Vortex Bar & Grill, The

Upon opening the original Vortex Bar & Grill in Midtown in 1992, three Los Angeles siblings decided that perhaps if they hung a bunch of random, crazy items from the walls and ceiling, people would visit. They were right. Now, both locations are decorated with motorcycles, skeletons, vacuum cleaners and trash (or treasure) from dumpsters, all revamped into wall art. Walk through the famed skull entrance at the Little Five Points location to be greeted by a set of strict menu instructions that explain in detail how to not be an idiot, whiner or jerk in this self-proclaimed idiot-free zone, where "amateurs" aren't welcome. Besides loads of bar atmosphere and a commitment to remaining "not politically correct," the grill's main attractions are the burgers: all 20 or so varieties of them. The Vortex offers standards such as a straight-up burger with no frills and a cheeseburger with bacon or chili. But they take it many steps further with their willingness to do things to a burger you've never even imagined. Creative combinations range from spicy (like The Ragin' Cajun) to sweet (like The Yokohama Mama with teriyaki glaze and a pineapple ring) to ethnic (try the Spanish Fly Burger) to the downright dangerous. For those who wish to tempt fate, the Vortex offers The Coronary Bypass, a big, juicy burger topped with a fried egg, cheese, bacon and mayo. A selection of non-beef burgers is offered as well, such as veggie, black bean, turkey and chicken breast. Besides burgers, other items include hot dogs, Reubens, bacon and egg sandwiches and chili-cheese spuds.