The Vortex Bar & Grill

"Lines form early to get into the the Vortex in Little Five Points, especially on the weekends when curious out-of-towners flock to the eclectic Atlanta neighborhood to do a little people watching and shop for vintage clothing. There are locals here, too, who come for the lack of children (the bar is 21 and up) and Atlanta’s most outrageous burger. For those daring enough, order the Triple Bypass: three patties, three fried eggs, 14 slices of American cheese, 10 slices of bacon, and two grilled cheese sandwiches serving as buns. The Vortex also has a location in Midtown with a comedy club, the Laughing Skull Lounge. Both bars are now non-smoking." - Beth McKibben

"The Vortex offers several burger options on the menu, but bold diners will try the Triple Bypass — three patties, three fried eggs, 14 slices of American cheese, 10 slices of bacon, and two grilled cheese sandwiches serving as buns. There’s even a Quadruple Bypass for those who dare tempt fate. Basically, the lengthy list of burgers at the Vortex is hard to beat. Open in Midtown and Little Five Points." - Beth McKibben, Alex Leo-Guerra

"Although the first Vortex location was in Midtown, it seems like this grungy, no bullsh*t bar and burger joint should have originated in quirky Little Five instead. Their house rules take up two pages of the menu, and if they don’t like your attitude, a swift kick to the curb is not uncommon. Don’t hope for that Nicholas Sparks-style first date here as screamo or heavy metal is usually blasting from the speakers. But who needs to chat when there’s a tasty burger in front of you. The absurdly big Quadruple Coronary Bypass Burger is only for special occasions or when you’re peer pressured into making woeful decisions. Just opt for the Pickle Rick with whiskey pimento cheese and fried pickles or the Hell’s Fury that packs some heat. " - juli horsford

"Although the first Vortex location was in Midtown, it seems like this grungy, no bullsh*t bar and burger joint should have originated in quirky Little Five instead. Their house rules take up two pages of the menu, and if they don’t like your attitude, a swift kick to the curb is not uncommon. Don’t hope for that Nicholas Sparks-style first date here as screamo or heavy metal is usually blasting from the speakers. But who needs to chat when there’s a tasty burger in front of you. The absurdly big Quadruple Coronary Bypass Burger is only for special occasions or when you’re peer pressured into making woeful decisions. Just opt for the Pickle Rick with whiskey pimento cheese and fried pickles or the Hell’s Fury that packs some heat." - Juli Horsford

"Bohemian Bar with Killer Burgers A giant skull doorway greets visitors to The Vortex Bar and Grill in bohemian Little Five Points. It's this "Laughing Skull" that is also the name for its signature beer and comedy club at the nearby Peachtree Street location. Due to a Georgia anti-smoking law, you must be 18 years of age to dine here, but once you're old enough you can enjoy decadent burgers and extensive beer menu. The burgers in question are unlike you've seen anywhere else. The Triple Coronary Bypass in particular is three burger patties, three fried eggs, fourteen slices of American cheese, ten slices of bacon, all piled between two grilled cheese sandwiches. It comes with sides of tater tots and french fries covered in melted cheese. They have plenty of other selections for the more sane and health conscious. What's almost as famous as the burgers is the eclectic decor and proudly anti-idiot policies. They don't accept whiners and will gladly kick you out if you're jabbering on your phone."