A Local’s Guide to Little Five Points

I’ve been visiting the quirky Atlanta neighborhood of Little Five Points since I got my driver’s license at sixteen. The Venice Beach-like suburb was like no place this suburban girl had ever seen. Between the pierced and tattooed punks and the dreadlocked homeless people, Little Five is not short on “local color.”

Recently the backdrop of movies like What to Expect When You’re Expecting, it’s one of my favorite places to take out-of-towners. You won’t find the usual big chains (with the exception of one Starbucks…), but instead more holistic and independent businesses.

Eating in Little Five Points

The Vortex Bar and Grill– Don’t let the giant skull door or biker regulars scare you off because this place has the best burgers in Atlanta, hands down. The Vortex isn’t known for their friendly service, but that doesn’t matter once you order a burger with tater tots and a pint of Laughing Skull Ale.

Little Five Pizza– What’s better than a cheap slice of pizza and a beer? This red building is nestled in between a coffee shop and clothing stores and has a following of admiring locals.

Drinking in Little Five Points

The Porter Beer Bar– If there is a beer heaven, it’s located on Euclid Avenue. This narrow bar caters to beer geeks with their dozens of obscure draft selections. On weekends, seats are at a premium, so get there early.

Brewhouse Cafe– The patio at Brewhouse is ideal for a summer day. While beers and European soccer are what brings in many customers, the Painkiller drinks have dangerous consequences.

Shopping in Little Five Points

Criminal Records– Criminal has long been the flagship independent music store in the city. One of my favorite memories from high school was seeing Limbeck, one of my favorite bands, play at a signing in the store’s old location next to Junkman’s Daughter. They’re now down Euclid by The Porter.

Rag-O-Rama– This is a well-organized vintage store with fun accessories and other locations around town.

Junkman’s Daughter– Junkman’s serves as the “alternative” clothing store, where you can find hippie skirts, Halloween costumes, housewares, smoking goods and every knickknack in between.

Stefan’s Vintage Clothing– Although this is the more expensive of the L5P vintage stores, Stefan’s has dresses and clothing from the 1940s and onward in pristine condition.

The Clothing Warehouse– If you’re looking for soft, vintage t-shirts and cowboy boots, Clothing Warehouse is the place to go. They’re organized by color to help you find what you’re looking for.

Psycho Sisters– Even more vintage clothing! You can’t go looking for something in particular, but you will always find something unexpected.

Wax n’ Facts– So much vinyl, so little time.

Abbadabba’s– Doc Maarten’s, Chaco’s, Chuck Taylors and every type of footwear in between line the walls of Abbadabba’s.

Entertainment in Little Five Points

Variety Playhouse– Everyone from The Shins to Death Cab for Cutie has graced the stage of the Variety Playhouse and once you attend a show there you’ll know why.

Five Spot– Down the street is a smaller local venue that hosts different music every night of the week.

Have you ever been to Little Five Points?