Funny as Heck + Delicious as Sin

I’ve eaten a lot of hamburgers over the 5+ years I’ve lived in Atlanta.  In fact, I almost ate myself to death at Ann’s Snack Bar over the summer.  Learned a valuable lesson that day…  Anyway, my favorite hamburger in town remains the “Yokohama Mama” burg (w/ bison) at The Vortex Bar & Grill. 

yokohama mama burg w/ bison @ the vortex

Yokohama Mama Burger:  Burger topped w/ jack cheese, special teriyaki sauce and a ring of grilled pineapple.  (Note: I prefer the bison patty b/c it’s tastes like beef but has less fat than skinless chicken breast.) 

I usually order the YMB w/ sweet potato fries, but last night I opted for the famous Vortex tots.  They were delish!

If you’ve read some of my other posts, you won’t be at all surprised when I tell you that the Yokohama Mama is the only burger I’ve ever eaten at the Vortex.  Their menu is ridiculous, but I just can’t get past the YMB: http://www.thevortexbarandgrill.com/menus/WebMenu.pdf 

Check out the Coronary Bypass Burger & the Elvis Burger!!  I’m definitely not that hardcore, but I’d be very proud to see someone eat one of those!  P.S. The Vortex’s staff, restaurant decor and ambiance IS a seriously hardcore, no-B.S. biker bar.  So be prepared…

Also, on the app. front, we ordered the fried zucchini and polished it off in no time!  It comes to the table piping hot, sliced, battered and fried – served with ranch dressing.  Best of all, I’m pretty sure it’s completely fat free since the vegetable factor cancels out the fact that it’s fried.   

fried zucchini @ the vortex

Soooooo, I went with a bunch of ladies to The Vortex in Midtown last night to have dinner before we went to see our adorable friend, Stephanie’s, boyfriend preform at the Laughing Skull Lounge.  For those not into comedy, it’s the comedy club attached to The Vortex’s Midtown location. 

I’ve watched WAY too many American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance auditions (schadenfreude at it’s best – I know), so watching people perform live sometimes makes me really uncomfortable/ nervous for them.  I had a stiff drink at dinner to calm my nerves a bit for the show, but it was totally unnecessary.  The comedians were HYSTERICAL.  And, I think the Laughing Skull is a lot more legit that I anticipated.  In fact, I just read online that Creative Loafing selected it as the Best Comedy Club in Atlanta.  Way to go!  Among the five comedians at our show was Jim Florentine from Crank Yankers, another dude fresh off a Comedy Central tour and Stephanie’s boyfriend – who had me in stitches.  (Aren’t they cute?!)

*adorable*

The Laughing Skull would be such a fun date.  Tickets are around $20 per person, depending on the evening and the comedian, and The Vortex is right next door for beer and burgs ahead of time.  I’m totally, completely 100% sold – and I can’t wait to go back for another show!

Couldn’t we all use a good laugh?  (And an out-of-this-world burger with a catchy Hawaiian name?!)  I’m thinking YES.

xx, L

The Vortex Bar & Grill – Midtown location
878 Peachtree Street #4
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.875.1667
www.thevortexbarandgrill.com

Laughing Skull Lounge
878 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA  30309
877.523.3288
Comedian schedule: www.vortexcomedy.com
Cash only @ the LSL bar
**Two drink minimum**