The Vortex Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Atlanta

I've been coming to this place for many years since living in Georgia and I've shared a lot of special moments in it including my high school graduation, a nice date, and a few different fun hangouts with friends. It suits so many occasions and despite the rather coarse (but entertaining) descriptions and captions of the menu (and the 18 years or older requirement) the only thing that may offend you when you come in and try it will be the realization that you've deprived yourself of it and its charm for so long.

The staff has always been so wonderful and down-to-earth; they offer exquisite recommendations (the Slap Yo Mama Sandwich will squeeze your soul and your arteries in a tight, delicious homely hug and not let go until the morning after). The atmosphere itself is always professional and comfortable as well. The speedy and attentive service has been consistent every time I've gone and I've always left limping and satisfied as I try to support my stomach which drags along the ground.

For those who don't know, this mythical establishment also boasts having one of the largest burgers in the state. I can't speak the name to you because I run out of breath before I can finish it and my heart will start palpitating violently as the words leave my lips, but I can boast that I partook of it and required baby oil, a crowbar, and the assistance of two brawny staff members to make it out the door. It is an expensive endeavor but honest-to-goodness something I believe everyone should try once even if you (likely) don't finish.

For those who don't wish to tackle such a medically risky and expensive endeavor (seriously, the burger is massive and around $86), there is a plethora of much more affordable and equally delectable options to choose from across the menu including burgers, sandwiches, chili, pasta, salads, apps, and I believe even pizza. You also have the option of ordering a mini version of the aforementioned legendary burger if you still desire the experience but not medical defibrillation afterward.

Please come and show this incredible restaurant all the love which it so...

You ever just have your friends keep telling you to go somewhere and they swear by it?

This is that place for me.

They told me "the burgers here are the best we've ever had"

Until I showed them a local place in Florida. I caught them off guard, surely no place in Florida could possibly serve a better burger. But alas, it's true. There is another.

So, where does The Vortex stand?

It's the second best burger I ever had. An extremely close second. However, the Vortex is the better overall restaurant by a long long mile.

You see, there's no pointless for waiting to be seated when 7 tables are open.

There's more than one wait staff for an area.

They actually seem to come by and care.

Best part of it all, I can enjoy my food without obnoxiously loud music playing. I did not have to suffer a live acoustic guitar cover of Mad World attempting to break my sanity.

And it's a big bar too.

My journey to The Vortex that morning was absolutely hell. I ran half a mile for no reason. I went to two different breakfast places asking me to wait an hour for food.

I ended up at the Vortex just minutes after opening. I regret nothing.

I got the zombie apocalypse with my choice of funnel fries.

A burger on Texas toast. Topped with spicy honey BBQ sauce, pulled pork, and two eggs. Impossible to eat normally without regrets. But I wanted my damn breakfast.

It came with a choice of sides. The waitress convinced me on the funnel cake fries. It was the most powerful combo for a morning meal.

I thought myself incapable of finishing such a plate when it arrived. It was such an indulgent mess of deliciousness.

I finished it. It joined the clean plate club.

Give this place a shot. It's bomb diggity.

And the decor is dope. Absolutely busy and fun. Tons of stuff to look at and appreciate. And it all works...

I know i know, you are expected to understand that staff doesnt have to be exactly polite here and people are in character. But i had to watch the bartender (Samantha i think) be nice, courteous n flash a smile at everybody else except me. There may have been 6 people sitting at the bar but it might as well have been 40 to reference how unattentive and lackluster the interaction was. Ive been here plenty of times in the early evening before crowds start the bars n restsurants on Peachtree but today just wasnt it. Otherwise, its still a cool atmosphere though, better if you come with a group. There's plenty of things to catch your eye and possibly spark conversation, very visually appealing. The food is decent. Some burgers they let you say how you want them, some they just prepare well done but they all come out well done. Once i heard a server tell a customer "You came to a burger spot n ordered wings, what did you expect?" So.... dont get wings. They only have 3 flavors. Some of the appetizers are ok. I really cant say the menu is more sophisticated than any other bar menu. Sandwiches (never tried one, nobody ever brags about them) burgers, sides, salads, oh.... the hot dog was good. Maybe this place would benefit from a food challenge when there is nobody on stage. I know they have that one burger, coronary something..... but you have order...