Vortex Bar & Grill

Inside the L5P Vortex: Great Burgers and Deep Fried Goodness

Food

Service

Atmosphere

When you finally get the attention of the tattooed, somewhat surly wait staff, you can leap with abandon into the greasy center of the Vortex. If you take the challenge seriously, try the Coronary Bypass – a burger cooked to your specification, topped with a fried egg, bacon and 2 thick slices of American cheese. I recommend tater tots on the side to make sure every food group is represented. 

For some token Southern fare, try the pimento cheese sandwich. Chunks of cheese blended with mayo, red peppers and just enough kick to make it interesting.  Add an order of fried zucchini and I promise a fat-induced buzz that is nothing short of transcendental. On the flip side, the salad menu is above average and adds options for any health conscious hangers-on you may have brought along for the ride. 

Although they offer a range of sandwiches and platters, the Vortex is all about the burger. You can get it dressed up or down, created from the protein of your choice including beef, turkey, chicken, veggie, ostrich and bison. 

The service at the Little 5 Points location can be tough to tolerate, but the location provides a peek into one of Atlanta’s weirder neighborhoods. Every Thursday night is Bike Night, when motorcyclists come out and admire each other’s rides in the restaurant’s parking lot. Don’t be intimidated by the crowds and the noise – there’s always a table open inside.