ATLANTApix: The Vortex Burgers

Find the Best Burger in Atlanta at The Vortex

I've been to The Vortex several times recently with friends visiting from out of town (Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles, California; and Miami, Florida) and I order the same thing every time: their "Big Blue Buffalo Burger," which is drenched in their original buffalo wing sauce and topped with their thick blue cheese spread.

Now I'm hungry again!

One of the best things about a visit to The Vortex (either their Little Five Points or Midtown location) is the menu. If it's your first visit, hang on to the menu and peruse it while you're waiting for your first course. 

I've said before that their "Idiot-Free Zone" policy is a favorite. Another is a warning under the heading "Read Our Menus" followed by "Everything you need to know about our food and beverage selection is printed somewhere within our menus. Please read them thoroughly. If you ask us stupid questions we will be forced to mock you, mercilessly." 

I love this place!

If you're the adventurous type, to the point of ignoring every Surgeon General warning ever, you might consider The Vortex's "Super Stack" burger. It's made with "two half-pound Vortex sirloin patties stacked inside three grilled cheese sandwiches, topped with two fried eggs, eight slices of American cheese, ten slices of bacon and plenty of mayo on the side." They choose the side item for this burger which is a big bowl of fries and tots covered in their "cheesy-cheese goo."

If you actually finish it, you can get your photo (with the empty plate) published on their Facebook page!

As a blogger, I wonder if I'm required by law to suggest that you consult with your physician before ordering a burger trademarked "The Triple Coronary Bypass?" Well, as The Vortex would say, "Consider yourself warned."

ATLANTApix and ATLANTAvidz of the tourATLANTA blog features a daily photo or video relative to Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

ATLANTApix: The Vortex



The Vortex (Little Five Points)

 The Vortex offers one of the most "real" dining, drinking, and comedy experiences in all of the city of Atlanta. I particularly find their "Idiot-Free Zone" policy amusing (the language in which it's written, actually) and would never want to be on the wrong side of an incursion of said policy.

The Vortex is an Atlanta favorite (I myself enjoy going there). Locals go there in droves and bring visitors there in droves. It's a unique experience, especially after a tranquil visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the World of Coca-Cola, or the Margaret Mitchell House...a visit that many will remember for a very long time to come.

More on the Idiot-Free Zone: "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, especially if we think you're being a big jerk. We strive to keep The Vortex an official Idiot-Free Zone at all times, so if you're acting like an idiot we'll be sure to let you know, right before we throw you out."

Sound harsh? Not at all. Actually, I wish more establishments had such an outspoken policy. There's a time and place for everything (Your mother told you that too, right?). Certain behavior is just not appropriate in certain venues, events, or gatherings...so, kudos to The Vortex for telling it how it is and for being an Idiot-Free Zone!

Really, are you going to blare the latest Reba song while attending an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performance? No, they'd throw you out. Are you going to chain-smoke at Georgia Aquarium? No, they'd throw you out. Are you going to swear at a tour guide at the Fox Theatre? No, they'd throw you out. So when dining at The Vortex, behave! Otherwise, as noted, they will throw you out!

The Vortex has locations in Little Five Points (photo) and on Peachtree Street in Midtown...and be sure to catch their comedy musings at the Laughing Skull Lounge adjacent to their Midtown location.

Atlanta really does has something for everyone...The Vortex is an excellent testament to that fact.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

ATLANTApix: L5P Mural

Mural in Little Five Points

Atlanta has some of the most incredible murals I've ever seen. Several of my favorites in the city are in the neighborhood of Little Five Points, or L5P.

Home of indie, alternative, and "other" kinds of shops, Little Five Points is an exciting, vibrant, cultural scene. Shopping and dining destinations include Junkman's Daughter (the neighborhood's retail landmark), Vortex Bar & Grill (famous for its Bike Night), and Criminal Records (a music shop).

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Little Five Points: An Alternative Destination

Junkman's Daughter

Little Five Points (L5P) has grown from an "alternative" neighborhood to a popular alternative neighborhood-shopping-entertainment destination.

The anchor landmark, Junkman's Daughter, sports a UFO flying into or out of (I haven't been able to decipher which) its façade.  It's a shop of eclectic, curious bobbles, collectibles and fashion. If you're working on a Halloween costume, consider this store to start or complete your look.

The Vortex Bar & Grill

Dining in Little Five Points takes the palette on a journey around the world. Options include tastes from traditional American fare to the spice-laden flavors of India. The Vortex, easily identifiable by its huge laughing skull entry, is extremely popular among L5P visitors. Also popular is The Brewhouse Cafe, which boasts seemingly as many big screen televisions as there are sports in the world, is continually playing any or all currently-being-played games…and you can be as vocal for your favorite team as you like.

Theatre in L5P is abundant for such a tightly packed neighborhood. The long-standing 7 Stages Theatre and Variety Playhouse Theatre feature avant-garde productions as well as some closer to mainstream shows.

L5P Mural

Little Five Points features some of Atlanta's best murals—the art form, that is. Many of the would-be blank brick walls are covered with imagination-inspiring graffiti renderings, many indicative of the neighborhood in which they reside.

A great escape from the typical city life, Little Five Points is indeed an alternative distraction. A coffee at Aurora, new trendy shoes from Abbadabba’s, a pendant from Crystal Blue, a hard-to-find book at A Cappella Books or a tattoo at Sacred Heart Tattoo may be just the diversion you need.

The usual question: Will I return to Little Five Points? Yes indeed. On October 15-16, 2010, Little Five Points will host their 11^th Annual "Little Five Points Halloween Festival & Parade." I’ve not yet attended one, but I’ve heard some "wicked" reviews, so I can hardly to pick out my front row seat (curb) to what is sure to be one of the best shows in town.

Visiting Little Five Points

Date toured: Saturday, September 11, 2010
Location: Intersection of Moreland Avenue and Euclid Avenue
Parking: On-street parking (metered) and multiple attended parking lots (approximately $2-$10)
Website: http://littlefivepoints.net/