The Vortex

The Vortex, Little 5 Points

I just love a restaurant with character. I would seriously like to see the cast this place gets on a Friday night. While this place would probably not last in the average suburb it fits right in at Little 5. But it has also been around for twenty years– so is it the neighborhood that has shaped the restaurant or the restaurant that shaped the neighborhood? Perhaps we’ll never know. Now I don’t want to say this burger doesn’t have any frills. The menu has over ten solid choices so there are some frills but these burgers have a level of grit that aren’t typical in other hyped up burgers around town. They are char-broiled but that’s not really unique; it could just be their essence that makes me refer to them having the no frills attitude with still having a little, a true talent. I ordered the Four Horsemen which came with horseradish sauce, grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, and jack cheese. Just thinking about this combination makes me giddy all over again. They also did a great job at putting the cheese over the mushrooms and onions so nothing fell out. I had a side of fries but I would recommend and order the tatter tots next time or maybe the onion rings as the fries weren’t all that good. Inside seating gives you the cave like feel but the patio gives you ample opportunity to people watch, it’s really a toss-up. Oh and please read the house rules on the front of their menu. I wish more restaurants had the balls to write how patrons should act. Entitlement is truly a horrible epidemic.

 

YEAH! Burger

YEAH! Burger, Virginia-Highlands

I have been here countless times so it is about time I blogged about it. This place is my go to when I need lunch or dinner in my neighborhood and I don’t want to think about it. They have an assortment of burger patty options and countless toppings to choose from. There is a huge focus on sustainability, local ingredients, and feeling good about your food. In the front of the store they list all the things they get locally and where they’re from. They also have a compost & recycle…. you really can’t feel bad about eating here. Even if you’re gluten-free they have many options for you. I prefer either their Triple B or Fig & Goat Cheese. The triple b is a bison burger with bacon jam, blue cheese and caramelized onions. The fig & goat cheese is a double stack of beef patties with arugula, fig jam, caramelized onions and goat cheese. If you’re not looking to be totally overwhelmed the The All American is a solid choice as well, this creation includes a double stack of beef patties with ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions and american cheese. If you want something besides fries or onion rings, although they’re both delicious options go for the Crispy Brussels Sprouts with goat cheese. As for libations they serve beer and all the local suspects are present but their milkshakes are top-notch and if you need a midday pick me up look no further. This place is casual and is great no matter the time of day or the company you’re with.

The Family Dog

The Family Dog, Morningside

A solid gem of a restaurant that not only serves good food but has many beers to please the palate. On Thursdays they have local drafts for $3, along with many others to choose from! Good for a snack or full meal I have had nothing that would hinder my love for this place. My Favorites are the Nachos which are topped with beef shortrib, Vidalia onions, jalapeños, and American cheese. Smoked Duck Quesadilla with pickled vegetables, goat cheese, and cilantro. The Wings which are smoked and then fried are topped with an orange-curry glaze and on the side comes an avocado ranch sauce, the best ranch I’ve had with wings! The Pimento Cheese & Spicy Saltines are rather addicting. And any of the burgers are tasty too, especially The Other Burger which is topped with a bacon-blue cheese fondue. This place has a lively kitchen that is never afraid to have fun with typical pub grub. On most weekend nights it has live music; I’ve heard bluegrass, rock, and jazz so don’t count anything out. Whether you’re eating, drinking, or listening The Family Dog always has me wanting more after I leave.

Dixieland Delight

I often prefer late lunches do to the fact that I hate waiting in long lines when I know I have to get back to work. Recently, I took the opportunity after the bulk of my work was done for the day to head on over to Grindhouse Killer Burgers. I have passed this place a 100 times but not until recently did I get a craving to go. You order at the counter and then can sit anywhere you like, they have outdoor and indoor setting and thus still being nice out I chose to sit outside. I ordered a single patty Dixie Style Burger, a side of Frings (half fries & half onion rings), along with a Vanilla Milkshake. The place was clean and I didn’t have to wait long for my food. First came my milkshake, which was good but didn’t really stand out, perhaps next time I will get an extra thick one. Next came my burger and frings. I have had many things on burgers before but never a fried green tomato and since coming to the South I have loved trying them. The burger was also topped with North Carolina cole slaw and pimento cheese, a truly southern concoction. I’m glad I only got the single patty because although it looked smaller than most burger you get out it was loaded! Whenever I go to a burger place I like ordering one that is already on the menu since the chef already did the hard work of pairing this with that. I can’t say this was the best burger but it definitely had a lot of flavor, which I thoroughly enjoyed! I love the Vidalia onion rings, very sweet and good ratio of onion to cornmeal dusting but I wasn’t crazy about the crinkle cut fries, not necessarily bad but kind of like the milkshake just okay. When I finally left I was full and content which is really all you need to get you through the rest of the work day.

Burgers.

I don’t think there are a lot of other things in life that I love more than a tasty burger. I love trying new food and exploring different restaurant but give me a burger & a cold beer and I will be one happy camper! After living here for a month or so I started to figure out that Atlanta had many options. Ranging from a hole in the wall place to one that have been ranked as One of the Best Burgers in the U.S. in Food & Wine.

Holeman & Finch

  • Every night at 10pm only 24 burgers are prepared and served. Many come at least two hours before to make sure they are one of the lucky few to enjoy the double patty cheeseburger with house made pickles, mustard, & ketchup. I have had the pleasure of being one of the lucky few to enjoy this creation. I applaud the chefs to sticking to their guns by only serving 24 each night and that no substitutions are allowed.

Bocado

  • Now while I like the idea of exclusivity I don’t always want to wait until 10pm to eat. If you still want a delicious double stack cheeseburger look no further than Bocado. They also have better fries….

Ann’s Snack Bar

  • Ann’s is a no frills cash only sorta place. They are known for their Hood Burger and I would suggest to come hungry because this is not for the faint hearted. The burger is much more than a beef patty and cheese, it is topped with bacon, chili, & coleslaw, along with the standard onions, lettuce, tomato, mustard & ketchup. I managed to defeat this burger once but not sure if my body would be up for a rematch since I’m pretty sure I rolled myself out of the door.

Coming up: I am still midway through conquering all burgers in Atlanta, the one that is next on my list is the Kahuna Burger at Local Three. Now it’s not always on their menu so I plan on having to stalk this place closely within the next couple of months!