by: Jenese Gordon
For the Atlanta Journal Constitution
Atlanta’s Little Five Points (L5P) can be best described as a melting pot which is filled with some of the most flavorful ingredients. This funky urban nook is crammed with all types of people, events and most important history. This melting pot is probably one of the only areas in town where you can run into a sharp dressing businessman, a spiked-haired punk rocker and a trendy fashionista on the same street.
In 1866 Little Five Points began as a mere vision in the minds of Joel Hurt and Samuel M. Inman, two local businessmen who wanted to create a residential suburb. The two men got together and created the East Atlanta Land Company which laid the foundation for what would later become Little Five Points. By the 1950s the thriving shopping area of L5P had a host of grocery stores, barbershops and movie theaters. Unfortunately the racism and segregation of the 1960s forced thousands of people to leave Georgia, in turn leaving L5P desolate and deserted. In 1975, The Atlanta Community Development Block Grant revitalized L5P and stores that are still in operation today such as Charis Books, Sevananda, a health food store, Little Five Points Community Pub, and Seven Stages Theatre were built. Today, people flock to L5P because of its welcoming bars, electrifying clubs, trendy boutiques, excellent eateries and its laid back atmosphere.
One of the most popular bars in the area is the Vortex Bar & Grill which is famous for serving award-winning six-buck burgers and has been since 1992. The Vortex’s entry, a huge open mouth of a skull can seem intimidating. Do not be frightened by the hardcore biker appeal of this place, it is for all types of people. Once inside the Vortex you will be greeted by an atmosphere of great music, friendly hosts, an enormous drink menu and the best burger and fry combo you ever had for six bucks.
Savage Pizza, another popular eatery is only a hop, skip, and a jump from the Vortex Bar & Grill. This comic-book themed pizza eatery is perfect for the whole family and offers one of the best pizzas in Atlanta. Dennis, an employee of Savage Pizza says “Greek Pizza is the most popular pizza on the menu, definitely Greek pizza.” The walls of this establishment are lined with Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk, Batman and a host of other famous comic book hero figurines.
There is a lot of walking to be done in L5P, and a pair of comfortable shoes are needed to do so. Abbadabbas, often referred to as the store with the weird name offers a wide variety of comfortable, unique and affordable shoes of all types. Perhaps one of the most interesting stores to shop in the area is The Junkman’s Daughter which sales everything imaginable from graphic tees to funky costumes and gag gifts. Scott Pendergrast, Little Five Points landlord, business owner and treasurer of the local business association refers to it as “Little Five Points anchor business,” due to its high volumes of customers and tourists.
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