05/03/09

Food is great...but hate the atmosphere...

by mcfelis

There was quite a wait, so we grabbed a seat at the bar and ate there. The food was excellent, but my alergies can't handle the piles of cigarette smoke. I will go back, but it will probably be on an "Annual Basis" rather than monthly.

• Pros: Great Burger and even better Wings
• Cons: Smoking Allowed and Encouraged

03/15/09

NOW HAS AN ALTERNATIVE COMEDY CLUB?!

by JixyHix

The Laughing Skull Lounge, gives us something that Atlanta has needed for a very long time. An actual comedy club in town that caters to all audiences. Uptown is fun especially for it's niche audience, but here is a place that brings in comics of every color and stripe - even though they do seem to specialize in alternative comedy.

It was once used for Guitar Hero parties, and the Dames A'flame burlesque, but is now a self-described "progressive comedy lounge" with a cash bar inside the lounge preventing you from leaving.

What is absolutely awesome about the place, is it's intimate nature. other than the few places that have one off comedy nights in the metro area it's impossible to find a better place with closer quarters to nationally touring professional comedians Thursday through Sunday. I've seen Maria Bamford, Rick Overton, Emo Philips, and Donnell Rawlings in a matter of a month and a half. And all for amazingly good prices.

What's even better is that it is directly connected to The Vortex Midtown. The best burgers in Atlanta, the coolest wait staff, an awesome bar, and the best venue for comedy.

I was even more so excited to hear that all shows are 18+ so any of the surrounding college students can come and get a taste of comedy performances from the best in the business, without having to pay high prices to get into one man shows at The Tabernacle.

I suggest the place to anyone and everyone who is a comedy fan. I even heard they are starting an open mic on wednesday for those intown who want to take part in pursuing a funny career.

• Pros: Intimate comedy venue at the best burger place in Atlanta
• Cons: No food allowed inside, the club.

12/05/08

Like a 60s hangout that never was.

by dipwad

Great burger joint and NOT the high priced spread. Sort of think Elvis, Lennon, or Che might stop in any time. Service can be a little crude, but this is not Tavern on the Green in Central Park!

I like the decor, but I am retro old guy with grey hair.

• Pros: Fun hang out with very good burgers and fries
• Cons: The hired help can be a little crude and parking can be a litttle problem

11/20/08

I love the Vortex

by FifthGrouper

First, I love the Vortex's brash approach to eat-it-or-leave-it cuisine - it's refreshing, entertaining and, for some reason, likable.

Me and some of my lovely lady friends from work decided to go for lunch today (we were all a little hung over from Mama Mia the night before - darling can't you hear me? SOS!) We asked for a seat on the patio - it was an absolutely lovely day and I would assume lots of people would want to sit outside. We were seated but had to wait about 10 minutes before anyone greeted the table. We were there early - 11:15ish - so perhaps they weren't fully staffed for lunch yet, but it still seemed painfully long and this is one of my biggest dining pet peeves.

Once we did order (Kelly P. was feeling spunky, too, so she proceeded to order the most disgusting thing I've ever seen - a burger with bacon, peanut butter and bananas - ICK!), our appetizer came out BEFORE our drinks (which followed about 10 minutes after). It seemed odd to me that drinks were not delivered first but, hey, that's just me. We all proceeded to eat chips and salsa without even a glass of water to wash it down.

Another friend ordered the bison burger, medium-well. "Have you even had bison before?" the waitress snapped rather shortly. I know she was only asking because bison shouldn't be cooked past medium for optimum flavor, but I think she could have been a little nicer about it.

The waitress then proceeded to apologize for being behind, which I appreciated - at least she acknowledged it which gets her points.

So, it started it a little rough but, in the end, it all came down to the burger which was yummy, as always - one of the best in the city. I even ate everyone's tomatoes (wimps!), so if I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Vortex - an Atlanta classic that I will continue to patronize despite a few characteristically endearing flaws.

Now, I think I'll go pick a fight with someone in Accounting.

• Pros: Food, people-watching
• Cons: smokey

07/13/08

avoid late night service

by jillian09

I live 1 block away and continue to visit the vortex during "hours of operation" as posted on their website and they refuse to serve food. I will never go there again.

07/11/08

only idiots work there

by mashka00

Everyone is right about the LOUSY service. The staff are all rude idiots. I've run into some elsewhere over the years at a popular local hangout and they are the biggest losers! They think that they are the so cool 'cause they work at the Vortex (that's their claim to fame). RIGHT! You have to be a complete idiot to work there...obviously they can't work anywhere else. Hope the Vortex offers a pension fund for them. The food? It's okay but I can get food that is comparable elsewhere and not have to deal with those moronic losers! I think that all the positive reviews of this place must have been written by the staff!

• Pros: food has potential to be good
• Cons: you've got to be an idiot to keep a job there

06/24/08

Waiters treat you like animals.

by sheedaha

The waiters and management treat you like an animal. The serve you when they feel like it. Don't ask for condiments, they may tell you off. The food and drink was average. I know this place is not known for its great service. But the way they treat you is almost dehumanizing and no paying customer should leave an establishment feeling like this. The waiter and management will threaten to call the cops on you if you didn't leave an 18% required gratuity after being treated like horribly. I will never eat here again.

• Pros: Burgers were average.
• Cons: They degrade their customers.

03/03/08

Best Buger Around

by ladieswholunch

What a great buger joint! Great for lunch. We love the smart mouthed menu. The staff are much nicer than the menu implies, and as with all good midtown restaraunts - the staff is great viewing entertainment. Our only regret on this top notch burger place? That you can't share it with the under 18 crowd - who would SO appreciate the sarcastic decor and menu!

• Pros: One of a Kind with Burgers to Match!
• Cons: No Family Dining - No Minors Allowed (just to keep the smokers happy)

11/29/07

Best Burgers and beer selection in town!!

by ian1979

Can pick from several different beers and ways to make my burger.

Very cool atmosphere and the service is at top of things.

• Pros: Burgers and Beer

10/19/07

Great hangout

by vladtheimpaler

We have been to others, and it is a little trip from Sandy Springs, but we love the burgers and the staff. If I wanted neat and tidy I would go to the local hospital for some water!