Aurora Coffee

Recommends

Lucinda R.

Joined 8 months ago

Music lovers should not miss this!

Recommends

B Hil

Joined 2 years ago

Love it!. I loved this store, just visited it for the first time today....simply could not pull myself away from it....it took all the strength I had to keep from staying there all day and spending a bazillion dollars....

Recommends

Jonathan Baker

Joined 6 years ago

Citysearch Editorial Review. Formally lodged in a shoebox-sized space between Aurora Coffee and Junkman's Daughter in Little Five Points, this legendary record shop moved down the street to a significantly bigger location in 2009, but it didn’t lose its indie-cool appeal. There are rare collectors' posters on the walls, a magazine rack geared towards the alternative crowd, a slick selection of comic books and rows and rows of CDs and vinyl, both new and used. Most of the staff belongs to a band of their own, so they're often an outstanding source of information on new releases or must-see local shows. There’s a full stage setup in the back of the store, which often plays host to acoustic sets by national touring acts.

Recommends

Mark Anthony Green

Joined 3 years ago

First Option for Music. In the heart of Little 5 Points, Criminal Records is simply the town's go-to spot for music. Whether you're looking for for the new Deerhunter LP (one of ATL's best local bands) or main stream cd's, Criminal has you covered. The vinyl selection isn't incredible vast, but it's good. It's also the best spot for current vinyl. In the back of the music-topia stands a small stage equipped with drums, mics, the works. They also have nearly every music magazine and publication available and at regular price.

Recommends

HunterPearson

Joined 3 years ago

Keeping a dying breed alive.. A long time ago (or well... 10+ years ago) there was this place called a record store. Even as late as the cd era, there were still great music shops that were so much more than going in and picking up the newest release of whomever you heard on the radio on your way into work. There were people that worked there who actually were experts and enthusiasts of music. Like librarians for tunes. People who could steer you toward a cool indie local release or when that new Pavement album was dropping. People who would save the extra poster the label sent them for you, because they knew you were a fan...and you'd be swinging by on Saturday morning, like you always did.

Thankfully, we still have a few of these left, Wuxtry, Decatur CD...and my personal favorite, Criminal Records. The staff is a little reserved but incredible helpful, they've got a great selection of new and used, cd and vinyl, rolling stone and indie mags. And when bands come through town, they have a stage configuration in the back that allows them to do in-store performances.

While itunes is great and convenient, there's something romantic about record shopping that you can't get from your phone or powerbook. Here's hoping Criminal makes it.

Recommends

teamluis

Joined 3 years ago

CDs, Vinyl, DVDs and More!. Criminal Records is THE Atlanta record store. Whether you're searching for the latest local release, the newest indie record or just want to dive into a huge selection of new and used vinyl - Criminal is the place to be.

Set apart from the big corporate stores by their amazing selection, knowledgeable + friendly staff AND incredible in-store performances from the likes of Phoenix, Girls, Judi Chicago and so many more!

Recommends

lundyw1

Joined 6 years ago

Gets better and better with age. So a lot of people think that the employees are jerks, that the cds are too hard to look at/browse, and that it is too hard to find a place to park in order to shop here. Good - there might be a Best Buy up the street for you to check out. If you are a serious record nerd and you haven't checked out Criminal, what are you waiting for? The hip new bands and the cult favorites are the norm here, but they have started stocking a great selection of vinyl & hard to find import titles (for cheap) as well in the past couple of years. The sales staff here is always helpful, fun, & quick to make suggestions, and most have been here for years & know exactly what you will like when you get there if you are a regular. If you aren't a regular here yet, what is keeping you?

Recommends

the_dude7

Joined 7 years ago

First choice to buy a CD. I've been shopping here for...well lets just say I was familiar with their 2 previous locations in Little 5 Points. When shopping for a CD, I always make a point to try to buy it here. Yes, I am a loyal customer and for good reason. Prices are decent, good and inexpensive used cd selection, great regular cd selection, and if they dont have it they'll order it. Employees have always been helpfull and knowledgeable.

Recommends

kpiselli

Joined 7 years ago

Coffee To Make You Smile. Aurora was the first to introduce the town that drinks Coke in the morning to the beverage that addicts the rest of America (I did think for awhile that it would never happen). No other coffee actually makes me smile at first sip. There are plenty of other coffeehouses around town now, but Aurora was first and is still the best (and may be the cheapest). The L5P location has a little deck frequented by weekend neighborhood family bicycle riders and is open early in the morning for parking lot consumers, which is fun in the summer. There's a bar so there's always a seat. And if the spare decor doesn't appeal to you, try the one in Va-Hi which has a warmer design. But whatever you do, don't miss this coffee.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Indie coffeehouse mixes hip urban design with serious java moxie.. The Scene
This likeable coffeehouse offers a mix of new-age industrial design, basic coffeehouse comforts (newspapers, enough space to camp out) and consistently excellent coffees and coffee beverages. Service can be on the grumpy side, especially early in the morning.

The Food
Don't come to Aurora expecting to find coffee gadgets, sportswear or even consistent baked goods. Do come for the coffee: Shot for shot, cup for cup and pound for pound, Aurora's three Atlanta locations run rings around the national chain representatives. Unaffected by the coffee-drink-as-milk-shake trend, they're one of the few places locally that really knows how to make a latte, a shot of espresso or even a simple drip brew. Lattes (try one on ice come summertime) are the strong suit, but a pre-work cup of one of the daily specials will still be giving you heart palpitations well past lunch.