The Vortex Bar & Grill
Bar & grill · Atlanta ·
Burgers, whiskey, rock 'n' roll vibe, over-the-top burgers, nachos
Burgers, whiskey, rock 'n' roll vibe, over-the-top burgers, nachos
"Lines form early to get into the the Vortex in Little Five Points, especially on the weekends when curious out-of-towners flock to the eclectic Atlanta neighborhood to do a little people watching and shop for vintage clothing. There are locals here, too, who come for the lack of children (the bar is 21 and up) and Atlanta’s most outrageous burger. For those daring enough, order the Triple Bypass: three patties, three fried eggs, 14 slices of American cheese, 10 slices of bacon, and two grilled cheese sandwiches serving as buns. The Vortex also has a location in Midtown with a comedy club, the Laughing Skull Lounge. Both bars are now non-smoking." - Beth McKibben
"The Vortex is known for its over-the-top burgers, like the Triple Bypass made with three patties, three fried eggs, 14 slices of American cheese, and ten slices of bacon served between two grilled cheese sandwiches. But the restaurant keeps the tater tots here classic and fried to a crispy golden brown. Order online for takeout." - Eater Staff
"The Vortex is a local legend that makes no bones about the fact that “Everything [they] offer is bad for you; it’s the kind of place your momma warned you about.” It’s as famous for its defiant attitude as it is for the Coronary Bypass Burgers. With a bacon grilled cheese serving as both the top and bottom bun and 10 slices of cheese on the entry-level version, this challenge may just answer the question: “Is there such thing as too much cheese?” But excess is as signature as their multi-page burger menu, which you can see in the knickknacks, memorabilia, and cool conversation starters plastered across the walls and ceilings of both the Midtown and Little Five Points locations. At both, take your time to “pour” over the enormous drink menu, which showcases “draft concoctions” and quirky cocktails like El Matador, made with Teremana tequila, apricot, and fresh lime juice." - Su-Jit Lin
"Although the first Vortex location was in Midtown, it seems like this grungy, no bullsh*t bar and burger joint should have originated in quirky Little Five instead. Their house rules take up two pages of the menu, and if they don’t like your attitude, a swift kick to the curb is not uncommon. Don’t hope for that Nicholas Sparks-style first date here as screamo or heavy metal is usually blasting from the speakers. But who needs to chat when there’s a tasty burger in front of you. The absurdly big Quadruple Coronary Bypass Burger is only for special occasions or when you’re peer pressured into making woeful decisions. Just opt for the Pickle Rick with whiskey pimento cheese and fried pickles or the Hell’s Fury that packs some heat." - Juli Horsford
"A well-known Midtown bar/restaurant located along the parade path that is slated to be open and serving during the midday celebration." - Beth McKibben