I’ve been to both Vortex locations (Vortices?) a handful of times, but never in any thoughtful sort of capacity, or for this blog. Having received an invitation to dine on an ostrich at Tantra, I thought I would drop by the Vortex to have one of their ostrich burgers, because a little birdie told me that they had one.
The characteristic stuff-filled decor, replete with pin-ups.
Unfortunately, upon arriving, I discovered that they no longer have the ostrich burger. However, we were already there, with Shannon in tow, so we were certainly not going to go away with empty stomachs! Bring on the burgers!
The infamous Vortex menu.
The Vortex is well-known for having an attitude, and you can see it in the hilarious menu right away. Their basic premise is more or less “this is who we are, and if what we are offends you, we probably don’t want to know you anyway.”
Fried pickles!
We started with an order of fried pickles and then ordered our burgers. Adam got the Four Horsemen with tater tots. Shannon got the Fat Elvis with fried plantains, and I got the Big Bad Voodoo Patty with Voodoo chips. What can I say, we’re thematic ladies!
The Four Horsemen burger ($10.25). Blackened burger with horseradish sauce, grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, and jack cheese.
The Fat Elvis burger ($10.50). Peanut butter, bacon, and fried bananas.
Big Bad Voodoo Patty ($10.95). Chipotle cream cheese, bacon, and sweet and spicy green pepper jelly.
Since we’re all good pals and were interested in trying many things, we decided to split all the burgers and sides three ways.
Adam bit into his Four Horsemen too quickly to capture it.
Shannon going for the Fat Elvis.
Me digging into the Big Bat Voodoo Patty.
I enjoyed all three burgers, though I definitely wouldn’t order the Fat Elvis every day… it’s pretty intense. I absolutely fell in love with the Big Bad Voodoo Patty. That sweet and spicy green pepper sauce is outta this world… gotta get me some of that! I’m a fan for life!
Here’s another shot of the Fat Elvis…. just to be sure you saw the peanut butter oozing all over the place.
Lest you think we punked out, here is a photo of the double coronary bypass we consumed at this exact Vortex location in 2008. We had it, it was somethin’ else, and we’ve no need to try that particular burger again. It’s just too much burger. Delicious, but too much.
The Double Coronary Bypass ($16.95). “Twice as ridiculous as the Coronary Bypass! “Topped with two fried eggs, six slices of American cheese, and eight slices of bacon, served between two grilled cheese sandwiches that we use in place of the regular hamburger buns.”
The Vortex truly is an Atlanta icon. Some say it’s got the best burgers in Atlanta. I don’t know about that, but they certainly have the most unusual burgers. That’s pretty much the Vortex: big, ridiculous, and shamefully unhealthy burgers, over the top decor, and a full bar. Definitely a fun place to take out-of-towners. 4 stars.
The Vortex Bar and Grill (Midtown)
878 Peachtree Sreet NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
emily
Nerd. Foodie. Gamer. Homecook. Perpetual planner. Gardener. Aspiring homesteader. Direct response graphic designer. I use too many damn commas.
Can’t BELIEVE I haven’t been here yet for a “Fat Elvis”. I’m still getting used to a “savings account lifestyle” that I didn’t have when you first met me (you’re a good influence, Emily). Definitely on my growing [‘ahem’] “event list”. Thank-yer…thank-yer-vur-r-r-ry mu-u-u-u-usch!
Aw, Vallin that is such a sweet thing to say! I hope your savings account lifestyle brings you many years of happiness! (And I think it definitely will!)
But when it is time to treat yo’self, do try the Fat Elvis. It’s definitely one of those “been there, done that” things to cross off your list! And thank-YOU…thank-yer-vur-r-r-ry mu-u-u-u-uch!