Vortex Bar & Grill

(404) 875-1667

878 Peachtree St
Atlanta, GA 30309 33.7788 -84.3844

Neighborhoods: Northeast, Midtown, Northeast

Reviews & Ratings for Vortex Bar & Grill

4 Star Rating: Recommended

48 reviews

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by quadracool

March 11, 2007

I have frequented this Vortex location as well as its' sister location in Little Five Points multiple times over the years. The burgers, both beef & veggie, are always great. I have always received great service--prompt and surprisingly friendly. The beer selection is fairly extensive by the bottle (lots of microbrews & funky imports) and they have a decent draft selection (more than just Bud Light).

Parking can be an issue during certain times of the day, but there are almost always places on the side streets. Always check to see if you should seat yourself or you might be standing at the hostess stand forever!

  • Pros: Tater Tots, Burgers, Service, Beer Selection
  • Cons: Smoking allowed

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4 Star Rating: Recommended

by mcfelis

May 03, 2009

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

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by JixyHix

March 15, 2009

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.

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4 Star Rating: Recommended

by dipwad

December 05, 2008

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

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4 Star Rating: Recommended

by FifthGrouper

November 20, 2008

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

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4 Star Rating: Recommended

Contributor

July 21, 2008

The Vortex is one of the greatest places to eat in town (or in Little 5). Great Burgers and sandwiches and their fried zucchini appetizer is to die for! Check it out!

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1 Star Rating: Poor

by jillian09

July 13, 2008

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.

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1 Star Rating: Poor

by mashka00

July 11, 2008

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

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1 Star Rating: Poor

by sheedaha

June 24, 2008

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.

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4 Star Rating: Recommended

Contributor

May 14, 2008

I love it cause right there on the menu it tells you where you can stick it if you don't like the food. ;) It's a fun place to go. I'd say the food is about average or actually maybe just slightly above average for bar food, (although I didn't have a hamburger, maybe they're amazing) I just like that I could walk to it from my place, the energy was good, the staff is laid back and nice, and the food doesn't take hours to get. They seem to have a decent bar selection too. There's also the Little 5 pts. location, but I never actually ate at that one to my knowledge. A great spot afterwork, or for starters on a friday night.

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4 Star Rating: Recommended

by ladieswholunch

March 03, 2008

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)

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Vortex Bar & Grill

878 Peachtree St
Atlanta, GA 30309

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