Atlanta Natives just sit back and wait for the priceless moment when the new bie's face drops, the smile, then they end up having and cheering Baton Bob on! Thank you for bringing Atlantans joy, Bob! You'll always hold a special place in my heart. read more

Only in Atlanta could you find such an amazing entertainer who goes around and literally marches to his own drummer. His appearances throughout the city at random street corners or down Peachtree always make me smile. I'm glad that he loves himself so much that he can parade around as our official Ambassador of Mirth and bring gladness to people. I hope that one day he reaches his goal of being invited on The Ellen DeGeneres Show as he would be the perfect guest and she would appreciate his energy as much as we do. read more

Okay, I HAVE to say something about my boy, Baton Bob... he is someone who enjoys milling around the Peachtree Street/Piedmont Park area , and brings a smile to everyone's faces (for whatever reason) when he strolls by with his insane costumes on, and his crazy baton twirling. Only in a few states can this sort of thing exist, and I am glad to have Baton Bob and Bicycle Pants Guy around to make my life better. BTW, Has anyone done a report on the infamous Bicycle Pants Guy? Show me his site on here and I will bring it! We are "friends" on myspace, but I have a feeling it is someone who made it for him..... Anyway, this guy, Baton Bob, is trying to make our lives happier by making a spectacle of himself, and I love him for it. I remember when he wore the "Superman" outfit when Christopher Reeves died, and it made me a little happier to see him baton around town in the suit. I have no idea why. I hope to see him again, leading the parade at Gay Pride next week, but I am not sure whether he will or not. But the guy still brings laughs into my life, with his booty- exposing outfits, roller skates, and baton throwing. You just have to be here to see it!! read more

I remember when I first moved to Atlanta, driving through Midtown and all of a sudden I see Baton Bob marching down the road blowing a whistle and twirling his baton. At the time I wasn't that happy about relocating to Atlanta and I remember thinking....what the hell did I get myself into? I had no idea of the persona, I just thought he was a nutcase. After living in Midtown for a while and continually seeing him, I got it. It made me feel better that it was a performance rather than him being an escapee. I give him 3 stars (really 3.5). Shocking I know. To me, the art of his performance is doing what he does best, marching down the street to little fanfare except for the occasional drive-by shout out. These days, he is showing up at performances, theaters, charity events and trying to be an "onstage show" rather than a side street spectacle. However, he isn't an onstage show, he is rather boorish as a planned happening. He is most brilliant marching down the street unexpectedly to the shock of out of towners...the true art of his performance. Bob....get back to basics, you are selling out! read more

I was very perplexed while walking on my way to Midtown station. Across the street, I see a super muscular dude strutting his stuff dressed head to toe in teal--mesh tank, short shorts, and feather included--twirling a baton and blowing a whistle. The brightness of his outfit and cheerful demeanor brightened and added uniqueness to my day. A few months later, I stumble upon his Yelp page. Atlanta, you are so wonderful! read more

Bob makes you smile. He is unexpected, unrelated to the rest of your day, and undeniably fun. Thanks for making Atlanta a better place Bob! read more

When working in Midtown years ago...there was nothing better than to hear his whistle on one of those days that seemd to stretch on forever. To be able to run to the window and see Baton Bob and his gams strutting down P'tree Street was a great pick me up on a looooooong work day! He was always smiling, always decked out in whatever tickled his fancy and always always entertaining! He is what I miss the most about working in town. The traffic from the 'burbs...UGH!!! ...Atlanta traffic is worse than any traffic in Los Angeles, 405 included, in my opinion and I was on the stretch between the city and the valley daily for over 5 years!!! read more

"First step, pizza. second step, flaming batons..." -- Miss Congeniality (2000) Ahhhh, Bob. Everyone has said just about everything there is to say about you. You are an institution in Midtown Atlanta. You create such a positive, happy aura around you wherever you go. This particular encounter was at brunch - Bob walked past us (we were inside 10th & Piedmont while he was on the corner outside). Bob did his usual strutting, blowing his whistle, directing traffic (both auto and foot) and making the spectacle that is Baton Bob. Thru the open window, he points to a member at our table as if a promise of more to come. Before we know it, Bob has come into the restaurant and is having a glass of champagne at a table in the other room. And again, Bob points at our table, but this time at my friend Nick. But this time, he decides that Nick is adorable and he might need to come and give him a smooch...Nick looked nervous. Bob worked the entire restaurant and joy and mirth was spread all around. As is Baton Bob. If you see a man in costume, with a baton and/or blowing a whistle, strutting through Midtown Atlanta, stop and watch and take him in - this is the institution know as Baton Bob! read more

Baton Bob - Baton Bob pointing at my friend Nick while I laugh (at 10 & Piedmont) - Party Characters Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I have only lived in Atlanta 4 years (transplant from los angeles) BUT now that I have actually seen and enjoyed that performances of Baton Bob I feel like a true Atlantan now. He rocks and always makes me smile. I only have one question......Where the hell does he get those fabulous outfits???! He clearly has made a major investment in keeping Atlanta smiling. read more

The same kind of people who dislike Baton Bob are probably the same people that give kids a toothbrush on Halloween instead of candy. Have some fun people! Baton Bob is fantastic at bringing a smile to those who needed one. At first you think of the absurdity of Baton Bob, and then you contemplate if you could say you are that happy and fulfilled in life. It can't be that absurd if he is so cheerful and can influence those around him to be happy as well! read more

Twirl it, flaunt it! This man has it so good - He stops traffic marching proud with his white leather majorette boots and bright pink tu-tu hinting at his too-fine-of-an-ass for even some of the Atlanta gays. read more

An Atlanta Attraction--for some in more than one way. I will never forget seeing Baton Bob for the first time when I was in high school on a fake ID search in the city. Truly shocking for a suburbia kid. I had missed seeing "The Baton" over the last few years thinking that he had moved on to better gigs, and then ,out of the blue ,at a party I was catering for some yuppies birthday Mr. Bob popped out of nowhere. I had a front row seat to a paid event of the greatest show on concrete. Even served he/she some wine and watched as Baton Bob collected money the old fashioned way--Lap Dances. So, if you don't see him/her for a while just know that the star has risen and is getting paid by the rich people in the pretty houses--a dream come true. read more

LMAO!!! Baton Bob has a yelp review!!?? Wow. I remember about a year ago a couple of friends and I were having lunch on the upstairs outdoor dining area at La Fonda off of Ponce, and suddenly we hear a loud whistle followed by a dude dressed in a Tutu twirling a pink baton. Haha!! Timing was impeccable. He was twirling that baton while skipping along the sidewalk proud as a peacock. It would be interesting to find out if he has a schedule / route that he follows. I'd love to take friends/family from out of town to a restaurant where he'll appear. HAHAHA!!! true kodak moment. It'll be like watching a comet fly by...LOL!! read more

Review #800! My last sighting of Baton Bob had him in a bright red dress with poofy skirt on the corner of Juniper and 10th Street...before I ran into him for a photo at the Dogwood Festival of course, wearing a beauty pageant sash and tiara. My mom was visiting me in Atlanta so I had to explain Baton Bob to her as we were walking away, and she said she HAD to get her picture taken with Baton Bob too! We turned around and Baton Bob was gracious to take another photo with my mom. One of my friends even caught him on his "day off" at a restaurant, still wearing fabulous earrings. Though the constant whistle blowing is distracting and shrill at times, it's always a treat to get a Baton Bob sighting. read more

One of my first "touristy" experiences here in ATL, was finding Baton Bob! Nothing like wandering the streets of Midtown, recreating your childhood dreams of a living "Where's Waldo?" Follow the whistle, follow the whistle ... read more

Allow me to just say, I never write a review other than restaurants but Baton Bob deserves my attention aside from the everyday humdrum of restaurant reviews. I remember seeing him my 2008 during my yearly participation in the AIDS Walk. He led many a gay man to the beat of some drums and twirled his baton around like an absolute born diva. PROUD doesn't cover it. Many of us may be proud but loud and Proud? Baton Bob is everything I wish I could be, confident, charismatic, and collected. Keep marching to your own beat of drum Baton Bob because it inspires many. read more

O-M-GOD! Baton Bob has a Yelp review?! This is great...Let the Cadence Begin! Let me start off by saying Baton Bob is Pretty. He has the daring imaginative fashion sense and the huevos we tend to lose as we enter adulthood. Somehow, he pulls off tutus and cowboy boots. (That's all the success I ever asked for in life.) If you're lucky enough to have a window table at The Flying Biscuit when he makes his rounds in Midtown, then you have all the makings for an excellent day. Baton Bob. Respect! read more

I have witnessed him one on one, talked to him, made fun of him, snickered, laughed with him and at him BUT WHAT THE HELL IS NOT TO LOVE ABOUT HIM?????? He is non violent. He is super nice and laid back. Minds the law and respects others around him. He IS infact living the dream. Could he be a role model? Sure why not. If I were to have a son and one day he asked, "Hey Dad, is it okay that I dress 'crazy' and parade down the street with a baton? I promise to keep my job and sanity and be a passive positive citizen. What do you think?" I would most likely hope it was a phase but be pleased I did something right. read more

Baton Bob performed/attended/graced with his presence our work Holiday party this year. His flamboyant demeanor was uplifting and energizing, and he was friendly to the other guests in addition to entertaining. If I took one thing away from my brush with Baton Bob's greatness, it was that I shouldn't take myself too seriously, he doesn't and he seems to be having a great time. read more

Who doesn't love to see a man wearing a pink tutu and whistling on a police whistle while twirling a baton? All I can say is that he is a much better twirler than I ever was... and I took lessons when I was a little girl. read more

Our city would lose some of its flavor if we didn't have Baton Bob. He is phenomenal. I haven't seen him in awhile but I think it is starting to be Baton Bob weather! While I don't think I can add too much to what everyone else has said, I will say that his desire to bring laughter and happiness to complete strangers throughout the city is inspiring. He truly sets an example for the rest of us to be a little nicer to those around us and try to make each others days just a little better if we can. read more

I was searching for a completely unrelated topic (a dentist) when Baton Bob came up. Made me smile! I worked in downtown Atlanta around 2003 - 2005. From time to time, we'd see Bob go marching by, dancing to the beat of a drum only he could hear (and it's really too bad we can't all hear his drum and just live our lives like him - unencumbered and just doing his thing)! I remember all of the tourists would just stop, point and stare as Bob was go by, twirling his baton. Of course, there were laughs and lots of smiles. So, I say to you, Baton Bob (if you check these reviews): thanks! Thanks for bringing smiles and inspiration to a city that can sometimes get too busy and too serious. We should all practice what you preach! Hopefully one day I'll again be in the right place at the right time and see you go marching by! If any of you Yelpers see Bob - smile, wave, and watch him do his thing! read more

Picture it: Late summer, 2005, I'm a good way through my undergraduate studies at Georgia Tech, and I am driving down Peachtree St. one afternoon near 10th. It's a nice day, so I have my windows down. As I'm stopped at a light, I hear a whistle, you know, like a basketball ref's whistle. I look to my left, and what do I espy, but Baton Bob in a Superman outfit marching down the street twirling a baton. "What folly!" I thought to myself. It almost did not garner a second look since, you know....it's Midtown, you see two or three crazy things per day which would frighten most suburbanites. Something about Bob was different though. His marching wasn't induced by too many drugs (or not enough!). No, he was out having himself a grand time. His smile, infectious. His knees, high-steppin'. Bob was simply being Bob. I still remember this as if it happened this yesterday. And the smile that covers my face now when I see Baton Bob is as big as it was the first introduction. He is truly a treasure in Atlanta, and I'm glad we snagged him from St. Louis, or whatever Midwest city he populated before. Over the years, I have seen Bob appear at many Midtown events. He is always an awesome presence wherever he goes. Not only does he do superman, but look for his tutu, and wedding dress outfits. They are amazing! I have not seen him doing his random walks lately. I imagine he is too much of a celebrity to simply walk around town as he used to, but he's still a great guy, and one of the best reasons to live in Midtown. read more

Love, love, love when I catch a glimpse of Baton Bob. Makes my day. One time in summer 2005 I was driving around midtown (showing off the sites to my friend from cali) and we spotted him. We kept along our tour and all of a sudden the sky turned dark and the sky let loose with a downpour. We turned around and came back (less than a minute after we had passed him) thinking Bob would be soaked and maybe we could help this random dude, but he was gone! Where did he go? We did not know. But he was just like a magician and we talk about it to this day. I also talk about how jealous I am of his awesome legs that I cannot stop staring at. Work it, boy! read more

We always look for Baton Bob at events! For the last two Pride Parades, he's been present, but without twirls and tosses...this year we just got sneers as he marched us by. R U OK? read more

Dear Baton Bob, If you are reading this, PLEASE come back. Atlanta needs you. I haven't seen you in a very long time. I'll give YOU a hug. read more

This guy is nothing short of AWESOME. He brings the smiles and laughs to a city that is far too often flipping the bird at bad drivers and stressed out by traffic. Baton Bob reminds us to stop and take a moment to just enjoy what we have out there without worrying about the rest. What's not to love about a fabulous guy who spreads joy to Atlanta? Truly an icon for this fine city. read more

What's not to love about a person who makes it their sole mission to spread cheer? Baton Bob just goes to show you that Atlanta is far from boring and all the better for it. read more

I love this guy! or girl, whichever he prefers. I used to live off P'tree and when I first moved in I could not for the life of me figure out what the hell that whistle sound was every morning. Then, one day I was driving along and BAM! out of nowhere there is a man in the most ridiculous outfit with the most amazing legs... twirling a baton and blowing his whistle! It was the funniest thing ever and totally made my day. I haven't seen him in a while b/c I don't live off P'tree anymore, but whenever I am in the area I make sure to go slow and look for him to brighten my day. read more