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Name: The Porter Beer Bar
Address: 1156 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307
Telephone: (404) 223-0393
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.27

The Porter Beer Bar

1156 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307

(404) 223-0393
Store is closed

The Porter Beer Bar Menu

Starters

Belgian Fries

Salt And Vinegar Popcorn

The Porters Signature Hush Puppies

Mac N Cheese

Goat Cheese Fritters

Crispy Calamari

Mussels

Grilled Caesar Salad

Organic Arugula Salad

Sweetwater Spent Grain Bread
Mains

The Porters Half Pound Cheeseburger

Organic Black Bean Burger

Buffalo Shrimp Po’ Boy

Reuben

Fish N Chips

Georgia Wild Shrimp N Grits

Kraut And Beer Brats

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Porter Beer Bar

Starters

Belgian Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salt And Vinegar Popcorn [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Porters Signature Hush Puppies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mac N Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Goat Cheese Fritters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Organic Arugula Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweetwater Spent Grain Bread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Mains

The Porters Half Pound Cheeseburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Organic Black Bean Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buffalo Shrimp Po’ Boy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Reuben [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fish N Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Georgia Wild Shrimp N Grits [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kraut And Beer Brats [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

TR J.

Amazing selection of beers. The decor seems a little outdated/dark(?) but still a good place to grab a beer with friends. Fairly diverse selection of foods. If you're in the area, check it out.
(5)
Anita H.

Oooommmgggg. I have NEVER had such delicious flavorful food EVER at a bar. The mac n cheese....to die for. It is so fresh (yes fresh homemade) and creamy and cheesey it's so good it's damn near a sin!! The shrimp and grits were soooo good the texture was perfect. I was EXTREMELY skeptical but man o man am I glad I ordered here. Lol I was really just here to use the bathroom to be honest. Also THE PINK UNICORN best drink I have ever had hands down. I'm not a big drinker so I always go w the fruity stuff. Usually even my fruity drinks have a bitter after taste but NOPE not this one it had an AMAZING ginger after taste. This will for now on definitely be me an the hubby's goto spot when we visit ATL. Also great service
(5)
Charlie M.

THis is one of my favorite places in Little FIve Points. I've only tried the breakfast/brunch entrees. I love the Shrimp and Grits. The grits are so creamy, i love the mushrooms, everything... Its very filling I also tried the biscuit'wich with the ginger sausage with eggs and cheese! I love that sausage! OMG I will go back again for drinks and dinner.
(5)
Patrick U.

I have only been here twice, both times for beer. If you want to see a place with a truly amazing beer list, this is where you should be. I hear the food is great and one day I am sure I will try it. You will find lots of beer here to satisfy any beer geek. If you want a Bud Light, try some run-of-the-mill franchise. This is not the place to order such swill. I think they may laugh at you if you order any crap beer. There is an awesome beer cellar where several styles and years of beers are kept at true cellar temperatures. Beer geeks will be astonished. 'nuff said.
(5)
Rachelle E.

This place is a hipster dream. You walk in the front door to a loooooong bar that's always full, with lots of wood and rusted metal. Most of the male staff have beards and mustaches, most of the female staff are sexy with great style. They've got the hipster atmosphere here down. I give 5 stars to the drink menu - TONS of beers on draft and in bottles. The prices are pretty steep but the selection is great, plus you will also receive the proper glass for the type of beer that you order. I got the Second Self Red Ale and it was $5 for an 8oz pour - my only gripe is that the drink was served to me with about 2oz of head on it each time (I had two). Pls, spoon off the head and pour my drink until the glass is full of drinkable beer, not foam. The food menu is about 4 stars, which is why the overall rating is 4 stars. I think the menu is at times a hipster mess and maybe they need to ask some old heads in the restaurant business a thing or two about making a creative menu without being silly. We went for brunch and had an appetizer of the fried pickles and pimento cheese. The pickles are sweet, the menu doesn't clarify that at all. The dish is great though and the homemade pimento cheese was FANTASTIC. You get a very large portion which can easily be shared, plus the cheese and pickles go great together, along with the tiny bit of celery greens that are used as garnish. Great dish! My partner had the brunch special, which was a Korean rice bowl with pork, greens, pickled everything, and two sunny side up eggs on top. It tasted fantastic and was a very generous portion. I ordered the shrimp and grits which was, honestly, a hipster mess and just some sad food. The grits tasted great and were the star of the dish. The shrimp looked boiled. Very pale, soft, and smooth, plus the plate smelled very "shrimpy" when it was placed in front of me, which was a turn off. The dish also had some sauteed porcini mushrooms which didn't taste very good with the shrimp - they had a very strong mushroom flavor and seemed out of place whenever I'd eat one. My tips on the shrimp and grits is to put some damn hair on this damn dish's chest. Sear the shrimp in garlic, onions, and tomatoes - anything, just give them some FLAVOR, color, and some crispness. Add some sausage to the grits and don't make it so soupy, and make a hipster gravy to top it all with. The way this dish is served - so white and pale pink, it just looked and smelled like something you'd punish a bad kid with. And please - stop serving those expensive ass beers with so much head. Give me my money's worth! I'd come here again but I'd order different menu items instead. Never gonna order that shrimp and grits again, unless my niece is acting up.
(4)
K And A.

A and I were seated quickly upon entering. The atmosphere is a little dingy in a hipster way. Our server was attentive and knowledgable about the immense selection of drinks. Emphasis on immense, A quit searching after page 6. Our drinks were great, I had the zombie killer mead and A, the Orpheus AtAtlanta. We ordered a selection of appetizers, the goat cheese fritters, hush puppies, mac n cheese, and one of the specials; the pull apart pretzel. The hush puppies were authentic and probably the best of our choices. they were insanely good, with bacon bits mixed in. They were even better dipped in the pub cheese sauce that came with the pull apart pretzel. The pretzel was unique, with a bread-like texture and crunchy glazed exterior. The mac n cheese was good, but unexpectedly reminiscent of a block of American cheese. Some people may love this, but it's not what we look forward to from a mac. It didn't seem to fit as either an appetizer or a meal, and should probably be served in small portions as a side. The goat cheese fritters reminded me of a cross between fried cheesecake and churros. They were tasty, but seemed wrong as an appetizer. They would have made a great dessert but desperately needed some berry dipping sauce in that regard. A experimented with hot sauce, cheese sauce, and mac n cheese, nothing fit, it was a sweet sauce that was missing.
(4)
Stephen L.

This is an amazing beer bar with really good food. It's small but always crowded full of an eclectic group of diverse customers. I have never seen a beer menu like this - you will find bee
(5)
Susan D.

My boyfriend's 31st birthday was earlier this month and I couldn't think of a better place to go than The Porter. A little-known fact about this lovely establishment is that there is a fantastic event space for 30 inside their well-stocked beer cellar. After Atlanta Magazine ran an article (and a cover!), I immediately called and booked the space. From January to March I worked with Joe - the events organizer (he was our server on the night of the event, too!) - to carefully plan the everything. For large parties, they ask that you pick a set menu. Everything is delivered family-style and per place prices range from $18 - $34. I splurged for the Beef Wellington (the $34 option) and it was, hands down, the best one I've ever had. The sides and salad were amazing! Plenty of food to go around. The non-beef eaters/ vegetarians got to order from the regular menu. I brought in a giant chocolate cake from Metrotainment Bakery so I can't speak to the deserts, but I'm sure they are delicious. I cannot speak highly enough about Joe. He was probably the best server I've ever had - I'm not exaggerating here. He didn't forget a drink order and the timing was perfect. This was a surprise party with 30 people involved and he definitely made it easy for me and extra special for all of our family and friends. The entire event was so painless and amazingly fun to put on. Our friends are still calling me two weeks later and telling me what a great time they had... literally thanking me for letting them blow $80+ each on dinner and drinks at the party. I definitely plan on doing another event here in the future. Thank you so much guys! You're the best =)
(5)
Tiff H.

We braved it out on a Friday night to grab dinner at this restaurant that had been sitting in my Yelp Bookmarks for months. The traffic in Little 5 was a mess and finding parking was even worse. After parking in the $7 for all day parking, we noticed the private lot behind the Porter Beer Bar. Which was free. Wish that it could have been advertised better... After peering through the closed Criminal Records door, we squeezed our way inside the packed Porter. There was a 25 minute wait that did NOT feel like 25 minutes. We were backed against a wall, standing between the bar and the wall but trying to leave a walkway in between, for what felt like an hour. It was a little frustrating that the waiting area was non-existent, especially when a wait was inevitable. Part of me wanted to just peace out and settle in at the Vortex down the street but I had wanted to try the food here for so long I planted my feet in, and ordered a New Belgium Snapshot (very good by the way, made the wait slightly more bearable) at the bar, although it was just as hard getting the attention of a bartender. Shortly after receiving my beer we were directed to a seat. The seating was a little crowded but not so bad. It was a relief finally being seated after such an uncomfortable wait, so I tried to block out the waiting experience so I could appreciate the rest of the night. Unfortunately, service-wise, it didn't get much better. It took a while for our server to get around to us but he eventually came around and took our orders after making a couple of suggestions. We ordered the "Georgia Red Clay" as a starter (apparently a daily special), which was a BBQ fois gras, with some bread on the side to spread it on. The spread was phenomenal, although the BBQ overwhelmed the flavor of the fois gras. But because of that chocolate kick (really, chocolate?!) it really blended the odd mixture of flavors together. Perfection, really. Wish the appetizer came with more of it! Our main entrees were the Fish n' Chips and the Porter's Half Pound Cheeseburger with a side of Mac n' Cheese. The fish n' chips were cooked to perfection, flaky and crispy at the same time, as it should be. The burger was meaty, and placed on an asiago bun. It looked EXTREMELY unhealthy but was so good! The mac n cheese was cheesy and not too salty. The wait to get another drink order and our checks was a good 10-15 minutes after finishing our food... I understand it was a busy night, but it seemed we would have to dramatically wave down our server to get his attention. I'll definitely need to make it out again on a slower night... but yes. I will be back!
(4)
Elaine C.

A little gem in Little Five Points! My friend and I stopped in for a quick drink and nibblers as we walked around the area. When you walk in, the place looks really tiny as the building is very narrow, but the building is surprising deep. There was a wait but it was no more than 10 minutes to get a table in the back as the bar was completely filled. The servers were knowledgeable and helpful as I browsed through the vast selection of beers, ales, ciders, and etc. The food menu looks amazing although this time, we weren't really hungry and just wanted some snacks. We settled on the hush puppies and fries and both were great. Definitely a very chill place with an amazing selection of good solid thirst quenchers.
(4)
Lindsay P.

Ok, so I've been coming here since I moved to ATL in 2009. I've always loved it and really liked bringing friends from out of town here because it really is a world class beer bar. If I were writing a review on the beer service and selection this would easily be a no-brainer five star review. The reason this is a two star review is due to the food. In past 3 or 4 trips I have experienced a troubling trend. This is a beer bar. So why in the world would you have ramen on the menu? Or tuna tartar? Or even calamari if you are only going to half-ass those menu items? Most recently I went with the hubs before a show at the Variety playhouse. Got two beers (excellent beers, great price, these guys have it down to an art) and perused the menu. I was drawn into the tractor beam of the pork belly ramen for 11 bucks. What can I say my curiosity got the best of me. Hubs went for what one would expect to be the safer bet- 9 dollar calamari app. My ramen was a disappointing portion size with the main flavor profile being 'salt'. The noodles were very chewy and not quite cooked all the way. Maybe they were par-cooked and the line cook forgot to finish them off? There was no depth or sophistication to the broth and it was cloyingly oily, but the pork belly did have a nice char on it even if it was- you guessed it- overly salty. The best thing about the bowl was the pickled egg. For 11 bucks this was halfhearted and poorly executed attempt at a trendy food item. I wasn't expecting expert level ramen, but I do better at home. Hubs' calamari was no better. First, this was not just calamari. It included battered and fried jalapenos and also battered and fried lemon slices- rind and all- that were bitter and off putting. I'm sure someone is justifying this as innovation but it's just bad. I could even get behind these as a garnish or accompaniment but these non calamari items constituted a LARGE part of a 9 dollar calamari dish. Probably a third fried jalapeno, a third fried lemon and a third calamari. Not cool. This was also served in a basket instead of plated so after 4 minutes or so all the pieces on the bottom were soggy and saturated in grease. Gross. I feel like these dishes sum up perfectly what had been happening the other times I have eaten here but couldn't put my finger on it. This place should not get an identity crisis and try to be trendy or innovate in the kitchen. They don't have the chops for it and it's a mess. Stick to pub food and the thing they do best here- beer.
(2)
Steven R.

Highly recommend this spot. It has a great feel to it and a good drink menu. All around a good experience!
(4)
Kyle W.

Porter Beer bar is a great place for countless beers. The beer menu has to be about 10+ pages. That alone is enough to get me in the door on multiple occasions to try some beers that are not readily available in most place around town. The food to me is fine. It is probably better than normal bar food, but the real reason to show up here is the beer. Be careful when you chose to visit though if you do not like to wait. Showing up at Porter around 6:30-8pm on a Friday or Saturday usually means a good 30 minute wait to get a seat. I learned that the hard way, but the beer menu alone is worth it.
(4)
David W.

The Porter never disappoints; especially with their amazing beer and cask selection! My favorite appetizer is the goat cheese balls in honey. Mmmm... the atmosphere is exactly like you'd expect: lots of wood, which isn't a bad thing at all. The bar is a bit narrow and there's usually a wait on the weekends but again... worth your time.
(5)
Lauren H.

I went here the other night to celebrate my sister in law's birthday. We went on a Friday evening so it was pretty busy but some people in our party showed up before us and were able to get a table for 15 people. I wasn't really hungry so I just got an order of the belgian fries. My husband got the porn dog. Since I'm not a huge fan of beer, I went with the lemon gingerade cocktail. Their beer list is quite extensive though if that's your thing. The belgian fries were omg so good!! They were full of garlicky goodness. The porn dog was ok. I also tried the calamari, shrimp and grits, the cheeseburger and the salt and vinegar popcorn. The calamari was a little too salty, the grits were super tasty and the burger was pretty good. I wasn't a huge fan of the popcorn. My lemon gingerade definitely had a strong flavor of ginger. Overall I enjoyed the food and the service was decent. I'd come back!
(4)
Anna B.

Fantastic service, delicious food and drinks, and reasonably priced. I found this place while on a business trip and went back two more times in the course of five days. Would go back again!
(5)
Randa W.

I have never had a bad experience at the Porter Beer Bar. You can't ask for more than delicious brews, tasty food, and great friends when you're dining out. The Porter is a fun venue for a Friday night out in the Little Five area of Atlanta. Last night, I dined on the King Crab Pasta. This is such a unique dish. King Crab and pasta together? It's a surprisingly perfect duo. The citrus flavor was phenomenal, but I will caution you on the heat. There were more red pepper flakes in the dish than I expected. So, if you don't like spicy food, you might want to steer towards something else on the menu. The bartender Jonathan, AKA Scruffy, has extensive knowledge about beer, and he will pick the perfect brew for you based on your pallet. I highly recommend it.
(5)
Kelly W.

We stopped in for Sunday brunch on a lazy Sunday and The Porter was the perfect choice. The herb biscuits were fantastic and I've never had better cheese grits anywhere. Everything else was very tasty as well. Plus they have an extensive beer menu so we stayed a while to sample several of them. Great service and overall a wonderful experience and just what we needed for a lazy Sunday afternoon. It's also nice that they have brunch until 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday for those of us who love to sleep in.
(5)
Carrie R.

Excellent shrimp & grits!!! I asked 2 waiters about what is a grit and neither could give me a definite explanation. Google helped! I also enjoyed the hibiscus ginger kombucha. Very refreshing! My hubby loved the variety of hard to find beers from all over the world. Fun atmosphere for beer geeks.
(4)
Stefan O.

They have THE most extensive beer selection I've ever seen. Tonight's service was beyond amazing.
(5)
Reagen B.

Atmosphere and decor a big plus! Menu items very unique and for the most part tasty but be ready for subtle changes in what you would typically expect. Service was slow but I think they expect most customers to hang out for quite some time trying to make it through they're beer offerings!
(4)
Jason D.

What can I say that hasn't already been said? One of my favorite places in Atlanta to eat, drink, and be merry. I've been coming here for years and the staff treats me with that perfect combination of friend and customer. So welcoming and knowledgeable about their products. Food, beer, whiskey, whatever... They know what they are doing. When I first started coming to The Porter I stuck with the Caesar Salad and a beer. Constantly. It was my go to comfort food before work and the perfect way to start my day. It wasn't until I had a day off that I decided to go all out. Pork Loin. Pork Loin. Yes I had two. If it's on the daily specials bet you would too. But everything here is fantastic. Mussels, Cheeseburger, Ruebens (they change it up once in a while but DUMB GOOD every time), Shrimp n' Grits (that truffle oil sets it off!!!!), and that's just on the main menu. Starters like Hush Puppies (with bacon and Fuji Apple sauce), Mac n Cheese, and those damn Goat Cheese Fritters (words cannot express how good these are) will leave you feeling like a crack fiend. Daily specials are rotating constantly so you feel the sense of urgency to get there before they run out. From Bone Marrow, dry aged steak, cheese selections, slow cooked brisket, to trout, frois gras terreine, pork tacos, banh mi, and ramen. They do it all. And it doesn't stop there. (Btw the pork belly is SICK) BRUNCH! Easily one of the best places to have brunch with friends after a hardcore Friday or Saturday night. I got two words for ya... Hangover Hash. Smoked pulled pork, buffalo sauce, 3 eggs, onions, peppers, potatoes, and a side of grits... Boom shakalakalaka. Now on to the beer. Hops and hops and bahahahahaaarly. Their beer list is like pages from a bible. Everything from sour to smoked. And speaking of smoked beers you should try the Aecht Schenkerla Marzen. It tastes like bacon! And pairs well with most of the food they have to offer. But that's just me. They are sure to have a beer that YOU can call your favorite. With all that being said The Porter is probably my favorite bar in Atlanta. Food, friends, fun, beer, whiskey. I think the only thing I haven't purchased there is a t-shirt. Please go to The Porter. Find your comfort zone and try new things. Such a great place. Molly and Nick have a great thing going here. If you're lucky enough to dine at the bar with that tattooed freak Justin. Tell him Mr. Darby sent you. And give him a little Tenacious D serenade. "That's the first thing I sayyyy to to youuu." Lol
(5)
Matt H.

Porter Beer Bar feels like it might be a club exclusive to beer snobs and those who take their whiskey straight, but the warm servers and excellent bar food betray that rough exterior which only accentuates the feeling that this place is for you. Truly is a spot that - between atmosphere, food and spirits - offers more than most others in the Atlanta area.
(5)
Brian W.

Wow. From the extensive beer list ( tap, bottle and vintage) to the quality food: this is it. Small, energetic place with some great local, regional and (inter) national beer to pick from, WELL worth the 20 minute can ride from the airport hotel. Uber is available both to and from, not sure about taxi's once you arrive....
(5)
Kat K.

Excellent beer selection - draft and bottle. I found 2 new beers I really liked. Food was good not great. I had the fish and chips and hubby had the Bratwurst and Sauerkraut. Hush puppy appetizer with an apple sauce type dip was really yummy. Atmosphere was cool.
(4)
Paige N.

From the outside, Porter Beer Bar looks like every other dive bar around Atlanta in the Little Five Points / Virginia Highlands neighborhoods. Inside, Porter Beer Bar also looks like every other dive bar too. But when you try the food...Holy yum, Batman! I've been to L5P many times and never glanced twice at the narrow entrance marking Porter Beer Bar, but last night, since a friend of mine is prepping to move to Charlotte, NC and making his final round of farewells, he's going to all the places on his list that he hadn't yet tried in Atlanta. And also, since he was freshly back from a trip to Ireland, he felt Porter's would be an appropriate place to recap his tales. My boyfriend and I arrived a little late on Wednesday evening (traffic was typically horrendous - as was parking in Little Five), and although there were a number of people occupying the long bar that fills half the restaurant and a good number of tables taken in back, we had no problem securing a booth for the three of us. The waitress was one of the most laid back I've encountered in a while, but for all that she was still very good, saying things like, "No rush to order," but also refilling our mason jar water glasses regularly. After surveying the menu it became clear that the appetizers were more appealing than most of the main dishes, and though they sounded like standard bar fare at first, they definitely weren't. And I've not even mentioned the beer list yet, which was at least four times longer than the actual food menu. If beer's your thing, Porter Beer Bar has got you covered. But I digress. The appetizer menu looked so good, we decided to get a bunch of apps and share. Great decision. We ordered the goat cheese fritters, the mac'n'cheese, the fish'n'chips (mostly at my boyfriend's request) and of course, the salt'n'vinegar popcorn. While we were diving into tales of Ireland, sheep, castles, etc. the food began arriving. And whoa boy, it was impressive! As practically everyone else has said, the salt and vinegar popcorn is something else, it's out of this world good, but also potentially asthma inducing at the same time if you inhale while attempting to eat a handful. Fantastic - we finished off the whole, giant bowl with no problems. The goat cheese fritters were also spot on: they resembled giant mozzarella sticks covered in honey and way easier to cut with a knife and fork. Delicious taste. The mac'n'cheese was good but probably the least impressive of the bunch only because everyone in this town does mac'n'cheese, so there's a ton of really stiff competition. It was still quite good. And the fish and chips that I had a bite of were also good, the most standout part to me was the fries which had this awesome, deep, garlicky flavor in them. Yum! Honestly, I was really impressed with the food at Porter, and the bill for four apps and one entree came to a mere $36, which was also pretty darn impressive. The only thing that sucked - and this was in no way Porter Beer Bar's fault - was that I got ticketed by Park Atlanta because my meter expired 3 minutes before I returned! Damn you Park ATL!! Aside from parking, go to Porter - just beware to not breathe in while eating the popcorn.
(4)
Jen L.

We came here on a Saturday night and it was not crowded at all so the five of us sat at the bar. There was a HUGE beer selection and a food menu as well. I went with a Terrapin, nothing too fancy, and it was just okay. We only came here for a few drinks so didn't try the food. Service was pretty fast and attentive. It is very small place with not a lot of seating. The kicker was the parking situation! We ended up parking at a meter on the side of the street. Luckily, I was walking in a group because we kept getting interrupted by people asking us for change and then someone got mad at me because I wouldn't give him change. It wasn't a pleasant walk to or from the bar to our car. In the bar, we actually got interrupted by a man wanting to advertise his music to us but we weren't interested. He kept going on and on about his music even though we really wanted him to leave us alone to enjoy our drinks in the bar! It was quite annoying. I enjoyed the beer selection at this establishment but did not appreciate the interruptions or atmosphere. Unfortunately the location of this bar just wasn't my cup of tea.
(2)
Daniel B.

Update for my return visit to The Porter, one of Yelp ATL's favorite establishments: Service was much better this time around. In fact, it was great. Kudos to our server Rebecca. She was friendly and took excellent care of us. I love trying The Porter's specials and did so again this time around. We had the following: Specials: Salmon Pate ($7.75) - cream cheese, red onion, everything spice, grilled bread Salt & Pepper Eggplant ($5.75) - cilantro, radish, sweet onion, hot chili Curry Squash Ravioli ($10.75) - banana, cilantro, brown butter Pork and Foie Gras Terrine ($8) - drunken raisins, whole grain mustard, pistachios, bacon jam, bacon powder Regular menu item: Kraut and Beer Brats ($12.75) - bratwurst, sauerkraut, organic fuji apples Beers: Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple Delirium Tremens By far the best dish was the Curry Squash Ravioli. We should've placed two orders for this one. The flavors can only be described as succulent and mesmerizing. Every bite was delectable and the sauce was delicious. I think the portion sizing could be larger for this one. It felt more like an appetizer to me than an entree. I scarfed those little pieces of ravioli down. The Salmon Pate was pretty solid. A nice, thick, flavorful spread. Fresh with an appetizing consistency. The grilled bread had all sorts of seeds on it, much like an everything bagel. Salt & Pepper Eggplant was disappointing. Simply put, it was too salty! Pork and Foie Gras Terrine was OK. This was also served with small pieces of toasted bread, though not of the "everything" variety that the Salmon Pate was served with. The terrine came with a raisin and mustard spread. Together, not bad, but I'm not sure if I'd order it again. The Kraut and Beer Brats is a reliable standby which I've had here before. The plate consists of two jumbo bratwursts over a huge pile of sauerkraut. At first, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of sauerkraut, but it's good stuff. I am by no means a beer aficionado, so I will refrain from commenting on the beers. I will say the Delirium Tremens is one of the more popular beers here. It comes in a glass with pink elephants. The Porter's beer list is ridiculously huge and I think it might be the biggest in Atlanta. Maybe they compete head to head with Brickstore in that department? I wouldn't know. The Porter is open late, which is always a plus. Parking can be difficult. You'll just have to wander the neighborhood and find whatever open spot you can or park in one of the nearby pay lots. Special shout-out to owner Molly G. She really reaches out and cares about her customers. Thank you, Molly.
(4)
Le D.

Aside from the gimongous selection of awesome beer, The Porter has a ridiculously good selection of tasty food, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and an authentic tavern vibe. I love this place a lot, and prefer it to any other restaurant/bar in the Little Five Points area. This place has the best fish and chips in Atlanta. Hands down. Their cornmeal beer-battered catfish comes in a huge portion and packs a mouthful of flavor. Too often I order fish and chips and get stuck with soggy, bland batter. The Porter's version has a light, crisp breading that is seasoned well and doesn't take away from the fish. It comes with a pile of herb fries and a creamy, green tomato tartar sauce that I love to dunk my fish in. I also really like their half pound bacon cheeseburger. I tell all my friends who are looking for a burger in the 5 Points area to dump the long line at Vortex and to come here instead. Don't get me wrong, The Vortex has great burgers with a variety of toppings, but if you want the classic cheeseburger with really well-seasoned meat, come to The Porter, order the burger with a fried egg on top if you're feeling adventurous, and you won't be disappointed. On a side note though, the last time I visited, my burger bun was a little stale. But that won't stop me from getting it again. I have faith in you guys! For appetizers, you can never go wrong with the Belgian fries, or the creamy mac n'cheese. I like the goat cheese fritters too, but for those of you that are expecting a salty, savory cheese stick, expect more of a sweet and savory treat - almost like a fried cannoli. They're delicious, but a little rich, so make sure to share and spread the love :) Each time a friend plans an outing here, I get so excited that I spend the day planning what beers I'm going to drink, and what new food items I want to try. I've never had a bad experience here, and I'm confident you won't either.
(4)
Jacqueline C.

My go-to bar of choice. It's crowded, it's narrow, but the drink are on point, the food is plentiful and the location is ace. Be prepared to wait for a table if you go on a peak night (weekends). Otherwise, this is a great spot to grab drink and a bite if you're in the area. Just don't linger, the rest of us want a seat too ;) If you're in the mood for a sweet cocktail, try their lemon ginger drink. I don't know the name, only that it is absolutely splendid.
(4)
Rajas P.

The best beer bar in Atlanta! Impressed by the selection. Cool atmosphere. Parking can be a challenge.
(5)
Amy H.

This was a good place. It was not OVERLY fantastic, but I enjoyed it. The menu is all over the place so no real theme. I enjoyed the duck confit club. It was not bad! Was not great either. Mac n cheese app was good but WAY to cheesy.. right who complains about THAT? But it was. I loved the garlic and herb french fries! Will def be back for this little fries. My server was AWESOME I changed my mind for food after ordering and he was REALLY nice about it. Menu prices are average 50 bucks for three people for lunch and they have a great beer menu!
(3)
Angel I.

So glad we stumbled on this spot! Good atmosphere, great server and delicious food! Ordered the hamburger and the Thai fish tacos and both were surprisingly good (hush puppies weren't though). Beer was cold and nice, too. Would gladly go back!
(5)
Lysa F.

I come here all the time, almost weekly. Amazing beer selection, great service, and great food. On weekends it can be very hard to get a table. Best food I've had there: Breakfast biscuit sandwich, cheesy grits, salt and vinegar popcorn, fries platter, mac and cheese. Meh: veggie burger Overall it's the best place for a nice beer in Little 5!
(4)
Leigh S.

Nice and cozy with unique decor. Almost feels like you're in a quaint pub in Europe. We came in on a Friday night and were seated right away. The food is pretty good and the selection of beer is paaaaaaages long.
(5)
Steve K.

Just an update about The Porter. The day after I posted my review I was contacted on Yelp by Molly the owner. She addressed my concerns and seemed to be very apologetic. She apologized and sent me a personal card apologizing. I truly appreciate a business owner on top of costumer satisfaction. I will give The Porter another try. Steve K
(4)
Trey F.

This place has a lot of character in the location, interior design, and waitstaff. I could see it as being a set of some American tavern for an old movie. The food was ok and came out quite fast considering the place was packed wall to wall. There is a ton of beer choices and other drinks on the menu. They even have cask ales for those of you who are fond of English beer. This is definitely a cool place to hang with some friends for the evening.
(4)
Jennifer N.

The drinks were the highlight of this place. Skip the shrimp and grits. I think the mushrooms made the grits runny and the shrimp were small and under seasoned. The mussels were okay, too much garlic in my opinion. Pull apart pretzel tasted like buttered white bread. Definitely a place to grab a drink. Maybe I will try other food items next time as people seem to rave about this place.
(2)
Jeremy M.

Quality International and American craft beer list. They provide the proper glassware and pour per beer genre. The temperature delivery is not perfect but adequate. We only enjoyed the Belgian Fries. They were not too greasy and had a good herb and mayo-based dip that even we "Mayo-haters" enjoyed. Decor is very bar-like with some attempts at nice art and antiques. Bathrooms are clean. Establishment as a whole is kind of grungy. But an over-all recommended "to-visit".
(4)
Beleek V.

HOLY SHIT. This place is amazing. The staff are friendly, the food is amazing, and the drinks are phenomenal. I would move to Georgia for this place.
(5)
Joel P.

This place is great! Everything was awesome! If you like food then you are in luck cause this place is incredibly delicious! Definitely go check it out! The fries are silly good! Cheers
(5)
Jerry Y.

This place is a gem. I loved the atmosphere. Casual with a heavy dose of hipster, which is the theme of the neighborhood. The beer selection was outstanding. I randomly picked two beers, one was the blueberry and one was a lager. For a small bar, this place has phenomenal food. For appetizer we had the hushpuppies and mac and cheese. Two very simple dishes that they kicked up with flavor. Hushpuppies had bacon in it and the apple sauce complimented it so well. The Mac and Cheese was probably the best mac and cheese I've ever tasted, and I've tasted a LOT of mac and cheese. Most mac and cheeses that are "good" are usually very creamy and heavy. Theirs was creamy but without the heaviness, which was amazing. For main entree we had the fish and chips and Duck Confit Reuben. The fish was catfish and was ok, but the fries were excellent. The duck confit reuben was out of this world. I'm not a big reuben fan, but I am a big duck fan. The combination of flavors was subtle yet distinct. Neither the duck nor the kraut overpowered one or the other. I highly recommend this place and I recommend coming more than once.to try all they have to offer.
(5)
Sarah T.

Fabulous craft beers and food. Pretzel bread with cheese dip was great, as well as the goat cheese fritters lightly drizzled in honey....if you're not into beers, try the Bloody Mary!
(5)
Erin C.

LOVED our visit to The Porter. My BF and I were in town for just a few short days and wanted to find a good beer place. The Porter came recommended so we decided to stop by. At first this little hole in the wall didn't seem like much but after a quick glance at their massive draft and bottle beer list, we knew it was love. We sat at the bar and had quick service. Prices were on point for their beers! We also decided to have brunch and I was pleasantly surprised to really enjoy my Chickpea Cake. The salsa verde had a nice quick and the grits that came on the side were excellent. If I lived in the area this would definitely be one of my go-to spots!
(5)
Ryan B.

I feel guilty only giving The Porter 2 stars because I know how much everyone seems to love it, but I just don't get it. I've been twice now and both times I've been underwhelmed. Sure, they have the most impressive list of beer I've ever seen - no question. But is that all that counts? It feels very dirty inside and I've not been impressed with any of the food I've gotten (and I live for bar food like this). The service is generally pretty good, no complaints there. My girlfriend is not a big fan of beer so she ordered red wine, which came out ice cold. Maybe someone should tell them... Anyways, I don't hate it, but the only way I'd be back would be if someone else wanted to go and we weren't eating.
(2)
Charlie B.

Awesomeness in beer form. Order the Vikings Blod...you will thank me from the halls of Valhalla!
(5)
Dominic M.

Keep your eyes open or else you could pass up this delicious hole-in-the-wall at Little 5 Points. Doesn't look like much from outside but it's like a hobbit den once you're in. Narrow aisles w/wooden tables, damn good food and don't even get me started on their high-gravity drink selection: it's the only bar in ATL that's serves mead...you heard right, it's middle-earth style service with 19%abv honey fermented ale that will even have Smaug giggling all the way home. Parking can be a pain the arse and their can be a wait but it's well worth it. Highly recommend for foodies looking to explore hipster Atlanta.
(5)
Dan M.

Went to the Porter before a concert in Little Five. About a 20 minute wait, little uncomfortable because it was cold/rainy outside and really no waiting area inside. Pretty much a plant based guy now, I was sad to hear they no longer served the Black Bean burger. Went with the Chickpea Falafel which was a little dry but pretty good. The Belgian fries are not the healthiest but were damn good. Great draft beer selection, I opted for the recommended Pilsner instead of my usual IPA as I was looking for something lighter. Seating was very squished up but everyone was pleasant.
(4)
Clayton A.

I came way out of my way to drink here on three different occasions during a trip to Atlanta; yeah, this place is official. O-ffi-cial. Yeah, there's food and it looked delicious and I even ordered some tasty hush puppies that did a great job of soaking up beer, but I just want to talk about the beer. Yeah, they got whisky and other fine liquors, but I just want to talk about the beer. This bar has one of the best craft beer selections I've seen from coast to coast. I'm generally going to love a place when it has a book that serves as a beer menu and I guess The Porter knew that. If I remember correctly, there were 36 taps to choose from, bottles on top of bottles to choose from that were organized by style, and oh yeah, a cellar list with some of the most sought after craft beer offerings known to man. Founder's Canadian Breakfast Stout from who knows how many years ago? That'll cost you about a buck fifty a bottle. That's $150, not $1.50. I won't lie, I was attempted to pull the trigger. It turns out, you can actually do dinner in their cellar, surrounded by all the white whales of craft beer as long as you commit to buying so many bottles. That's on my bucket list. But anyways, even poor folk like me found plenty to drink here and fall in love with good beer with each sip. My new favorite brewery, Westbrook Brewing, was all over the menu, both on tap and in bottles, as were their frequent collaborators, Evil Twin. I tried a great number of offerings from both and was either in love or obsessed with all. They have a couple cask offerings, one of which just happened to be Allagash Curieux when I went in. Another score for me. The Porter is the Harvard U. of beergeekery and I think I passed a remedial course. I'll have to return to complete my four year degree and enter the Beer Hall of Fame.
(5)
Rob K.

This is an awesome pub/bar with a staggering selection of beer and a respectable food selection. The ingredients are fresh and delicious, and the portions are huge. The ambience is very colorful and artistic. Lots of tattooed young adults having a good time and enjoying each others company. If you are in the area and you get thirsty, slide on in!
(5)
Mariel J.

We had lunch at the Porter Beer Bar, which was great. (Draft Magazine labeled one of the top 100 Beer Bars in the country - along with Churchkey in DC and Happy Gnome in MN - so it's in good company.) Every dish on the menu (except brunch) has a suggested beer pairing, and the list of drafts is two pages long - followed by many more pages of bottles. The staff is really pretty good at helping you sort through what you might like. I went with a group of four on a Saturday around 1pm, and didn't have any trouble getting a table. We all shared hush puppies (amazing) and goat cheese fritters (good, but I wish I would have skipped these and gotten a second order of hush puppies instead). My husband and I split biscuits and gravy and the chickpea burger. Biscuits and gravy won hands down, in my opinion (though he did seem to like the chickpea burger). And of course, we all had a beer with lunch (it's the weekend) - they had 8 oz sizes, which was nice for giving something new a try.
(4)
Ashley B.

Amazing craft beers.. Pub reminds me of a joint in NYC...i want to go back everytime I'm in ATL. Still love the sweatshirt I got here back in September of 2014.
(5)
Daniel B.

Fish and chips are fantastic. Great beer selection. Great bartenders and staff as well!
(5)
Tom F.

I love this place. Every time I come it's a great experience with awesome beers on tap, and sometimes some food or bourbon. Bartenders are extremely attentive and knowledgeable. Unfortunately i haven't eaten here except for the salt and vinegar popcorn which is amazing. But I plan on visiting often!
(5)
Christina T.

It's taking me a long time to review this place but there isn't much to say that hasn't already been said. The beer menu has so many pages it's more like a short novel, And they even have a girly beers I like. food is really good and I like the fact that they have specials which are always changing. The shrimp and grits are my favorite, I also like the whole grain bread with salted butter. The restaurant is very small and narrow. I would not recommend having large parties here.
(5)
Chamberlaine B.

Another case of "Don't judge a book (or a bottle of wine) by it's cover". This dingy-looking little place, reminiscent of a New Orleans shotgun eatery, is loud, dark, and very difficult to move through on a Friday night, but you MUST make the trip to Porter Beer Bar for two reasons: 1. Their Six page beer menu 2. Their Reuben sandwich and garlic herb french fries Admittedly, the multi-page beer menu is intimidating upon first glance, but luckily, it comes with print descriptions and waitors/waitresses who know their beer well and will tell you exactly what to get depending on what you like. Can't pick one? Try em all! That's what cabs are for. I went with a group of five and we all loved what we got to eat: Reuben sandwich, Fish and chips, Shrimp and Grits, Cheeseburger, and shrimp po boy. Definitely order a dish that comes with their french fries- Tossed in garlic and herbs, these are to die for! Walking in, I hated the place. Walking out, I couldn't wait to go back.
(4)
Samantha M.

We've been here several times the past few months. We're addicted to the Goat Cheese Fritters & love the beer list. I usually order the calamari as my app, but had my parents with us last week & opted for the fritters & jalapeÃ±o poppers, also delicious! As for an entry, I always get the cheeseburger & Mac n cheese. The kitchen is kind enough to cut the burger in half & make us each our own plate when I'm sharing. The burger is huge, the Mac n cheese is filling & I have a weakness for appetizers lol everything I've tried here has been delicious. This place is known for their extensive beer menu, but do yourself a favor & eat here too!
(5)
Nada G.

We drove over 200 miles just to come back here and celebrate our anniversary. We first stumbled upon this place with our daughter on a trip here to the Georgia aquarium and they were very accommodating to her. Well this time back did not disappoint. We had mussels and the pull apart pretzel to begin, you must get the mussels if you visit! They were cooked with the Westbrook ipa, the broth was spicy and sweet and delicious. The pull apart pretzel is the perfect thing to put on your belly before you begin your beer your with their 22 page listing!! My love got the whole trout with a almost thia taste to it, with papaya and chilies with some line and tomatoes. I got the mushroom ravioli , it was good with its pecans and English peas. I would have added some more fat to myself but it was still wonderful and a great taste! We both had an evil twin beer and shared a vintage oatmeal stout. A great experience. We love the people and the place, will for sure be back!
(5)
Miriam M.

Atlanta is starting to become a home to many of these little gastropubs and after reviewing several of them on yelp and asking locals we decided on the Porter. If you love some good brew there's like over 100 beers on their menu. It's crazy! Also when you walk in it looks really small but head past the long bar and there's a seating area in the back. The food menu itself was on the smaller side but I think it's because they focus on fresh and flavorful dishes rather than quantity of options. My friend got the burger and I had the special-eggplant agnolotti with calamari. Oh my gosh it was hands down the best thing I ate in Atlanta. I had no idea what it was when I ordered it but I'm sure glad I did. It's like eggplant ravioli in a tomato seafood broth with roasted tomatoes and fresh French bread. I think it should be a regular menu item instead of a special.
(5)
N V.

This review is only for my most recent brunch experience. Come to the Porter for the drinks which they do well, NOT brunch food. Grits were overly salty and my order was incorrect. The server nice but inefficient. When the correct order came, it was ice cold/bland and no one bothered to ask how we were doing. Do order a gingerade and skip the unremarkable brunch. The two stars is strictly for the booze. Now onto another location for real food. Update - The manager reached out to follow up which is much appreciated and invited us back. Hopefully the next time will be better. Fingers crossed! I will update once we go back.
(2)
Johnny W.

This is my go-to bar not only for the best beer selection in Atlanta, but also my "bring out of towners here to show off what Atlanta has to offer in terms of beer". The beer is well-known and tested. If you cannot find something on the draft menu go to the bottle selection. If you cannot find something there then go to the vintage bottle selection. If you cannot find something on that list than you are a wine drinker and just leave. Ask if there is a party going on in the cellar and if they isnt, ask if you can see what it looks like. That place is the coolest place in Atlanta when it comes to craft beer. Shelves of the best beers categorized by type and country-origin. The table will instantly grab your eye as it is two big cuts of a tree. (Yes you can rent it out for a awesome price too). The food fare will shock you. I remember I ordered the reuben, because I love reubens, and when I took the first bite I immediately thought, "this is bar food? Where am I again?. The food is very good. The goat cheese fritters get a lot of write-ups and they never disappoint. This place can get very crowded though, parking can be a nightmare, and there are always weirdos and homeless begging for anything outside of the establishment. Just put up with those things because the Porter is a must visit. Get a table in the back if the long, narrow bar isnt to your liking... personally I love the vibe and watching all the matching glassware meeting up with the perfect beers. I will be giving lots of my future business to the Porter!!!
(5)
Lien T.

My friends and I came here to have a few drinks and to just hang out. It's an excellent place to mingle, relax, and to just enjoy a few brews and delicious food. They have a wide selection of beers to accommodate any palate and the bartenders are quite knowledgeable and offer fantastic suggestions if you're unable to make up your mind. Not only did we each have a beer, but we also tried their Belgian fries, brats and sauerkraut, and their very popular salt and vinegar popcorn. The fries were okay; they were tender and tasty. The highlights were definitely the house made brats and the salt and vinegar popcorn though. The brats were just so tasty and went excellently with the pleasantly sour sauerkraut. Now...the popcorn was just incredibly addicting--once you start eating them, you seriously cannot stop. It's just something about the combination of salt and vinegar that makes it so tantalizing to your taste buds! Decor is very German with lots of leather suitcases, flags, and miscellaneous antic items. The bar may appear small initially, but they have plenty of seating in the back. I recommend checking this cool place out!
(5)
stephen N.

A great beer bar, with awesome food to boot! The Porter is always a stop when I'm in Atlanta, with a large number of taps and a 10+page menu of bottles you could probably drink here for years and not try everything! Staff is knowledgeable and the bar is a great place to be social.
(4)
Rich R.

What? Whaaaat?! This- is a great place. You may choose to tell no one or tell everyone depending on your level of generosity. The good thing about "The Porter", its authenticity will either entice or repel. A non-beer loving pure hipster will quickly lose interest in this gem. A true brew aficionado will instantly feel at home and become a loyal patron. 47 (yes that's right, 47) top top top shelf taps. No joke, and (wait for it. . .) at low low prices. How do they do it?! I am still mystified. I have seen many of the brews here for more than 2-3x the price in the North. Average is only $4-6 for some great great offerings, domestic and international micros. The service, very friendly and helpful. You are made to feel like a "regular" right away. Samples are encouraged and are not a problem; they really want you to enjoy your order, not regret it. The menu is small but mighty. Not certain why in such a shrimp mood, first visit had the Shrimp Po Boy, second the Shrimp n Grits (and I don't even like grits!). Both dishes were great and (again mystified for the Little 5 Points location) under $10. If you really like beer, this IS your place in Atlanta. Get here now. If you don't really dig beer, this may not be your place; the menu may appear a bit underwhelming. Please stay away to avoid lower reviews; oh and to keep more seats available for all the beer snobs of the world.
(5)
Tanya C.

Confession: I'm not a beer person. That's my excuse for never visiting this place previously. I was out doing the lovely lights at the Botanical Gardens and the others in the group were discussing the Porter. I mentioned that I had never been before and got lots of shocked faces. Then came lots of suggestions of things to eat and drink there. I decided to check the place out that same evening after leaving the gardens. This place looks tiny when you first walk in and see the bar area. We were seated in the back so I realized the place is lot larger than I initially thought it was. The beer menu is freaking huge. I didn't plan on having a drink, but ended up going with a cider. Even the cider list is pretty big. I discovered a new pear cider that was very tasty. We started off with the salt and vinegar popcorn. It was highly recommended by others so I was excited to give it a try. This stuff is potent. It definitely tastes salty and vinegary. The vinegar vapor is so strong that I ended up coughing a lot while trying to eat it. I eventually realized that I shouldn't breathe at the same time I was eating the popcorn. You get this huge bowl for very cheap. Addictive! We got burgers for our meal. The burger was decent. My favorite part was the bun. I'm not sure what kind of bread they use, but I would have eaten that all by itself. Check this place out if you love beer. Or even if you don't like beer. They have something for everyone.
(4)
Melissa G.

I'm going to try an chalk this visit up to a lack of fresh good due to the snow/ice. But, the calamari was soggy, and had yo many fried lemons in the basket. Everything just tasted like mushy lemon rind. The burger was ok, liked that they split it and put it on two plates to be shared. The smell of sour, old beer was off putting, especially with the cheap $5 cinnamon candle from Walmart trying to mask it. It was ok, but I wouldn't come back.
(3)
Shayna P.

I've drunk many a beer at Porter Beer Bar, and I always enjoy it. The beer selection is truly top notch. I can always find something different and delicious on tap. If I was rating on only beer, I'd give it a 5+ hands down. However, I ate my second meal there on Monday night. I was, for the second time, disappointed. I ordered the veggie burger (possibly my own fault). However, I really didn't find it very distinctive, and the fries were soggy. I'd also love to see some more veggies/salads on their menu. I may want my beer, but I also need some greens! We were unfortunately also seated in the high-top next to the bathroom. The smell of disinfectant was pretty strong, so a member of my party was pretty put off by that. The waitress was very knowledgeable about the beer selection and was even friendly to my self-proclaimed "beer sissy" of a mom. She also brought us some samples when we were being indecisive. I'll definitely keep sipping those hoppy beers, but I may skip out on the food next time...
(3)
Jeanne E.

Remember when the Porter's food was awesome? I had not been back to the Porter since last spring and was very disappointed upon my return. We had a group of five. Ordered the calamari- not great. I ordered a special- the bahn mi sandwich. It was edible...but everything was off. The bread was rock hard like it'd been toasted way too long and the inside was mushy and flavored wrong. My friends ordered the fish n chips (over breaded, soggy, and spent too much time in the fryer), brats (just okay- she said they were dry-how do you make brats dry?), a pasta special (just not very good- the flavors were off), and the falafel wrap (again- rock hard wrap, bad flavors). Is someone tasting the food before sending it out? Was yesterday just an off night? I don't think that can be the case when you serve five equally crappy over-priced plates of food. Porter, I give you one star for service and one star for your beer selection. It's time to step it up in the kitchen.
(2)
Emily K.

I'll admit, it's been 4 months since I ate here. Thus why it's getting 3 stars for now. My dad, the boyfriend, and I stopped here before the Butch Walker show across the street. It was surprisingly not busy despite the large group clustered around the bar. My dad is the only one of the three of us who actually drinks beer, but it was the only place in Little Five we hadn't tried before. We started with the Belgian Fries. Yum. Though I have to say, give me a fry covered in garlic and I'm a happy girl. Dad got the brats, Boyfriend got the rueben, and I got the mac & cheese. Again, give me mac & cheese and I'm a happy girl. Dad and Boyfriend both seemed happy with their choices. Dad was happy with his beer selections. He's a bit of a beer snob himself and was glad to have lots of choices. I'm sure we'll be back in the future and I can give a more helpful review. ;)
(3)
Casey H.

They serve the best mussels that I have ever had. Hands down. Just thinking about them is making me drool! The porter is a unique restaurant with an awesome vibe and a great place to go with friends for lunch or dinner. Fits in perfectly with the little five points neighborhood!
(5)
Jennifer L.

This place is just really... cool. Being a suburbanite, I generally avoid ATL places with no parking (i.e. Little 5 Points) but we ventured out early one Thursday evening, found a parking spot, and decided on The Porter. I'm never happy to walk through a wall of smoke to get into a place, but the inside of the Porter was warm and welcoming, in that dark-wood, dimly-lit sort of way. We took a seat at the bar, and I was really impressed with the draught beer menu -- lots of unusual beers in 8 oz. and 16 oz. sizes. I'm a big dark beer fan, and this place didn't disappoint with the quality and quantity of interesting dark beers. We ended up with a Stone Smoked Stout with Vanilla and a Mother Earth Silent Night. I was impressed at the high-end ingredients -- truffle oils, fois gras -- and the interesting daily specials. We had gravy fries (no, not Quebecois poutine, but still tasty!), the hush puppies (wow, great applesauce spread for them -- unique and flavorful), and beer bread (also good, but it is bread, after all -- opt for something more interesting!) We also got a cronut, but they are really tiny and I'd probably pass next time. There's a big bar but also seating in the back. Overall, great place -- I highly recommend it!
(4)
Anthony D.

Best beer bar I've ever been too. Huge beer list and prices are good. I could spend the day here and never get bored. Must make a trip to little five points for this. Belgian fries were amazing. The service was outstanding, literally I remember ordering from the waitress and the second she left my table, a gentleman from the kitchen was out with my food. Their collection of vintage beers are something else. No wonder it's one of the best in the nation.
(5)
Elizabeth W.

I am completely obsessed with this place on several different levels. Let's start with the beer. I have never seen a longer or more varied beer menu in my life. It's ever changing and there truly is something for everyone. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and can steer you in the right direction if you get lost in all the choices. (It happens.) Sit at the bar if you can. The atmosphere is great....a little cramped and can get crowded, but comfortable nonetheless. For the food: you can't go wrong. The hush puppies, goat cheese fritters, Mac and cheese....all amazing (albeit unhealthy) starters. The burger is pretty simple as far as Atlanta burgers go, but it is probably the best I've had in town. The fries are pretty damn spectacular as well. So yeah.....obsessed.
(5)
Reagan C.

Love this place. Fantastic vibe, spectacular beer selection and great food.
(5)
The O S.

Giving this a 5 for beer, beer, and wait more beer options galore! Also the Salt and Vinegar Popcorn was epic and I'll try and replicate that here at home! Hope to be back soon!
(5)
Kelly D M.

5 for ambiance, 4.5 for food, 5 for friendliness, 3.5 for commitment to beer suggestions (ay man juss my personal experience), knock off 1/2 point for long waits/seating availability at the bar but actually add 1/2 point because waits are worth it and the seating in the back is super great. That's a 4.5 average, and I'm rounding up because it's either that or round down and I am not down with down. 5 Stars.
(5)
Dan T.

It's pretty telling what kind of establishment this is when our waiter describes a beer option as having a "funky barnyard earthiness." And he was totally right! The Porter is laid back, pubby, approachable. The calamari was weirdly soggy, but the Terrapin Wake N' Bake beer I ordered really hit the spot. My friend had the Georgia Wild Shrimp and Grits and I ordered the Buffalo Shrimp Po' Boy and we were both very satisfied. The portions were generous, the service was expedient, the wait staff well-informed. I will definitely be coming back! I go here so frequently it's ridiculous. Comparable to Argosy or Brickstore. But somehow more convivial. Reminds me of the dwarven halls in LOTR. Is that beyond nerdy? There's a pecan flavored beer on draft here that I love so much and always order. The Mac and cheese is pretty on point. Pro-tip is to come here on Monday for dinner then hit Star Bar for comedy night afterwards.
(4)
Stacey G.

I love this place! Great food, great drinks, great ambiance! One of my fave parts is that they suggest drink pairings for every item on the menu, taking the guess work out of figuring out what will go well together. But if you're feeling adventurous there's an extremely extensive drink menu that will satisfy any beer lover's palate. The food is also spectacular! Normally I'm not a huge fan of appetizers, but this is one place where I always make an exception. My top choices are the salt & vinegar popcorn and the kale Caesar salad. Seriously, good beyond words. The entrees are also spot on and I love how there are certain staples that are always available and always delicious (fish & chips, I'm looking at you) and there are specials that change from time to time (hooray for chicken schnitzel). Like I said I love this place and will continue to come here as long as I live in the Atlanta metro area. One note though, the desserts are less than impressive for my palate but it might be perfect for someone else.
(4)
Nichole K.

This is one of my most favorite places to go to in Atlanta. And it's my favorite gastropub. Must try the hushpuppies with applesauce. Yes, you read that correctly. Hushpuppies and applesauce. So, next time y'all are stumbling through L5P stumble into this neighborhood gem (and get the hushpuppies).
(5)
Gregory D.

This beer menu alone gets it 5 stars. The beverage menu (mostly beer) is so vast, you start to wonder how in seven hells do they even have enough storage for all these beers. It seems like 20 pages of beers. You have to find a choice quickly otherwise you'll spend all night browsing the menu. They even serve the beers in the associated beer glass - nice touch of service. Speaking of service, staff are respectful, friendly, and accommodating. Not what you'd expect walking around in Little Five Points as you pass a drug-induced stinky hippie drum circle/meditation session just outside the storefront. As good as the beer menu is, the food is also worth coming here for. Great salads, sandwiches, and hearty upscale pub food go nice with their great beers. Parking can be a hassle around Little Five Points. Try looking for parking just south/southeast of the restaurant within 5 min walking distance.
(5)
Arielle B.

This is a swanky little place to get beer and American food, but with a twist! They have pages and pages of beer, ale, Yeager, and ciders! Whether you're a novice beer drinker or an expert you'll love this place. Not only do they have a great beer selection, but their food is great!! I ordered their name sake Half Pound Cheeseburger with Herb Fries. The burger was juicy, cheesy and the bun was perfect! I'm not really a pickle person so I got mine on the side, but since they were homemade I figured I give them a try. Let me tell you, I would eat a whole jar of them! They were so crispy and delicious! Best pickles I have EVER had! The fries were crispy and flavorful! Each of their menu items comes with a beer suggestion, but I'm not really a beer drinker so I opted for a Crispin. The ambience kind of reminds you of a Scottish pub but with a southern flavor, very nice! I will definitely be coming back to try their other dishes and for those pickles!
(5)
Rachel P.

As a foodie and a beer snob, I figured the Porter would be right up my alley, but I wasn't that impressed. It was crowded, for starters. So much so that while we were waiting for the hostess, we had to awkwardly contort ourselves in the doorway. I also think the atmosphere is so overwhelmingly hipster-y that that's the predominant memory I have of the place. Hipster-y not necessarily in a good way. My glass and utensils were visibly dirty, the server was abrupt and didn't make eye contact, and the menu items sounded better than they tasted. Yes, there's a very extensive beer list, but the menu format (read: book o' beers) isn't user-friendly. I think it would be cool to have a menu with a QR code that people could scan to browse through the beer list.
(2)
Julie F.

The Porter is the kind of place where you can dreamily spend hours as if in a trance. When you enter the narrow but inviting space and take your seat, it's like entering another world. The servers make you feel right at home and will help you figure out the best beer for your tastes. I'm not the biggest beer connoisseur, but after a quick chat with the server about what's on draft, I always end up with a frosty glass of wonderfulness. In fact, everything that crosses your lips - the food, the drinks, the conversation - will be wonderful. I'm a huge fan of their calamari, by the way. Huge. And their mac and cheese is similarly wonderful. I don't think you could go wrong with much of the food here. The only reason for four stars instead of five is because of what happens after you wake up from the dream... wandering out into the urban jungle of Little Five Points, we snap back to reality and wonder how we managed to rack up such a bill in just a couple of hours. I know, I know, sourcing and love and pride - but still, we'd go more often if it wasn't quite as expensive. It doesn't quite feel "worth it."
(4)
Eric C.

I've only recently tried the Porter because it is usually WAY too crowded for my taste. I went mid-afternoon on a Sunday and the place was much more approachable capacity-wise. The beer list is extensive and they have some really great bottles which I like. But to the novice beer drinker, it can be a little intimidating. As for the food, it was good but very greasy bar-fare. The exception here is the prosciutto sandwich with apricot jam. That thing is pretty fantastic and will likely be the only thing I order from here going forward. I recommend getting a seat in the back. It has a really cool vibe and great rustic feel.
(3)
Marta P.

I'm no beer geek, but when I'm craving some really tasty food, the Porter always come on my radar. Weekend nights this place is always packed, but with a table for 2 we got seated right away. The only thing that is frustrating about this bar is that it gets pretty loud in the back because it acts like a giant hallway. This is ok when you have a group of people, but can be hard to hear your date if there's just the two of you. Our server notified us that they were out of the pork dumplings and the duck terrine, so we got the Pork and Foie Gras terrine to start. It was deliciously smooth and salty. It came with a very mild cheese, grainy mustard, and a sweet nut brittle. All the ingredients together blended nicely and had me diving in bite after bite. For the entree, I chose the shrimp and grits with mushrooms. I've been here for brunch many items, so I knew their grits are delicious. They are smooth, buttery, with a creamy white cheddar. The shrimp are nice and clean, but the mushrooms make the dish. I had to stop myself from gorging on the meal so that I wouldn't be stuff. My date had the bangers and kraut and was really pleased. He also tried the grapefruit rosemary juice and raved about it (I'm no grapefruit fan, but I'll take his word for it). The server was nice and informative, and came back frequently to check on us, which we appreciated. I love coming back here, even when I just feel like getting a nice beer that night. I've never had a bad meal here!
(5)
Richard F.

The Porter is AWESOME!!! Great food, great beer list, and a great atmosphere. What else do you need. I had the shrimp and grits while my GF had the mac-and-cheese. The shrimp and grits was awesome!!! The shrimp were perfectly cooked the grits were perfectly seasoned. The mac-and-cheese was good too. As for the beers they have just about anything you could want.
(5)
Eric S.

First time at the Porter Beer Bar and I was very impressed. The waitress did very well at recommending great beers for the entire dinner. The fried goat cheese is a must try. Great service and food!
(5)
Mel B.

My date and I stopped here this last week. The restaurant matched the artsy area perfectly. Their exotic menu that is to die for goes well with the extended beer selection on draft. The menu even includes beers that match well with your meal! My date had the cod and chips and three different IPAs and I had the goat cheese tortellini with a couple of pints of the hefeweissbeir! If you're in Atlanta and you appreciate vintage, art and uniqueness along with draft beer and exotic meals then, this place is where it's at!
(5)
Sarah B.

Small and crowded, but cute vibe/decor. Costner service was excellent. Food was amazing. Pickled onions on the burgers was what set it off. The Belgian fries are delish. The goat cheese fritters mmm! Good craft beer selection. Prices are reasonable as well.
(5)
Robin S.

Upgrading to four stars. I've been here about a dozen times and the food, beer and service is just too good to leave it at three. Korean pork kimchee tacos are wonderful. Try them when they're on special.
(4)
Jeff T.

Dishes are amazing. Unique beers to try from the cellar. Service mostly good. Price okay.
(5)
Helen H.

Soo good. Almost overwhelming list of beers and alcohol The drinks we got were hit or miss with the misses on the liquor side. The beers were excelletn. Food was amazonggggg. Mussels were awesome, fish and chips was so good with awesome tartar sauce. The scramble was good, but the potatoes really stole the shoe. Excellent crispiness. Hangover hash was pretty good too. Salmon scramble was very excellent. Four because the palce was dirty... There were random fries still on the table and seats and some of the dishes we got still had food on them. It's also not the best of values... The food portions are actually able to be consumed in one sitting but at prices that you generally could get portions that last two meals. However the food was so excelletn and the choices of alcohol are fantastic. Would def come here again.
(4)
Jenny B.

Delicious food, cool vibes, copious amounts of beer and the best bartenders! Our bartender made so many great suggestions and offered beer samples per our preferences. Definitely would recommend!
(5)
Gregory S.

Best Food in Atlanta, on top of the fantastic beer selection.
(5)
Lia P.

For years I wouldn't even drink beer. Then I found myself stuck at places where I HAD to drink beer...but I still wouldn't admit that I like it all that much. But then I came to this bar, and yes, it's official, I do like beer. With so many choices even the biggest beer hater is bound to find something they like. We got lucky on a busy Saturday night and got sat in 5 minutes. It was a small two top right by the front door, which may make some people uncomfortable but it was a little set back and it puts you in prime people watching position. The beer list is HUGE. Our waiter was able to help us make a couple choices though, which I always appreciate. For food we started with the goat cheese fritters and I had the grilled cesar salad. Both were delicious. I love that the fitters looked like mozzarella sticks you would order at Fridays but of course tasted so much better with the pepper and honey. My salad was the right size for a light meal. I loved the addition of a poached egg, even if it looked kind of randomly plopped on the plate. After 5 beers, an app, and two meals the bill was only about $50. For good food and good beer that's a treat. Also our waiter and the food runners were awesome. I always expect good service but at a place that busy I usually cut some slack. There was no need to here, everyone was so friendly. I can't wait to go back and delve further into that beer menu and maybe even try one of the cocktails.
(4)
Kady J.

Great service, knowledgeable staff, fun and inviting atmosphere... I really love the Porter! I've been hearing raving reviews about this place for a while and finally checked it out and now I bring everyone who is new or visiting the city here. The beer selection is outrageous, so I asked our server's opinion and she was extremely helpful and recommended great drinks for everyone. If you're looking to get a quick buzz and have a few extra dollars, try the Prohibition. It will knock you on your ass.
(5)
Benjamin G.

If someone were to ask me what sets the standard for a beer bar, I'd point them in the direction of The Porter. Beer Machine, killer selection of draught/bottled beers both imported, local, and regional. I'm no beer expert, but I love beer and I know what I like. However, I really appreciate the knowledge of the staff on the origins of the beers, flavor profiles, etc. The fact that they offer up pairing advice on the menu is awesome, too. It's the kind of place that will attract every beer nerd within a stone's throw, but will also be a great entrance for a skeptical 21-year-old. Beer is great, beer is good, but I'm really thankful for the food. Goodness gracious the menu they have is trump-worthy of so many other gastropubs I've been to. Much like everyone else has probably mentioned, just get the salt & vinegar popcorn. Just shut up and do it. Fried goat cheese. Whoa. The combination of honey, cracked pepper, and the lightly, gloriously breaded goat cheese is spectacular. Light and melty. The flavors work together like the damn fantastic four. The setting made me feel like I had stepped into one of the stereotypical, ephemeral beer bars in San Francisco, but this one isn't going anywhere. It's an ATL/L5P mainstay and I'm looking forward to countless visits. Cheers indeed.
(5)
Pamela S.

Loved the ambiance and the menu -- between the endless beer selection all the delicious-sounding food, it was hard to choose! I went with the burger to satisfy a craving (very good, massive), and was able to sample the rueben, mac n cheese, and the arugula salad with anchovies. Too full for dessert! I loved my banana-flavored beer.
(5)
Deeva W.

When I am jonesing for a beer bar I will forever go to Porters! Their draft selection is amazing and those salt and vinegar fries OMG. I love the location as well. My only complaint is that they have no waiting area. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Alison Q.

The appetizers were my favorite part. Solid burger and tap selection. Great service even though it was packed and we were a big group. I didn't try a "vintage" bottle but I really dug that concept.
(4)
Sebastian M.

They have a nice variety of beers and the food is really tasty. The only thing I didn't like is the layout of the restaurant. It's a little cramped in there. You can hear the conversation of the table next to you. Big plus; the service was really good. I'm big on service and they were excellent
(5)
Jazmin M.

Solid beer menu and the food all looked fantastic. We got the burgers and they are worth every penny. The front part of the store looks small but there is a lot more space in the back. This would be a great place to bring out-of-towners who want a taste of Little 5 Points.
(4)
Katie N.

Justin did a great job giving me beer. Thank you for the suggestions and the venture into a good IPA!!! Good atmosphere, good selection, good tenders. A definite repeat for sure :)
(5)
D C.

Great beer bar! Came here with a bunch of friends. They have a terrrific selection of unique beers and drinks. Decor was very nice as well. Didn't get a chance to try the food but I will be back to give it a try!
(4)
Rebecca O.

You can't beat the beer selection here. Also, the garlic fries are a must have. However, their menu selection is more sparse. The garlic fries tend to be super salty as well. Other than that, if you're looking for a beer and some pub food, this will fit you needs.
(5)
Dan B.

The food was not that good it was way overpriced beer had a great selection but not anything the other brewpubs don't have. The server was very disinterested
(2)
Molly F.

Amazing! But pretty cramped and noisy - more of a bar ambience than a restaurant. I had the chickpea burger. It was delicious, and the fries were awesome. Everything on the menu has a suggested beer pairing, and mine (an amber) was also great. Huge selection, good food. Altogether a great place if you love beer!
(5)
JJ G.

Truth: I will be back. Next week, in fact, to meet a friend for drinks. And I couldn't be happier. The Porter is a great place to grab a beer (or 3) from their large selection of draughts or bottled varietals, as well as menu items to tempt the snobbiest of foodies. After reading some Yelp reviews, we decided to order the salt and vinegar popcorn. Oh goodness. Can I have a bag to go, please? Addicting. We went with the goat cheese fritters, and....wow. Those things are amazing. There are 5 in an order and are slightly larger than a typical mozz stick. And that's where the similarities break down. First off, these guys are battered to perfection, with a smooth rendering of goat cheese inside. It's not so much a finger food as a forker. Topped with honey and cracked pepper, the flavors and textures play really nicely together, and the goat cheese (which has the potential to be an overwhelming palate element) is complemented well by the additions. I ordered an arugula salad from the specials menu for an entrÃ©e and was thoroughly impressed. Arugula needs friends. It's not a solo instrument, and the pickled fennel and blueberries, light dressing and goat cheese on the side were sublime. The beers we ordered were also quite nice. Management was present, efficient and friendly. And I'm really looking forward to next week.
(4)
Leena P.

Overly full and we got food poisoning from the food. The specials we got were very strong in flavor. Ordered an Asian noodle dish that was so sour it was hard to eat. However, our waitress was great about taking back our drinks that didn't taste good and she was accommodating about getting us new drinks that we would like. I appreciate that kind of service. The restaurant was freezing because of the fans as well. The servers were nice, but was not happy with the food or the atmosphere.
(3)
Riley B.

I was blown away by the Porter. They have the largest selection of beer I've ever seen in my life. Hundreds and hundreds of drafts, bottles, and vintage choices...everything from porters to IPA coming from England, South Africa, and right here in the states. Whiskey, wine, and cocktails were also available. The ambiance was incredible, very cozy and easy to make new friends. There were suitcases everywhere and the restaurant seemed small, felt small, but just kept going! Our waiter, Casey, was more than friendly and so accommodating. He even took us down to the beer cellar to get a good picture! This place would do well anywhere in the world.
(5)
Anya I.

I come here EVERY time I'm in little 5. It's got then best vibes, constant menu changes , and all the beer you could ever want (from all around the world!) it's fun by yourself or with friends.
(5)
Anne C.

Drinks and atmosphere were awesome. Food was pretty good. 5 stars as a bar, 3 as a restaurant = average of 4. One of the best beer lists I've seen in a long time. I'd definitely give the food another chance. Very large portion sizes.
(4)
Brianna B.

I have been here a total of three times. The first two were during the day, and I just sat up front and had a beer and some of their fantastic cheese. But tonight, we came for dinner. We thought that the place was just as big as the bar. The waitress took us back, and we discovered that it was about three times the size of what we thought. The back of the place is a cozy nook filled with old luggage and dark wood. The ambiance is great...the food was amazing. I had the shrimp and grits, and it was a religious experience. My wife had the muscles, which were also amazing. What is even better is that the menu offers suggestions as to what beer you should pair with your meal. All in all, it was a very wonderful experience.
(5)
Kelly H.

I lived in Candler Park for almost 3 years and would've opened up a line of credit at the Porter if it was available. The goat cheese fritters will change your life. The Reuben is a show stopper as well. In fact, I don't think there's anything I've ever ordered that I didn't like...even mussels, which you wouldn't expect to be anything to write home about from a beer bar. I wish they still had the outside seating, but that's a DeKalb county thing so not their fault. Not a place for large groups, but definitely a great place for a low key date, catch up meal, or afternoon beer after a day of shopping around L5P. Take your out of town friends visiting here for sure!
(5)
Ellen M.

Enjoyed my umpteenth meal at The Porter last night. I usually order from the specials because they are, indeed, special. Last night: apple salad with toasted cashews atop a mountain of arugula and oxtail pot pie. My husband and eight year old often go with the burger and exceptional fries, and we nearly always share the vinegar popcorn. Beer selection is vast and well curated. The Porter is a bar, but children are not out of place. Ours likes it for the food and "because it looks like a pirate hang-out." The staff is swell, and nothing on the menu is ordinary or boring.
(5)
Ashley J.

Really cool spot! Trendy, hipster, laid back feel. A lot of beer. And by a lot I mean pages of beer selections. All food sounds good, and is really cheap. I was surprised . The shrimp and grits w. Truffle oil is so far the best food I've had in atl. Amazing. My bf got the brisket on special, he loved it. Unique and made well. The sweetwater bread is good too, but next time Id try a diff appetizer. Why 4 stars and not 5? The bloody mary. It was milkshake consistancy so they Remade it just to be the same way. I also asked if it was spicy , she said a little bit but it was extremely hot. Other ppl had bloody marys and they didn't look like mine, I think they gave me the bottom of the mix maybe. They took it off the bill which was cool. Service is good, the waitress checked her cell phone as she was talking to us which I didn't care for, but otherwise was nice and helpful. I'd recommend this place, I'd come back and was really happy we ate here!
(4)
Matty R.

Awesome staff, and Orpheaus the 12th labor, 13% ABV for $5.50. Enough said.
(5)
Jessica Y.

I absolutely love beer and was really excited about visiting the Porter Beer Bar. I had heard great things about the beer selection but was left disappointed by the lack of local beers on tap and the price of the beer relative to serving size. I felt the drinks were considerably more expensive than other comparable establishments. We got talking to a gentleman at the bar and he advised me they change the beers weekly and if we return again we may be more impressed by the selection. Having said all that, my tipple, the Monks Mead, was exceptionally good! My husband also enjoyed his beer but being a true Yorkshire man he wasn't happy with the cost! Approx. $6 for 8oz. We ended up getting seats at the bar and decided to eat! The goats cheese fritters were absolutely delicious. I had chosen mussels which I ate for my entrÃ©e, although the mussels themselves were well cooked the broth was really watery and lacked flavour........ really disappointing! My husband had fish n chips and was equally disappointed. I like the atmosphere in this place, It was busy and cosy just the way a pub should be! I would pop back here to check out the beer selection again but I wouldn't bother eating.
(3)
Stacie M.

Tired of the embarrassment of ordering well done in front of your friends and coworkers? Well then go to The Porter where they do this really sweet thing for you. You can say "medium rare" and they'll actually cook it well done! Impress everyone with your sophisticated palate while enjoying your burnt burger. And don't get me started on the goat cheese cinnamon pepper dough logs. I believe the menu calls them fritters. Tomato, tomahto. (Three stars for the beer even though their food has gone down the tubes.)
(3)
Josh K.

Excellent bar with a staggering range of taps, bottles, and food far better than your average bar food. I eavesdropped on the chef talking to another patron and he was talking about how all the "weird stuff" sold, like sweetbreads and foie gras, and that somehow, beyond his wildest expectations, there is an audience for that kind of thing in Little Five Points. :) I had two beers off their tap rotation which were great. The bartender was happy to let me make the second beer a half size beer since I was so full from the huge Reuben sandwich that I had eaten - which was awesome with their signature garlic fries. Wouldn't mind this place in SF! Porter Beer Bar rocks!
(5)
Beth F.

Okay to start this review you have to understand that this bar is in Little Five Points...therefore you can expect every walk of life to be outside, on the sidewalk, in the bar, or in the "park." This bar has the best selection of draught and bottled beer. The menu is endless and you could go back time and again and never try the same beer. The bartender (I've had the same girl every time) knows exactly how to pore beer. They also have the glass specific to each beer (not each type...each brand of beer!!!!) which helps to get the absolute best pore. She also is very good at giving you ideas based on your taste preferences. The bar is cozy, dark, and just everything a bar should be. We finally tried food last time we were there, Belgian fries, and they went perfect with beer. Everytime we've gone has been fantastci. Highly, highly recommend stopping in when you are in Little 5.
(5)
Roberta R.

Fun place to visit with friends... Huge selection of beer... Lots of food too...would for sure go back!
(5)
Andrew S.

Holy cow! Their food was TO DIE FOR it was soooo goood. I got the shrimp and grits, and my friend got bratwurst and kraut. Both were out of this world delicious. And, you can't go wrong with the beer selection either. Wow great selection! And the service is really good too. They brought out the wrong food to me at first and so I had to wait a bit for the them to correct it (which I didn't mind) and then they comped my meal because of that small mix up!!! Super impressive I highly reformed checking this place out.
(5)
Stefanie M.

I'm a fan of the porter, I mean, how can you not love a place with an 11 page beer menu? When I'm looking for something unique or high gravity, there's no better place IMO than the Porter. My issues with the Porter come from inconsistent food and service. Sometimes it's great, sometimes it's awful. I've had great sandwiches and burgers at the Porter, but their shrimp and grits for brunch one Sunday made me vomit for hours afterward. Sometimes the service is excellent, sometimes your waiter will disappear for 30-40 minutes and you don't know if they were abducted by aliens or are on an amazing chain smoke break. Sometimes it's so crowded you can't get in (which doesn't take much cuz it's TINY), and sometimes we go in and we're the only people in there. It seems like there is no middle ground with the Porter, it's either flying down the road at 100 mph hitting on all cyclinders, or it's grandma in the far left lane driving 25 mph on I-75/I-85 with her hazard lights on.
(3)
Brennon C.

awesome beer selection, cozy little restaurant in little five points.
(5)
Peter S.

AMAZING beer selection at amazing prices! The staff is also super friendly and very knowledgeable. We also got the calamari which was soggy and meh but really who cares when you can get hard to find (on the east coast) beers like Stone enjoy by for under $5! I wish we had a place like this in the DMV area!
(5)
Tony G.

Dear Christ, where do I begin with this place? I suppose the clear starting point is the vast selection of beer. Please understand, when I say 'vast', I literally mean pages upon pages. They have more beer than Germany! If you've ever wondered what a Mint Chocolate Porter would taste like, check this place out. If you've ever thought about consuming a 15% Belgian-Style Quadruple Ale, look no further. The selection isn't stagnant, either. It changes faster than you can return, so you're always greeted with a fresh selection of exotic, unique, and tasty beers. Even the food is delicious. The fish and chips, the macaroni and cheese, the burgers...it's all phenomenal. If you've been to Little Five Points and you haven't been here....what have you been doing?!
(5)
Alli H.

Oh sweet Jesus, I love The Porter. The food, the beer, the service... ALL amazing! On my last visit, I had the veggie burger and fries. I can't tell you how good those fries are! And the portions are huge so I took half of my meal home and had a delicious lunch the next day :-) I've also been to the Porter for brunch before, and the brunch is equally amazing and tasty! The beer list is gigantic, and the servers are all very knowledgeable about their beer. In my humble beer-lovin' opinion, Brickstore:Decatur::Porter:L5P. (Remember how to read those? Having flashbacks from high school SAT vocabulary prep courses?? haha)
(5)
Amelia J.

So, let me make one thing clear: My review is a reflection of this place as a restaurant, not as a bar. Which, I get it. Their main thing is their amazing beer/alcohol selection-- being a bar. That's why I found myself here-- my boyfriend wanted a beer and assured me "they have food-- like really good pub food." I'm not really a drinker, but I figured I could find something on the menu and it'd be fine. Sadly, this place is definitely a bar, first and foremost, and something of a dive bar at that. The menu selection was really, really small. I got a burger, which came with fries...it was marginal. My boyfriend got a Reuben and I'm sure it was fine-- it really is pub food but definitely not GOOD pub food. The atmosphere is kinda depressing; very little light, and the bench seats are all knocked in and uneven. The whole place feels kinda dank and dreary. Oh, and the A/C pipes dripped on me the whole time. And the tables were crazily uneven and rocky. Again, though-- I don't really think they're TRYING to be a restaurant. So, if you want a huge beer list? This is your place. If you want a decent meal and a nice place to sit and socialize? Go somewhere else!
(2)
Krista H.

Went there last night for dinner and was pleasantly surprised. We got the mussels appetizer and they were delicious. The broth had a slight unexpected kick and was so good. The kale Caesar salad was really good. Loved the anchovies on it. I would recommend this place id in L5P
(4)
Linda E.

Great beer selection. The food is really good too. I suggest the fries, the mac and cheese was good but not something I would order again. The place gets crowded, so I would arrive early.
(4)
Neasie S.

I must begin by stating that I regret to write a negative review about the Porter (as in the past it has been one of my favorite go-to bars); however, this past weekend was the second time that I have had an infuriating experience related to a singular issue: the bartenders. In the previous experience that I referred to, the following occurred: a) I came in with a friend during a busy hour and because it was busy, I was not particularly concerned that it took longer than I would have liked for us to gain the attention of a bartender. (I enjoy Atlanta's restaurant scene, I am generally patient/easy going and feel that experience over time has allowed me to develop a reasonable expectation of the caliber of service to expect in relation to the establishment). However, apparently when I asked the bartender for Redemption Rye with a few ice chips (I'm a whiskey girl!), he couldn't hear me (it was generally loud) and he proceeded to ask me if I asked for Grey Goose. This slight may not be apparent and may even be non-existent to others; however, in my opinion, it is a perfect example of the "new" and subtle way in which stereotypes based on race are perpetuated in American society today. Though it was loud in the bar, Redemption Rye sounds nothing like Grey Goose Vodka. My own intuition led me to believe (that after the bartender took longer than I would have reasonably liked to approach my friend and me in regards to service) that he was now projecting his own stereotypic views on what I must have been attempting to order based on my race (as Grey Goose in the past has been a spirit that has been embraced by and associated with African Americans). In case it is not clear, this situation would be parallel to me walking into a wine bar and the bartender asking me if I would like a glass of Moscato (in which though it is a dessert wine and is not one that I drink, it is typically associated with African Americans). I would like to be clear that there is nothing wrong with preferring Grey Goose or drinking Moscato; however, I would not like my preferences to be judged by others based on my race, particularly not by my bartenders. This past experience was not enough to deter me from returning to this bar (as I like the atmosphere, food and drink selection); however, my experience this weekend was the proverbial nail in the coffin. b) I came in with a friend this past weekend and once again sat at the bar. Like the last time, it was busy. My friend and I decided to sit in a spot at the bar that had just been vacated and thus had not yet been cleaned (i.e. the left-overs of the last person's arugula salad, dirty napkins, silverware and multiple beer glasses were still in place). I am a patient person and observed that the bartenders were indeed busy so I expected that they would "get to me" in due time. However, I found it upsetting that the bartender not only acknowledged but also decided to take another party's drink orders (a party who came in after we arrived). He also made their entire drink order without acknowledging the presence of my friend or me. I literally had to wave the bartender down to ask if he could clean our area. Later during our dining experience, I observed as the same bartender asked the party to the left and the right of me if they "were doing okay or if they needed anything" but yet my party was never asked if we were okay. The final straw occurred when I asked for a second drink to accompany my meal (with a different bartender) and I observed said second bartender making the drink orders of TWO different parties (who ordered after me). It was a clear situation of "prioritizing" and I dare not say what the priority was based on. I swiftly cancelled my second drink order and my friend and I requested to "close-out". Again, in the past I have been a huge fan of the Porter (granted there were different bartenders working there at the time); however, I am not one to tolerate such subtle yet monumental slights (whether committed consciously or subconsciously. I will not be returning. P.s. To my knowledge there are only 3 bartenders currently working with regularity at the Porter. One of them has solid black ear-stretching devices in both ears. I feel it important to point out that he was NOT involved in either situation in which I was unhappy or experienced sub-par service. The other two indeed were.
(1)
Jamie N.

I had a very high expectation for this place after reading all of the raves on yelp. I decided to have a birthday dinner here with some of my close friends and we were very disappointed. First off, we arrived at around 8:30pm for a party of six and were told that the wait would be ten minutes, which is fine, they didn't have a waiting area or really anywhere to stand, and we were told to stand against the wall in the walkway to the main dining area. and just to mention for those who have not been here, the walkway is about 2 1/2 ft of space right behind a bar with seating. The space that all of us were lined up against was so tight and cramp, we were all literally breathing over the necks of the people sitting at the bar. So after the uncomfortable wait for nearly thirty minutes, a waiter came to seat us at a table for four ....there was another empty table right behind us and we asked could we put the two together, and we were told no because then we would have two separate waiters. They did, however, let us have another table nearby. It's was a nice gesture but it made the birthday gathering completely uncomfortable and awkward. After getting settled, I headed to the ladies room, as I passed by, I saw a table large enough for six, possibly even eight. I asked to move there, and the waiter said no, again because we would have two seperate waiters...... So fast forward to the meal. We ordered two dish of Mac and cheese, cheese fritters, and Belgian fries. The fritters were good. They weren't "amazing" as some say. They taste like breaded and fried cream cheese sticks drizzled with honey. Nothing spectacular. The Belgian fries were tasty. Not sure if we had a bad batch, but the were soggy and not that different from the regular fries served with some of the meals. The Mac and cheese were decent, nothing to complain about but nothing to remember. Because of all the apps we got, I only ordered the crab ravioli. It had a vague description and I was not expecting the dish I received at all. To start off, they were not pasta raviolis, but were more like crab meat in between two slice of radishes. It also had this honey or simple syrup drizzled on top and candied higher slices everywhere. I could not finish my dish, and that says a lot seeing how there were only six "raviolis". Some of the other dishes we ordered were the fish n chips(nothing spectacular), the 48hr braised short ribs (inedible due tithe saltiness, when asked the waiter, he said "it's supposed to be salty"...really???? Is it supposed to be salty so that we could order more beer? Shrimp po boy, verdict, extremely salty. Burger nothing unique. Overall, we were all very underwhelmed by the food and service. Sorry the porter, if I could, I would give you less than one star.
(1)
Angela M.

Best beer selection in Atlanta, hands down. ALSO the best pub food in Atlanta. The main menu is very small (so is the kitchen) but the weekly specials are to die for. Let Nick and Dan show you just how good offal can be! They also rock a mean sous vide. We have been regulars at The Porter since it opened. We don't go out much, but I'd say 75% of our going out budget is spent here. The place is small, so if you hate crowds, go at off peak times. Let the knowledgeable staff guide you to the perfect beer and enjoy some exceptional food! The fries are probably the best I've ever had - and I'm not a french fry fan! The main menu is small, as I said, but the specials will rock your socks off.
(5)
S R.

I have visited this place multiple times, and at different times of the day. So, I have a pretty extensive experience about this place. Before I start telling the goods about this place, I want to say the bad of this place. On my second visit to The Porter Beer Bar, I reached their at 11:30AM on Sunday morning with a friend of mine who visiting Atlanta for the first time. And we asked for the beer menu, but they made us wait till 12:30PM (1 hour) as they are not supposed to serve alcohol before 12:30PM. Which was little disappointing. Coming to the goods, I have never tried any food at this place, so no freaking idea, but I have seen people eating all kinds of awesome looking food all around me. I do not know how they taste, but from looks of it, if I would have guessed, they should be yummy. Coming to the Beer, "The Best in Atlanta" in my opinion. Please do not go to this place if you want to drink Corona, Budweiser or Heineken. For that you have of thousands of places in Atlanta. If you want to taste beer from all around the world, this is the place. I think they have 50 odd beers on draft. And more than that on bottle. Till date I tried around 20 different beers at this place. My suggestion will be, when you go, at least try 2-3 different types. Ask the people behind the counter, they are very very knowledgeable, they might be able to help you find something which will suit your liking. This place is must visit if you love beer. Give it a shot, I am pretty sure you will come back for more.
(4)
Rhonda S.

Mac and cheese is awesome! The goat cheese sticks and vegetarian pasta special were outta this world. Staff helped with vast beer selection. They accommodated our large group.
(5)
Matt T.

I love the food here. Brunch is especially good. The beer selection is second to none . The only reason I'm subtracting one star is because I took this chick up there who asked for a recommendation for a beer to get, the waitress obliged and suggested one. Well we get the bill and it was an $11 beer! Damn! The chick was pretty hot but not me buy her an $11 beer hot so -1. Other than that it's all good.
(4)
Omar T.

This place is pretty friggin awesome. The reuben is very good but the macaroni.... THE MACARONI! Is like sin. Wonderful selection of beers for every taste! GO!
(5)
Dana C.

My first trip to the Porter Beer Bar was extremely disappointing. I said as much in my Yelp review. The great thing is, the owner contacted me and did try to make amends for our horrible experience. We gave the place another shot. Our return trip was great, and now we go there anytime we are in Atlanta.
(5)
Juichia C.

Another update for the Porter. The last two times I had been here, I got the same waitress, and both times the service was bad enough for me to write this update. I'm sure it's not intentional, but she's really bad at waiting. Service is slow, she seems to have no memory whatsoever, and just seems to not care about what she's doing. Both times, she forgot the orders, the water I asked for, and even when I ask a second time, she seems as though I had never asked for it before. No apologetic attitude. Hopefully the Porter can train her better so that all her customers can enjoy the Porter like they should.
(3)
Yoojin L.

The beau is a huge fan of this place, and he's converted me. Their beers on tap always fancy the beer enthusiast's thirst. I haven't tried their cocktails, but solely because I get conned into having a fine draft beer. To their food: who could dislike bar food? And not just any bar food, but amazingly delicious one at that. They have daily specials that may include some crazy items. But hey, go for it! I bet it'll be delicious :) The Porter Beer Bar is famous for their fries, seasoned with herbs and garlic. A special item, their bacon&cheese hush puppies served with apple sauce, was incredible. Reuben sandwiches always hit the spot for a hungry stomach. Did I mention I had green eggs & ham here? It was a ham, egg, and cheese sandwich with pesto mayo. Okay, your turn. Please go enjoy the porter as much as I do!
(5)
Alex C.

Still my favorite pub/bar/restaurant in Atlanta. Then food is always delicious, the service is knowledgeable, friendly and generally quick; and the prices are cheeeeeeeap for the quality you get.
(5)
Jason L.

Recently voted best beer bar in American by someone who rates beer bars. no doubt the best bar in Atlanta. high end beers from every corner of the world, but in a chill, non-snobby way. I'm pretty well versed in beers/brewerys, but they always have new things for me to try. The food is spot on as well. As a couple others have mentioned, my wife and I always have great luck with the specials. Regular menu also excellent. I think I've had something different every time, and the food consistently blows my mind. You are in for a treat at The Porter.
(5)
Hans B.

Remarkable number of sour beers on tap/draft and delicious catfish and chips, smoked trout. From someone who was visiting out of town, it is easy to overlook the parking meter "pay stations"--avoid a parking fine by seeking them out.
(5)
Jerry T.

Arguably the best craft beer selection in town. If someone is brewing it, the Porter is probably selling it. The food is great too. A few of my favorites are the goat cheese fritters, garlic fries, and a pretty awesome arugula salad. All of the seating is very intimate, and the servers are top notch. They can always make a good recommendation on a new beer. Definitely worth stopping by if you are in the area, and if you are a beer drinker it's worth the drive even if you are not close. I find myself going waay out of my way to stop by for a beer.
(5)
Luke T.

Surprisingly, a very kid and family friendly place on a Sunday noon. Porters is known for their wide selection of beers, but I come for the food. This time, I brought the wife and my 2 pre-teen boys. I was a little worried about getting dirty looks bringing the family to a bar, but like I said, this place is as family friendly as the next Denny's. The server was very welcoming. Definitely put the family at ease. I came for the mussels, salt and vinegar popcorn, belgian fries, fish and chips and beer brats. Loved everything. My wife who rarely eats fries and popcorn was chowing down. The kids devoured the fish and chip and beer brats... I pretty much inhaled the mussels... I strongly recommend the mussels and the salt + vinegar popcorn.. Btw, Porters has a GREAT Sunday Brunch menu...
(4)
Nikki D.

I'm not a beer drinker, but I'm certainly glad to have been brought to the Porter. It's such a cool space, and totally unexpected (to me, at least) in the middle of Little Five Points. The vibe inside is easy, lively, and warm, even if it's closer quarters than I'm used to. The beer menu is more like a book, and though I could only tell you the very basics about beer at all, anyone could see that this place has one of the best offerings of brews in the city. The food is nice as well, a nice variety of gastro pub staples like calamari, po' boys, and burgers -- and a few special picks like salt and vinegar popcorn and shrimp n' grits. It's a great place to catch up with an old friend, or even for a date. Quick, simple, and quality.
(4)
Moosa D.

The food is unbelievably amazing. Tried the buffalo shrimp po' boy, shrimp n grits, and belgian fries. everything was very good. best bar food ive ever had. the place itself has a rustic bar kinda feel to it, its in five points so expect a hippy kind of crowd. service is kind of slow but will definitely go back because of the food.
(5)
Lindsay K.

You don't go to the Porter for the service on a weekend night. You go for the food. Because it is delicious. The musscles are to die for, the bread is crusty, the broth tomato perfection. Those with a side of fries and a porter I have to drink with a fork, or maybe a bloody mary- THAT is why you come here. And they do it well. There is a BOOK of beers to choose from, and you are sure to find something you love.
(4)
Chris N.

The sale and vinegar popcorn is really good! Yes, huge beer menu, yes decent (but not wow) food. Biggest downside is the crowd and how tightly packed you are into this place. Every table is on top of each other, you have to walk sideways to even get to your table.... Friendly, knowledgeable staff makes up for this and if you like beer there's no way you can leave here without finding something that peaks your interest.
(3)
Monika K.

Talk about some damn potent popcorn!! salt and vinegar and oh so tasty... not to mention the beers! call me the 2 beer queer. I know I had a St. Bernardus Abt 12 and something else on draft which I can't remember now... Belgian fries, bf had shrimp po boy w an arugula salad, fresh and awesome at 1am. I came I saw I got the tshirt! :)
(5)
Kate H.

Delicious! We were in a big hurry, running late for a show at the Horizon Theater company on NYE, and the were amazing to get us seated right away and gave us lightning fast service. Our table of four tried the ox tail special, goat cheese fritters, mussels, cheeseburger, chinese chicken special, shrimp and grits and sampled a few beers. Every thing we ate was outstanding! Everything was well-seasoned in my opinion and nicely presented. My only caution is that it is tightly packed. There isn't much room to move and we did bump elbows a bit trying to eat. It would not be a good option for a big group.
(5)
Morgan M.

This place is freaking awesome. I should start by saying I'm not a terribly huge fan of this neighborhood. It's always packed with tourists, hipsters and panhandlers. Every time I visit Little 5, I have some kind of unfortunate experience - a tattoo artist literally laughing out loud at my question about vegan ink, restaurant patrons accusing me of staying at a table too long, stepping on a huge rod of metal sticking up out of the sidewalk (6 months later, that same piece of metal is still sticking up out of the ground). There's always someone getting into a fight or screaming match with someone else, always someone shouting or protesting to passers-by. I don't see why people are so in love with this neighborhood at all. However, The Porter is more than reason enough to visit Little 5. Unlike nearly every other restaurant I've gone to here, the servers at The Porter are very nice and helpful. Everyone is really patient and more than happy to answer my questions about what's vegan and what's not. In fact, without even having to ask, I was told on my first trip there by a server who wasn't even vegan that I would need to order the veggie burger without the bun since it includes some dough conditioners. For any vegans out there, you know how rare this kind of amazing service is! The veggie burger is truly amazing. Probably the best I've ever had in Atlanta (Well, Grind House is a close second). And the fries are so, so good. I haven't ventured past the veggie burger, so I don't know what else on the menu might be vegan, but I go so infrequently that I enjoy getting the veggie burger every time. And of course, the beer is the best part about The Porter. You're not going to find many "regular" brands here. Even though I typically stick with the "Whatever's your cheapest?" beer when I go out, I really enjoy trying out new beers when I go to The Porter. The servers will let you try a sample of a beer before ordering a full glass (as long as it's on tap - and they have a LOT on tap!). Go with a group of friends and try out a whole bunch of new beers! Or for smaller groups, they have a "sampler tray" of mini-glasses, and it's pretty affordable considering how many different kinds of beers you get to try out. I REALLY wish this place was closer to me. Would love to see a second one open up... Westside Downtown, guys? :)
(5)
Shannon H.

Incredibly extensive beer list and great food. Of note are the fried goat cheese, shrimp & grits, stroganoff, and (at this time of year) the egg nog. Recommend!
(4)
Daniel R.

The Frites, Ruben, and S&V popcorn are all excellent. The S&V popcorn is super addicting. The beer selection is great as expected. This is a great place to grab a pint in the Little Five.
(4)
Matt J.

A Beer Tavern that can actually handle a Sat night crowd. The Fish n' Chips was done right, though the portion is only moderate. It was decent for the price. The food is clearly accessory to the Beer though, which is extensive and celebrated.
(4)
John S.

Came here last weekend but there's no wifi here so I couldn't review it then. Anyway, spectacular little place in Little 5. It looks like a tiny bar from outside, its literally like 15 or 20 feet wide from the outside, but going in you realize it is incredibly long and then stairs go up and loop around! It's magical. We sat in the back and the waiter came relatively quick. I was surprised with their beer selection; they have a HUGE list of beers, even a $900 beer that NO ONE has ever gotten (yes, we asked). Either way, I was also very hungry, so I decided to get some food, and I'm glad I did. I ordered the lamb sandwich, and I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly it came. And ten times more so with how GREAT it tasted. My rating of food is usually bell-curved, so not much really makes me put a 5 except a very extraordinary taste. The sandwich was pretty large; it came open and with meat overflowing from the side, next to a HUGE serving of fries. The sandwich itself was great, with the bread being solid enough to match the meat, but not too hard as to be stale or make you pull on the bite. Meanwhile the fries were (somehow) spectacular; I forget what they had on them, but they were deliciously seasoned with certain herbs. The waiter was also pretty nice, and refilled my water as I needed it.. I'd definitely return.
(5)
D L.

Went for dinner. Ordered: - Breckinridge Agave Wheat beer - Goat Cheese Fritters - Georgia Wild Shrimp 'n Grits - The Porter's Half-Pound Cheeseburger - Belgian fries Nothing was bad. Everything was salty. Would not go here for the food. Would go for the HUGE beer selection, cool ambiance, and the fact that this place is built in an alleyway. Don't wear your sky high heels--uneven flooring.
(3)
Ansley K.

Just give me one of everything and call it a night. Amazing & my favorite place to drink in Atlanta.
(5)
K H.

This place is worth the buzz! From the crowded walkway behind the bar to he AMAZING beer selection this is a must eat, drink and see! The sitting is a bit tight, but I think this adds the character to what it " The Porter Beer Bar" You should check it out!
(4)
Chris G.

I typically dont review places with hundreds of reviews, but for The Porter Ill make an exception. They have an incredible beer selection (although they were out of 3 total and the first 2 beers I requested), and some pretty good food too. I had the mac & Cheese and it was remarkable. It was made with fusilli and had a delicious crumb crust on top. I wasnt all that hungry after I had finished, but I ended up hangin around for a few hours after I had befriended a local who was having relationship issues. So after awhile, the hunger struck again and per said locals suggestion (and after seeing it first hand) I order the burger- mainly because the garlic and herb fries smelled remarkable. I couldnt finish the burger, it was good, but not amazing. Fries smelled better than they tasted. Could barely taste the garlic, but the aroma was quite apparent. -1 star for being out of 3 of 7 beers I had ordered; thats a big %. But Id definitely return...
(4)
Reba Jean B.

I've been coming to the Porter a few times a year ever since they opened a many moon ago. All these visits later, I still have the feeling something is off. I don't know how to quite explain it. Back in the day, I remember the food being far more expensive, yet good. The beers were great and that was usually the reason why we came in here as often. But why is it, as soon as I step foot into this place, I'm overwhelmed with the feeling of moving on? Maybe it's the service, or the smell, or the memories of all the rats when this was Bridgetown Grill. I've been less than impressed with the draft beers lately and the no cocktail service. Food still tries and I'm happy with the effort. Still tho... Can't put my finger on the reason I feel "schmeh" about this place...
(3)
Jake V.

Amazing beer list (including both ultra high level expensive beers and very reasonably priced regional favorites) delicious food, and a great atmosphere. I couldn't ask for anything more!
(5)
Andrew D.

Where have you been all my life? My first visit to The Porter today and loved it. Wonderful shrimp and grits, among other dishes. Also, must try the marrow matzoh ball...very unique and delicious. Tremendous beer menu, great service and inviting atmosphere. If brunch was so enjoyable, can't wait to return for dinner!
(5)
T N.

Great beer selection, great service, and even better food. Tip: Try every cocktali, starter, and entree special they have!
(5)
Kierstan G.

This place was a great find. Its the kind of place that if someone says they are visiting atlanta, id say check out the porter beer bar. Its in a cute part of town, its much bigger than it seems and it was hopping on a thursday night. The beer menu was long, huge and involved and I refrained from ordering anything laguinitas...its good beer but i didn't fly across the country to drink beer made thirty minutes from my home town. it had a huge holiday beer list too. awesome. and in true "when in rome" style...i ordered shrimp and gritz...damn that was good. and that beer and dinner, ordered just a few hours after my plane touched down, contributed a few pounds to the resulting three I gained while visiting the south for a long weekend.
(4)
Jane C.

Went here with my male buddy. We enjoyed the casual atmosphere. The mac n cheese was delicious. I also ordered the shrimp and grits which was also delicious. Both were a tad bit salty. However that didn't make them less tastier. He had the burger and the most amazing fries!!!! I did not try the burger. My friend didn't complain. I also had the apple crumble with ice cream for dessert. It was a miss for me, also the portion was skimpy. The service was impeccable and our waiter made us feel right at home.
(4)
Teresa L.

The Porter really has a nice pub feel, even though it is a little dark and loud. I ordered the fish & chips and my date and I shared goat cheese fritters. He had a burger. I'm picky about fish & chips, but these were delicious and the quality of the fish is excellent. The fries were awesome. The My date really enjoyed his burger. The goat cheese fritters were my favorite part of the meal though. Service was impeccable.
(4)
Alexis R.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet. It is one of my favorite places in Atlanta. No, really. The beer selection is great, blah blah blah. We all love beer. The waiters are SUPER knowledgable and always friendly. The Porter knows beer. But the food is insanely, surprisingly, outstanding. I've tried the fries (amazing) and the goat cheese fritters (slap-your-momma-style out-of-this-world), but the star that keeps me coming back is the shrimp and grits. Creamy, melt-in-your mouth grits, topped with tons of little shrimp, and incredible, copious mushrooms. They top it all off with a healthy splash of truffle oil, which adds just the right amount of orgasmic quality. YUM. Ever since I've tried this, I haven't been able to force myself to try anything else. It's that good. It's so good, in fact, that I walked 2 miles each way (in an effort to stave off some of the calories I was about to ingest) just last weekend, to try the brunch version of this amazing dish. Everything I mentioned above, topped with--wait for it--a poached egg, and coupled with a soft, flaky biscuit. YES. I JUST SAID IT COMES WITH A POACHED EGG ON TOP AND A BISCUIT ON THE SIDE. Cap that off with one of the beautiful draught beers they offer, and you've got yourself a brunch fit for a king. Totally worth a 4 mile hike.
(5)
Mark B.

Almost too many beers (if there can ever be such a thing)! It also has a VERY impressive bourbon and scotch list. Food is bleh. I had the shrimp po boy and my wife had the fish and chips. Really nothing special except the fries..they were pretty good. Atmosphere is so bleak it is almost depressing. Concrete bar top, nothing on the wall, plain chairs, etc. However, the place makes up for it with selection and cost. Be aware! The place turns into a smoking bar after 10 PM. Cigar smokers BEWARE!!! We were told that the "official" policy is to allow cigar smoking BUT (underline, italics, bold, all caps) if one of the cigarette smokers is offended, they will ask you to smoke outside. And with that comment, they lost my late night business. You mean to tell me that my Cuban, Montecristo #2 smells worse than a coffin-nail from a Marlboro hard pack? Piss off! My advice. Drink there. Go elswhere to eat and smoke.
(3)
Bobby D.

Beer Selection is great...food didn't live up to the other reviews imo--it seemed like they were trying too hard to be different--grilled salad? Definitely a great place to drink beer though.
(3)
Brian M.

The Porter is one of the BEST places to go and explore beer here in the city. It has become a staple of the L5P scene now and shows no sign of giving up. Go online and check the menu for the latest beer selection. Both Bottle and Draft available. Also the food pairings are quite nice and I have not been disappointed with anything I have ordered there. I would try parking behind the restaurant and avoid paying anything to park. Your only complaint is going to be if you arrive when it's crowded, which it now normally is. However the servers there are quite attentive, it more of a space issue. Recommended for: Good Times - Not quiet conversation! ;)
(5)
Kate T.

I didn't try the beer so perhaps this review would be better if I had. Although the restaurant has an intriguing decor and ambiance, the food wasn't good. Salt & Vinegar Popcorn - Flavor isn't bad but it's hard to eat since you essentially inhale vinegar powder into your sinuses with each bite. Everyone at our table was coughing/snorting from it. Fried Goat Cheese - The goat cheese was far too pungent for me. I may be unsophisticated but I wished it was traditional mozzarella instead. Hushpuppies - Unremarkable but probably the best appetizer we got. Buffalo Shrimp Po' Boy - The shrimp tasted like they were frozen and were very soft. I wouldn't go back for the food. Instead, this seems like a good place to sit and drink with friends.
(2)
Julia R.

If you love beer and delicious food just do it. It's definitely vegetarian friendly and had a beautiful selection of beer. We had the goat cheese fritters and they were amazing. The atmosphere was really fun and the service was great!
(5)
Lauren Z.

A must-visit if you love great beer and really wonderful non-traditional pub food. The standard menu is great, but the "specials" page is where you really want to be. Never had a bad meal there. PS you can order their bloody marys by the pint or the QUART!
(4)
Leslie C.

The number one rated beer bar in the US (according to users of Ratebeer.com ) for a reason. Their selection is amazing and the staff is extremely helpful. Food is spectacular and rivals that of much pricier restaurants in town. Beer geek and foodie heaven!
(5)
Kyle S.

Insane beer selection. Great food. We had the goat cheese fritter, hush puppies, and salt &vinegar popcorn. All were well done and interesting flavors. The shrimp and grits was excellent.
(4)
David L.

This place is a gem! The beer selection is out of this world and the food was fantastic. The pork belly, which may or may not have been a daily special, was melt-in-your mouth delicious. The mac and cheese was yummy as well. This place use to be an alley of the two adjacent buildings. Someone decided to put a roof up and call it a restaurant (at least that's what the server told us). How awesome is that. It definitely has it's own charm. I would definitely come back here again on my next visit in town.
(5)
Alex H.

This place reminded me greatly of the Bookhouse Pub on Ponce. Similar menu and ambiance. Which I don't mean as an insult by any stretch. There's room for more awesomeness of this type in Atlanta. They stock all three varieties of Innis & Gunn, and they have some delicious dish sounding dish called pork wings that involves pork shank and the house buffalo sauce. I wish I had been hungry when I dropped by. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Daniel B.

One of the best, if not the best, bars in Atlanta. Absurdly extensive selection on draft, reasonable prices, good service.
(5)
Matthew D.

I sort of want to kick my own butt for not trying this place sooner. It is instantly one of favorite places to grab a beer ITP, OTP and if your are not careful OPP (I know that didn't make sense, but I didn't want the shorthand to die). I simply love this place. When you enter, the bar eats up the front room and to my surprise the place just kept going and going in the back. Everything is tight, if you are feeling a little chubby, go for a run before you enter this place, because you are going to need every inch. We were seated in the back, the place was comfortably packed with a great buzz to it. Our waitress was incredible, she made great recommendations, climbed into the rafters to address an A/C leak and was attentive even in the midst of all the chaos. The beer list reads like a Tolstoy novel in terms of length. I consider myself a mild beer snob and I was stumped a few times with things I had never heard of, which is always a treat in itself. I ended up trying a beer from New Zealand called Moa and I love it! For dinner we shared Fried Goat Cheese (any cheese fried, with honey is going to be amazing, but nothing compares to this dish at Ecco), the Salt & Vinegar Popcorn was a great snack to go with all the beer sampling and the mussels were perfect. We shared the fish & chips and were stuffed. I can't wait to go back, check it out! To Recap: The Good: Pretty much everything, the beer list, the service, the atompshere. The Bad: It is a little tight, which can also make it a little hot, but that is a minor nit pick The Band This Restaurant Most Resembles: The Rolling Stones. Legendary.
(5)
Sie G.

The beer selection is amazing (if not overwhelming), the food is great. Rebecca was my bartender and she is the truth. Even though the place was jammed packed, she made my party of three feel like she was only there for us. I'll go back to the Porter Beer Bar and I will definitely look for Rebecca.
(5)
Vale S.

Huuuuuuuge beer menu, great food with an ever changing specials menu. Portions and pricing are good, service is great.
(4)
Dina C.

If you crave an amazing beer with an incredible burger and killer fries, then look no further. Wow! I love the vibe, extensive beer menu, friendly service, great food, and eclectic mix of people. Perfect place for a lazy and indulgent Saturday or Sunday afternoon with friends. They have brunch options as well.
(4)
Bean W.

Love, love, love The Porter. You can't beat the beer selection (both draft and bottles), and the food is really good as well. The Belgian fries get the most attention, but my personal fave are the hush puppies. Now, I'm not particularly a fan of hush puppies, but OH MY GOODNESS are these delicious. You can taste all the components (bacon!), and I love the applesauce on the side. I've come here with both small and large groups, and though there is often a wait, we've never had a problem getting a table within a reasonable amount of time. This is probably my favorite bar in Atlanta to just hunker down for the night and enjoy some really delicious and interesting beer. Cannot recommend it enough!
(5)
Robert M.

Quite possibly my favorite bar to go to in Eastern United States. It's not fancy. It's not pretty. It doesn't feature wild art or trendy seating. It does have an awesome beer selection. And the staff actually knows about the beers, as well as how to serve them. There is a lot to be said in every beer being served in appropriate glassware. Yes, the crowd is a bit hipster, but frankly, Little 5 has always been a bit trendy in that respect. I've been to the Porter three times, at different days and time and always had a great experience. Food is good (love their fries and the Shrimp Po'boy). The real draw though is the beer and the laid back atmosphere for me though. That and I can usually read a book while I enjoy my beer ;) Always a plus. Only downside I can think of is that if you're looking for somewhere with super nice atmosphere visually, this isn't it. Personally, I don't care, but to each their own....
(5)
George F.

Amazing selection of beers on tap. Good prices for the drinks offered. Mixed drinks here are good as well if you want to venture there. Food is often greasy but always delicious. Good place to go for lunch, dinner, or to start a night of partying.
(5)
Elizabeth T.

My boyfriend and I go here a lot for drinks and late night snacks. We went for brunch one day and it was absolutely delightful. The service is attentive yet laid back. You can't get a better meal for your money. And that's not to say that this is a 'cheap but decent' brunch spot. This was the best brunch I've ever eaten. I got the salmon scramble and it was perfection. The eggs were fluffy and light. It was topped with delicious salmon, cream cheese, capers, and thin sliced cucumbers. In addition, I got the side of potatoes which were crispy and nicely seasoned. They also give their cheddar chive biscuits with most brunch dishes. Best biscuits in Atlanta next to Java Jive (also a great brunch spot). They served to biscuits with their homemade honey butter and strawberry jam. My god, I, getting hungry just thinking about it. At the end of the meal I couldn't help but order their seasonal egg nog. So delicious. Served in the most adorable tasting glass it was rich but light at the same time. Bourbon amount was perfect. Fresh grated nutmeg on top. It was perfection.
(5)
Bridget U.

Not only is this gastro-pub run by one of the most beautiful couples I have ever met. And if that is not enough a selling point for a place, the food is fresh, local, heart felt, and delicious and the draft beer list is a page and a half! The employees are consistent- in fact most have been there since they opened. This speaks volumes for a place. Justin bartends during the day and is a superstar! Just a lovely person. Best place for good conversations at the bar in Atlanta I've found!! The specials list is my mainstay. It is always interesting and seasonal. They even are so kind to put it on their website updated by 6 pm every day. But when the specials aren't on my level, their regular menu is nothing to snub either. The mussels, mac n cheese (homemade pasta!!), fries, and shrimp and grits are hits with me.
(5)
Annie L.

O.M.Gosh...this place is awesome. It initially looks super uber tiny, but don't be fooled. There *are* more tables in the back. Service was beyond excellent. No prior reservations were allowed (unless you have a party of 30+) but we were seated immediately. Really. Yes, it's a Sunday night and yes, parking was the WORST PART, and YES YES YES it's a day before Valentine's Day...but this place is just so amazing. The menu wasn't as huge as the beer menu. But okay, it says PORTER BEER BAR (not foodie). That's wonderful. Kay thanks. I got lost in the endless choices of brews. Yum. My beef tartare was mouthwatering and divine. Double yum. My boyfriend's calamari had pieces of fried lemon slices and jalapeno slices in it as well. Triple yum. I ate/drank so much I didn't have room for an actual entree. Sad. But this is the best place yet that I have ever ever ever ever ever experienced. It's that awesome. Loveeeeeeee!
(5)
Ruth L.

the short: I am finally writing this well-earned review. I have been here many times. Me and my partner even went on our first date here! We keep coming back to the same delicious food and drinks, AND awesome awesome service to boot (usually)! the yum-yums: The beer selection is fantastic. I've always enjoyed their featured cocktails too. It amazes me how much these people know about different beers. If I can't immediately find something I like, the server has great suggestions (and samples!) to help me out :) I haven't eaten a lot of their food since I have an allergy, but everyone else likes it. I always get a salad or the shrimp + grits. the service: Most of the staff take my food allergy really seriously, a few not as much. I get that it's not their job to change the items on the menu, so I don't get pissy about it. Generally speaking, the staff gives phenomenal service. I mean it, most of the servers are absolutely fantastic at their jobs and as people. The (co-?)owner seems like a really lovely person too. If you're a decent regular, they give great perks and treat you real good. All that said, a lot of good folks are still there, but i'm not crazy about some of the newer people. I've had several experiences -recently- where a server or host was really rude to me or my party, and that was really surprising! I generally feel very spoiled at the porter. I think most of my bad experiences were on a Friday, a really busy time. From experience, I know the service industry is really tough, but blaming, belittling, and talking rudely to a customer is not cool. Some folks can shake that stuff off, but some people have a harder time doing that (me) and it ruined my experience. :( Other than that, "ten thumbs up" :B
(5)
Linda S.

The Porter is just the best for a casual, delicious meal and/or drinks any time. The endless, exhaustive, epic beer list is the main draw. But I'm not even a beer drinker, and I still love The Porter. They always have a couple of good creative cocktails available, plus a whole page of unique ciders, as well as a perfunctory wine selection. The vibe is so laid-back, anything-goes, hipster dive bar that I'm always surprised by how amazing the food is. All of it: the standard burger, fries, shrimp and grits, goat cheese fritters, but especially the seasonal specials. I had ravioli with fresh corn, snow peas and oyster mushrooms in a delicious broth on our last visit. And if you just need a snack with drinks, the salt and vinegar popcorn is mouth-watering and addictive. If you're looking for something fancy or quiet, go someplace else. If you just want to eat and drink with friends and be comfortable and satisfied, I can't think of a better place than The Porter.
(4)
Christopher B.

This was a place I really wanted to check out and we had our chance! Walking in, it did look small but since they were taking names to be seated I knew it had to be more than just the bar. It's narrow until you pass the bar but then it opens up with seating. The back room is so vintage looking I love it. It has the bottles lined up on seemingly endless rows of shelves on an elevated floor above all the tables. What the real turn on was the beer list, or the list that gets you lost. You almost need to have something in mind before you get there or else you could spend hours trying to figure out what type of beer you want let alone what exact beer you should get. I don't think you should get caught up with what this bar has versus another... a lot of the bars have extensive beer lists, great atmospheres, and the bottom line is that you have more than enough to choose from. In fact, I think this says a lot: bit.ly/ib6HXi . In any case, the beers we ordered were excellent (as expected) but the food was just okay. I thought the fries were good but I have had better. The cheese plate was fine. The salted brownie just didn't cut it... it's like they oversalted the brownie itself and it became gross instead of a complement to the sweetness. The bottom line is that I didn't come here for the food and my review is based on the ambiance and the beer and the people and that combo easily earns it 5 stars. I would love to be able to make this my regular hang out!
(5)
Lucy W.

Stopped in for an early lunch to try the much-mentioned shrimp and grits- very creamy cheddar grits, with earthy crimini mushrooms and wild (small) Georgia shrimp & dotted with truffle oil....the brunch version also has a perfectly wobbly poached egg plopped in the middle, along with a cheddar chive biscuit to dunk in the yolk. I liked the grits, mushrooms and truffle oil...though it's great they're using local wild shrimp, I prefer a meatier shrimp (large, butterflied) though I know that's not traditionally paired with grits. But I liked it, and am planning to come back to try more! Menu is diverse, ranging from pub grub (burgers, sandwiches) to bar appetizers (salt & vinegar popcorn, frites, all with a little bit of an upscale influence (goat cheese fritters!). And of course, it IS called a beer bar, so there is an extensive menu of beers on draft and bottled. This place reminds me of my years in Boston...not the Irish pubs, nor the polished bars of Back Bay, but of the years I spent during and post college in the Allston/Brighton neighborhood. Concrete bar, slightly dingy & dive-y, long, small and narrow space, slightly hipster servers...though the bar reminded me of my youth, the crowd that was here during brunch was diverse- range of ages and groups- couples, singles, families.
(4)
Julia B.

This place is so so good. I'm a beer lover, a food lover, and a pretension eschewer. They have an unbelievable amount of beers here. The staff is knowledgeable about seemingly every beer. They also recommend beers that pair with your food, which is a fun touch. Food-wise, they have weekly specials and a really great, small food menu. The salt and vinegar popcorn is amazing, but don't breathe in as you eat it--you will sneeze. The burger and shrimp po boy are both excellent. The atmosphere is pleasingly divey/hipster/beer snobby. If you love beer and great pub food, get to the Porter!
(5)
Melissa A.

I was under the impression this place would be over-hyped and overpriced. I was WRONG. Even if you're not a beer lover, Porter Beer Bar will have something you will like. The beer menu is HUGE (and a little intimidating at first), but thankfully it has great descriptions of every single one. I had a Wrecking Bar Chiseled Monk and a FuMan Brew, both on tap, and they were delicious. If you're not sure which direction to go in, just ask the bartender. Very helpful. You can also taste any of the beers on tap before making a final decision. The beer selection is reason enough to stop by, but the food! The herb and garlic oil fries with charred onion mayo were the best fries I have ever had. My friend had the black bean burger and was really impressed. The mac and cheese was absolutely to die for. For the amount of food I had, the two beers, and one vodka sprite, my bill was under $30, and that's pretty amazing for the quality and ambiance of this place. I'm definitely looking forward to going back.
(5)
Natasha W.

This is an excellent beer place. The food is good but much overpriced. I got the "Philly cheese steak" starter which was 6 tiny cheese puffs not even worth having as an appetizer.
(3)
Victoria C.

Awesome place! Excellent beer selection, especially vintage list. Food was amazing, had the shrimp and grits and the special for the day, shrimp dumplings. Bartender justin was very helpful picking beers out.
(5)
Peter P.

such a disappointing night at the porter. i usually go here for the great variety of beer and tasty food..but after tonight, i'm not so sure how soon i'll be back. i went to the porter tonight with 2 local friends and a friend from California...and honestly felt embarrassed to have asked my friend there. when i arrived, i sat down and sampled the salt n' vinegar popcorn that they had already ordered and found that it was VERY under-seasoned. when i've had it prepared properly, it's tangy and delightful..this was bland with only a hint of the suggested s&v. not the first time this has happened, so i was not surprised...but it just went downhill from there. half of the usually delicious garlic herb oil infused fries were soggy..but still tasty so no worries. after that we ordered the "cheese selection" that i must has mistaken for a cheese plate for the price of $12 this was honestly the most sorry excuse for a cheese app that i've ever seen. it included 5 slices of tosted baguette, around 2 tablespoons of a four preserves, 2 tablespoons of toasted nuts...and 5 TINY slices of various cheeses (that could no way weigh more than .3 oz. each or 1.5 oz. total). for twelve bucks?? so so sad. (see the photo i've posted.) unfortunately, it got worse. none of us wanted to touch it and i wanted to send it back, but one friend (also in the service industry) didn't want to make a big deal of it so he tried it. i, on the other had, wanted to see what the deal with the bad plate was. on my way out to smoke a cigarette, the kitchen looked busy so i decided to hit them up on the way back. after smoking and walking back i peeked in the kitchen to see if i could voice my concerns..i saw the expo person (or food runner) EATING off the plates! totally unexceptionable. when he saw me seeing HIM he looked like a deer in headlights. i'm not surprised. at this point i was just done. i hope the porter gets their ish together, otherwise i will not be back.
(1)
Cate H.

This is my first Yelp review and I wanted it to be a positive one, so I purposefully picked The Porter. My boyfriend and I live nearby and we come here just about every week. We love this place so much! The beer list rivals the Brick Store's and the food is often excellent. This is definitely the best bar food you will find for the price in Atlanta. We've gotten to know the staff, and it is clear that they love beer and know a lot about it. We often rely on their recommendations. A few negative points keep the Porter from earning five stars. The dining room space is somewhat unappealing. (It feels kind of like a cave back there.) My boyfriend and I almost always sit at the bar for this reason. Also, if you go for dinner on a weekend, expect a wait, and the bar area will be very crowded. There is no good place to stand, so we usually avoid going for dinner on the weekends altogether. Even with the negatives, though, this is a great place. One of the bang-for-your-buck, inspired establishments that make Atlanta a great food town.
(4)
Cynthia N.

The Porter is a cool-looking place to eat - wood tables, tile floor, pale brick walls, country-meets-hick decor. Thank goodness the food is good too. First time around, I had the fish and chips. The fish was great on the inside, flaky and moist, but the batter was tasteless and too greasy. I ended up pulling the fish out of the batter shell to eat. The garlic fries are tasty but whoooweee!!!! A breath mint won't be enough to overcome the intense flavor, so make sure everyone eats some. My only annoyance was the basket the fish and chips came in. It was really tiny and the fish sat on top of the fries, so it was hard to eat, and since I wasn't eating the batter I had a mess of batter on the table. Second time around, I had an apple salad (a special that day with arugula, apples, candied walnuts, and blue cheese dressing). It was tasty and the salad dressing was sparingly applied, which I like! I also had the fanciest, bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit I've ever had. I loved the herbed biscuit (never had that before), and the bacon was perfectly, perfectly cooked. They also had a plum preserve that day, and it was yummy, tasted like Christmas with sugar plums, cranberries, and orange. Of course, the biscuit came on the smallest plate I've ever seen used in a restaurant that wasn't for lemon slices. What's up with the tiny serving dishes? My friend had the scrambler dish and she liked the omelet with mushrooms (san onions and goat cheese on the side) and the herbed biscuit, but she said the grits were too cheesy. (I love cheese and was saddened by this statement.) I'm not a beer drinker so I chose the ginger lemonade with vodka (and one without). This drink is so refreshing; it's like Evian mist in your mouth. I really, really love it. Even with cheap vodka. My only downer on my experiences at The Porter was dessert. I had the chocolate brownie and it was awful. Really awful. It had been overheated/warmed so it was crunchy, and the ice cream on top had the texture of foam. I asked my server about it and she said it was supposed to be like that, so word to the wise...stay away from the brownie unless you want a burnt cookie experience. Service here is okay - not the best I've had and not the worst either. And of course, parking is an exercise in annoyance and irritation. But the food in this joint is worth it.
(4)
Kyle C.

I've only been here twice, but hands down, THE BEST burger I've ever had. Period. I know they are know as a beer place, but wow, the food is amazing. This burger had a homemade bun stuffed w cheese, in house pickled onions & pickles, the fries were truffle fries & so incredible. Big enough to split between two people. Also, the beer selection is great. On the menu, they have beer suggestions for pairing with your meal. A fantastic idea. One of my favorite bars I've been to. I will go back & get the burger every time I'm in town.
(4)
Megan M.

So much good beer! The goat cheese fritters with honey are so good! The sausages are killer. Love this place. Very crowded and tiny but worth it when you can find a seat.
(5)
Barney B.

walk in - looks like a tight little bar, focused on beers and hanging. then you find out there's a whole back area with a plethora of tables to sit and eat some really tasty shit come do exactly that. then thank me
(4)
James B.

My wife and I ended up here after the event we went to Atlanta for was a bust. We had both heard of it and being that I like beer, we thought we would give it a try. First of all, this is Little Five Points in Atlanta, so that sets the stage. Expect odd and interesting. Anyway, I was kind of surprised there was a wait on a Thursday night, but we waited, about 20 minutes. Now the place is small, but you can wait out front on the sidewalk and they let you take your glasses out there too if you want to go ahead and have a drink while you wait. Typical old Atlanta building, the quarters are a little cramped. I think the sign by the door said capacity was 86. I tried a couple of the draft brews and really liked them both. Next time I may venture into the vintage list and see if I can tell the difference between them and "fresh" ones I buy at the store. The atmosphere was a little noisy, but what do you expect at a bar full of college kids? Staff was all friendly and attentive. My wife had the "famous" shrimp and cheese grits. It was very good, although I wished they had been a little spicy. Could have been some of the best prepared cheese grits we have had though. I had the kraut and beer bratwurst and it was great. Very generous portion of kraut and two big brats. We also tried the deserts which are served shooter style and you can get three for a set price. Their carrot cake was great as was the sticky sorghum pudding.
(4)
Alex B.

Best fries ever. I have no idea what makes them so magical (besides the obvious garlic), but they're SO good. The black bean burger is the best veggie burger I've ever had, and the goat cheese fritters are to die for. My friends said their burgers were great (and huge), and the bartenders were really helpful when they were out of our first choice beer. Great food, great beer, cool atmosphere. Probably my favorite restaurant in Atlanta!
(5)
Lisa L.

You beer people really amaze me. I don't know how you do it, remember all those beers and reciting them as a child would the ABCs. So full of confidence and knowledge, you are, and I'm most impressed. And intimidated, but in a good way. Don't get me wrong, I love beer. I really do. But I just don't know enough about it to give The Porter a very accurate review. That said, clearly, The Porter looks to be the place to go to learn more about it and in addition, it's my kinda place all crunchy and divey. Since I'm not very qualified to speak about the beer, I'll just say this. Beer good. I had the Allagash White, a Belgian style ale and the St. Bernardus, which blew me away...almost dessert'ish. I will certainly be back to sample more, hopefully with someone who is knowledgeable about the stuff. Beer good. On to the food, of which I'm abundantly more qualified to speak. My friend and I had some hush puppies to start and they were delightful. I love it when a restaurant can take a classic and retrofit it into a trendy masterpiece, bacon bandwagon aside. The hush puppies were tender and moist, most certainly from the addition of that smoky bacon and the apple sauce complimented them perfectly. I also had the Fish n Chips, a yummy beer-battered cod (the only acceptable fish n chips fish, imo) that comes with The Porters house-made tarter sauce. It was a little on the greasy side, like what you'd find in the chippys in London, but much better because of the beer batter. And those fries... those herby, garlicky fries served piping hot and crispy. I believe that the Porter Bar Fish n Chips will be my go to hangover meal, if I'm in the area. My friend had some Pork Butt Sliders (i dunno about you, but saying that... pork butt sliders... makes me giggle) and they were so tender. Making her meal into a comfort food extravaganza she ordered a side of decadent Mac n Cheese. She was sufficiently comforted and obviously, we were full as tics when we left, even though we were only able to finish a little more than half of our meal. I could totally see myself killing an afternoon in L5P, doing some people watching, window shopping and Porter Beer Bar lounging. ...looking forward to it.
(4)
Sam K.

Probably one of the best beer experiences you'd ever have. Over a hundred beers on draught. Very cool atmosphere and cool people to talk to. I had a beer which was fermented (?) in a Bourbon cask and was amazing. My wife and I are not the hipster type and this is Little 5 Points so if that turns you off than I wouldn't visit Porter's. Personally, we enjoyed getting out of suburbia and having a night off from our parental duties and enjoying some great brews.
(5)
Veronica S.

I actually prefer The Porter Beer Bar to The Brick Store Pub. Although it is much smaller in size, I like the cozier ambiance and the fact that they have nearly 3 dozen different beers on tap! Prices start at $3+ They also have yummy snacks, little dishes, and desserts. Their salt and vinegar popcorn is great for sharing and super yummy - although the vinegar is quite potent! The people who work here are very knowledgeable in the beers and very generous with the tastings. You can sample the beers and they won't hesitate to let you try them. Definitely worth checking out - for a true beer fan who enjoys a mellow and relaxed vibe!
(5)
Ted C.

Man, this place is just great. I don't really gush too much with places, or try not to but I'm very impressed with this place. My friend took me here because it was close to her place and she said it was a good place to go. Their beer list is extensive, and it was like a who's who of great beers and beer types. A separate menu of beer, not a list a menu. Since it was Sunday morning Mimosa was in order. They had an interesting twist: a Pomosa. Orange juice, pomegrante liqueur and champagne, delicious. Foodwise, I have no complaints I got the shrimp and grits which were good. The flavors were great and the grits had a great consistency but it could have used some more shrimp. When it's shrimp AND grits and not shrimp WITH grits, I expected more shrimp than eight. Semantics aside it's a great place for sure. I really have no complaints on service, aside from the fact that Sundays are dry until 12:00, no wait, sorry, the manager said 12:30. I would think knowing when you could serve booze would be a key piece of info you'd be able to memorize.
(4)
Anne A.

The Porter is my go-to when friends visit from out of town. The beer selection is outstanding, and the food is equally yummy! The staff is crazy-knowledgeable about the beer menu, and I've never been steered wrong by one of their recommendations! I can't say no to their fries; paired with the charred onion mayo, I seriously MUST have them every time I go -- which is unfortunate because I have an equally hard time refusing the mac 'n' cheese. I expect I can blame at least a few pounds on The Porter. It's not too noisy, even when they're busy, and the dim lighting and close booths make for an intimate ambiance, even though the restaurant is actually pretty large. This wouldn't be a good place for anyone who can't handle stairs; there's almost no accessible seating without going up a few steps.
(5)
Jason K.

Not my favorite place in Atlanta. Id recommend Holstein & Finch public house over here any day
(3)
Remington S.

Absolutely fantastic beer pub. Great food and an awesome selection of draft beers. Parking sucks on the weekends but it's one of the best pubs in the city. But they have a "neighborhood rule" that they allow smoking inside after ten. Not a plus for me but just passing on the info.
(4)
Alex P.

Tough to give the porter anything less than 5 stars. The bartenders have always been very nice and the food is delicious.
(5)
Eddie C.

As far as beer goes, this place has no equal (at least not in Atlanta). As far as brunch goes, this place is awesome - even better than Murphy's Dinner - eh.... fine, I guess (and that was the opinion of just about everyone in the group of 8 i was in - so it wasn't like i ordered the wrong thing) Staff and the decor bring the ranking back up to the 5.
(5)
iowatvkid M.

Overrated big time. Menu is not very descriptive, fairly bad service, crack heads ouside the door, and very bland food. I will give it one more shot but the first impression is pretty bad.
(1)
Stacey M.

My go-to place any night of the week. I will preach about their reuben to anybody that will listen! The beer selection is always fantastic and the service is always great.
(5)
Mary B.

The PBB was the place to B on a muggy Thursday night. Says who? Says me and my crew, and apparently Andy Dick, who got thrown out that night for smoking a J on the wee patio area. We escaped the brouhaha, and made our way into the back room, which was reminiscent of a dimly lit and warm-wooded Brussels tavern, minus the fireplace and peeing boy statue. It's all about the beer here, but if are a hop h8r, they have an intriguing cocktail list, some of which use homemade ingredients in Southern quirky twists. I started with a Czech pilsner before easing smoothly into my usual Belgian comfort zone. Diverse draft selection with 2nd string bottle selection that goes on for pages and pages. The beer decisions made, we move on to the snackie choices. I have to say, that I was sadly not a fan of the goat cheese fritters. The honey ruined it for me, I couldn't taste anything but. The hush puppies were nicely done, and I ended up pairing them with some soft goat cheese from the locally sourced board we ordered as well, as I wasn't into the apple dip they came with. The cheese board itself was outstanding. I would have loved to have tried the entrees, but it was not to be. Our waiter was amaze. He was great about giving us time to make decisions and space to enjoy ourselves but was always nearby to take the order for another round or regale us with stories of some of the residents of Little 5 points making their own bum wine in side alleys. He also offered recommendations for other great gastropub spots around ATL. For sure, the PBB deserves a spot among the best of them. Hit it up... fo yo sorrows.
(4)
Brian C.

Unbelievable beer list.
(4)
Stephie Z.

I, Stephie Z, do solemnly swear that I will not update my review any more after this... I don't want to be known as one of THOSE people. The Great Divide Chocolate Oak-Aged Yeti is a deliciously tasty high-gravity brew for $4. Score #1 The fried pickles in pimento cheese app- holy shiz they are delicious. Score #2 PLEASE PLEASE keep this app on the menu!!! The salt and vinegar popcorn, while tasty by itself, is fucking amazing dipped in the leftover pimento cheese from the fried pickles app. (Created) Score #3 To the Chef - Please have that pimento cheese as a dipable app. Good side dippers would be your popcorn (random dudes I shared the popcorn/cheese with felt the same way my dining partner and I did), pretzels, fried pickles, fried anything really, spent grain bread.
(4)
Donna T.

even though I'm not much of a beer-drinker, I love the food and atmosphere
(4)
Jennifer H.

I have never seen such an extensive beer list in my life nor a more knowledgeable bar staff. Honestly, it was entertaining just watching them know what beer goes in what glass, etc. Also, They are so friendly and willing to give suggestions at the drop of a dime. The first time I came here I lucked out and asked for not one but two beers they were out of, if that happens you get a beer on the house. Lucky me! It's in little five so the atmosphere is very chill and laid back. Haven't tried the food yet but I'll edit this when I do. So far I have zero complaints.
(5)
Alaina F.

In the few times I've eaten here, the food has always been spot on. The first time was with my best friend, and I had a watermelon cucumber goat cheese bacon salad thing, and it was too good. So good I ran home and tried to duplicate it. The second time was with my husband in my first trimester of pregnancy, so I was feeling a bit quesy when we went. I ordered the shrimp and grits and loved it, but could only handle a few bites. The sweet tea and their lemon gingerade drink is really good also, love that they come in mason jars. The third time was more recent, and my husband and I went for brunch. I ordered an appetizer, which was the fried pickles with homemade pimento cheese. Not impressed. Was expecting thick slices of pickle and what I got was super-thin slices of pickle that I could barely taste. My brunch item made up for the disappointing app thank goodness. I got the porter breakfast, which I believe came with bacon, sausage patties, cheese grits, eggs, and a biscuit. Way too much to eat, but so satisfying. The grits and eggs were perfect, the bacon amazing, biscuit was good too, the sausage patties I found a bit dry, but the seasoning was there. My husband loves the beer selection and always has to try a new one every time. Also a plus that the menu hangs from the table. We love it.
(4)
Melanie B.

Hmm. I dunnnnnnnnnno Atlanta. I thought the Porter was cool, but it didn't really tickle my fancy. I mean, I really have no complaints, but I also don't have anything awesome to impart about my experience here. Maybe it's because I came during the day? I finally got to Little Five Points around 5pm, after confusing "Five Points" and its "Little" version on my amazing MARTA adventure (see: me wandering around Five Points looking very confused and having to go to the Tourism place to ask for directions, then taking the blue line and tromping through a park, etc etc). I was sooooo excited to find the Porter at the top of the hill - Atlanta Yelpers, and friends of mine who have lived in ATL or visited a lot recommended it - and I'm glad I went, but it turns out the Euclid Ave Yacht Club down the street was much more my speed (no idea what this means about me, as I have nothing to reference it against - probably that I'm trashier than you thought, hahaha). The bartenders were adorable flitty gay men, which pleasantly surprised me. For some reason, I didn't expect (and was soooo happy) to be called "sweet pea" so many times, nor listen to catty banter - I expected to be way-not-cool-enough-for-school and be terrified of icy hipster/biker bartenders. In fact, I didn't see anyone who would have qualified as a hipster back home (but then, it's hard to outdo these Brooklyn idiots... unless you're Portland, OR, mwahahaha), which totally made my day. There were a few punks outside the porter playing guitar, but that was about it. I had a couple of Wild Heaven beers (from Decatur!) which were both delicious and came highly recommended by the bartender. I also had the seasoned fries, which were fine. I was going to go next door to Holy Mother and get a peach tattoo (since Memorial was wayyyyy far away, I thought at least from looking at the city map, the MARTA map, and my two feet), but it was closed, which was a major bummer. Over all, it was cute in here, charming even. People were friendly and I made pleasant convo with the people sitting at the bar next to me. It would probably be a good place to meet friends, but it wasn't a super awesome drinking-alone-waiting-for-my-buddy kinda place. Nice, but not really as cool as I expected.
(3)
Chandler F.

I've been a long-time reader/short-time checker-inner here on yelp, and I was saving my first review for a place that really deserved it. Well, sure enough, this is the place. To start, beer.. all of the beers you could ever want. Whether you are new to craft beer or you are a seasoned vet. (which we all love to think we are), The Porter will have something to please your palate. From rare casks and firkins to various vintages of bottled beers, the beer selection here is always astounding. In my humble opinion, it is the best beer bar not just in Atlanta, but in the entire region. They feature a range of brewers, from that lone Mississippi brewery to heavy weight craft beer brewers like Bell's and Dogfish Head. However, they don't stop at our countries borders. Expect many Belgian beers on tap too. Now, for the food. To start, this isn't your ordinary bar food. The Porter always impresses with their daily specials (appetizers, entrees, and desserts) as well as their usual menu. I can't say enough good things about the Belgian fries, hush puppies, and the burger. If you're more adventurous, try one of the many specials they have, if you're lucky, you'll catch the legendary Deathwich.. a daunting sandwich for even the bravest. Also, did I mention the atmosphere here is amazing? Early brunch on Sundays is nice and calm, but the weekend nights can get a bit hectic. Try to shoot for a weekday night if you like a more calm atmosphere. If you're like me, you might settle in so much you find it hard to leave! In short, legendary beer bar, amazing selection for the novice to the pro, fantastic food, and a great scenery. What's not to love? The Porter, I deem you my favorite Atlanta destination. You've earned it!
(5)
Caroline L.

I'll give it a four for now, as I was there briefly this past Saturday. . . I came in to meet some friends who had gone for dinner. Everything I'd heard about the Porter was raves. Upon entering, I realized it really was a "cozy" place as described. Pretty small, but with some ambiance. Even on a Saturday night, it was nowhere near as crowded as the Brickstore, which was nice. And it was nowhere near as loud as that place can get. We were seated way in the back, which was fine. I could imagine that some of the front tables could be a little less fun because of the traffic coming in and out of the front door. My friends had all eaten, but had some of the leftover Belgian fries on the table. I tried one and was immediately blown away. They were ridiculously good - definitely not a typical soggy bar french fry. We ordered some dessert to share among the table, and had, among other things, the banana pudding. I am not usually a huge fan of the stuff, but I was immediately blown away. It was outstanding. It wasn't a sugary/artificial banana taste, as so many banana puddings are. It had a true to life banana flavor that was amazing. I was also able to partake in some beer. I ordered a Stone Ruination, which you can't find everywhere in Atlanta. Their beer list is impressive and extensive. However, it's kitschy placement on a clipboard makes it quite difficult to read. While I was impressed at the extensiveness of their collection, I would have liked to have seen them have a bit more from some of the more well-known craft brewers - e.g., Dogfish Tweasonale, Aprihop. . .or Bell's Hopslam - stuff a little further outside of the mainstream. Overall, I really enjoyed my time at the Porter and I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Allyson R.

I mean, I can't really say anything that hasn't been said. This place is awesome. It looks so small from the outside, and once you walk in too, but then you are lead to the back and there are lots of tables! The food was great, especially the fries and the goat cheese logs (drool), and the beer is delicious and fairly inexpensive, too. Crazy long menu, pretty legit service. I will be back!
(5)
Josh R.

Obviously you came here for the beer, but try the hush puppies and the popcorn. They'll blow your mind.
(5)
Nick P.

Great atmosphere and food, just don't order dessert. Three dollars is a bit much for slightly more than a thimble full of CrÃ¨me BrÃ»lÃ©e.
(4)
Kamie P.

The beer selection here is rediculous. The Brasstown Pork Belly with hot chili cheese grits & green onion jam will change your life. Can't wait to go back!!!
(5)
Veronica J.

We loved this hidden gem of a restaurant when we visited Atlanta! We decided to dine there because Anthony Bourdain visited the bar during his show The Layover. We started the meal with the cheese platter and the goat cheese fritters. The cheese platter was great but the goat cheese fritters were the really pleasant surprise - they look like traditional mozzarella sticks but the deliciously soft goat cheese paired with the honey was out of this world! For entrees, we tried the kraut and brats, the mussels, and the Reuben. Everyone loved their entrees! I highly recommend ordering different things and splitting among the table. We also sampled a variety of the beers on draft. We were sad to hear they have discontinued the beer flights but all the beers we tried were delicious so it was all good. If you're in the area you definitely need to stop by!
(5)
Michelle K.

Totally loved the food here. This place definitely had the best shrimp & grits I've ever had, but then again, it was my first time having grits so I guess my previous statement was pretty bold. ;) I must add that their shrimp and grits are topped with sauteed portobella & crimini mushrooms which totally made the entree that much better! Service was pretty good and their flavored passion fruit mojito tastes like liquid candy (i.e. super sweet fruit juice!) For dessert we tried this banana crepe with bourbon sauce but it was waaaaaaay more alcohol than sweet, yummy goodness. It was hard to enjoy the bananas and crepe because both were doused in the sweet liquor. So unless you're looking to get tipsy off your dessert, this is not a dessert that i'd recommend. Nice pick boyfriend! I would recommend this place to anyone who's looking for good food & beer at a restaurant that has a fun, high energy vibe to it.
(3)
Zak S.

Great experience from start to finish. Service was fantastic. Great recommendations and extremely friendly. Had the goat cheese fritters and some pork tacos the I think were on special that night. Soooo amazing. Still thinking about them days after. Definitely heading back to this place when I'm town again.
(5)
Diana B.

I had an awesome experience here on a Sunday night, when the restaurant wasn't too packed, but still had a pretty full house for a Sunday. I split one of their salad specials, shrimp and grits, and fried calamari with my date, and all were very good. My favorite dish was the calamari. They were battered and fried to perfection, and fried jalapeÃ±o and onion slices were a welcome addition to the dish. Although the calamari were already flavorful, they came with a creamy tangy sauce that was delicious. I love that they include descriptions on the beer menu, as there are an overwhelming number to choose from. The few beers we tried were all excellent. Our server was also very sweet and helpful. I would highly recommend The Porter and can't wait to come try some more brews and delicious food.
(5)
Taylor A.

The best grits that I've had in Atlanta are at The Porter Beer Bar and they're under $10 WITH shrimp! Even the next day as leftovers they're sublime... We came in on New Years Day and they had just gone through a very busy time with lots of people, which happens, but what rarely happens is that the owner/servers let you know they just were slammed and things might take a little while. I really appreciated this candidness. Instead of getting annoyed by the longer wait I didn't mind since it was expected. We weren't drinking because NYE was the night before and we'd had enough beers, but the beer list here, while not huge, is very diverse and will satisfy any beer lover. I almost thought about drinking! I'll be back! So, we had the Pied de Cochon to start which I didn't realize were pigs feet til after we had finished them. I'm a sucker for anything pig so I ordered it. They were great, especially the mustardy sauce and greens served with them. I would only recommend them if you're adventurous and like gamey tastes. The shrimp and grits are absolutely fabulous like that annoying British shown. Just amazing. I rarely order the same thing twice, but I just had to get them again (they were the brunch shrimp and grits, so they were technically different) since they're so awesome. Super creamy with lots of shrimp and crimini mushrooms. All go together so beautifully. You'd never think a fellow from Boston would love grits so much, but they're too good here!
(5)
James Y.

This is a great place to grab a beer and chow down on some really good food. The beer selection is huge and has plenty of interesting types to try. The wait staff in my experience has also been incredibly knowledgeable about the beers and make some solid recommendations. The food here is also really great. There are constantly changing specials and while occasionally a dish or two will miss the mark, but for the most part everything I've had to eat there has been fantastic. They also serve a great brunch on the weekends. If you're looking for somewhere to eat or grab a drink (or both) this is a great place to go!
(4)
Jordan M.

Besides having the best beer list in Atlanta, come here for the excellent and affordable menu. We typically try one of their specials, which include everything from foie gras to salads of local vegetables to homemade pasta dishes. From the regular menu, we love the burger, shrimp and grits, and the brats with sauerkraut. The garlic fries and mussels are great, too. The veggie burger was the only miss I've had here (I suppose it's my own fault for ordering a veggie burger).
(4)
Brandon P.

Beer selection is great (only reason for 2 stars), wouldn't know about the food - I went with my fiancÃ©e on a Friday night and expected to wait a bit. Was told it would be a 30-45 min wait but after 1 1/2 hrs of standing along the wall we decided to go elsewhere when hostess could not give us an estimated time until we were seated (asked at 45mins, 1 hr, and right before we left). Groups of 6 and 8 arrived well after we did and were seated way before we would have. It would have been nice to have a more accurate time estimate as we would have gone elsewhere if we knew it would be that long. Not likely to return- plenty of other places in ATL good beer selection and bar food.
(2)
Blair B.

Out of towner here who decided on Porter Beer Bar from Yelp and Anthony Bourdain's 'Layover' show. This place had a fantastic selection of beer and their food menu was quite impressive!! But, what I loved about the place was the wooden interiors, almost making one feel like they're in a brewery barn. The beers were a touch pricey, but what you'd expect from a place that specializes in what they do. Patrons were very friendly. The place looks tiny when you walk in, but in sprawls and spreads! Believe it or not, this little bar was the highlight of my Atlanta trip and a place I would revisit first on a return trip. The salt n vinegar popcorn was surprisingly fantastic!
(5)
Eric L.

A real fun place to have a few drinks and eat some arty bar food. The beer list can be a bit overwhelming - the wife gets around this by ordering a quart of vodka lemonade which I am more than happy to have a bit of myself. Stay sober enough to make it down the precarious stairway back down to the bar area and out of the restaurant.
(5)
S B.

Great brunch spot. The beer selection is obviously stellar, since they have been nationally recognized for one of the best beer lists around. I tend to get shrimp and grits everywhere I go, and theirs are pretty excellent and moderately priced. Went for date night recently and I had the tofu "BLT" on spelt bread with the arugula salad. The sandwich was awesome (if you like tofu) and it was big enough where I didn't have room for the side salad. Boyfriend had fish and chips. Their fries are delicious and the fish was well prepared. A bit cumbersome to eat from the small basket in which it's served, but that is and should be the nature of fish and chips--seeing as back in the UK you typically order from the chipper and eat your F&C out of a brown paper bag. Altogether, decent prices, fantastic beer list, and cozy pub atmosphere. Always a strong go-to for brunch or drinks or dinner or anytime!
(4)
Nick H.

The beer selection is excellent, but the food hasn't impressed me yet. Usually, we go to the Wrecking Bar for dinner and then here for a few drinks after.
(3)
San N.

Parking - Street. Meters during the day, free at night. Location - The Melrose of the South. Although I felt safe walking around at night, I wouldn't do it alone. Service - Some what lacking and not incredibly friendly. Restrooms - Two unisex small restrooms. Not filthy but not exactly my cup of tea either. You've been warned. Ambiance - Don't be discouraged if there is a wait. The place is pretty big and opens up once you pass the bar. I wish the place was somewhat cleaner though. Food - I was worried that a bar with late night snacks would serve up some subpar dishes. I was wrong! We all throughly enjoyed the food although the menu is somewhat limited during late night hours. 1. Belgian Fries - Meaty interior, crispy exterior. Lots of fresh herbs, served with a garlic aioli sauce. 2. Mussels - A must try! An amazing light tomato broth that is perfect for dunking. I love that this place didn't mask the mussels with too much alcohol or cream in the sauce. 3. SweetWater Spent Grain Bread - Nothing special. However, always a great order if you want extra bread for your mussel order. 4. The Porter's Half Pound Cheeseburger - Juicy and well flavored. 5. Reuben - Decent. 6 Georgia Wild Shrimp n' Grits - Lame. The grits were creamy but there was no sauce and the shrimp was really small. Average dish.
(4)
Joy B.

Good food! Good service! We had the Reuben and Burger and they were both good but a little salty. Nice garlic fries. Maybe perfect with a beer, which we didn't have. Also, the parking is horrible and we had to walk a little from around the corner - which typically I don't mind but it was storming out this particular night. Which I could give 3.5 stars but it definitely wasn't a 4.
(3)
Esther L.

This was the second time we went. Lil 5, is a drive for us, so we don't make it out that way often, but we're a fan of Porter Beer Bar. Food we ordered: Goat cheese fritters - good. Crispy calamari - the fried lemon was a delightful surprise. it makes it extra tasty. Organic black bean burger - not a fan of vegetarian burgers, but i tried it anyways because people raved about it. still not a fan of veggie burgers. I feel like a burger is just not a burger without the meat. Georgia wild shrimp n grits - nothing special Pork chop special - recommended by the server was the best thing we ordered. yum. Server was friendly. Liked the atmosphere. It's never as packed as brickstore, so you don't have to wait too long to get seated. & they have a good enough beer selection so you're not missing out on much.
(4)
Stephanie V.

The Porter Beer Bar is the epitome of a gastropub. They get it all right - excellent beer list, amazing food. I've been several times, and after getting to taste a good deal of the menu, I can honestly say that the food is spot on. And that salt and vinegar popcorn.... My god. It's addictive and perfect in every way. Great to tide over a hungry bunch of drunks. My *only* qualm with The Porter is this weird, vomit-like smell that hits you as you walk in. I have to assume that the smell isn't actually vomit, as it's been this way for quite some time. No idea what it is, but it doesn't smell good. The good news is, this place rocks so hard that I'll keep going back - stinky or not.
(4)
Alex O.

It's heavy, but worth it. A beer snob's dream and great food.
(5)
Danielle B.

If we are talking beer (and frankly why wouldn't we be?) The Porter is a top notch establishment. The night of our first visit I counted 28 taps, two casks and I got up to 200 bottled selections before just giving up and asking the bartender how many they carry (around 500). There is no room reserved for brews that are sub-par and the menu provides a thorough description of what you are in for, which is good because even the beer enthusiast is going to find some choices with which they are not familiar. The aforementioned bartender was friendly and helpful even though it was just before last call on a Friday night. He made a pair of out-of-towners feel like they were in their craft beer go-to at home. Im partial to the rough but (incredibly) cozy feel; give me heavy wood and exposed brick and I am a happy girl, even if I do feel like I'm in a hallway. Don't bring your claustrophobic cousin though. It would end badly. We stopped back the following Sunday for a few more brews and sampled the mac and cheese. It was deliciously creamy and thick but it could have used a bit more seasoning. Still, I would eat it again and am interested to try some of the other menu offerings next time we are in town. Overall, The Porter Beer Bar stuck in my mind as a go-to,
(5)
Jeremy A.

Absolutely stellar Beer Selection and some decent food. They go hard for the gastropub feel here and come through on most aspects. We had the burger and the caesar salad which I thought delivered and were odd, but good. We started with the calamari however, which I didn't think was all that great. The one downfall to this place is its always jampacked which makes it difficult to enjoy a drink comfortably. The wait staff was however super nice and I will definitely be back here to try some more of their insane beer selection. Just be prepared to stand if u come here on a weekend as it is always jumping, the sign of a good place!
(3)
Justin D.

The Porter Beer Bar is ranked the #4 beer bar in the world, and I can see why! We stopped in and checked it out, and wound up staying for lunch. I had a Dale's Pale Ale (Oskar Blues Brewery) and the Mac & Cheese. Now I'm not here to review the food, but damn... that was some good Mac & Cheese!! Handmade shells, aged white cheddar... Yum! What I liked most was Chris the bartender. We were the first ones in the bar and he immediately asked us what we'd like. They had just finished reprinting the beer menu to update it, and so he gave us fresh menus. A lot of stuff on the menu I'd never heard of, and Chris had no hesitation to let me try any and everything until I found something I liked. I wound up settling for a Dale's, even though that went beyong my mantra for the weekend of trying new beers. I'd had a lot of Oskar Blues products but never had Dale's so I guess it works. The atmosphere is a little bit dive-y, but honestly the best places usually are. I will definitely come back to Porter, and you should too.
(4)
Philip B.

Always a great choice!! The draught selection is always great and diverse. Didn't eat this time around. But, by the looks and the smells, I certainly missed out. Service was excellent. Becca (Ave.) is a great server as always. Very attentive and knowledgable. Becca the bartender is as great as she was the first time I came. Not just a beer pourer. She engages great conversation and definitely takes pride in her work. I will always come back for more Bc of the selection and most of all, the ppl that make The Porter feel like home.
(5)
Michelle F.

The Beer Specialists are great with offering suggestions and samples. I have to agree with other review the salt and vinegar popcorn is awesome the right mix of salt and vinegar. My daughter visit from out town it's a must stop for her.
(4)
Chelsie S.

Always an excellent selection on draft and good service from the bartenders. We drive up here about every 2-3 months or so and it's been the same bartenders working every time and they're always prompt and helpful with making suggestions. I recommend the salt and vinegar popcorn here as a good bar snack while drinking. Definitely will be back. Also, this is a highly rated bar nationwide where you can get a lot of hard to find beers!
(5)
Tin T.

Great beer selection and the Belgium Fries are AMAZING!!! Not to mention they always have the best soundtrack going in there. A bit on the expensive side but you get what you pay for so I'd say it's worth it if you got the budget.
(5)
Ashley F.

Great beer, great location (try to get a seat outside!), yummy snacks for when you get your hunger on.
(5)
Karen M.

Went to a birthday party in the Beer Cellar/Back Room. What a great place. Chilly, dark, and the walls are lined with beer from around the world. It reminded me of a beer hall in Belgium a few years back. Food was great and this is definitely the place for a private event with friends. Extensive beer menu, and some ciders too.
(4)
Brooke N.

I'll make this short: 1) The beer list is pretty great, so if you're in the mood, try this place. 2) The food is ALWAYS: over-cooked and too fatty to where all of the ingredients lose their flavor. I always have high hopes for the food, and it always disappoints. However, if you're feeling extra-svelt try the fries - they're always good. 3) The location is less-than desirable. Good beer, bad food.
(3)
Ken R.

A very cool place. Wonderful beer bar. The food I had was amazingly delicious. Oh and the beer selection is simply amazing. It got a little noisy and crowded later in the evening, but it didn't matter. Feels appropriate. The tap list is respectable, and the bottled beers takes ups 28 pages in the menu. Without a doubt a must return location on future visits to Atlanta. If you love beer..... Good beer. it's a must visit.
(5)
Deb B.

I decided to try Porter's again and give it a 5th try. The waitstaff was nice and helpful. The bartender was a little slow at pouring the beer. I sat there twice waiting for my beer for about 5 minutes. The garlic fries come in a much smaller portion than before. They used to come out on a pizza pan and now they're in a small paper thing. Porter's is average to me and everyone I was with. The one thing that they definitely have going is location. I'm sure my friends will be back since they are walking distance. I will probably venture to the Brick Store pub. The service and food are just too up and down.
(2)
Leslie W.

Why do they have so many suitcases in here? Oh...ah, it's called the Porter!! It's not just a beer reference peeps! And speaking of beer, boy do they have some! I've loved every beer I've tried here from lager to porter, from cider to ale, and each staff member I've interacted with has been knowledgable and courteous. But, my reason for wanting to go to the Porter was because of my New Year's Resolution to drink more cider, and being a good girl, I've started early. The place is tight, no doubt about it. I had to get very intimate, very quickly with the table next to me as I shuffled my way through to sit on the wooden bench, which could use some cushions, BTW. I had a lovely two-hour dinner but by the end, my rear-end was complaining. We started with the pork and foie gras terrine, one of their seasonal appetizers which was accompanied by a bacon jam (BACON!) and wholegrain mustard. Ate it up! ateitup! Our server suggested the J.K.Scrumpy's Winter Cider to start and it was really good - very spiced cider-y. Then the calamari - deliciously fried, I really liked the fried jalapeÃ±o bits that came with. But, I wasn't like blown away when you compare the dish to the cider that our server suggested next. Holy mother of God! Crispin is my new liquid lover. They have an artisanal line that is blowing my mind. We had the Stagger Lee which was aged in rye whiskey barrels. Yes! Thank you! Split the burger for dinner and it was good, but not great. We had the Lagunitas Winter beer with the burger and that was also delicious but my tastebuds were still blown from the Stagger Lee. I'm going again. They have cocktails that come in pint and half-pint jars. That must be done. This place may become part of my Regular Rotation!
(4)
Theresa S.

Great beer selection. Tight table accommodations especially in the back of the restaurant. I had the fish and chips which were tasty but the portion of fish was teeny. Luckily went on a Thursday and were able to be seated immediately. Service was sound. Would go again as part of my beer haunt repertoire but will continue to check out others.
(3)
Kimberly K.

Give me a Burger!!! From here and here only!! And wash it down with a beer....they have hundreds! Nice slice of heaven with great people watching and Uh-mazing food. Go Here. Eat and Drink. You will smile. Why not 5 stars then, you ask? Well, I'm kinda a service snob, and although our waiter(s) was friendly and didn't screw anything up, I always appreciate being checked in with periodically and no-one even let us know that we would have a waiter switch mid-meal. Little 5 is a very funky, eclectic piece of Atlanta, but you can count on this place to deliver and still have a good view of the "party" outside.
(4)
Santiago S.

Craft beers from all over the world. A chef in the kitchen. This is my idea of heaven. The rest of the establishments in the immediate vicinity are an abomination to food and drink. Try the goat cheese sticks, fries, burgers, but especially try whatever is seasonal and whatever the chef suggests. Man I want to go there now.
(5)
Sonya S.

If you park around these parts, remember to pay the lady disguised as a box. Don't ignore the black/white sign on the curb. It'll spare you a $25 parking ticket. On to the venue. When they say it's a tight place, they're not kidding. Whoa. Friendly people eat here. On my way out I was intrigued by a can of beer in the hands of a patron. He hospitably offered me a taste from his glass. What? Do you think I took the offer? Do I need hepatitis? No. Do I need mono? No. But, thanks 'ol stranger for the kindness. We ended up sitting all the way in the back of the restaurant. Upon reaching the back, I just stood there in awe. With a few steps it seems I took a trip to a distant beer hall over the pond. Small tables smooshed together with old chairs. I could rock back and forth in my chair though it wasn't a rocker. I made a mental note in case it decided to collapse. Sitting literally 3 inches away from the person at the next table! Like my husband said, it would be utter chaos if there was a fire and everybody decided to exit en masse. On to the food. Goat Cheese Fritters: cracked black pepper, clover honey. Sounds like simple food, no? Yet, both of us were gobsmacked when we had our first taste. Yum Yum Yum. Tenderly crispy on the outside with a hint of honey and warm goat cheesy goodness inside. Created heaven in our mouths. Organic Black Bean Burger: homemade black bean and quinoa patty, feta, homemade pickled red onion, lettuce and tomato, red pepper mustard I was totally expecting an ordinary bean burger as is often found around Atlanta. What the description on the menu left out was the bun. The bun had been baked with a cheese/tomato/herb medley on top. Super soft and flavorful by itself. Combine the bun with the savory feta, juicy tomato, pickled onion, etc and you have a super savory and tasty veggie burger. Three thumbs up. I have to say that the skinny chick next to me ordered her burger with a side of leafy green salad. She didn't t-o-u-c-h her burger. Hey, I wish to be a skinny rail but if it means eating like her fuhgeddaboudit, I think. Awesome place for a fun night out. There's a spirit of camaraderie in a packed place like this. Excellent service, by the way. Check it out and pay for your parking space.
(4)
Tim H.

I've been here twice, and both times were great experiences. Don't be turned off by the not-so-presentable bar when you first walk in, as the seating areas past that are really nice. The atmosphere is really cool, having a really tasteful old tavern look. The booths in particular are really cozy and chill for parties of 6 or less. All of the food we tried tasted very good and fresh, but the Shrimp N Grits was probably the most memorable item... there is a good amount of shrimp, mushrooms, and the truffle oil is the addition that really makes the dish. Lunchtime on weekends seem to be not a popular time to go. The staff was very friendly on both visits. Oh, and their beer menu is ridiculously large..
(5)
Matthew E.

I am writing this review based on their food not their drinks since I do not drink beer. Everything that I have tried on their menu has been superb. I highly recommend the goat cheese fritters. They do not have that pungent taste that goat cheese typically has. Their fish and chips are topnotch also. I love the sodas in the mason jars. Highly recommended!!
(5)
Jessica B.

Boo to all the people who gave this place 2 stars or less. A few pointers based on some negative comments I read: 1. You're at a bar in the heart of L5P. If you're the type to get easily offended, don't even park your car in town - just keep driving. 2. You're at a place with the words "Beer Bar" in the title. If you assume that includes Miller Light and PBR, you need to think again. Look at the beer menu online first (they have more than 300 to choose from) - don't piss and moan when you get there because they don't offer you a Bud on tap -- P.S., they don't offer ANY domestic beers. Snobby? No. Educational and delicious? Yes. 3. Read the food menu before you come in as well. Nick and his crew are AMAZING in the kitchen (ex. - I'd never tried pork belly before, and didn't even know I'd like it and thanks to the Porter, now I know I do - but I was def wary at first). There are some eclectic items and it's not for everyone. Again, don't piss and moan (or worse yet, take it out on your server with a crappy tip or by sending your food back). If all you want is some average American fare, go somewhere else. Ok, now that's out of the way, on to the real review of this place... I LOVE the Porter. I started going the summer after they opened in 2009, and it's continued to grow in business while remaining true to form. Bonus? At one time, I could get Southampton Publick House bottled beer (from my hometown in NY) while my bf could order a myriad of Bell's beers (from his hometown of MI). No where else in America have we both been able to enjoy hometown brews at the same time. Pretty awesome. As the name suggests, the beer menu is intense. It's pages (and pages and pages) long. Overwhelming? Certainly. So, educate yourself. Read the menu. Talk to your server or bartender before your order. You can taste-test anything on the draft menu (within reason) and they're quick to make several suggestions based on what you tell them you're used to enjoying. But I'd also tell you to try things outside your comfort zone, just because you never know what you might find you like (I never knew I was a huge stout fan until this place introduced me to those delicious, rich, coffee-chocolately delights). They also have a full bar with liquor, wine, and several special concoctions (I love the grapefruit margarita and lemon ginger vodka drinks). The first page of the food menu includes constantly changing specials. If you ever have a chance to try Nick's version of a Monte Cristo sandwich, DO IT! But share it. And even in splitting, you might have a heard attack from the fried-goodness of this amazing beast of a sammy. Amazing. The specials always include a cheese platter and salads made from locally grown ingredients (in fact, most of the menu features local products). The special starters are usually pretty small, so if you're planning on sharing with a large group, order more rather than less. Their french fries are my FAVE thing ever (best I've ever eaten, and I'm a girl who loves her fries) - if you order something that comes with fries as a side, DEF order the onion mayo that comes with the appetizer fries. My go-to if I don't feel like any specials is usually the Reuben or shrimp po-boy. So tasty! I've never ordered anything I didn't love. Tips for newbies: 1. Parking can get a little tight in L5P. There are pay-for lots around, which are sometimes the best route around happy-hour time. But check out side streets first, because you can usually find a spot if you look for a minute... 2. The Porter is a busy place these days, especially for the dinnertime and late night crowds. If you can get a spot at the bar, that's the best place to sit (and don't be thrown off if your 'tender is initially not the most overly-friendly person, give them a few drinks to warm up to you - before you know it, you'll be a regular!). 3. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the menu - beer or food. Your server or bartender will tell it like it is. Those people take their jobs seriously (very, very low turnover there). Take their advice, they usually know what they're talking about. 4. If you're not familiar with L5P, don't be intimidated by the atmosphere. It's kitschy and ecclectic (much like the Porter itself is!), with a huge variety of people. Just go in with an open mind to enjoy the experience before you start judging.
(5)
Jeff K.

Tiny space but full of atmosphere. A beer snob's dream come true with one of the largest selections in the city. Limited wine options though so beer drinkers only! Very cool private party room in the back.
(4)
Michelle M.

Obviously the beer list is extensive, but I had the best hush puppies of my life here! They have cheese inside and are so dense that they could be your meal. I would go back just for these!
(4)
Andrew B.

I like to call this place the Brickstore of Little 5 Points. Great beer selection and good food (some items are a little spendy for what you get though.) Ask your server for beer recommendations. The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
(4)
Becky J.

Love this bar. Lots of great beer and VERY knowledgeable servers. We take all of our out-of-town visitors here for a few drinks and laughs. Only drawback is parking...but it's L5P...it goes with the territory. Do NOT go in this bar and expect to get a Bud Light but if that is what you're used to drinking, tell the server and they'll give you some suggestions of great beer that will be similar (but better!). It's such a cool bar.
(4)
Ryan S.

Come for the beer, a little less for the service and food. The beer list was massive and it was a nice diverse selection. The draft menu is priced well so you don't have to be part of the 1% to enjoy a selection of beers. The bottle list has a bit of a markup so if you are on a Ramen budget you might want to keep an eye on it. The food is decent. Mine was OK, it wasn't bad but it was bland. Another person in the group did love the special they got. My favorite thing was the popcorn. The ding was the service. Forgotten orders, missing waitress, cold food, etc. It took a couple of hours to eat a simple meal and it wasn't really that busy (about 50% occupied) so I cant blame that. I likely will return, the place has potential. I just will probably return to sit at the bar, drink beer and eat popcorn. I will seek solid food someplace else. Update: Good and bad. The good is Molly reads Yelp and responds, offered me a free meal to come in and try again. The bad (guess it depends on whether you are a smoker or not), when looking at their site again and discovered they go to a smoking bar at night. I do most of my best drinking at night, looks like its back to Brick Store for me.
(3)
Kevin N.

First of all, let me just state for the record that Little Five Points is awesome. Totally my speed. I could have stumbled around here for ages, and it's also worth noting (only coincidentally) that it was pretty funny to be in this part of town on 4/20. The dudes at the hookah supply store / smoke shop I'm sure were fogging up the windows with unusual fervor across the street. That said, I was in position to grab something for dinner, and knowing my appreciation for an inspired craft beer, Kathleen suggested we give the Porter a whirl. She knows of which she speaks, and I happily complied. Dinner brought a sandwich piled high with brisket, accompanied by a dunkel....one I'd not seen before, a feat when confronted by a beer dork. It's cozy inside, but I'd certainly recommend doing what we did, and sidling up to one of the picnic style tables out front. Better for all the gesturing you'll do while storytelling.
(5)
Sky D.

If you are a beer drinker, this would probably become one of your favorite spots. I read so many good reviews about this establishment and I was eager to visit. I grabbed a friend and set out for Porter's. I love the creativity behind the decor. I wanted to grab some of the suitcases and take with me. We started our order with the Beligum fries and the salt and vinegar popcorn. There were a nice start to a highly anticipated meal. I ordered the duck confit with mac & cheese for my main course and my guest ordered the hotcakes. I have never tasted such bland food. Salt and pepper go a long way. My guest was truly happy with his hotcakes and he didn't care too much for the fries and popcorn. When I become a beer drinker, I will visit Porter's again. Alcohol makes everything taste great.
(2)
Charlie B.

Ive only been here once, and for brunch, but Ill totally be back. We arrived at 11:15 or so, and there were already 5 or 6 people eating at the bar. This was a good sign. Water and soft drinks served in large mason jars (my heart just grew three sizes. Best cheese grits that weren't made by me or my mom. Swoon. Delicious biscuits, thick sausage gravy, yummy scrambled eggs, they bring you hot sauce without having to ask, good on the refill situation, attentive service. Dude. what's not to like? Ill be back soon I'm sure for dinner. Maybe that black bean burger I've been hearing so much about.
(4)
Alex C.

Okay, so the first few times I went, I experienced some pretty okay service. It was just meh. The last few times I've gone, the service was impeccable and I found a few beers that I REALLY enjoy, and I'm not really much of a beer drinker! Also, Ty has been our server twice now (I assume that's how you spell his name) - he's AWESOME and super helpful at recommendations. I'd also just like to say that their grilled Caesar salad is the best salad I've ever eaten. The poached egg was the most PERFECT poached egg, ever. I'm probably ordering that every time I go there from now on. As well as the fries and popcorn, duuhh.
(5)
Todd P.

I finally made it to The Porter. Zack E., Alexa G. and I came here at about 11 pm for dinner on a Saturday night (yes, dinner at 11 pm). That's because: 1) we're crazy; 2) Zack and I had been to a concert at Vinyl before and decided we would eat *after* the show; and 3) we're crazy. Saying that the beer list is awesome is not necessary, since everyone already knows that. I was happy about the nice variety of beers on tap and settled on one right away while we decided what to order for dinner. I eventually chose the Reuben sandwich with a side salad. It's a $2 up-charge for a salad instead of fries, which was fine by me. And in the end, much worth it. The salad was delicious, with pickled beets as a highlight. The sandwich was hefty, hot, and hit the spot. Corned beef and cheesiness on rye. Yum.
(3)
Rebekah K.

We found this place on Yelp, it had excellent reviews and we were not disappointed. There was a Giant, I mean GIANT beer selection which Clay looked through and decided on a white Thai beer that was recommended per Yelpers. I saw that they make their own Bloody Mary mix and infuse their own vodka (4 pepper vodka) so I had to try a Bloody Mary which was very good, you could really taste the peppers but it wasn't so hot that I didn't enjoy it. They come in pint or quart options. Before the meal I had already decided on dessert. For starters we had foie gras for Clay and goat cheese fritters with honey. I loved the bacon jam that came with the foie gras! The goat cheese fritters were very tasty, the little bit of sweetness from the honey was just right and we even took a little of the stone ground mustard from Clay's plate and had it with bites of the goat cheese and honey....amazing! For our entrees we had the black bean and quinoa burger with house pickled onions and Belgian fries, and beer brats and house made sauerkraut. Out of these 2 dishes, the fries were what to write home about. Perfectly crispy and fantastic flavor! The burger was good but texture was a little mealy for my liking and to me the beer brats were a little sweeter than I would have liked, not bad, just a personal preference. Then to desert....I was surprised, the one desert I had been pining over since we arrived was the PBJM, a peanut butter custard with apple cider jelly, shortbread, and burnt marshmallow. However this was a disappointment, the whole dessert lacked significant flavor. I was expecting something with a little more zing on my tastebuds. That being said, the other 2 were fantastic! The cranberry bread pudding and brownie with beer ice cream and salted caramel were super duper! The atmosphere of this place is really nice and cozy, decor is interesting, the ceiling in the back is really high so although it is cozy it doesn't feel stuffy. We also have good service, prompt and helpful. This is a definite repeat for us!
(5)
Anj M.

***This review is really specific to brunch, because The Porter in the evening is enjoyable, and the beer selection is impressive, and their fries are good*** On a random weekend morning, when my boyfriend was in town, we decided to go out to brunch. Obviously, weekend brunch in Atlanta happens just about anywhere, but we were already kind of hungry and not feeling like dressing up or trekking anywhere far, so my roommate suggested coming here for a quick, easygoing brunch. It wasn't quick. We seated ourselves at the bar, and were ignored by the bartender/waiter for a good long while before we got water or menus. He seemed to be having a really intense texting war on his phone, so we entertained ourselves as we grew hungrier. He took our orders in the middle of having a conversation with someone else, and forgot basic things like how I wanted my eggs, our side order of grits, and that my boyfriend really specifically asked for no tomatoes - because he's allergic. When our food finally came out, we were more or less starving and annoyed, and in response to the tomato issue, they just picked it off. Because we didn't want to make a fuss to someone who obviously didn't care, we just switched plates, and got out of there ASAP. Sans grits. I might have been less annoyed if my water had ever been refilled, but it hadn't - and we were sitting *at the bar*. I still tipped, but the homeless guys outside deserved it more. We obviously survived, but we both agreed that we would have had a better time at McDonalds.
(1)
Dane K.

I can't imagine anywhere having a more extensive beer selection. The beer list is a clipboard of what seems like dozens of pages of beer selections, organized by type. There are probably genres there you've never even heard of. Jessie the bartender was friendly and knowledgeable. Just ask him for a recommendation or three. He suggested some of the most unique beers I've ever tried. Patrons were friendly. Sat at the bar and ate... I had the mussels, they were good too. Complete strangers were very social. They also have cocktails. Don't go here if you're expecting white table clothes... I don't think a date would be offended but it's decidedly rustic inside.
(5)
Troy P.

Fine food and drink, but I wouldn't frequent, due to incredibly cramped eating area.
(4)
Kyle J.

When I was a resident of Sandy Springs I would frequent The Porter in an effort to further my queer delight and passing obsession in the art of labeorphily. Oh if the club would've taken off I may have never left Atl. So of course while visiting during the Thanksgiving break I had to make a trip to one of my favorite places. I had the prerequisite Fish and Chips and ordered whatever the bartender offered as a suggestion or whichever of his many samples pleased my palate. Reading the textbook sized beer menu is more of a gesture than a wholehearted attempted at making an educated choice, for most. Everyone in the small bar seemed to be delighted by the presence of Brian Poshen at the end of the bar. I unfortunately had no idea who he was, which I was informed was a major FAIL.
(5)
Leanne E.

Good Times! They have a ton of beer and it's all available. I ordered the mac-n-cheese and the fries for my food selections. The fries are wonderful. The only negative I have to say is that there are a lot of homeless people who hang around out front who beg for your left overs or for money. The bar tender was kind enough to advise not to fall victim as most are crackheads.
(4)
Ashley A.

Wow, heard about this place from a couple locals and when we came into the area we stopped here for a light lunch and couple drinks. The bartender was great, he was incredibly knowledgable about the bar's entire menu and the bar selection. I had the four pepper bloody mary, which they make their own infused vodka and bloody mary mix in house (yum!) and the goat cheese fritters and mussels. The fritters are lightly fried and drizzled in clove honey. The mussels are served in a delicious light tomato broth and were perfectly prepared.
(5)
Christine B.

I know this is going to sound redundant, but I LOVE THE PORTER!!! Drinks are amazing!! They have not only one, but many Flemish sours. The food is always good, but I really could use the lamb ravioli to be on the permanent menu. I constantly say it's the best burger in town!
(5)
Josh M.

This is by far the best beer bar I've ever visited, anywhere in the world. I've spent lots of time searching for places that can compete in New York City, San Francisco, Portland, Oregon, Chicago, and more, and nothing has ever come close. The draft selection is large (around 35 or 40 now that they recently upgraded) and the bottled selection is *massive* (400+ beers). The thing that makes the selection here special, however, is the fact that not a single one of those 430+ beers is anything less than extraordinary. If you don't like a beer here, it's basically only because you don't like that particular style of beer. Just about any style of beer you can think of gets 10+ varieties in the bottle section. The variety is excellent -- the bottles and the taps always have a good mix of different beer styles as well as different origins (both from across the U.S. and from all corners of the world, including interesting, high-quality beers from micro-breweries in countries that aren't even among the usual suspects). As I learned on my last visit, they've apparently recently started a vintage program and opened a beer cellar, and the selection there looked vast as well. To top it off, the draft and bottle lists (but not the vintage list, for good reason) comes with complete tasting notes. Every single beer, even each of the hundreds of bottled beers, includes a brief but complete picture of what to expect from that beer. The food here is also wonderful. The regular menu is mostly pub fare done up great. Highlights include the herby, garlicky Belgian fries, the goat cheese fritters, the shrimp and grits, and the Buffalo Shrimp Po-Boy. The specials get much more creative and lean towards what you might expect from a so-called "New American" restaurant. I love the regular menu so much that I sadly haven't ventured into the specials as often as I should, but the things I have tried, such as a pork belly salad dish, have been phenomenal. I suspect that on average, it might be true that the specials outshine the already great regular menu, so try to get one of them. Service is always on-target and all the servers and bartenders know the menu in-depth and can make recommendations even to relative newcomers to serious beer. The atmosphere is cozy and well-done -- an exposed brick wall and high ceilings combine with lots of wood to give a proper neighborhood pub feel to the place. To me, one of the best things about the Porter is that all this excellence in food and drink comes without a trace of pretension. Not a single thing about this bar and restaurant is overdone or over-hyped, and the proprietors, employees, and customers are all here for the sake of enjoyment and passion about the beer and food -- not for a show or a pat on the back. I find this to be a common theme among Atlanta establishments, and something which is sadly frequently missing in the food and drink "scene" in some other cities as well as in other great beer bars in other parts of the country. Overall, the Porter shines and is among my favorite spots in Atlanta as well as nationwide.
(5)
Katie C.

I came here the first night they were open and was blown away at how great this place was. I've been back atleast twice a month since and have slowly made my way through the beer list. I LOVE the porter and if you've never been i would recommend getting the six small beer tastes. they usually come in dark beers, seasonal and belguims. Beware that the service is slow and it's usually backed to the front door here. I've never eaten a full meal here but the appetizers are really good- the salt and vinegar popcorn and the fries are awesome. don't get the cheese plate though- it's a little pricey for the small amount that you get.
(5)
Ron G.

This is a pretty cool spot. It just goes to show you, never judge a book by its cover. Despite walking past this spot numerous times, I never bother stepping foot inside. I always thought it was too tight and not enough room. Turns out, it's actually larger than I thought. I wasn't really hungry, but I was in the area and thought I'd drop in. For an appetizer, I had Salt and Vinegar Popcorn and the Belgian Fries with Herb & Garlic Oil with charred Onion Mayo. For a drink, I went with the P's & Q's Lemon Gingerade. The popcorn came out in a large container. I thought it would come out in a more personal size bowl, but it was a pretty large bowl. The popcorn was just alright, it wasn't for me. I think it was due to all the flavorable food I had. The fries were on point!!!! I could have just ate those the entire evening. I had mixed feeling about the Lemon Gingerade. On one hand, I was thought it was great. On the other hand, the Ginger portion of the drink gave it an odd taste. I'm still up in the air about it, but I would try it again. This place has character. You know how you buy a six pack of beer and it comes in that card board container??? Well instead of disposing those containers, Porter uses those containers to store condiments. So they'll put a bottle of ketchup, mustard, Tabasco, and other things in it. In addition, they also use clipboards for their menus. Like I said, the place has character. They have an extensive beer list. I would probably have to dedicate a good year to sample all of the beer they sample. As far as the price is concerned, it's decent. It's nothing that will leave you in the poor house. I like it, and I'll be sure to return.
(4)
Sarah S.

I was in town for a few days to tag along on the boyfriends Tech conference. I had a short list of neighborhoods that I knew I wanted to visit, Little Five Points being one of them. I took a bike tour of the city (will write review of that shortly) and liked what I saw of this area. Robyn, the woman in charge of the bike tours, offered to drop us off back in the area after we were finished riding and she recommended The Porter as a place I might enjoy a beer and some lunch. Boy, was she spot on! I'm gluten free right now, so the beer list was both glorious and depressing. But WAIT! There were between 5 or 6 different gluten free options for me to choose from. Good work, Porter. Aside from those beers, you'd better be prepared to make some hard decisions. The beer list is, count them, 24 pages long. 8.5x11 inch paper. Whoa. Under normal circumstances I would be in heaven. It's also a good time to say that I went in for lunch, had the black bean and quinoa burger (sans bun), fries (YUM!) and a Green's gluten free Amber, and enjoyed everything so much that I suggested the boyfriend come out after he was done with his conference and meet me there for dinner. Which he did. He had the burger and couldn't eat the whole thing, it was enormous. And for dinner I tried the shrimp and grits. Everything was awesome. Food: great. Beer: wish I could have tried them all. Atmosphere: chill and hip without making you feel like you need to wear skinny jeans. I'd recommend the place to anyone.
(4)
Andrew F.

Love, Love, Love this place! This is a beer conesuer's dream! 500 beers which they are constantly updating. Justin, the bartender, really knows his stuff. He'll guide you on a "beer tour" and make excellent suggestions based on your favorite style. Oh, and the food..the daily specials are always unique and borderline gourmet..I've had skate wing, foie gras, and BBQ rabbit here..all amazing... I live in L5P and this is the first place I take guests and out-of-towners...
(5)
David W.

What is there to say about The Porter's beer selection that hasn't already been beat to death. Save yourself reading anymore reviews about the food, location, whatever. I have dropped quite a bit of money at this place, but that's what happens when you try a few new beers every now and then. What you want to do is ask, "Can I see the cellar?"
(5)
Curt L.

Would you mind if I describe a perfect afternoon? No?............okay. With research aided by YELP...I headed out to The Porter Beer Bar in the L5P area of Atlanta. I must admit it has been awhile since I have been to Little Five (as I live in Chicagoland now). Super super little beer bar in this thriving funky alternative part of the ATL. This narrow space (ex Mellow Mushroon?) is a wonderfull place to "waste" the afternoon away. On the menu for me was a starter of St. Bernardus Abt 12. A standby for me. On draught the abbey ale hit the spot and started the afternoon well. I enquired of the beertender "If I like St Bernie.....what beer would she recommend?" She suggested the North Coast Brother Thelonius. As she did not understand the wry referenced beer name I clued her in on the late great jazz pianist. While the suggestion was a solid one.....it is hard to beat the brew mastery that is a true Belgian Abbey Ale. I switched back to St B 12 after the American interlude. I had read on YELP the wonder that is PBB's salt and vinegar popcorn. I must agree that it is tasty and vinegary! It needs to be shared as I am not sure that one mouth can take all that vinegar and salt. A nice and unique snack. I am thirsty again! For an app I went with the Pork Belly Steam Buns. Ginger, garlic, red chili and hoisin enlivened these doughy little treats. The first of two was lacking in the ingredients but the second escaped its doughy facade. I recommend them. As I was too full to continue I will have to explore the menu later (when??????). The homemade brauts and sauerkraut will be on my tab the next time I visit here. For the observant see if you can locate the black and white photo hidden amongst the bottles back of the bar. None other then Frederick Pabst.....YES! the Pabst of blue ribbon fame. Go Go Go...and enjoy the afternoon. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
(5)
Mary D.

While visiting Georgia for thanksgiving, my boyfriend researched where to take his nephew who had just turned 21. We wanted him to enjoy his coming of age in the right manner. We wanted him to learn about beer and enjoy drinking the way we do. The Porter Beer sounded like the best place for this and it SURE was. Our server, Ty was amazing!! His expertise and suggestions of what beers we might like from what we told him was so crazy accurate!! It was like heaven to try all the beers! I cannot believe this place~Pretty amazing!! The best part for us was also the price...especially coming from New York--it was quite unbelievable. We didn't try the food but hopefully there'll be a next time. Cool beans for this place.
(5)
Jon M.

Way to go, Paideia alumni! The boys and I couldn't have chosen a better place to get together on our first night back in town for the holidays. The vast beer list even included BridgePort's Hop Czar (my PDX home-away-from-hometown favorite), and the black bean burger was BANGIN', in a word. My friend Jonathan was expecting a letdown, but I had faith and convinced three of us to order it. They didn't last long. Plus, the fries are irresistible. Next time I'm in town, I'll definitely be back. There sure were a lot of hipsters in there, though...
(4)
Jessica S.

The Porter Beer Bar is a grungy, casual, lil' gem of a place tucked in the heart of Little Five Points. The beer selection is grand (so my husband says because I don't drink beer), and they have wine and the sorts for those (like me) who don't really do beer. While I don't think this is the best place to grab a full dinner, it is a wonderful place to drink, grab some appetizers and enjoy company with good friends. Can I make a recommendation for you? Order the salt and vinegar popcorn. It's a must try if you like that sort of thing. Bottom line is come here. You don't have to dress to impress, or drop a lot of money to have some fun... just be ready to get cozy with your neighbors (it's crowded) and enjoy the always eclectic scene in Little Five Points. Cheers!
(4)
John Y.

Coming here is always and adventure with its rotating drafts and food special. The wait for a table has been getting longer the over the past year, but still worth it. My favorite burger and fries in Atlanta are here. A nice, laid back place that feels very welcoming.
(5)
Ashley K.

What a gem! They have a HUGE selection of beers. Seriously they have a book menu, just for beer. It's unreal, you wonder where they can store all that beer in their tavern-like, low-lit halls. I got a Fox cider for the first time and it was delicious. The cheese plate was rocking and the calamari had fried lemons in it. They were great. BEST PART: My most favorite pasta is pumpkin ravioli and they had it (Calabaza Ravioli on the menu). This is such a hard thing to find for some reason. The ravioli coated in herbs and butter, no cream sauce. So decadent and delicious. Service was no great in the late afternoon, so I had to knock a star. I really really want to give them 5 though. Go here if you're in Five Little Points.
(4)
Kathleen M.

After my not-so-helpful previous review of the Porter, it's deserving of an update. The Porter is: - the beer fridge of my dreams, just located two blocks away from my house. - my go-to 2nd date place. If the guy doesn't like it, there won't be date #3. - a haven for my oft-harried and hungry 3pm self with laptop in tow and a deadline I've already missed. - a place where I can get enough work done that no one would ever guess I'm doing it while sipping on brewed high-gravity deliciousness. - full of memories, from those bad 2nd dates to late afternoon lunches with the female love of my life. - welcoming to foodies with their sometimes harebrained specials that almost always turn out to be magically delicious. - slowly but surely becoming a home away from home, especially during the daytime hours when Justin always greets me with a smile and a few tastes of something he knows I'll love (and I often do). So yeah, this time I'm sober... and I still effing love this place.
(5)
Dani F.

The number of beers on tap is impressive, and therefore a great place to take a beer snob. Also, their food is surprisingly good, although the honey on the goat cheese fritters is a little strange. But overall, its a place that has good food, a great selection of beers and liquors (if you want it, and they don't have it, I'd be surprised). There also isn't much pretentiousness or snootiness from the staff considering the type of place it is.
(4)
Jose A.

Pretty good beer list (drafts, you can get bottles anywhere), it was pretty cool to see Mikkeller stuff on the menu like that, impressive enough to out weigh some of the other goofyness going on...better service and an easy 5 stars. Try a big handful of the salt and vinegar popcorn, you'll see why :)
(4)
Ivan S.

OK, I'm writing this review with the understanding that I'll be back to update it. But first, I wanted to give you my, uh, first impression of this place in the hopes that they'll read this and I'll be able to notch my updated review a star or two. The Porter is a good addition to L5P. So it's no Brewhouse or EAYC, but I wouldn't view it spo much as competition as another reason to hang out in L5P after dark. A friend called The Porter "a poor man's Brickstore" (referencing the infamous Decatur beer haus), but with the economy being the way it is, I think poor describes many of us at this point. I've eaten/been drunk in every business that's been in this cursed spot since the Bridgetown Grill was here. Bridgetown, Mangrove Alley, Grandma Luke's and now the Porter. Based on my memory of each restaurant, the owners have done a great job renovating the space. They took an oddly shaped area and made it their own without any of the baggage (wait, maybe that's not a good word to use) of the old businesses. Yeah, I should've used a different word than "baggage" seeing as how luggage seems to be the overarching theme of the place. This seems to bug reviewer Sean, but I don't mind it. In fact, considering the name of the place, I think it's pretty clever. I could tell a lot of effort and love had been put into the bar even before the doors opened. We loved the beer and the prices weren't completely outrageous. Many beers were there to be tried and try we did. We picked and chose, picked and chose and realized that we were drunk about four iterations in. Nice. So why only three stars in this go around? First, I expected a little more from the food, considering the pedigree of the kitchen. The fish and chips were all right, but to tell the truth, O'Terrill's is still better. The shrimp BLT was also strange. When we got over the initial shock of mayo-covered shrimp (I know, I know, the menu says it comes with "lemon aioli," but c'mon, it's mayo and it covered the shrimp), it had a decent taste. But it was somehow heavier than the menu read and heavier than we were expecting. Just wasn't expecting a shrimp salad sandwich which is what it turned out to be. Most of all, the service still needs a bit of work. Our beer was served with more head than (insert fellatio pun here.) For a beer pub, that's pretty lame dudes. Not to mention our glasses weren't wiped down at all from the head that flowed over the rim. In fact, the sticky beer residue didn't even seem to warrant notice. "Uh, can I get a napkin please?" "Yeah, we're gonna get some coasters soon." Hmmmm.....don't know how coasters are going to clean the beer off the side of my glass, but thanks for the info. Three tentative stars for the Porter. I'm pulling for you guys and will be trying you again soon. I also know it's pretty early on, so hopefully you can fix some of these glitches. I'll just leave this one as a to be continued....
(3)
Sarah S.

I LOVE this place! Without a doubt the BEST gastropub in Atlanta! Located in the heart of "Little 5 points", The Porter is hands down the best place to eat in area. They have a super original, delicious, and fresh menu with lots of local and home grown items. They have an insane beer collection here and feature many little known or hard to find brands. I've always enjoyed everything I've gotten here. They have stellar appetizers and amazing veggie black bean burgers piled with warm goat cheese and homegrown onions. Love this place. ONLY DOWNSIDE: this place is tiny and always PACKED! The restaurant portion is ridiculously small, so be prepared to have to wait. A friend of mine joined me once and literally had to leave because she was too claustrophobic. But, if you're in the mood for something yummy, this place is worth any wait!
(4)
Matt T.

I like to think of this place as the little engine that could. Except, instead of being a choo choo train, its a beer bar. And the hill it has to overcome is the Brickstore in Decatur. Good freakin luck. However, they have vastly vastly and I mean vastly improved since I was there years ago. The story goes like this.... I came here last night after hanging out with Alexa G and Kathleen M at an improptu dinner and drinks at the Corner Tavern. I was Twitter-creeping my friends, and noticed they were checking in at the Porter. Decided that I was going to head on over there, and had a blast. The bartender, Ty, was awesome. He definitely has the perfect job cause he knew his beer and loved talking about it. He was able to put up with my questions, and my friends questions as well. I need to make this point cause Ive become well versed in craft beer from bartending at Taco Mac, and my friend pays attention to all the beer magazines and such. I cant speak for the food since I didnt eat, but their beer list is freakin incredible. You will definitely see me down here more often. #Yelp365 9/365
(4)
Alayne H.

Every time I've attempted to come here, it has been packed. Tuesday night was no exception, but this time decided to wait the 40 minutes for a table. The beer menu is mind boggling, at least to a beer simpleton like myself, and I really wanted to try one of their samplers, but because we had to stand in the narrow bar area where people are maneuvering to get by you, didn't. We were seated in the dining area which completes the "L" shape of this place and is also relatively narrow. It's a cool atmosphere - random stacks of luggage, old "stuff" here and there and stacks of beer boxes. We ordered the hush puppies and brenade to start. After 20 minutes went by, I asked our server to check on our apps. She said the kitchen was backed up. Okay, at least we had our beer. About 10 minutes later our apps were served, but no hush puppies, calamari instead. When we stated we ordered hush puppies, she said she heard calamari. As we both like calamari, we said no worries. The brenade was okay, not something I would order again. The calamari was good, but was served with a lime aioli that I didn't care for. We both ordered the fish and chips. The fish batter was a little "doughy" inside. The highlight was the fries - shoestring, served hot and crunchy. The service was good and when our bill was brought, they had not charged us for the apps because of the wait. Thought that was cool as we didn't complain. I give The Porter three stars for good service, cool atmosphere, and just okay food.
(3)
Pam S.

I'd move in, if I could. They had me at beer, but then they threw in goat cheese & tupelo honey fritters... and vinegar popcorn. I fedex'd that addictive popcorn to MT for a fan's birthday -- that's how tasty it is. One of my top 3 ATL spots.
(5)
Alexa G.

Awesome burger with pickled onions, homemade pickles, cheese, bacon...wonderful!! Not to mention the goat cheese fritters (reminiscent of Ecco's but not as light) with honey and cracked black pepper-I may be able to eat a plate full of them. I also tried one of Dog Fish head's beer it was awesome tasted lightly of chai tea, and will fall coming in I can see myself going back to order think drink over and over again.
(5)
Sid E.

About a zillion beers, most of which I have never heard of, but find most every one I have tried awesome. Excellent food, and a cool vibe in L5P. I think I read that the proprietors built this place practically by hand, which is also pretty cool. Highly recommended. :)
(5)
Shyam S.

I think I have finally learned my lesson - it is totally unfair to judge a place from one visit. I really didn't like the Porter after checking it out on Saturday during brunch, but I gave them another shot last night and I'm so glad I did. I guess I just didn't like the brunch menu because the munchies I had last night were very good - some fried tofu goodness and some stellar fries (almost as good as Mel's Atomic Fries in Morningside Heights, Manhattan). I loved the expansiveness and breadth of the bar seating area and was able to get some serious work done, listen to good music (Pandora!) and enjoy tasty treats. Will definitely be returning. Can't wait to try one of their massive burger and fries combos.
(4)
Sandra F.

Love the selections of beers and delicious appetizers. A great place to hang out.
(4)
Brandon P.

Cool unpretentious pub feel. Large array of quality beers. Sometimes you just want a great burger and fries. This place is it. Thick, juicy burger and delicious herb fries. Better food than your typical bar food. The salt and vinegar popcorn is unique and delicious. I detracted a star for slow service.
(4)
Lauren N.

All about the Porter: - Go here if you need to switch things up from Brickstore (yes, the Porter is my second choice). - Come here with guys or a date. Guys love the beer selection, and you might not want to be in Little Five Points alone with girls (lots of homeless people outside the bar who will approach you). - Food is okay; it's better at Brickstore. - Drinks are okay; it's better at Brickstore. - Definitely an eclectic crowd, but hey- it's Little Five Points! Overall, I like the Porter. It's a nice, very unpretentious place to grab a drink with a friend or a date. Relaxed, low-key, and enjoyable.
(3)
Dave M.

For a beer lover, this truly is as great as it greats in Atlanta. The variety of beers, the atmosphere of Little 5 Points and the cool environment inside... I just loved this place.
(5)
Mike Y.

Came by again last night on our last stop for the night. I can't express how much I love the Porter. The atmosphere is much less pretentious then other places. The beer selection is only second to Brick Store. I love the snacks that they have available though. The salt and vinegar popcorn is the sh*t. We also got the Belgium fries, and the fried goat cheese. Not the healthiest way to end the night... I had to drive last night so I only got 1 beer. I had to make it a duchesse since they even had it on tap. I saw a table across from us celebrating a bachelor thing and they got a huge ass bottle of Hitachino I think. I MUST order that next time.....If not for the beer, I want the huge ass bottle.
(5)
Devon O.

Gotdamn that reuben is good. and the arugula-beet-goat cheese salad? phenomenal. and there's a cute boy waiter with an earnest, eager-but-not-too-eager manner that brought me little tasting jars of beer that smelled faintly of rose petals. i love you guys.
(4)
Ejiro I.

Love this place, the atmosphere, the people the drink selections and food. Its a great place to sit down outside/inside and enjoy a drink with some friends with some good conversation. Or just by yourself and do some people watching. Do yourself a favor and stop by!
(5)
Damon T.

Ive had both the shrimp n grits and the salmon dish here. I like the fact that they are not scared to load the flavor on every plate. I had some sort of large ginger drink in a jar there that seemd to make the rest of my day inexplicably better... I do recomend!
(4)
Kent S.

My first impression was that this would be much like any other dive that I would find in the area. And then it quickly took over as my new favorite drinking spot in Atlanta. The beer selection is incredible. The only bar that I can think of in Chicago that gets near the beer selection would ultimately fall flat on its face when the comparison is really made. 400+ beers and sooooo maaaannnyy are dark. High octane and so much cheaper than drinking where I come from. The staff was fun and hilarious. We spent our time actually sitting at the bar. The food was also fantastic. The hush puppies are absolutely phenomenal. Imagine hush puppies with applewood smoked bacon and organic fuji apple sauce. Gah. I need to stop thinking about them. If you love beer, real beer. Go here.
(5)
Mark E.

Dinner @ The Porter - great selection of beer and brilliant fries. Great service - totally chill. Look forward to going back to explore more of the menu!
(4)
Delia S.

Can a dingy-looking bar, that has clearly hosted a LOT of fun, knock your tastebuds' socks off? YES! The atmophere is welcoming dive, the service is great, and the food & cocktails delicious. I saw a waitress get a $100 tip here.
(5)
Andy M.

im going to keep this SUPER short. I came here for some drinks. (beer ofcourse) AND WOW what a FRIGGEN AWESOME beer selection!!! All of it is superb. AND GET THE FRENCH FRIES YOU WILL DIE. Go here. smile. enjoi. that is all.
(5)
Harrison H.

Finally. I'm so sick of giving bad reviews. Ever since I've moved to Atlanta I think I've only given one or two decent reviews, everything else has been a big let down. The Porter is great. I am so happy. I haven't tried the food yet, so I don't know if it honestly deserves 5 stars, but because everything else has made me so pissed off, I'm giving this 5 stars because it's the first time I haven't been let down in a long time. Beer selection is on point. Of course my general rule is if I can see through it, I don't want it. Great porters and stouts, and the bartenders make good recommendations. This is my new favorite place in Atlanta. The other thing I like about this place is that it's not "stuffy". Often times when you go to a small beer bar like this, the place is full of super nerds that look down upon people that don't have +30 experience level points. The cool thing is that even though there were some super nerds here, they weren't the pretentious type.
(5)
K. P. K.

Amazing beer selection and each beer came in glassware from that brewery. Great touch. The bar staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Didn't eat this time, but the food smelled delicious! You must go there!
(5)
Dan R.

Great, great place. I love it so much that last time I only had a few hours to spare in ATL, I skipped one of my favorite joints, The Vortex, despite being just around the corner. The Porter has an unparalleled beer selection - not just for Atlanta, but ANYWHERE. And the food is all amazing, high-end pub fare. Salt and Vinegar popcorn is my favorite.
(5)
Daniel N.

The beer selection is outstanding, and the bartenders are smart and helpful to guide you to a beer you will enjoy if you tell them what you like. The burger is the best in Atlanta as far as I'm concerned, but it is hard to order that when their specials are always unique and delicious. If you like interesting beer and food that is fantastic, then go here.
(5)
Edward P.

I wish this place had been around when I lived in the Atlanta area. I knew I was going to love it as soon as I set foot in the place. It was pretty crowded on a Saturday night. The crowd, surprisingly, was largely devoid of the usual degenerates and hipsters that typically infest the Little Five Points area. Very nice vibe to this place. A little cramped, but cozy. Our waiter asked if we had been there before; I said no. He flat-out informed me right off the bat that they "don't serve crappy macro brews." Being the jokester that I am, I said "So that means no Bud Lite?" He said "If you want Bud Lite, that's about the closest thing I've got to it," pointing at the water on the table next to us. We all laughed. Yes, I knew I was going to love this place. They have a fairly astonishing beer selection, with scores of beers that I'd never heard of before. I had a Dogfish Head Punkin and a Bell's Best Brown (I think) that went down quite nicely with the 1/2 lb. cheeseburger. Speaking of food, the food is pretty damn good here too. Fries are great. I sampled my friend's Shrimp & Grits, which is basically grits with shrimp, portobello mushrooms and cheese. It's a lot better than it sounds. Bottom line, if you find yourself in the ATL area and like good beer and food, you cannot miss this place.
(5)
Darren H.

4/10/09 We picked the rainiest night in GA to head down to the porter. I read a few reviews were others compared it to Brick Store. While I would rather take a date to Brick Store Porter is more of a hang out place. If you're looking for atmosphere turn around and head over to Brick Store. But if you're looking for a cool hang out place where you can relax and have some fun with friends this would be a better bet. Food Belgian Fries = Great :-) Hush Puppies = not bad 1/2 pound Cheeseburger = Great Black Bean Burger = Great Beer Selection = Fantastic (When I go back I'll sample the beers from Japan next) Recommend going to if you're not trying to impress a date, or maybe it will impress him/her if they love beer.
(4)
Sarah M.

Great food, atmosphere and don't forget, beer.
(5)
Caitlin L.

Aah, my review is quite bipolar. I really wanted to like you, I did. :/ Came here for the first time a couple weeks ago and had high hopes of some classy bar food and what I received was a yummy salad and a horrendous burger. So I'm one of those few people who are staying strong with my New Years resolutions, so upon coming here I was trying to make a healthy menu choice. One of my dinner guests has frequented the Porter and upon me asking about the black bean burger he said it was good, but not your typical black bean burger--that it's softer. Well, in my opinion that meant that it wasn't one of those hard as a rock patties that Boca makes, but an organic patty with black bean and miscellaneous vegetable chunks. Nope, not at all. I ordered the burger and a side salad. Salad was great, arugula, beets, nuts, and a heaping lump of goat cheese. But the burger, welp, it had the exact same texture as the goat cheese, it was a paste. I'll probably come back here because I truly enjoyed half of my meal, but I definitely won't be getting their black bean burger again. Worst ever.
(2)
Kat G.

I can't believe I haven't already reviewed the The Porter. My boyfriend and I walked over here on our first date, and have been many times since, and always leave happy. The great thing about The Porter is that it's versatile: you can come in here for a beer and maybe a little snack, or a solid meal with a few friends, or a big meal with a big party. The beer selection is, of course, incredible, but don't snub the cocktail menu. They make a ginger lemonade concoction that's perfect for a summer night. And their food specials are pretty great, if not completely uncharacteristic. I recently had the noodles, a special entree. There was pickled watermelon, there was cilantro, there were noodles, and it was surprising and great (though, really, it should have been a cold noodle dish). And the regular standbys on the menu are some pretty good go-tos (I'm looking at you, dear Reuben). It can be hard to find seating here on busier nights, but you can grab one of their many great beers while you're giving current diners the death stare in hopes they'll leave soon, so it's really not so bad. If you're just here for beer, do yourself a favor and also get the popcorn. Trust me. The only thing keeping this from being a five-star review is the utter lack of space in the restaurant. The bar isn't big enough, there aren't enough tables, the stair situation is a complete debacle, and the clutter on the walls doesn't serve it in this regard, either. It also makes it that much more gross when one of the ubiquitous-in-this-neighborhood roaches finds its way inside.
(4)
Oscar G.

Your looking at a Brickstore with smaller beer selection and i little bigger menu. If i had my druthers i'd pick the Brickstore everytime. parking here is even more of a hassle than downtown decatur. i'd come back for birthdays and what not since it's close to where i live but it's not a regular spot for me.
(3)
Mark C.

Looking at the front of this place you'd think it would be impossible to find seating, not so! Its huge! However every time I've been there it's always very crowded. The seating in the back could be more comfortable/less scrunched up, but in all honesty it's not that bad at all. The first time I went, another patron told me not to be intimidated by the beer selection. Honestly, he was right, its not intimidating although it is huge. Once I figured out the way they had the different options arranged on the drink menu it was easy to pick something. The food was pretty good. Standard bar fare type stuff.
(3)
Ashley R.

Mighty tasty food + delectable and extensive beer list + interesting surroundings + good service = AWESOME. Will be back!
(5)
Jennifer A.

I'd give anything to have this divey beer mecca near my house. Exactly the kind of bar I'd open if I could. This isn't for ameteur beer drinkers. If you're a novice, at least know what kind of beer you like (Porters, Belgain, etc.) before you go in. The bottle menu is segmented so you can look up the type and then make your selection from there. Otherwise you'll be overwhelmed. Oh, and don't bother going in there if you want to drink some domestic watered down shite. They don't have it.
(5)
Lee B.

I've been to The Porter a handful of times. It's a really cool beer bar with all kinds of new and interesting beers on tap and in bottles. This is not the type of place to order a Miller Lite. The food is pretty decent too. I've had the Black Bean Burger a few times and it doesn't disappoint. Although, when I was there last night, the burger didn't have the mustard on it that the menu said it would. No biggie though. The garlic fries are excellent. The only reason that I'm not giving The Porter five stars is that the bar part of the place is really, really crowded. If you are eating there and can sit at a table, it's comfortable, but there is very little room in the bar part.
(4)
Vanessa R.

Don Dada of pubs. I was almost in tears when I Iooked at the beer selection. HOW LONG is it going to take me to get through the menu? And the food is good......not your average.... but reasonably priced and it tastes good. Cheese plate great- local sweet grass creamery burger - great mussels - yummy fries - cooked perfectly Decor - cozy perfect fall spot Service - I could spend hours here. Please don't leave me Porter I would be lost without you.
(5)
Felix H.

The Porter is one of those places that makes me wish I lived in Little 5 albeit the crime and hipsters. I dream of their garlic fries. The burger is solid. The fish n' chips are stellar. And the beer list, omg the beer list. My roommate and I went last fall just to take a tour of their ciders and boy did we take one hell of a tour. We intend to do it again this year. Don't ever call it a "hard" cider because cider is supposed to be that way =D Things to steer clear from: The black bean burger was dry. Maybe that was just my experience. I feel like vegetarians are being cheated on this one. Also, the kimchi fried dumplings or potstickers or whatever they called them- take it from me (an Asian), they're not that good. But overall, this place rocks my socks and other unmentionable places. With the recent onslaught of "gastropubs" popping up all over the country, this place does the term well. It looks like a bar, it drinks like a bar, but there just happens to be really good fucking food.
(5)
Ashleigh P.

only came here to get a beer, met friends that were already eating. Had the Pear cider - it was delicious and refreshing, as described on the beer menu. Service was a tad slow and my friends repeated said that the food is not as good as it had been in the past... but that can be construed as hearsay were this a court of law, which it is not... What I heard Calamari was cooked in old grease and in the fryer a tad too long Too much bread with the shrimp po boy too much CANNED sauerkraut with the sausage FRIES ARE AWESOME and you get a lot of them. they don't keep salt or pepper on the table... which bothers me, seems pretentious.
(4)
Franco R.

I was in Atlanta two weekends ago and thought we would give this place a try. The area is kind of cool and the reviews looked great. I have to say I give them 3 stars mainly because I can't give them 3.5; it really isn't a 4 start place though. I have to honestly say the beer selection is great and a bit intimidating at first as well. You could spend an hour going through the beers trying to pick one, so I just opted for a favorite, a Terrapin Hopsecutioner! The awesome thing was that it came in the Hopsecutioner glass and they were nice enough to sell it to me (for an outrageous price though! But oh well!). On to the food. Let's start with the Goat Cheese Fritters. As good as they were, these are not truly goat cheese fritters, as it is mainly potato with goat cheese mixed in it. in most restaurant, a goat cheese fritter is a piece of goat cheese fried. Either way they were good. I got the Buffalo Shrimp Po-Boy and it was pretty good. The sauce was nice and spicy, but the Chow Chow they put on could have had a few more days to rest. Also, not a fan of the blue cheese on it. It somewhat overwhelms the rest and all you have left is the taste of blue cheese in your mouth. All in all, the food was good. My fiance got the Fish & Chips and those were good, although the fries (not chips) were a bit soggy and greasy. On to the service. All I can say is that it is not the greatest by any means. You virtually have to wait 10 minutes for everything you order. Including your check and them bringing you check back after you have paid. A little annoying but we were not in a hurry, so it wasn't a big deal. Finally the atmosphere. We sat outside on the long tables with benches and the day was great. We were so lucky to have the Little Five Points Poet there ranting at people and as entertaining as it was at the beginning, it gets old pretty fast, especially when he start cursing left and right. Overall the area is pretty nice.
(3)
Amy V.

Great atmosphere! There is a great mix of people and the vibe is very energetic. I've only had their namesake porter beer and garlic fries, but they were both so good I can't wait to come back. Their menu looks inventive and not your typical bar fare. The front of the house is deceivingly small...keep on walking past the bar to find tables in the back of the space.
(4)
Barbara T.

I just ate a $12 hamburger. We are snowed in here in the ATL, and I needed food that is in walking distance. I slushed my way to The Porter, got a burger & a beer. At first, I was all, "I don't know about this $12 business. $12? for a burger?" And then I was all, "Well, it' snowing, so I better get this $12 burger." I am ruined on burgers for the rest of my life. It comes on foccacia, for one thing. Not a sesame seed bun, but foccacia. Then there's the bacon. It's that magical kind of bacon that is crispy but not burned. The meat was perfectly chewy, but the fat- OH THE FAT- was melt in your mouth, crispy perfection. It comes on top, but I don't like bacon on my burgers. I pulled it off the top and had a burger with fries and a glorious side of bacon. The cheese is cheddar. Not 'cheddar" but CHEDDAR. Strong. Pungent. CHEDDDDDDDAAAAARRRRRR. They pickle their own onions and they taste like stinky briney hell. Delicious. I think they make their own pickles, but if they don't, the pickle makers know what they are doing. Tangy, a hint of dill, and they piled those mothers on there. Tomatoes? Well, it's 19 degrees here. If you can find organic tomatoes at all, you're ok in my book. The burger itself was made of unicorns & rainbows. It was cooked to a perfect medium, and there were drops of juicy goodness running down my hands into my french fries. Let's talk french fries. These guys are covered in crack. Or garlic butter. I can't tell which. If you're looking for something to complain about, you could say the burger was too messy. If you're that kind of person, go get it "your way" at Burger King. You make me lose faith in humanity. Eat a burger at the Porter. It's the best $12 you will ever spend on food.
(5)
Colin G.

People kept telling me "Go to the Brick Store! Go to the Brick Store!" Screw the Brick Store! I mean, if I were anywhere else, I'd be all "Man, the Brick Store is fantastic." But the hell with that because the Porter is right down the street with a better beer selection, better atmosphere, and better prices. An even snobbier beer snob friend only recently introduced me to Mikkeller, but I had yet to try it. My second visit to the Porter, this time with the SO, not only had the tap list completely changed from my last visit, but they also had TWO of the fabeled Mikkellers on tap. I mean, there's not a lot cheap stuff on here, but I don't know where the hell you would ever find a lot of this on bottle let alone on tap, so it's worth it. But if you want something cheap, they still have it and it will be something that you won't be able to find anywhere else. We sat at the tables this time and the claustrophobia of this place really kicked in. I would not recommend sitting by the bathrooms because lines form but, in all honesty, we kind of got used to it after a while and it wasn't a big deal. Still have yet to try the food. Damn it, it looks really good too. Fantastic service again but I expected nothing less.
(5)
Melissa B.

How do you know you are old? When you can remember hanging out in the current location of the Porter Beer Bar when it was Bridgetown Grill in the early 90s. Yeah. Me. Old...or at least getting there. Anyhoo, Porter Bar has some good stuff going for it. Those good things include a vast beer selection and an interesting and well executed menu. I've been a few times now and on my last visit we had the best server yet! He was attentive, knowledgeable, patient, had super sonic hearing (you'd have to in order to hear our orders in the back room) and it did not hurt that he was easy on the eyes. Some of the drawbacks have already been mentioned by other reviewers but I'll recap. The beer menu rocks EXCEPT it would be nice to have some standard brews available for those times when you just don't want to dick around with the unknown. I too get into unadventurous moods. Please cater to me in those moments. Thank you. The noise level in this place is out of control. There seems to be a trend in restaurants and bars in general to completely ignore controlling noise level when designing a space. That is unfortunate since I generally visit establishments like these in order to spend time with and talk to my friends. WHAT?!...WHAT DID YOU SAY?!...I said I generally like to TALK to my FRIENDS! Since you won't be talking to your friends very much, you are able to focus on the food which is surprisingly good. The shrimp and grits are one of my favorite things on the menu and the brownie dessert was ridiculously good. I usually try to avoid sweets but we split one between 4 people so I caved. I'm glad I did. Moist, fudgie, warm and delightful. I like Porter Bar. I really do. I will go back but I won't be die-hard regular because sometimes I enjoy my standard beers and frankly I would like to maintain my hearing well into old age.
(3)
Erin M.

Though this place has good food and an awesome beer list - it's tiny. I mean like, a really long wide hallway with tables on both sides. Some instances I felt like I was going to freak out because the tables on both sides of us were full and the waiter was standing in front of me. Yes, I'm a freak, well aware. I split a burger and fries with the boo and was surprised that I wasn't all that hungry afterward. Though that may be because we inhaled the salt and vinegar popcorn, sometimes painfully. Holy crap is that delicious but if you don't breath out before you eat it, you'll cough. The fries were really good as well. I'd definitely like to eat here again, but maybe some day when I can sit outside... Oh yea service... meh for sure. He seemed to be preoccupied with other things, meaning anyone/anything but us. We got our food in an ok amount of time but we never got refills or in my case another beer. He took forever to get us the check. And then it took him like 10 minutes to give me back my credit card. I almost feel like you have to be a really laid back person to be able to put this place into a regular rotation. As much as I think I'm super laid back? This place proves I'm not. I'm slightly panicky and I like to have what I want, when I want it. PBB, you need some work my friend.
(2)
Keaton A.

If you love great beer, great food and great atmosphere without TV screens everywhere... you need to come, it's as simple as that. I'm here about every week, it's that good. Highlights: The fries. I have yet to find fries I like more in Atlanta, and the sauce they come with is perfect with them. Salt and vinegar popcorn, so good. Always try something from the specials menu, the food on that has always impressed me every time I get it. And I don't think I need to mention the amazing beer selection, that speaks for itself.
(5)
Melissa R.

Porter is a beer-lover's fantasy! Huge list of American beer, including smaller breweries. They also have a long list of beers from various countries. One of my favorites is the watermelon beer. The food is great! Fish and chips, burgers, shrimp and grits (so good!) are my recommendation. They change their menu often, so returning customers can try something new. There are a few downsides. The location is in Little 5, so parking can be difficult. The restaurant can also get very hot in the summer. The two longish tables in front are always taken. I ignore these cons and enjoy my beer tasting and French fries.
(5)
Vanessa T.

I hate beer. I love the Porter. Their greasy burger will kill you. You'll kill someone for their specials. They shoved a whole apple inside a fried pie thinger and called it a beignet. Not quite. But I eat it, anyway. I always expect to be treated like shit. I'm always delighted. You can't taste the vodka in their lemonade. I can't feel my face. Wheeeeeee!
(4)
Vivian W.

Stopped by Friday night at the end of the night because we heard they were having some sort of beer event. The servers are super knowledgeable and helpful when you're trying to navigate through the very extensive beer menu. I ended up trying a mini flight of beers (the 422 wheat was delicious) but really I was here for the snacks. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the salt and vinegar popcorn, but the fries are a close second. A good bar menu, great beer selection, and amazing company? Awesome way to end the night.
(5)
Chris H.

I love this place! Yes amazing beer and great food to match, but here is what I think is unique about this place....NO TVs!! I love that. All other places have so many TVs in it and you and your friends will end up blindly staring at them like zombies. Not this place! They play old school punk and all kinds of cool stuff. It makes you want to be more social and drink more! Kill your television!!
(5)
Megan F.

The Porter is one of my favorite places to eat and drink in Atlanta. Sure, it can be a little noisy when it's crowded and it's a pain to park in L5P, but the draft selection is amazing, the food menu is full of traditional yet quirky plates, and the staff never makes you feel rushed. I'm a big fan of bold, high gravity beers, and I've almost always found something new to try (or, failing that, a welcome old standby like Dogfishhead 90 Minute IPA). The burgers are excellent and huge, I'm a big fan of the mussels (ask for extra bread-- the broth is *that* good) and I highly recommend the pulled pork sandwich, which seems to rotate on and off the specials menu. For non-beer drinkers, the gingerade is a tasty alternative.
(5)
Drew S.

All those great beers on tap, I'm definitely a fan. On a business trip, we hung out here for hours. Standing in the small walk space behind the bar stools, until a spot at the bar finally opened up. Man, they had some great brews..
(4)
Chad C.

Like drinking inside a hipster pirate ship. We were seated at a table in the awkward middle section of the restaurant area. The floor there slopes pretty sharply which meant one half of our booth was comfortably leaning back while the other half were leaning precariously (and exhaustingly) forward. So avoid those booths. They're right across from the kitchen. The beer selection was very good and the waitstaff extremely skilled at recommending me some fancy beers based on my tastes. After answering a few simple questions, I had a frosty delight in front of me and down my gullet in a matter of a couple minutes. Yes, the waitstaff seemed to be under some kind of hipster dress code. So come expecting that. And the pirate ship part? Just look at all the dark wood planks that make up the booths in the back. And its narrow. And hot in the summer. Thus, you have a hipster pirate ship. I'm sure the leaning helped too. PS: the food was EXCELLENT. Reuben was delicious. Fries were even better.
(5)
Betty R.

Can't believe I haven't written about this place yet - any chance we get, we drive all the way from Duluth to hang out at the Porter. Yesterday we enjoyed a post-run brunch there - everything was really delicious, but the chicken fried steak special was out of this frickin' world. The beer selection speaks for itself, so it is very awesome to have really really good food to go with the unique suds. We did a fundraiser for TNT at the Porter back in January, and the staff and ownership could not have been more helpful and supportive. In other words, I don't have anything negative to say about this place - other than the fact that we wish we lived closer!
(5)
Stephen H.

Decent place to hang out at in Little Five, but a bit cramped. The food is a couple of notches above normal bar food, and the beer list excellent. People draw comparisons with Brickstore, which win out if next door. Still, if you're up for a night out in Little Five, this is a great place to start.
(3)
Theresa S.

I wanted a patio. I wanted craft beer. I wanted good food. I found it all here, with some great service to boot. The vibe is very relaxed and casual. Maybe hipstery, but it's in Little Five Points, surrounded by vintage and record stores. The food is good enough for those hipster-wary to come. I like beer, but I 'm not beer-knowledgeable. I appreciate tasting notes on a menu, so I can figure out what I like. Off the draft list I had Bell's Oberon and Hitachino Nest Classic Ale. Both were really good. And the tasting notes were accurate. Considering the variety of beers, I thought it was nice that they served the beer in the glasses from that company. I'm a sucker for that Hitachino owl! So cute. We ordered the salt and vinegar popcorn. I've loved salt and vinegar chips as long as I could remember and having it in popcorn form made me excited for this flavor combination for the first time in a long while. It was STRONG. But delicious. Just be careful about inhaling the powder. Oww. We got more peckish, so we had some mussels. My friend had never had mussels in her life, so I was astounded and excited for her. The mussels were cooked in coconut milk, lime and sriracha. So good! The depth of the broth was probably due to the mirepoix that I mopped up with my bread. Oh yes, the bread! This baguette was toasted in the oven before given to us and that made all the difference. I loved that we could get more bread without an extra charge. Four beers, mussels and popcorn and tip cost us each about $24. Now that was awesome.
(5)
Liz B.

Cozy and crowded, but in a good way. The beer list is impressive, and the staff was helpful when it came to beer suggestions. I recommend getting a flight, which offers good portions (small mason jars) of three different beers. The Porter also has classic and European comfort food done right. The beer bread was delicious and warm. Overall a great place to hang out and grab a few drinks, and also a cozy place for hanging out.
(4)
Sarah S.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! Let me start by saying that The Porter has the best mac and cheese ive ever had. Sooo yummy! On the menu I also love the mussels, the burgers, the fish n chips, but avoid the black bean burger (ewww). This place is small, and it gets pretty busy. Its good for lunch and dinner, also just to drink . They have a huge beer selection and with every menu item there is a suggested beer. Its legit! I cant explain the crowd, everyone loves the porter !
(5)
Katy B.

Best fish n chips I've ever had... even better than the stuff I had in England :-)
(4)
Joel C.

This is becoming one of my favorite places in Atlanta! Everything from the atmosphere to the food to the drinks...all have been standouts in my opinion. I came here for the first time with Leslie E. one afternoon to catch up on our lives and I didn't realize she was a huge fan until she totally took control of the menu! Good thing she did since every recommendation she made was awesome! We started with the salt and vinegar popcorn. At first, I thought this could just go so wrong but after one bite, I was hooked! I never knew the combination would be so good and its so cheap to get! For entrees, Leslie got the fish and chips and I got the burger. The burger was pretty good but I loved the garlic fries. I could have just eaten fries and popcorn the entire time and be happy. Leslie loved her fish and chips. Since Leslie is a beer fan, she went all out on the menu. I like beer, especially belgian beer and its nice to see that they have a huge selection of it. I'm interested in trying one of their fruit beers the next time I go. The big surprise of the meal and probably the best drink in the place is the Spiked Ginger Lemonade! Homemade lemonade and ginger ale over vodka...it was AMAZING...you can barely taste the vodka in it. Plus, I ordered the pint and got a pretty good buzz over it! From what I can remember, Leslie mentioned the mac and cheese and the dessert is really good too. Guess I'm gonna have to make multiple trips to try out the rest of the menu!
(5)
Sarah M.

I love the Porter - its as perfect for a weeknight as it is for a weekend night out. Recently wandered in while on a nice evening walk with a friend - we were in work out clothes and took a booth in the back. Service is always great and I love the specials - no other place in the 'hood has as many daily specials that always change. Takes a neighborhood place to the next level. For a healthy dinner we both had the black bean burger with the arugula salad subbed in. The salad is always delish - beets, goat cheese and almonds atop peppery arugula. The burger was yummy - on a really crispy piece of foccaccia, with a sundried tomato sauce, feta and pickled onions. When I come for drinks I am obsessed with the salt and vinegar popcorn- little known secret - you can pick it up to go and take it to the drive in or the movies!
(4)
Stewart W.

One of my favorite places to go in Atlanta...and a must for any real beer lover. On top of that, the food here is actually fantastic (the Reuben is amazing, as is everything else I've tried). I like coming here on the weekends, though if you want to avoid a wait you should probably show up before 7:30. Once people sit down, many stay for quite a while, so sometimes it can be tough to come by a table. Much of the staff is very knowledgeable, and are generally happy to help their patrons branch out on their beer selections. This is one of the few places where I actually get to try new beer without worrying that I'll be wasting $7 on something I don't like. It can be a little noisy (though I've never been unable to communicate easily enough with either my server or friends), and is definitely cozy, but from what I'm seeing here, one of the largest complaints is the inability to just get a "regular beer." But why would you go to a place like this for a Bud Light or Heineken? Don't mistake, I can definitely enjoy a Bud Light, especially when sitting by the pool on a hot summer day (there's a time and place for everything, right?), but I can't understand how the lack of most of the beers that are available everywhere else is really a drawback. If it weren't for the drive I'd be here every weekend. I just don't live close enough for it to be an easy trip.
(5)
Karen C.

Hubby and I came here for a drink on a Saturday afternoon. We were seated right away at a table in the back and it was pretty busy. The drink list is insane! It's pages on a clipboard with listings of beer after beer. The beer I ordered was the coldest beer I've had the pleasure of drinking and that was just what I needed after spending a hot summer day walking around L5P. We also ordered the Belgian Fries as an app... so delicious. Our waitress was fabulous and checked on us often but not too often. We'll definitely go back.
(4)
Wes P.

One of my favorite combos is beer and fries. Porter has a great beer list where you can almost always find something new and some of the best fries I've ever had. I always thought Porter was too crowded to try and get a table out, but it's deceptively large. Even if you do have to wait - do it. Get a beer and enjoy L5P's great people watching.
(4)
Sara C.

As a visitor from one of America's growing beer cities (Philly!) this bar was dressed to impress. And it did. Cozy, dark, and hip - right in the middle of Little Five Points, this bar would totally be my home if I lived here. The beer list was perfect - dozens of drafts, and an overwhelming bottle selection. And were a steal. I went for two Dogfish Head Aprihops which amounted to all of $9. My third nightcap beer was the He'Brew Lenny's Bittersweet R.I.P.A. - a strong 10% brew that was priced at $6.75 - pretty great when you're drinking an amazing beer with the ABV of two session beers. While I wasn't very hungry when I rolled in with a big pre-conference group, I ordered the famous salt & vinegar popcorn for $3. I was expecting maybe a plate of the stuff - not a huge bowl! While I'm not a fan of salt & vinegar chips, this was goddamn amazing. Best of all, the service was tops. I've never seen a waitress in Philly handle such a huge table with such grace - offering everyone their own tab, being patient to let people choose the beers they wanted, alerting us to last call. I can't wait to come back here when in ATL again.
(5)
Bella M.

LOVED IT! First of all, the bartender was fabulous! I apologize my husband forgot her name, Gayle or Dale maybe. She was so kind to explain all of the beers and very graciously let us sample a variety of beers before making our selection. If you are a craft beer enthusiast and a dark beer lover, this is the place for you! The draught selection is endless and bottles as well. Being from Michigan, we were so excited to find two of our very popular favorite craft beer companies, Bells and Founders, represented in Atlanta. The food!!!!! The food was the best bar food I have ever had. I had the shrimp po boy and a arugula salad, prepared to perfection. My husband had the corned beef sandwich, just as good as any deli. We also enjoyed the conversation at the bar. People were so friendly and it is always fun when you travel to meet new folks and talk over a cold one. You can tell the neighborhood is very eclectic. I don't know much about the area but looks kind of up and coming, bohemian or hipsterish. Thanks again Porter Bar, hope we get to come back one day!
(5)
Mike G.

Wow. The beer list here is seriously impressive. The bourbon and scotch list is equally impressive. Unfortunately the last time I was here I had to get into a car and drive 5 hours back home. I had never had the food before but it turns out that they have awesome food to go along with what is the best beer and bourbon selection I've ever seen. If you are in the area, go directly here. Do not pass go. And if you can get someone to give you $200 go for it.
(5)
Samuel B.

Great beer and great food, even for those who are full from a previous dinner somewhere else. biggest drawback of the place is the lack of AC or seemingly lack there of on super hot evenings. However, once you get a nice cold mason jar of water with a giant boot of beer, you cool down pretty quickly. However getting toasted is encourages, especially if you are walking over from Inman Park. Great ambiance, chairs are hard as rocks, but they do the trick and that's just what this place is, a magician's hat for producing some of the best beers form around the country.
(4)
Jackie W.

I can see why one would not give this place 5 stars.. It's just TOO good right? WRONG! That's what 5 stars are for! Came here with some friends on a late Saturday evening. Were joined by their other friend who looked shockingly like Robert Pattinson (was that the beer goggles? maybe...) Anyway, super large selection of beers and lambics and ciders. You could go here for days without ordering the same thing over and over again. Don't like that they don't serve the entire bottle of chimay or delirium tremens, just a glass of it. But hey, they gotta make money right? Definitely recommend the goat cheese fritters. Deep fried goat cheese.. made like a mozzarella stick, but BETTER. Excellent hush puppies (WITH BACON! AWESOME) and really creamy Mac & Cheese. But everything is better swimming in a bechamel sauce, right? My friend ordered the burger and the one other a Reuben. Both left stuffed and happy. Oh and the fries? BEST FRIES EVER. Very garlicky smell... But if you're all eating it, everyone still gets laid, right? Loveeeeeeeeeeee it. Next time I am ordering the grits. Love the gnomes painted on the walls toward the back.. and the decor that looks like re-engineered beer barrels. A very cozy place to saddle up for a drink. Or 10.
(5)
Katherine S.

Obviously we all know the Porter has a great beer selection. I'll skip the rhapsodizing on that count. What's been given less attention is the awesome food the kitchen is cranking out. I'd recommend sampling around the nightly specials. There are some crazy-inventive offal dishes, and then just a cool variety of other stuff the kitchen feels like making. I had the skirt steak tacos last night, and they were perfection. Soft tacos with high-quality meat, tomatoes, onions and cilantro. They had the idea level of spice, just a slight kick. I'll definitely be returning soon to try some of the other specials (maybe the lamb neck?).
(5)
Ellen P.

Saturday was the 3rd or 4th visit. Always grab a seat at the bar, first night that a bartender was actually friendly though. I am not exaggerating. I really like good beer, but I always prefer it served with a little personality and friendly smile. So, thank you friendly bartender. We were in good spirits after a good show at the Variety Playhouse and you kept us up well past our bedtime. Beer List is ridiculous. I will always experiment with a solid recommendation, but left on my own to choose from the clip board (as I usually am at Porter) I usually push the list aside and just think of something I want and hope they're serving. Food. 1st time I ate, amazing. fresh & delicious. beet salad, goat cheese fritters and cheese tray. Last night - bowl of popcorn 'with a kick' was a hit. fritters :( and calamari was a greesy $8 mess. yes, I ate it anyways, so I didn't bother to complain. It was 1am, so I am not overly judgmental here... always a glutton for punishment, I'll be back.
(3)
Tatiana W.

Why isn't anyone talking about the most obvious thing ?!! Geezz this place is so cramped! It is a fire hazard. If anything was to happen (medical emergency, fight, fire) I feel bad for everyone in there. Me and my friend are both two slim girls so we managed to squeeze in our seats thats sits less then one inch from the two tables on either side of us. I couldn't hear her and we were less then 1 ft across from each other. It was extremely loud, but there was no music, just people talking in normal voices it's was just problematic because we all was sitting on top of each other. I had no elbow room to eat my food. The drinks were really small and expensive and I had two screw drivers and walked out of there completely sober as can be. The GOOD, food is amazing , I loved the garlic and herb fries and I had the fish and chips. Was realllllyyyy good. And it came out supper fast. But I wish I could enjoy it more in a better atmosphere. :( I know this is a hip place supposedly, but in actually it swarming with wanna be hipsters and bums looking for someone to give them money for some random things. I would frequently go to this place if it had a bigger dining area. I felt like I was on a ship in that camp place. I can't deny the fact that I will be there, but this time on an early weekday afternoon and not a friday night.
(2)
Kat S.

I love the atmosphere in the Porter. I stumbled in here with a friend visited from out of town on a rainy afternoon. We split the calamari appetizer and the burger with fries. I tried an apricot-flavored beer. Everything was great! My favorite things were the pieces of lemon zest fried in with the calamari, the garlic seasoning on the fries, and the soft foccacia-like bun for the burger. The only downside is that it has a tiny, narrow bathroom, which is awkwardly placed near some dining tables, but that's just how the place was built.
(4)
Sara S.

Hand's down my favorite place in Atlanta and one of my favorite places in the world. Phenomenal food; phenomenal beer selection. The goat cheese fritters drizzled with honey are heavenly. ALL the food is delicious - follow their Twitter or Facebook feeds to get updates on specials. I particularly love their tap take-over nights, which are a fun way to experience some unique and unusual beers. Order half pours so you can sample a wider variety. If you are either a foodie or a beer snob, you will LOVE The Porter.
(5)
Jake D.

The place is a beer lovers dream. But, as mentioned by others, don't expect to get a Bud Light. We went in on a Friday at about 5:30, and miraculously got two seats at the bar. Before we knew it, the place was jammed up, and I mean jammed. Being our first time in, we asked some folks around us if it is always like this and they said "oh yeah". Apparently you can make a reservation for a table though. The beer menu is outrageous, and if you're not too fluent with non-domestics, a little intimidating. Ty was the bartender and was very accommodating in finding a couple of selections for the lady and I. We had the goat cheese fritters with honey, delicious. And the world renowned salt n vinegar popcorn :) Heed the warning about not inhaling!!! You will gag on the vinegar!! It is awesome though, the ultimate cure to your salty-tangy cravings. We'll be back, though methinks this may be a weeknight spot for us.
(4)
Tyler K.

Amazing food at such an affordable price, we frequent The Porter a few late nights a week. Eat from the specials, trust me.
(5)
Josh G.

If you've read ANY other reviews, I don't have to say that the beer list is great. The staff is stocked with beer-lovers. The food is truly excellent. The fries are out of this world, but you really should try some of the specials. We are never disappointed. I deduct a point only because the roof (or maybe pipes) leaks, we've seen palmetto bugs inside twice, there's a funny smell if you're sitting in the booths by the stairs, and it seems to have been, at least in part, inspired by another beer Mecca nearby. The fact that it still gets four stars should speak to how great the beer, food and staff are.
(4)
L L.

Stopped in for a quick bite here while running errands in Little 5. I had the Buffalo Shrimp Po Boy. It was pretty delicious, though hard to eat. It was HUGE and came open-face on a place. I tried to smush it all in there, but eventually ended up having to eat it with a knife and fork. My man friend got the brat. Delish. There are leftovers in the fridge that I might have to nom when I get home. We sat at the bar and had awesome and friendly service. We were there early on a Tuesday, so the bartender hung out with us for a while and chatted us up. One of the many things I love about being one of the sole sitters at a small bar. Sadly, I didn't drink any beer. Although I wanted to. I'll be going back for that.
(4)
Samantha E.

If you love beer - you must go to the Porter, period. If you don't love beer, or only love PBR and Bud Light Lime, still go because they can probably convince you otherwise. And the food is tasty to boot! The Porter is a perfect place for a person like me who loooooves beer, but is not all about traditional bar food (I don't eat meat). The grilled caesar salad is fantastically flavorful. It does have anchovies and undercooked eggs, if you're squeamish about those type things, but those are also precisely the ingredients that make the dish memorable (plus quality Parmesan). I've made a meal out of this salad and the luscious mac n' 3cheeses - sinfully good! I'm also a fan of the shrimp blt and shrimp and grits, the former because of the lemony shrimp and the later because of the creamy grits. Their fries are delicious - strong on garlic, but, hey, it's good for your heart! And I'm a personal fan of their salt and vinegar popcorn, although I do realize it's not exactly a culinary creation, and my dining partners have often said it's waaaaay to vinegary. Not for me - yum! My husband (meat-eater) is a fan of their cheeseburger and reuben. Both looked bigger than average. I can't wait to come back for brunch! The cons to the Porter: (1) Crowds - it is a small place that is not very handicapped accessible nor good for dining at rush hour if you don't want to wait long (2) Staff - more than a few times an item we ordered did not arrive, or we had to walk up to the bar to order our drinks because service was PAINFULLY slow. As I mentioned, The Porter is in the heart of L5P, so the staff are very....eccelctic. That in itself is not a bad thing, but when you add their grimy appearances to their "I loathe serving you" attitude, it can be off-putting. But the cons are not enough to keep me away from the Porter! Any restaurant that has a 10+ page beer list is great - one that has a chef driven menu like the Porter is FANTASTIC! Well-selected/rare beers and food that doesn't taste like a sports bar is exactly what I'm looking for when I go out.
(5)
Erin A.

Every time I come here, I am pretty disappointed on how crowded it always is. But at the same time, that's good right? The Beer selection is great, and the bartenders really help you narrow it down. One of my favorite things to get is the goat cheese fritters! They fry goat cheese and drizzle honey on top. It's very addicting, but really I think you can't go wrong with anything you get. The menu is fun, and everything is fresh!
(4)
Shay H.

Love The Porter. Great place to spend an afternoon or evening trying new beers and new food. They have a stellar rotating tap list and extensive beer list that rivals the other guys without the attitude. The menu has some great staples like the burger, oh so good fries. What I really love about the menu is the weekly and daily specials. Fresh local ingredients and the chance to try foods you've been too nervous to try- like beef hearts and foie gras. They have a really consistent staff that have been there since the beginning, so its nice to see the same faces behind the bar. The owners don't shy away from the customers either, they're there and not afraid to pour you a great beer.
(5)
Danny W.

I am happy to report, after my second visit to the porter this past weekend, that my first review was a total fluke - an off night for the kitchen and staff perhaps. Anyway, our second visit was phenomenal. We had a number of great beers, and the food this time was amazing! We had the goat cheese fritters, which are always divine (probably the best thing they have here), a nice fig salad, amazing kimchi bone marrow, and their garlic mussels, which also were completely divine. Highly highly recommended.
(5)
Belle S.

This is a really great place to chill and catch up over a few beers with some friends. They have an extensive list of many many beers of all sorts for reasonable prices. The atmosphere is really laid back and casual, which is exactly what you need at times. There are also some great snacks here. The popcorn is one to try! Parking can be really tricky around here, but other than that a nice spot to spend an evening.
(5)
H B.

I cannot believe that I haven't done a review on the Porter yet. Hands down my favorite place in little five. The beer menu can be overwhelming but the staff knows their stuff and will give you suggestions. The food menu is TO DIE. Brunch on Saturday's and Sunday's are amazing (cheese grits are the best) and their regular menu is tasty as well. Calamari is unreal, burger is amazing, everything is absolutely delish. The atmosphere itself is awesome - especially if you can score an outdoor seat on a warm day.
(5)
Katie K.

Uh dude, its beer. And they have fucking millions of them. Heaven on earth? Yeah, I'd say so! Parking is (of course) a royal pain in the ass, but once you get through the door, find a table, and let the boozing start, you suddenly won't remember all the troubles you went through to actually get there. They serve their water in large Mason jars. They also serve their "The Dude" (aka White Russian) in a pint-sized Mason jar. Which is so cute, especially since they definitely load up on the alcohol bits. As far as beers go, on the night that I went we tried this Watermelon beer (forget the exact name), and some other one called the Orange Honey Blossom (?), and of course I was absolutely STOKED to see that they had Kwak, that one Belgian beer that you pour into this wooden handle thing in an hourglass-shaped glass. We were there on a Saturday night, but I don't think it got overly loud or anything. Or maybe I just started talking louder and louder while slowly getting more boozy... Bonus that the server left us alone for the most part, and just conveniently dropped by every so often to refill beers. Unfortunately, I have no idea if the prices were fair here because I ended up getting a little drunk, and better, didn't end up paying anyways. Bonus: decently clean bathrooms.
(5)
Lauren K.

How can one properly express the awesomeness that is The Porter? It must be experienced for yourself. Try not to be overwhelmed by the textbook nature of the beer menu, you will find something you like, it just might take you twenty minutes to look. Their custom cocktails are great too. When the weather is warmer (even when it's not) the Lemon Gingerade is a great choice, as is the Grapefruit Margarita. The food is fantastic as well. If nothing else, get the fries, and for the love of God, DO NOT coat them in a layer of ketchup! It can get pretty crowded on the weekends, so get there early to get a table or a seat at the bar. When the weather gets warmer, they have a very small outdoor area, but you may either have to, again, get there early or challenge someone to a fight to the death to find a seat. However, a few wounds are worth it to enjoy L5P in the spring, with a beer or cocktail and some of the best people watching in the city.
(5)
Mark B.

What a beer selection. Incredible. Definitely worth a special visit if you're in the Atlanta area and like beer. The food was good, too, and the owner/proprietor extremely friendly and glad to talk about beer choices. This is now a "must do" when we return to Atlanta.
(5)
Reed J.

There is a god. How do I know? Just order the pork belly slider at The Porter Beer Bar, and you'll know what I mean. Oh yea, don't forget to order a beer. Whatever you might want, they have it. The beer pairing recommendations that accompany the first page of the menu are excellent, and a great way to experience a beer you might have overlooked otherwise.
(4)
Jim D.

Salt and vinegar popcorn was unique, and paired well with our beers. Several draft options, and neat vintage beer list. Vast selection of beers with few to none not available (unlike other beer bars that carry large inventory) The non-drinkers (gasp!) we came with enjoyed the draft root beer. Cool space with old exposed brick and lots of woodwork. Water came out in quart mason jars which seemed to make ATL tap water taste even better!
(4)
Wayne B.

All the basics. Pub atmosphere, easy going tenders, great craft beer. One of the better joints for a drink and a chat. And the food. And the food. You gatta have the food. Start with the wicked spiced fries and the kickin vinegar popcorn.
(4)
David C.

so much beer.. so much.. BEEEER!!!! I did to the menu what this kid did to his Christmas present: youtube.com/watch?v=pFlcâ€¦ ..... though, without the childish screamgasms. Hushpuppies .. so goood!!!! ... fried with bits of cheese.. and apple dipping sauce ... mmMMmm! Jolly Pumpkin seasonal .. very strong flavor, sour if you like that, crisp, and novel. Went well with the hushpuppies. Need to go back Soon!
(4)
Kevin F.

In honor of The Porter's 1st birthday today, I thought I should update my review. I've been countless times (avg close to once every 4-6 weeks) since my review and these are the things I've picked up on since then. In my previous review I compared The Porter to the Brick Store. While it's certainly a fair comparison, I'll leave that review mostly alone and just focus on The Porter. Here are the reasons you need to go to The Porter: 1) You love good food. The food here is simply outstanding. I've never had a bad meal and I've tried nearly everything on the menu. The Porter really does take pub food to another level. Highlights include the Burger, Arugula side salad, Goat Cheese Fritters, Popcorn, Hush puppies, shrimp and grits, OK so basically the whole menu. Remember when I said I'd leave my previous review mostly alone? Here is the one thing I'd change. The Porter has WAY better food than Brick Store. While the menu is generally on the small side, they have added a weekly specials menu. What food they do serve, they really knock it out of the park. 2) You love good beer. The selection is wide and varied at competitive prices. They have a vast selection of Belgium beers (my fav) and US microbrews. They have maybe 20 or so beers on tap and 75 - 100 in bottles. I can't think of anyone who would have a hard time finding a beer they liked here. 3) You want to support people who are passionate about what they do. It's clear from the many times I've been to The Porter that Nick and Molly are passionate about their restaurant. The entire place just works really well and that comes from the owners. Perhaps the only "downsides"? Parking can be a bit tough on the weekends. If you aren't used to urban settings and some of the characters that hang around, you might be a bit surprised if you're coming on the weekends. I've never had a bad experience with anyone, just realize that someone is likely to ask for money/food. Bottom line: When I'm hungry and want some good beer, this is my happy place.
(5)
K B.

Since my initial review, we've been back to the Porter. Then back again. And again. And, well, you want to know where to find me, it's likely I'll be there, or on my way there. Since the international-fry-incident referenced in the initial review, I've had nothing but the garlickyest of fries. Fantastic. Also, the beer menu continues to surprise and delight both me and Mr. B. I think ordering stuff from here that we've never heard of is becoming our favorite date-night activity. Love. It.
(4)
Trip B.

I need to get back to this place for a further perusal. We went for a quiet lunch in Little 5 right before the resurgence of the Revolutionary War (aka England V. USA World Cup 2010). They had a great draught and bottle list and it really felt like an English Tavern with a similar smell as well. The fare is your typical gastropub grub and it was actually quite vegetarian. I had the Brunswick stew, a first in an English Pub, and my friend had the quinoa veggie burger. All in all it was a nice lunch but this is totally the type of place I could waste an evening in by either getting lost in conversation or people watching on the patio. The waiter proved knowledgeable in both mind and spirit(s) and let us take our time through Lunch. I have a sneaking suspicion that many nights will end, and end well at the Porter.
(4)
Brice B.

Okay... I have a question: Where are all the snobby hipsters? As a Portlander, I'm accustomed to good beer. The problem with the top-notch beer halls in my fair city is that your Trippels, Dunkels and rare Bocks are served with a healthy dose of attitude. In fact, I'm so used to it that I expect the bitter taste of humiliation with my fancy brewski. Imagine my surprise when I ordered a rare IPA and got a friendly reception from the bartender. Wha?!? Where's the bitchy? This place has it all... a great vibe, beautiful patrons, awesome location, AND good service. Now that I'm back in Portland, it's back to the snooty grind. At least next time I get attitude here, I'll be able to fall back on my experience at The Porter. Maybe I'm not so stupid after all? Okay... that's probably going a little too far.
(4)
Vert S.

The price for craft-brewed beer is unbeatable. The Porter is one of the cheapest places I found to enjoy a nice cold Dogfish Raison D'etre (other than drinking at home). The food on the other hand is not that bueno. On a recent trip with friends find the meatloaf dry, shrimp and grits mediocre (the mushrooms on top were ghastly), and bean burger cold. Granted, we went on a busy Friday... but when do customers have to make exceptions on food based on the day of the week :) ?!? The dessert was FANTASTIC. Earl Gray Ganache dessert was impressive and kudos to the pastry chef and prep guys. It's good to find a bustling neighborhood pub. The crowd lends itself to the Porter's fun atmosphere. It's a nice place to start your night... whether you end up at Star Bar or in East Atlanta's various bars/ lounges.
(3)
Henry K.

The beer list at this place is enormous and inspired. It's also dynamic, changing frequently. I do wish there was a bit more on-tap representation in the American IPA category, but the relative dearth led me to discover some interesting alternatives. With all this choice, the servers become critical; at the Porter, they did not disappoint. I would agree with everyone else, the salt and vinegar popcorn is shockingly addicting, but the cheese plate is also great. I also recommend sitting outside for some of the best people-watching in all of Atlanta.
(4)
Krissy S.

The is a great place to visit. The beer selection is phenomenal. There is such a large selection of such wonderful beers. The food there is also very yum! I tried their calamari, burger, and fish and chips and loved them all! If you haven't been here you must try it! It's so fun and the people are great!
(5)
Bryan B.

Ah, the Porter! One of two essential places for people who love beer (and I mean GOOD beer). The selection is always outstanding and the food is great. Go for the beer, stay for the food (and then stay for another beer...or two more...or three)!! Obviously, don't drink & drive ;-)
(5)
Scribbler-oso H.

A functional -- but uncomfortable -- imitation of a British pub in the heart of L5P. GOOD selection of premium products ($$). POOR service and general environment. As a former Anglophile, I wanted to like this place. I really did. I first tried it after reading Cliff Bostock's article last year. To be fair, I've had a couple of okay nights here. Some good brews, chats, and some sour popcorn. Heck, I've been back at least seven times. However, over the past year, I've seen this place really get an ego. Yes, they have a very good beer selection. Okay! It IS one of the largest in this part of Atlanta. (Yes, they have St. Bernardus on tap, but so does Everybody's Pizza.) Does that mean that this hallway of a pub/restaurant (its layout consists of an awkward shotgun design) is really THAT cool? I suppose everything is relative. They have a few nice wooden booths if you can manage to snag one of those. Other than that, you're stuck choosing between the numerous wobbly tables (great idea for a place whose revenue comes largely from intoxicating beverage sales). You can sit either right by the bathrooms, squeeze up in the front, be relegated to the back room (which has all the ambiance of a dark basement/storage facility), or sit at the bar, where everyone (including the staff) will act as though you're in the way. In fact, the design of the place only allows a few feet preventing your back from literally being up against the wall. The staff, except ONE guy I can think of, increasingly seem to treat customers as if they are a bother. It was much better when it first opened, but every time I visit, the quality of service seems to have further eroded. Last night, one staffer was flat-out CONFRONTATIONAL at first contact -- my friend asked a server waiting to pick up some drinks from the bar "what's that drink?", pointing to a tall glass. Bear in mind, this is the first contact we'd had with them. She was arranging the tray and didn't acknowledge him, but the fellow standing on the other side of HER quickly said "it's not for YOU" then looked at her, hoping she'd share in his chuckling. It was another server. I wasn't sure I'd heard correctly so I asked "what?" He aggressively yelled "WHAT?!" back at me, attempting to mock me, tried to stare me down, then walked off, presumably to talk more crap about paying customers. He acted as if he were another patron looking for a brawl rather than an employee of the establishment. In the past, others have just humorlessly asked us to move over, taken an order or roll their tired eyes at us. We're paying good money for THIS?! Not any more. IF you're a trendy jackass who likes cramped spaces, loud, misguided music, high-fat foods, being abused by staff members, and Ball jars everywhere, you'll probably LOVE The Porter! Nice try. UPDATE: To her credit, the owner did contact me to apologize after reading this.
(2)
Melissa B.

I always have great beer when I go here...but really that's it. The service is slow, the booths are uncomfortable, parking is annoying and not a fan of the inside smoking after 10. I still recommend this for beer fans, but don't expect the service/food/ambiance to match Brickstore in Decatur.
(3)
Sharlet A.

So, I had dinner at the Porter last night. I had been there for beers before, but this was the first time I had their food. You know, I found no rhyme or reason to their food menu. They had everything listed from ceviche to teriaki something or other to tamales to brats with kraut. Now some people may appreciate the variety, but to me, it was a cacophany of regional delights. I am suspicious about how well one small kitchen crew (cause the kitchen is indeed tiny) can do on so many different dishes. That being said, I had the shrimp and grits. The dish was beautifully, though simply presented, with a mound of crimini and portabella mushrooms, and a drizzle of truffle oil. The mushrooms were tasty and added a nice smattering of tart/salty in the creamy grits. However, the portabella were a little, um anorexic. They were either chopped up small or were actually baby bellas, for which I have much less respect. There were a fair number of medium sized shrimp which were cooked properly (thank God). The grits I found to be creamy, though a little bland, do the mushrooms were a nice complement. All in all, it was pretty good. The beer menu is staggering, fit for even the most finicky of beer snobs. So, no complaints there. My only complaint is that this place could be hazardous to your physical well being. The front part of the joint is shotgun style. Let me tell you, if you are "rotund", you will have a tough time shimmying past the bar clientele to make it to the restrooms or back room. Even though the back room is a little more spacious, do not count on being able to have a conversation without at least three other tables hearing it. If you are claustrophobic, this may be tough for you. Additionally, the tile floor is slick, uneven, and broken up by really steep steps to the back room. Beware, especially given the beer menu..
(3)
Kim M.

You are sure to find something you like as far as beer. They also have ciders and a full bar. The food is great as well.
(5)
Dylan N.

As befits their name, there is a great beer selection (the best I've seen in Atlanta). Dozens of beers on tap and over a hundred more in the bottle. The food is very good, though a little pricey. The only reason I'm not giving it a fifth star is the lack of a non-smoking section.
(4)
Evelyn J.

Excellent, broad selection of beers, and a menu that could hold its own without a liquor license. Porter fries are the stuff of legend. I recommend any burger, the fish and chips, and the meatloaf.
(5)
Samantha D.

I really loved this place. Our waitress and the beer flights were definitely the highlight. The food was awesome and we got two different flights of beer (belgian white and a hefeweizen group) - it was so delicious! I loved their beer selection. We sat in the back which was really interesting and designed differently - they used the space really well. We were tucked into a booth in the corner and it was perfect. And as I mentioned the server we had was totally friendly and really helpful in getting us to try the best of what they had to offer!
(5)
Jeff W.

4.5 stars Kinda tough for me to give out 5 stars just after having had a flight of beer here, but The Porter could very well reach that point if I get another chance to return. The atmosphere is humble and all about the food and beer. I had no food interaction, but the menu sounded great and everything I smelled and saw almost made me forget that I had gorged on fried food just an hour prior to our arrival. I'd love to return on an empty stomach! The beer list is a beauty. Tons of drafts and bottles, flights, belgians, german beers, weekly changes in menu, and fantastic prices. And all served in masonry jars! This place really is awesome and one of the top 3 beer bars I've ever been to. I could see myself coming and spending quite a bit of time here with some beer loving friends. So, a very solid 4.5 stars with an option of a 5th pending for food. And even though I'm 600 miles away, I definitely see myself returning!
(4)
Mike T.

This place has a great selection of beers, and the beers also well-organized by type -- I love the Brickstore Pub, but I wish they would do the same thing. Porters, stouts, IPAs, imperial stouts, etc. etc. It's located in Little 5, so parking can sometimes be an issue. The front of the store is narrow, so to get to the main eating area you always have to squeeze between the wall and people at the bar. This place is usually fairly busy, but I've never had to wait to be seated except once when with a large party. There is a very nice pub feel to this place -- wooden decor, and lots of old luggage and little chotchkies. The food menu isn't terribly extensive, but there's definitely a bigger food selection here than at Brickstore (though to be fair, Brickstore has a more extensive beer selection). Plus it's good food, and each item has a suggested beer pairing listed along with it, which is nice. The wait staff is friendly, and you can get a small sample of whatever they have on tap to see if you like it or not. As far as beer knowledge, I've found the wait staff to be a little hit or miss -- usually they're on it, but sometimes you get the deer in headlights look when you say what sorts of beer you like and ask for a suggestion. Edit: The owner said that they're working on bringing all of their wait staff up to speed on their beer selection. This place is still new-ish, so I'm sure that will improve quickly.
(4)
Michelle P.

There were 25+ beers on tap There were at least 50 different bottles of beer Water came in gigantic mason jars The food that came by looked awesome and smelled incredible. If i hadn't gorged myself on fried chicken i would have devoured those garlic fries The atmosphere was very chill and everyone seemed to be having a great time if that doesn't spell at 5 star review then i dont know what does.
(5)
Kristin K.

I can't give a bad review to a place that serves peach cobbler a la mode, and that's exactly what I had. This place has a ginormous beer selection. They even have glasses that go with each kind of beer...which is cool unless you get the beer my friend did which had a little boy peeing on the glass. Doesn't really make you want to drink it. The staff was fairly attentive and did a good job considering we were such a large group. If you have problems with falling on your face on uneven ground this is not your place.
(4)
Tom L.

Since this is located in my neck of the woods, thought I'd give it a try and have been there twice now. I've tried the burger which is the best I've had in ATL and the Fish and Chips. The fish was quite light.. just wished they give me more than 1 fillet. The fries are so good... strong garlic flavor but also makes it qutie delicious. The long list of beers were also impressive and prices are more than reasonable. I'll be Yelping about Brick Store Pub as well so to compare, the prices for the beer were commendable to other establishements but much cheaper than Brick Store. The ambience is what you see is what you get. I personally would rather dine in the bar area by the front then the back. And for dessert, I tried the Apple Beignet with pecan sauce which was incredibly delicious. The apple was firm and sweet and the beignet was wonderfully crispy and pecan sauce (if I could put it on everything, I probably would) was a great compliment. My overall rating for the range of food/liqour/service/etc. are the the following: Factor Weighting Stars Alcohol 10% 4 Stars Service 10% 5 Stars Ambience 10% 4 Stars Food 50% 5 Stars Dessert 10% 5 Stars Value for $ 10% 4 Stars Overall 100% 5 Stars
(5)
nikhil b.

I returned to porter after an alright first time. I must say that this visit was a lot more fun. Porter has a lot of beer options and if you know your beers, I am sure you'll enjoy what you get. If not, don't get to experimental. Also, the food was good this time. Its definitely a good place to have a small group for pregame dinner sort f a thing. Like I said in my previous review, the food is served in large quantities and the fries are delicious. The service is also exceptional. I know its not wine, but i think its really cool that they suggest which beer goes best with every dish on their menu. Definitely a place I would go to again.
(5)
Liz C.

I had a great first date at The Porter just over a month ago, but I wouldn't call the place a great first date spot. While The Porter could definitely be described as cozy, when it gets packed (which it frequently does) the decibel levels rise and it becomes next to impossible to have a quiet date-like conversation. Lesson learned. Next time (and there will be a next time), I'll select this spot when I'm looking to hang out with a small group of friends. Layout and noise level of the restaurant aside, this is a really cool spot. I'm more of a dive bar kind of gal, so I don't see myself being a regular at The Porter when there are so many other bars vying for my heart in L5P. But the food here is really good. I had the shrimp and grits, which weren't the best I've ever had, but delicious in their own right. The sautÃ©ed mushrooms complemented the shrimp nicely. My date had the black bean burger, which he was pleased with. And the garlic herb French fry that I snuck off his plate was damn good.
(4)
Charlie F.

I cannot believe that all the times I've been here that I've never written a review. I am just kicking myself. Okay, this review is not to be taken lightly. The Porter Beer Bar's name is a little deceiving. It is so so much more than beer, but let's start there anyway. Decisions, decisions. The Porter has a list of beers so long it makes you want to cry out in joy and each of their staff is quite educated in the ways of brewcraft. We usually come in on the weekdays for lunch and our regular 'friend on staff' is Justin. He knows our beer preferences and immediately brings us a sample of his individual recommendations for each of us. 9 times out of 10, we agree with him. Rarely do I have the same beer every time. These beers are not 'network tv', my friend, they're barely 'cable' but man oh man they got the 'Pay-Per-View' of beers in stock. They've got high-gravity, dark, light, heavy, pink, stuff I can't pronounce, foreign, local, very foreign, cheap, expensive, call a cab after 2 sips; so much beer. And if you were wondering whether they have a stamp & passport beer club, I will gladly answer, NO. Now here is what boggles my mind... Their Head Chef and co-owner Nick Rutherford is a saint with a skillet. What this guy does with food is so amazing it's stupid. We actually use this 'Stupid' reference often when describing meals at The Porter. How can you deliver such a stupid meal for such a great price? Anywhere else in town a meal like that would cost you your first born. And did I mention they use as much local organic food as they can get their hands on? And ice creams, breads, noodles, and sausages are made right there.They also have the most addicting Belgian Fries [queque dreamy eyes]. They have 2 menus. They have a static menu (stays the same) and a very dynamic (changes often) front page menu. This dynamic menu is not what you'd expect from a bar, but I think by this point you've gathered...this is no regular bar. This front page menu will have you looking around for white table cloths and fancy napkins. Just to give you and example, recently they had Vindaloo Hanger Steak, Sweet Corn Ravioli, and Brasstown Pork & Foie Gras Terrine. Not only that but they have a recommended beer pairings for each one.I Know, Right?! Almost makes me never want to leave Atlanta. With the caliber of food, service and selection, I can confidently say this place ranks up there with Woodfire Grill. Solidly. Who says you gotta pay out the butt for life altering food?
(5)
Laura W.

The Porter hasn't altogether wowed me yet, but they've got a pretty great selection. Props to them for bringing great beer to L5P. I haven't sampled too much of the food, but I've had some delicious cheeses from their cheese, and I'm hooked on their salt-and-vinegar popcorn. And I don't even LIKE popcorn, people. Ambiance can be a bit weird due to the really long, narrow space... it's not really a bar for mingling. Service has also been disjointed, although I've been in mostly at odd hours. Also, the last time I was in here, the air conditioning was blasting like crazy, and I couldn't order another beer because I was way too cold to think. Still, I'm a fan.
(4)
Ally S.

I can say with all fairness that this place falls in the "when in doubt" and "perfect for every occasion" categories. I'm not kidding with ya! I've been here on first dates because it's great for conversation; I've been here with large groups and the staff is always accommodating (doesn't hurt that Molly, the owner, is a high school friend); and it's always got SOMETHING going on whether it's a beer pairing dinner or introducing a new brew. LOVE it. Moving back to Atlanta after living in New York for a couple of years, I got a taste of rare beers and stellar beer bars. I will say this place beats them all (yes, even the ones on 9th Ave)! It's cozy, yet large. It's friendly, yet the staff still beats their asses to help customers get what they want/need fast. And it has the best and most diverse beer list around. I know Taco Mac and the Brickstore tout their never-ending lists as well, but the Porter does it for me. I've had their dinners before and walked away more than satisfied. Their burger AND organic black bean burger are great (although I've seen unhappy diners push their black bean burger aside)--the seasoned fries on the side are fab. The mac and cheese app could serve as a meal if you get a few beers along side it. Seeing as their chef/cooks know how to prepare good food, I would say they offer more than just glorified barfood. This weekend I had their amazing brunch for the first time--YUM! I had the scrambler and I was in a trance after the first bite. Their cheese grits are melt-in-your mouth yummy. Just know that they don't serve bloodys or any drinks until 12:30. I can't say enough about how much I adore this joint. A true beer lover will fall in love never want to leave, but even those that don't know the ABC's of brew can have just as good of a time here. Now go have one on me!
(4)
Michelle C.

First off they have the BEST beer list in all of Atlanta. I would go for just drinks anytime. The decor and overall feel of the place is great. Very hole in the wall, yet comfortable/upscale at the same time. I know that doesn't make sense, but it will when you see it. Their menu is small, but has a lot of great and creative bar food. Their signature hush puppies are to die for. We also tried their beer grain bread, the mac and cheese and Caesar salad. I would recommend everything, except the Caesar salad. It is a warm version with whole anchovies and while I normally like this, the lettuce was over-grilled making it stringy and tough and the anchovies were huge pieces which overpowered the whole dish. However, we will definitely be back to try more of the menu and certainly the beers!
(4)
Lynn H.

A million times better than Brickstore. They have just as good of a beer selection, if not better, and their food is great! They also have great cocktails (try the grapefruit margarita). Their calamari is yummy and comes with fried lemons, jalapenos and onions. Arugula salad is great and the mac and cheese is also yummy... EVERYTHING is yummy here! Great food, great beer, great space and pretty good service too. The only bad thing is the parking and the wait.
(4)
David R.

Definitely one of the best beer bars in all of the ATL. Like the selection better then Brickstore (more recently, when I've been to Brickstore I've just seen easy to find microbrews on draft). The Porter seems very good about rotating out with different beers that I haven't tried before (either microbrews from around the country or even other countries). If you see reviews saying you can't find Stone Ruination anywhere here, then it's not much to go on (as Cafe Intermezzo even surves Stone Ruination). They also have a decent whiskey selection (though not as deverse as the beer). The food is also much better then Brickstore too (haven't tried Brickstore's "actual" restaurant Cakes and Ale, but found Brickstore is just good as a local pub hangout): Porter is definitely a cut above regular bar food...but it's a bit of a shame because it is hard to have a casual dinner there. The main negative aspect I'd mention is that it's a pretty small space for trying to have dinner with a family or on a date. It can get pretty crowded and too loud to be able to have a comfortable conversation. I tend to go there for a couple beers in the evening.
(4)
Tiffany B.

Having recently moved here from New England we haven't found any pubs that serve Allagash and today we found it. We've been here before - it looks like a nice bar on the inside. When it isn't a gorgeous day - maybe we'll check it out on the inside. The little seating area outside is fun and great for people watching. We'll definitely be back. We also enjoyed Craig the poet for hire who will create a poem for you from 4 words and a buck or two.
(4)
Gena P.

I want to start this review by saying that I am NOT a beer drinker. The only beer that I can stand is Corona Light, which I guess isn't really beer. I had been wanting to go to The Porter though because I had heard great things about the food and people. I sat at the bar with some friends and glanced at the extensive beer menu. Even though I'm not a beer drinker I thought that I should at least have one since the place is known for their selection. By telling the bartender that I preferred "girly beers", he suggested that I try one of the Belgian beer that was on tap. I HAD 2 GLASSES OF THIS STUFF! I was soooo good (not that I'm a connoisseur of beer or anything, but it was good to me:) I really want to go back and actually eat there sometime, especially for brunch. This is definitely going to be one of my new hang outs.
(5)
Tim R.

Not sure what to add that others haven't. The daily small plates are tasty if you just want a snack and don't want to get a full meal. Their burgers are huge, the arugula salad is pretty rad and you need to share it cause it's a beast. The fries are, as most everyone else has said, pretty awesome too. The salt and vinegar popcorn is a great $3 snack to order for a table of friends. The beer? Everything you need/want is here. The drafts change regularly, so don't get too attached to a particular beer, b/c it may not be there next time you are in! Wish they had a covered eating area cause it faces the sun in the afternoons, but they do pretty well with the limited space they have out front. Great to have a few pints and people watch, listen to bad poetry, etc.
(5)
Adam M.

L5P has changed a lot since my punk rock days in the late 90's. I'll never forget when my mom ventured downtown to buy my studded belt at the since-closed S&M shop Throb. It's not quite so fringey anymore, but what's great about little 5 is that it's still pretty unpretentious. You don't feel like everyone's too punk rock or hip. It's a pretty good mix of folks. And Porter was no exception. I met up here with my wife, my brother and his wife, my sister visiting from New York, and her friend who recently moved here from NYC and knows not a soul. Being the only one who "claims" to know this city there was a lot riding on my choice, real or imagined. And I was glad to finally visit the place with all hype I've been hearing. I'm a definite beer snob and there are far too few places for those of my kind. One thing i'll say off the bat - this place is much bigger than it seems. If you poke your head in and think "too busy", make sure you head toward the back since the restaurant is shaped like and L, with the majority of the seating in the back. I recently read a review for the Porter (creative something or other) that suggested (or downright protested) that the salt and vinegar pop-corn here simply must be a crude joke. If that is the case then it's my favorite joke, and i want to hear it twice. We ordered the popcorn as an app (two, seriously) as well as the stuffed jalapenos. I think you know how i feel about the popcorn already, and the jalapenos were pretty dope, too. My sister has already attempted to replicate the pop corn in NYC to no avail. Malt vinegar, you are not the secret ingredient. Our service was polite and relatively attentive. We were being social on a weekday so i didn't need someone offering me another beer every time my glass was nearly empty. Entrees included salads, shrimp and grits (mine, yum), pot roast (also yum) and hamburgers with the most scrumptious garlic fries. Nearly as intense as the popcorn. And nearly as good. It's safe to say that the quality of the food far exceeded everyone's expectations given the quirky, no-frills atmosphere and half broken tables. Bottom line - I was really impressed with Porter. I think if you read back through older reviews it seems like they've fixed a lot of the earlier shortcomings. Anyway, everyone left still believing that I'm their go-to for unique dining experiences (as if this one was really that much of a secret), so i can't complain. Worth a trip, for sure.
(4)
Roy K.

I have been back a few times and the service has become consistently good. Tried the hushpuppies for the first time and my mouth waters at the thought of them. ST. Bernardus Abt 12 is only $5.50 which means it's the cheapest place to get it in town. This place is on the short list of favs in the city now.
(5)
Margaret M.

The good: Selection of Beer is worthy of praise. No TV's= refleshing pluss! Not so good... Food prices a bit on the high side... The Annoying... Way too loud in back. Owners booted the cozy booth idea for benches and zero emphasis on soundproofing! The roaring din of noise while trying to dine really killed it for me.
(2)
Dio S.

Every time I come here it feels like I am having an affair behind Brick Store. Great new addition to Atlanta's best beer pubs list. The beer selections are on par with Brick Store--very impressive for a new place that hasn't had ample time (a couple years) to do a gradual maturation of stock. With 25+ taps and generally not a single junk among them (unlike Taco Mac which manages to have 25+ taps and 80% being junk), the selection includes brews from almost all known entities among good American breweries at any given time and should make any beer lover very happy. Offerings change frequently. Belgium selections are generally about 3 good ones at any given time, so the Brick Store's Belgium bar has this place beat. The Porter has a larger number of taps in general though and you will find interesting stuff they won't have on tap at the Brick Store (at least, not all at the same time). I mean these guys would put Dogfish Head 60 minutes and 90 minutes IPA's right next to each other, have multiple pours from Victory, Weyerbacher, Great Divide, and the like, and generally offer an interesting variety of domestic brews. Also usually have one option that's hand drawn from a cask-conditioned brew, great. Offer fantastic value tastings packages, bonus. Have J.W.Lees along with other notable vintages aging away in the cellar, seriousness check. Bottle selections have just about everything Brick Store carries from a bunch of Cantillons to Hitachino, Trappists from all directions but Wetsvleteren, and some crazy/cheap ones like Crazy Ed's Chili (are you kidding me?) which I'm quite certain is only found at this place. The cheap (but delicious) section combined with a respectable number of sub-$4 taps actually wins over Brick Store in terms of economy. Menu is organized by styles with simple descriptions, very likable. Overall it's just a smash hit as far as being a place to stop by for beer goes. I love it. The servers are nowhere near as beer-savvy as the Brick Store guys, but they need time. Food offerings are decent but a little disappointing. With known chef-owners and a (somewhat) gastropub theme I expected a little better. Price sure is consistently low just like the drinks. I liked the Shrimp BLT and fries. Hush puppies were not bad. But the other 4~5 things I tried (Brandade, mussels, shrimp & grits, fish & chips etc.) were all just meh. I was really disappointed by the shrimp & grits particularly because I had a high expectation. Nice touch with the truffle oil but overall it just wasn't that great. It's probably difficult to serve a great S&G when you are only charging $9 for it. Service can be atrocious if you are sitting in the back. I'd sit at the bar. I love the location. Center of L5P. In the evening it's kind of dead outside but in the afternoon the foot traffic outside offers amazing people-watching--the energy is just unbelievable compared to 90% of Atlanta patios which just look out to a freaking parking lot or street with cars and no pedestrian. Surprisingly serene inside in the afternoon and very bright if you sit at the bar. This place is still growing and I hope the menu improves. Wonderful relaxing drinking spot.
(5)
Marcy S.

My first visit was love. The atmosphere = awesome. The place has a very rustic/nautical feel to it. It was a Thursday around 9 that we arrived-- didn't have to wait for a table. It wasn't very crowded, which I appreciated. They also don't have TVs (that I noticed, anyway), a big plus from me. They've got an extensive beer menu and the food's delicious. We were drooling over the brunch menu, but settled with an order of scrumptious Belgian Fries for starters. Goat cheese seems to be pretty popular at this place, with good reason. I had an eggplant dish with goat cheese stuffed pasta and a friend ordered goat cheese fritters-- both delicious. I couldn't stop eating even though I was full... Our server was great and happily recommended delicious beer-- my favorite being the Wittekerke Belgian White. Wonderful. Missing out on this place would be a mistake.
(5)
Rob P.

Great beer selection, food is pretty good, wish the menu had more selection. Fun place to hang out.
(4)
Leslie M.

One of my favorite places to grab a beer after work on any day of the week. The last time I went, they had Dale's Pale Ale and something called "Old Chub" for $2 a glass--definitely a pick-me-up after a manic monday at the office. The beer selection is pretty diverse--lots of Belgium high grav, IPA's, and lagers to choose from. (The Delirium Tremens will have you seeing flying pink elephants by the end of the night.) Also they have a really tasty menu to fulfill whatever hunger mood you have, from easy appetizers to dinner entrees with a good size portion. And the cool thing about the menu is that underneath everything offered, they've also listed a "beer suggestion" to compliment your food. A couple of my favorites are: *The salt and vinegar popcorn--so addicting you don't even realize until you've licked the bowl *The black bean burger--very fulfilling for something vegetarian *Fish and chips--not as amazing as the Brick Store but still very tasty and a good size cod *Goat cheese fritters--it's drizzled in honey..need i say more? And also the Apple Beignet for dessert is very satisfying if you have that after dinner sweet tooth. It's just enough for two people to have a couple of bites and it's served warm over vanilla ice cream. Yummy!
(4)
Melonie T.

I came back to try the food. My initial reaction is "meh". It wasn't bad, it was just underwhelming with a heavy seasoning. Everything was a bit too over seasoned. The garlic fries were good, but the garlic was so powerful that I felt sick after half a batch. The fish of my fish and chips was alright, but again nothing special. The beer list is still excellent and if you can find a table indoors (especially in this cold weather) its a great place to hang out!
(3)
Laura M.

I really enjoy this place and I'm not a beer drinker! The brunch is really, really good. You MUST try the cheese grits. Best grits I've had in Atlanta (besides my mom's). Seriously, so creamy and smooth--ridiculous! The bacon is really good and the sweet smokey flavor is a nice complement to the chive biscuits, which were surprisingly good. Do you really expect to get a good biscuit from a bar? I've been here for dinner too and I'm kind of a picky eater and think the menu is a little limited--brunch is definitely my fav time to go.
(4)
M A.

After a rowdy evening of spreading Santa's cheer, I headed out in search of food. Yet Mexican wasn't what I wanted, and neither was Front Page. It had to be GOOD. Knowing this, the clear and obvious choice was The Porter. Walking in here decked out like a reindeer with my Santa, I thought we'd get a lot of stares (which we did). Yet the staff was mostly friendly to us, and some of the patrons even smiled. Our server seemed a little beat, but I've heard of the legendary crowds here so perhaps at 11pm she was feeling ready to head home and not serve a Santa or two. Hmm. The food itself was very good! I loved the mason jars for standard drinks, and the meal itself was well put together. I had the cobb salad special and the rest of the crew had reubens and burgers. Nothing was left, so obviously this place gets it right! Every last french fry, piece of lettuce, scrap of bun - demolished. Yum. My only qualm with the food was the size of the lettuce pieces. While I appreciate the sheer volume of the salad for the price, I hate having to cut up my salad. It's not a steak, so having it be bite-sized would be nice. Also, if you say it has avocado, putting in two skinny slices doesn't cut it. Perhaps it was because it really was 11pm, but I can forgive them as it was a delicious meal. As for seating, it was perfect for 6 people in the back. No one was squeezed in and everyone seemed content with their personal space bubble. I couldn't see anywhere for a larger group to go, but if you're 6 or less, you're fine. Don't worry about being sardines because, well, you won't be! Overall I'd come back and try it again, braving peak hours to see how the food matches up. I'd also love to try a beer, but not the cherry stout - that one was pretty terrible!
(4)
Delores C.

I LOVE BEER! I LOVE BEER! And of course I love The Porter. This place is so right in so many ways. Incredible beer selection, cool staff and I love the jelly jar lights above the bar. I'll be back soon for some more yummy food and cold beer.... THANKS PORTER for being you!
(4)
stephanie m.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed The Porter yet!!! This is THE go to place when I get together with my friends. The beer list is fantastic, as is the atmosphere. The food is out of this world - yes, you must try the Belgian fries. Also noteworthy are the Arugula Salad and Mussels. The Quince Salad that is on the menu right now is also amaaaaazing. I really can't stress how wonderful this place is. I can spend hours here talking and drinking with one or five friends. The waitstaff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the feeling all around is relaxed.
(5)
Kitty C.

You don't come here to eat...you come to order a beer from their HUGE beer selection. A+ for selection of drinks around the world. Foodwise, we ordered: * salt & vinegar popcorn - painful to breathe in. It wasn't the most popular item on the table as people kept accidentally inhaling with the pop corn in their mouths and choking. * hush puppies - deep fried apple tasting balls of bread with a creamy dipping sauce. I quite liked this one. The shell was nice and crispy and the sauce was quite tasty. *cheeseburger with garlic fries - The bread had the bacon baked IN! Over all not bad at all. Filling and good. Nothing incredibly special. *shrimp n' grits- solid B. Loved the mushrooms and the truffle oil drizzled on top. Tasty and my favorite of the entire meal.
(3)
Leah T.

So I live down the street from the Porter, which is good cause they have lots of awesome beer that I can drink and then walk home. Great beer selection, incredibly friendly servers, and unlike Sean M. I like the suitcase decorations! The black bean burger is awesome, and I really love the fries, but the french onion soup I had on my second visit...which was indeed vegetarian... wasn't really to my liking. It was more onions than soup. But I just discovered today that the Porter has a truly amazing weekend brunch! Like...wow. SOOOO good. Everything we had was awesome, from the french-pressed coffee to the belgian waffle with creme fraiche and peach compote to the wonderfully large, creamy, cheesy dish of grits and the cheddar-and-chive biscuits. It was all fabulous. And surprisingly, the mister and I were the only customers there... so I don't think the word is out yet about how totally fabulous the brunch is. People, it's awesome. Go, eat, be merry and full! For those of you who don't like smoke, or who have little ones, the Porter is non-smoking til 10:00 p.m. It's got a cozy, friendly feel and I think it's a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. Mmmm... brunch. I want some more.
(4)
Len L.

This is a great bar. It looks like a lot of dank bars in which I've had a lot of great beer in norther Europe. The beer selection is well chosen and always interesting. The food is more than a couple notches above other beer bars in the area. I have to take one star off because of the parking. If you read my reviews, you will see that every business in L5P would get a one star better ranking but for the parking. Sorry L5P.
(4)
Sarah R.

I am giving this bar 2 stars because the server completely forgot about us and we ended up leaving after about 20 minutes of waiting.... yet the beer list was pretty great. I didn't give it one star because I think it could have been a lot better, and I don't think one bad service experience is worth just one star...Two weekends ago, we had company in town...when we were showing her Little 5 Points, she decided to try Porter Beer Bar, based on yelp reviews. The other two sat down and got waters. They told the waitress to get me a water too, and that once I joined we would order drinks. She didn't come back for as long as we waited which was twenty minutes, so we left and went to a burger joint. The two I was with saw the waitress standing near the bar when we left. She didn't notice us, and didn't appear to be waiting on drinks. Probably a simple mistake, but we did not enjoy our visit here.
(2)
Amanda G.

Let me start with this: salt & vinegar popcorn. That's right. Be careful of the vinegar powder - it's hard to inhale, but pretty delicious. They have an extensive beer list, overwhelming actually, and if you want something uber expensive and rare, you can get that here too! Our waitress was wonderfully nice, patient and knowledgeable and helped guide our beer decisions. I'd like to meet some more people in this bar. As it only has a small bar section and mostly tables, it's not so conducive to random meetings, but hey a single gal has different priorities. Still, gets an A from me.
(4)
James F.

It looks tiny from the outside but actually rather large inside. The service was great, the food was effing awesome and the beer was amazing! If I lived anywhere near this place I'd spend the majority of my time tasting all the beer and delicious food The Porter Beer Bar has to offer. MUST EAT HERE.
(5)
Ben L.

I like The Porter. It's not perfect, but I like it. My first visit was totally unplanned, in fact I didn't even know about the place. A friend of mine works at one of the convenience stores in L5P, and when I drop by he introduces me to people he knows who stop in to buy smokes. One of these was a bartender from The Porter. My brother the Ã¼ber-beer-snob was with me, so a little later we walked over and took a seat at the bar. I liked the place from the git-go. Good atmosphere, not impossibly crowded, and the bartender we met earlier welcomed us warmly. Then there's the beer. I love beer, and I love tasty micro-foreign-yummy-exotica beer a lot. Now since comparisons to The Brick Store seem inevitable here, I must state for the record that I don't much like Belgian beers. I just don't get the sour-thing, and it seems like a terrible thing to do to otherwise tasty beer. The Porter does not disappoint in its selection of beers, and I'd say that there's something for everyone...well, unless you have a thing for American-style piss-water lagers, in which case you might be out of luck. In every visit I've tried beers I hadn't had before, and they were very good. I also never had less than great service, and found the bar-staff to be good friendly types. I find that important. I also find my fellow customers to be pretty decent types and I've enjoyed conversing with some of them too. The food really smelled and looked great, although I have yet to order any. I do agree with another reviewer that the portions sometimes seem ridiculous for the price, but that's not much of a factor for me since I live minutes away and eat at home anyway. I also have to give some credit for creativity. Folks, I don't like grapefruit- but the rosemary-honeyed grapefruit juice (it's way back in the menu after you pass all the alcohol) was truly delicious. Anyone who can turn grapefruit into something I'll like is a creative GOD. Often they're out of this stuff, but if they have any, it makes a great curtain-call after such an amazing cast of beers. Have a quick glass before you close your tab. Bottom line: If you love good beer, drop in at The Porter.
(4)
Amity F.

I must preface this with the fact that I LOVE beer. That being said, this place is hard not to like. Their selection is fabulous. They have a small food menu, but everything I've tried is excellent. I especially love their goat cheese fritters and arugula salad. And the really neat thing is they offer a beer pairing with every food item! How cool is that?! And every beer you order comes with the vendor glass (neat-o!). They also offer beer flights and have "specials" (for food). The atmosphere is also great! I love the wooden tables and decor in the restaurant part. The front bar is where I try to sit every time, but there isn't always room. Further, I am impressed by the staff's knowledge of beers and friendliness. Love it!!
(4)
Diane R.

Excellent drafts, excellent popcorn! 'nuf said!
(5)
Chad B.

Maybe the best beer bar in the city.
(5)
Andy C.

I went here while I was visiting with some friends who were locals. They highly recommended this place. It was about 1 year ago that I ate here(and I'll never forget). We had to park a couple blocks away, but it was well worth it! The decor is somewhat Pirate-like, but warm and inviting. Big wooden tables and half booth/chairs. We all sat in the backside of the kitchen which turned out to be the best place to chill out and not feel cramped. The Bier selection is endless...the menu was very long, but the dudes there are very friendly and helpful selecting something based on what you like (helps to know a lot about bier!!!) It was somewhat early (11am) so I ordered biscuits and sausage gravy with a side of cheese grits. There were 4 biscuits and a generous load of sausage gravy. The portions are fit for a king. The cheese grits were real buttery-goodness with real shredded cheese mixed in and on top. The sausage was spicy, but somewhat mild--which is fine with me. I had a couple oatmeal stouts to wash it down. The oatmeal stout was very thick and rich in flavor, dark brown in color...and had a nice head. I highly recommend this place for bier advocates! If only I could stay and try everything, but my pockets are not that deep. Somewhat on the pricey side...but luckily I was treated for my birthday. I am forever grateful that my friends took me here. Whenever I go back to ATL I will have to go here again.
(4)
adam p.

There is nothing quite like the buzz one gets from drinking quality beer. I drink just as much high life as the next guy but we all have to step it up sometimes. I have been here quite a few times so i am now ready to write a review. Food: I have had the fries and the hush puppies. They were both outstanding. Judging from the quality of both, i can not imagine the regular food being bad. Service: The first time we went it was rather spotty but very friendly. When i was there last friday though it was great. Our waitress had a Denise Huxtuble vibe going. She was knowledgeable and cool. A perfect mix. Beer: They have the best selection of beer in the city. Yes i said in the city becasue the brickstore is not in the city. It is in that lame suburb known as Decatur. I have seen people complain about the price. All in all i think the pricing is fair. It is much higher octane so it takes a lot less to get drunk. I usually spend about 30 bucks there and walk out pretty cocked. As far as Alagash being 5 bucks for an 8 ounce serving, well that is just not true. It is $3. Why only 4 stars?: I had to take away a star for the suprising amount of UGA / Buckhead / Neighbors types in there. I am not really sure if there was an excess of these types because it was a holiday weekend or what but it was a very unwelcome sight. I thought we all agreed that we get little 5 points, east atlanta, and the poncy highlands and you all can have buckhead, midtown, and the highlands once Ponce is crossed. Cmon guys. This treaty is binding. Overall: This bar could possibly get a spot with the Local and Manuels as a go to bar. I appreciate the slayer, dead kennedys and metallica played late at night as well. Maybe they could play DK earlier and scare off the riff raff. Tip Go with friends that are not a pain in the ass when the bill comes. Your bill will look ridiculous at the end of the night because if you are like me you will have at least 5 different beers. Go with 2 or 3 reliable friends and just split the bill evenly. You will win some and lose some but it will not ruin the night like the F-all that breaking up a check with nit-picking friends will. On secong thought, dont be friends with people like that.
(4)
Kara M.

Okey Dokey... Tough love kids, tough love... I REALLY would like to give a 4-5 star rating for you all, but just can't do it. I've been probably 6 times and the service has been seriously bad 5 out of the 6 times. While I love and admire a stinky hipster kid as much as the next girl... not when I'm trying to eat. Maybe it would make up for it if said stinky kid was an efficient worker but this has not been the case and hunger and thirst do not make for a forgiving customer. On another note, the food is wonderful (I'd especially recommend the brunch.. DELICIOUS, and more food than you should really every eat) and the beer selection is just as sophisticated as Brickstore and others, but I don't think quite as pricey. Oh! and another positive note, the last time I went the service was better... pleasant, helpful, and not snotty at all when I pointed at the beer I wanted to try rather trying to pronounce it... Love the atmosphere! A lil dark and dirty, just like me!
(3)
Michael L.

One of the coolest places in lil five points. It's a beer drinking paradise, the food is good, and sitting outside on their patio and people watching is priceless. If you haven't been and you're a lover of beer The Porter is a place you should visit.
(5)
Meredith K.

Atlanta is a driving city! YUCK! However, it does have a little gem of an area that is akin to a clean Haight street in SF, and a dirty State street in Ann Arbor. Little Five Points - Bohemians, stylish youth, suburbian onlookers, inexpensive boutiques, hipster good-wills, and... BEER. You all know how much I love my milk. And the Porter Beer House is there to deliver. It has an extremely extensive beer list that does not disappoint - light refreshing ciders, nutty dark belgian ales, and black oatmeal stouts and porters to delight the tongue. (Small wine selection, but still tasty). My first time, they brought in a barrel of porter from England and put it on the bar and started to pour. Was a like a family affair. Their food is fantastic!!! Evidenced by the fact that the they were out of the sweetbreads and chocolate truffles. The hush puppies were fantastic, served with an applesauce dip. Calamari was surprisingly fresh and tasty, and the chocolate brownie with butterscotch sauce warmed my soul. DO NOT MISS THIS AREA OR PLACE IF YOU ARE IN ATLANTA.
(5)
Ben H.

I think The Porter is great. They did a great job with the space and the bar looks really nice. I like the broad selection of beers on tap and bottle and the tastings option they offer. I've had about 8 or so different beers there in a couple visits and they were all very good. The food is quite good too. I've tried a few of their dishes, including the fried green tomatoes, salt & vinegar popcorn, brandade, and the fish & chips. The food was all quite tasty, but the fries and popcorn were particularly memorable. The fish had decent flavor but could use improvement. I kinda like my fish to have a pretty crispy crust that you can snap, but the fish I got wasn't really that crispy - it was a bit too soft. The one slight criticism I would have is that the service can be not great. When sitting at the bar once it was fantastic, but when sitting at tables it has been slow sometimes and careless once (ordered Otter Creek and served Hoppy Otter, for example) even when not busy. Probably just growing pains though and I'm sure the staff will get worked out after a bit. 4.5
(5)
Allison Z.

I am stoked to have FINALLY gone to The Porter. I took a friend who I've known from a London study abroad program, really wanted to give her a raucous "British-esque" experience and The Porter was an awesome choice. It was loud, smoky, and the food was unique and tasty. I had the black bean burger, which was yummy, but really didn't stay together. I ended up eating most of it with a knife and fork, but I didn't care because it was delicious. My pal had the shrimp po boy, which she raved about. We both went for the organic salad as sides instead of fries, which I'm a bit bummed about. The people at the table next to us got the fries and they looked really good. The positives: good beer and lots of variety. My beer was $3 (special Oktoberfest brew) and really good. The food was great; sorta typical bar food but quality and I didn't feel like I had a greaseball in my tummy at the end of the night. The bads: only 2 small tables on the inside of the Porter!! When we arrived at The Porter all the outdoor tables were taken, and seriously, thank heavens the one tiny table near the door was available. The bar is such a huge part of The Porter experience, but another table or two would have been nice. ***Author's edit: Thanks to another Yelper, I learned there are more tables out back. Next time I hit this place I'll keep walking :) Next time I head to The Porter I'll sit at the bar for sure. Overall it was great! EDIT--I took my out of town friends to the Porter before seeing a show at Variety, and it was excellent again. Be sure to order the Alligash White on tap; it's like a better version of Blue Moon and only $3 per pint!
(4)
Saul T.

This place makes my life worth living. The prices are great, the service is splendid and I love to get my drink on at this fine establishment. Thank you Porter Beer Bar, thank you for everything!!!
(5)
Amanda S.

We went to The Porter last night with a big group and tried almost everything on the menu - and it was all delicious. The hush puppies and the calamari are standouts, and I would definitely get the salt and vinegar popcorn again. I had the shrimp and grits for dinner - and the grits were especially divine. Great beer list and a nice space. It seems small when you walk in the door, but there are lots of booths and tables in the back. Definitely worth checking out.
(5)
Herman W.

Drink selection is overwhelming! On a Saturday afternoon, it was quite. Sometimes that means service will be slow anyway, but it wasn't. Several served us and all were prompt, helpful, and friendly. We were there simply to sample, and they guided us well! Popcorn, fries, and mac & cheese are just amazing! Hush puppies were good, but might have been overdone a little. I would make a point to make the drive for this one.
(5)
Trevor W.

One of the few places in Atlanta that offers a good selection of Belgian beers. Not a lot of German or Czech stuff, but some unique Belgians with some hard to finds! Food has a couple unique spins on some Belgian classics. The mussels were absolutely amazing and the onion mayo for the fries made me smile. Overall, a great little find for those seeking Belgian bliss! Love the narrow bar with the slate top. Has a great "bar" feel to it instead of these mega chains that everyone seems to like lately.
(4)
Kathleen P.

5 stars for the hush puppies!!! Oh. sweet. Jesus. Fried magic. Three stars for everything else, at this point. I had the burger, which was pretty tasty and had an interesting bun, but was slightly too large (keep it inside the bun, y'all) and way too greasy for my stomach's liking. We were there on a slooow Sunday night. The space is really sort of odd, but the music was good and our waiter was jovial and attentive, once he got to our table. The menus are a blatant ripoff of Brick Store's, which is sort of lame. Can't you come up with your own aesthetic? Overall, I would love to see MORE items on the menu. Otherwise I'm only ever gonna order those hushpuppies, and that probably won't be good for my health or my looks. So, get on it, Porter!
(3)
s j.

Best new place in L5P in a LONG time. I'd also hazard to say BEST food in L5P. Now, I love the Yacht Club as much as the next person, but, really, the Yacht food is average bar food. But the Porter is one of those gastropubs (I hate this word). The beer menu is overwhelming. In a good way. Wine is ok. Food is five stars! Black bean burger was amazing. Bread great. Grilled ceasar was great, fries were waay too good (drizzled with truffle oil). Ate about 10 lb worth. And shrimp and grits are the best I've had in a while. All in all, GO HERE so it stays open! This location has been jinxed since Bridgetown Grill was here.
(4)
B B.

This place rox my socks. It's always fun. The food is genius. Amazing beer list that goes on for miles and miles. They also have a Porter Beer Bar shirt I I could help but admire that read "where the wild beers are".The shelves are filled with fun things to look at and play with. The service is casual and the crowd is cool. The best kind of atmosphere for having a good time. If I lived closer I would be here all the time.
(5)
Patti C.

I'm thrilled that The Porter has opened in my neighborhood. The beer, the food, and the ambiance are all great, and super double bonus points for being walking (or stumbling) distance from my house. Beer: With so many options, you'll find something you love. They have some really nice seasonal Fall beers right now. Can't decide? Order one of the "Tastings," which gets you 3 samples for $10. Food: The Shrimp BLT is pretty good, but maybe should be called the Shrimp Salad BLT to manage expectations a little better. The Reuben, Hush Puppies, Brandade (salted cod/potato appetizer), Arugula Salad, and fries are all first-rate. The veggie burger is just okay, according to my husband. A little birdie told me that a brunch menu is expected in October, so stay tuned for that.
(4)
Berkley C.

Really good beer selection. I really loved their brats and kraut. The brat was really good and the kraut is made in house and compliments the brats. Our waiter was knowledgeable about beer and helped me to find a beer that I'd like. I shared the reuben with my husband and that was good, but just a normal reuben. Their fries were awesome though.
(5)
Sarah T.

It's nice to be a "regular" somewhere; my husband and I have been searching for a place to call our own, near our home, where we can have a repore with the bar tender and nice conversation with our fellow beer drinkers, with a simple bar menu. When I say we've been search; we've honestly been searching for two years. Let's go through the list: Corner Tavern, Brewhouse, North Highland Pub, The Albert, Zaya, Johnny's Pizza, etc... we've given several chances to these places too. We really aren't hard to please. Like I said; Good beer, and good conversation... we appreciate a really good vibe too. The Porter had all of this + a great serving of fish & chips. It's young, hip, friendly, affordable, convenient, and if they'll have me as a "regular" my husband and I would love to come back again and again for more. Excellent beer selection; I suggest one of the beer samplers. Sit at the bar if you aren't in a group. The best neighborhood weekday bar experience I've had since my move to Inman Park!
(5)
Ben S.

I came here on my birthday, and it didn't disappoint. Food was great, albeit a little pricy given the neighborhood; still, I felt what I got was well worth the price. The beer menu is the most exciting part about the menu, although I can already hear the complaints "wah wah, it's too expensive"- I live just down the street myself, and we've already got a nice selection of dive bars to choose from. I love all of then, but it's fantastic to have a place that's a little bit classier just down the street. As an amateur beer snob of sorts, I'm really excited about exploring the place. I think it's probably going to become a pretty common comparison, but it's a lot like the Brickstore, except in L5P rather than Decatur. It has a unique flavor, and I think it fills a unique need in the community. I'll be back.
(4)
Jay M.

Finally ate there recently, and have been a few times just to drink. First, the beer list. Huge. Diverse. LOVE IT! Other than Brick Store I haven't been to a place in Atlanta with this many good beers. Bartenders are very knowledgeable and recommended some good choices when we told them what we liked (but wanted to try something new). Second, the bar. Narrow. Cool place, but gets really crowded very quickly. My only real knock against it. Third, food. Was VERY good. I had a black bean burger and my gf got the garlic/Belgian fries. The fries were awesome, but we had to hit the gas station across the street for mints after them. Burger was very good but came apart quickly. Fourth, ambiance. Awesome. Love the exposed brick, the dining room is very cool, etc. The bar area is great, just very small. Highly recommend to the beer connoisseur.
(4)
Jeff M.

This place is pretty darn cool. This is a great place to hang out if you're out in the area, perhaps killing time before or after a show at the Variety. Great selection of beers here. Though it's a bar, I love the decor. Very welcoming with an excited but subdued atmosphere. The Signature Hush Puppies and Salt & Vinegar Popcorn are good appetizers. The Buffalo Shrimp Po' Boy, Kraut and Beer Brats, are Fish n' Chips are delicious. I do appreciate the beer suggestions paired with the meals. I've only had great times here. A fun neighborhood hangout with definitely better-than-average bar food.
(4)
Nicole M.

I visited the Porter again this weekend during brunch (it was around 3pm but they serve brunch until 4!) and the food was good. The service was just as good as my first time there (it was great) but the food was much better so i'll bump up my rating by one star. My friend's waffle was to die for and the eggs were perfect. My only complaint this time was that I wished they stated in the menu that the "shaved fennel" on the shrimp BLT was really a "shaved fennel salad containing ONIONS!" because I would have asked for no fennel if that was the case (I loathe raw onions). They could do without the lettuce on the sandwich and replace it with raw fennel and it would be perfect but they decided to make it a "marinated salad on a sandwich". It made the bread soggy and the whole thing hard to eat. Don't get me wrong...it tasted good, I just wish it was crispier and easier to eat. The Ephemere from Unibroue was as good as it is in Chambly, so cheers to good beer and "je me souviens". The Porter is worth the visit even if it's just for the service or a really late brunch.
(4)
Kim W.

I love love love The Porter. Before I rave about why, you should know I'm not a big beer drinker or bar-goer. I typically don't care for bars because they are too smokey. Well as some other reviewers have noted, The Porter is smoke-free til 10PM. On my first visit, Saturday night, I must have arrived around 8:30 and left by 10, so I lucked out. I enjoyed it so much that I came back the very next day (also before 10). What else do I love about The Porter? Well the food, at least the items I tried, is fantastic. My hubby and I shared the popcorn (salt & vinegar style... addictive!) and fries; both were delicious. I'm no beer connoisseur, but they have cider (Harpoon) which is all I really require in a bar. The music is PERFECT for my demographic -- 30-something indie rocker. Expect to hear the likes of Dinosaur Jr., Social Distortion, Built to Spill... mixed in with some punk and the occasional Jack Johnson, which I was able to tolerate because it's just occasional, and the other selections are so awesome. The great music just adds to the overall vibe of the place. It's not at all stuffy or pretentious, yet it's not a dive either. The decor in the front is minimalist and just perfect... in the back it gets a little much with the luggage and mermaid art, but I don't mind it. All in all it's relaxed, laid-back... feels less like a bar and more like hanging at a friend's place really. I love it. It's my favorite bar, hands-down... it's even making me a bit of a regular already, as I'll be there again this weekend.
(5)
Celina L.

I've only been here once to meet up with a friend because she wanted to eat their mac'n'cheese - which was by far the best thing I have ever had in my life! A very extensive beer selection, but a bit price-y - but hey, you get what you pay for. Service was great, too.
(4)
Bobby S.

As you walk in there's an extremely narrow bar area which opens up in the back to a dining area. The Porter's food menu consist of only 7 entrÃ©es, plus some appetizer and brunch options, as well as daily specials (all which give you a beer suggestion to pair with that particular dish). The beer menu on the other hand has over 200 varieties from microbrews to high-gravity Belgian ales to rare specialty beers (some with a price tag of $98 for 1.5L!). I opted for The Porter's Half Pound Cheeseburger, which has fresh Angus Beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickle, and had it cooked medium. When the food arrived, I was drooling over how appetizing it looked. I bit in, and noticed it was cooked more medium-rare, possibly even rare. I didn't let it bother me and kept on chomping down and enjoyed every bite. I feel like The Porter could be giving other local restaurants a run for their money in "Top Burger in Atlanta" competitions. Overall, the burger is great, they give you more than enough fries (let a friend get a salad and split your sides up), the service is...decent, but it is in Little 5 Points, so maybe that's why, or maybe it's due to the fact they are a new place and the beer selection is AMAZING. I definitely recommend checking it out whenever you might be in the area.
(5)
Herman N.

My experience at Porter Beer Bar was complicated. After reading about it, I hoped it was a place that succeed on all levels. It did not, but I'm not ready to write it of yet. In fact, in the ways that it failed, its service made amends, which makes me wonder if maybe the establishment is just in its early-jitters stage. Upon arriving a little late for a birthday celebration, I found that we were not, in fact, allowed to sit down. A friend of mine had called in a reservation and after being told that it was all good, found upon arrival that they "don't take reservations." Fair enough, but we were on a waiting list anyway. We would end up standing outside for upwards of an hour, drinking beer and chatting. Lucky for Porter, none of us had any other plans for the evening. Had their been any sort of schedule (say, if we were going to go to a show or another bar later or anywhere at all), this would've been a big problem. But my friend did have to talk to a manager and multiple staff members before we were even sat. Once we had our table (granted, there were about 10 of us), the staff was very kind and attentive. They even bought us a round of appetizers, which, as far as I'm concerned, makes up for the previous problems. The beer was great and the selection strong. I had the shrimp BLT, which I loved, and salad. The apps were great, especially the salt and vinegar popcorn and the cheesy/bacon-y hush puppies. Another small gripe: Yes, the Brick Store is wonderful and many who come to Porter will be fans of Decatur's fine beer establishment. But how about a little originality? Porter completely rips off the BSP's drink menu and door handle. These are tiny complaints, but they're also shameless copies, as anyone who's been to both places will realize. All this being said, the bar is only barely open. The food and beer were more than quality. Once they get the organization and service down, this place will very likely be a serious force to be reckoned with.
(3)
Seth C.

Great beer menu, and a very knowledgeable wait staff. The sauerkraut is killer.
(5)
Russ G.

This has been my staple go to bar for nearly three years and every time I walk in I feel like I'm home. There's always a familiar face inside dining/drinking and all the employees instantly recognize me and say hi, it's a very "Cheers" like feeling to stop by. Sure, parking can suck ass late at night but I've never not found a place within a block or two and the hike to and back just helps burn the beer calories. Scared of L5P? Move to Alpharetta. I've gotten to where I usually only order from the specials menu to always try something new, and there's always something I have to look up online because it's something rare or weird or just not common in bar food which is cool. Beer of course is why I really come here and the ever growing list is always fun to scan through and pick out what's new and the draft choices are always good with a surprise or two in store each time. Their ever growing Scotch selections are a welcome addition too, nothing wrong with stocking a good variety for everyone's interests. The events they host are always cool from beer class to special kegs to tap takeovers, and there's always something new to learn no matter how many times you come in. There really isn't a bad thing to say here, but of course if you come late nights be prepared for a line or to stand behind the bar stools, it's a damn popular place and everyone takes advantage of it.
(5)
Vlad G.

best gastropub I have ever been to, anywhere, hands down! beer selection very extensive, sampler beer yards are the way to go. and the complementing food is just amazing.
(5)
Mike B.

I've been to the Porter twice and so far, I really like the beer selection. I also got the garlic herb fries, which was really good. I don't like herbs myself, but the garlic flavor stood out, which I like better. My friend got the mussels soup. I tasted some and it was very flavorful. Who knows, a restaurant like this could make a very tasty seafood dish. Parking was a little bit difficult since it's in the Little five points area, but it's worth it.
(4)
Hether S.

The Porter is phenomenal. Now, I've been to The Porter for late night drinks, dinner, and brunch. The beer list is unparalleled. The Belgian fries are to die for. But my New Years' day brunch experience was really off the charts. The boyfriend and I desperately needed coffee and our server was super-friendly and recommended the large French press. A few moments later, coffee had arrived but our server recommended that we let it brew a bit longer--totally worth the wait. The coffee is great (Aurora beans). I ordered the Smoke Salmon Scramble, which is an old standard. Excellent pairing of eggs and the typical lox bagel, minus the bagel of course. The eggs are fluffy and balance out the saltiness of the salmon and capers. I always forget that the potatoes rosole aren't my favorite-but I would definitely recommend the grits. The boyfriend went for the Hangover Hash (no indication of NYE activities...at all...). The hash is potatoes, hot sauce, smoked pork, and cheese. It . Was. Incredible. I'm not really a heavy breakfast person, but this should be a serious contender for a permanent menu feature. Overall, The Porter is a great fixture in the L5P/Inman Park area. Great food, great service, and never disappointing.
(5)
sherrie n.

I found this place on yelp during my last visit and bookmarked it. Then i called up my friend, and we ended up here! I love this area with its eclectic boutiques and cheaper stores. Everything is walkable, so it must be fun during the day as well as night. When we got to the door, I freaked out because there's a mouse that lives right along the walkway, so be careful. He came back out to say goodbye when we left...strange. They have a wide variety of eclectic beers on tap, which is fun. Great hole in the wall to take out of towners.
(4)
Hiroki K.

Judging by the narrow store front and miniscule outside seating , the Porter Beer Bar looks deceptively small ...but step inside the rabbit hole and it goes deep! A long bar awaits inside followed by a tucked away dining room complete with rustic booths and beer tap coat hangers. The beer menu is gi-normous...it is literally is about 12 pages of different styles of beers, ales, and ciders. I tried the wheat beer sampler and also their Four Pepper Bloody Mary. The wheat beers were all tasty and the FPBM would be ever so excellent on a Sunday or really anyday. Good stuff. The food selection was also excellent. We tried the fried goat cheese fritters...absolutely dee-lish...except when we found a random hair in the food...but it was comp'ed, so that was fine by me. Next was the fish tacos and the heirloom tomato BLT! Both fresh and tasty. The fries were a bit salty but definately bursting with herb flavor. The first impression of the Porter was definately good and next time I'm in L5P, I definately want to go back and try out some more of the menu, both beer and food!
(4)
Beth M.

I have been to the Porter Beer Bar twice now and it is a really cool, unique place with great beers and great food! When you first walk in you have to remain open minded and remember that it is a bar in little five points - not a 5 star restaurant. The first time we went there we got a parking space right in front and were seated right away - lucky us! The food was really tasty, we ordered the salt and vinegar popcorn which was sooooooo good and a really big portion. For my entree I had the Fish and Chips, it was OUTSTANDING! I grew up in R.I. where fish and chips is served almost everywhere and usually very good . Well, this is the first place outside R.I. that did it right! The fish had a great batter and was fried to golden perfection, the fries were crispy, well seasoned and delish! The beer list speaks for itself - Bell's on draft, YEAH! Our second visit started off a little shaky - difficult parking (drove around for 30 minutes) and a 45 minute wait....BUT wait, once again the food and beer made the parking and wait all worth it! I would have to say that this is one of my new favorite places to go in ATL. Good Food, Good Karma and GREAT Beer! My only negative comment about Porter is the restroom. They are unisex, very small and by the end of the night VERY wet and stinky!
(4)
Marisa F.

Great beer recommendation and the best bacon cheeseburger I have ever had! They add something to the big beef patty that is just deelish! (Although it is a bit funny that the burger is way to big for the bun). The tomato asiago bread bun is just brilliant. This is not your average burger at all. Pair that with the side of truffle oil belgian fries, and I'm in love! Also they just added a small patio section outside the door. This is almost fantastic until people walking by start talking to you because there's no separation.
(5)
Gigi R.

Perfect weekend breakfast place for me and the Mr. Their exceptional beer selection was great for him, and I LOVED the waffle with peach compote. The service was attentive.
(5)
Laura M.

I'm in love. As a beer lover, I prefer the selection at the Porter to the stuff at Brickstore. While Brickstore is very Belgian-centric, the Porter offers a lot of choices, including fine American microbrews (I sampled a Victory Donnybrook Stout and an Allagash bourbon-barrel-aged tripel called Curieux). They also have a bunch of German and English/Irish offerings, which should never be overlooked (including Beamish stout, which is like Guinness but better). The beer menu is a true thing of beauty, with many choices on tap plus a wide array of bottles. I went with a really huge group of friends and coworkers, and the waiter was a good sport at serving such a large party. The initial ordering process was a bit complicated, but once we were all settled in he was attentive and helpful. He gave beer recommendations to a few people and they seemed pleased with the result. I didn't order any food, but my compatriots seemed happy with their orders. The french fries received a lot of praise, as did this lemony mayo that came with the shrimp BLT. Sandwiches were gigantic and served on uge plates loaded with fries. Other items like the fish chowder were also well-received. The vibe of this place is dark, mellow, comfortable and low-key. I could easily hang out here every week, working my way through the beer list -- if I lived a little closer, you wouldn't be able to keep me away.
(5)
Susan M.

I used to be intimidated by this place, until I actually went. The waitstaff is incredibly nice/helpful and the food is soooo good!!!!! Seats at the picnic tables out front are first-come-first-serve, so grab 'em if you see 'em and enjoy a side of people watching with your black bean burger.
(5)
Michael B.

Pros: -Great beer list -Good food (try the popcorn) -Nice eclectic atmosphere Cons: -Server was horrible (no knowledge of any beers, screwed up bill, impatient.) -Only open until 12am on weeknights.
(3)
Vallia K.

Their Caesar salad is amazing- seriously the best salad I have ever eaten. They also have a great selection of Finnish Sours, which is rare to come across. I love coming here after work, although it can get quite crowded Thursday-Sunday.
(4)
brandon s.

The Porter, a new pub in L5P, are the creations of the two responsible for places like Bacchanalia and Seeger's, and you can tell that from the amount of work they put into making the experience not too out of place for the neighborhood. The food is okay and reasonably priced. Try the shrimp BLT. The selection of beer is extensive, but there's something about the Vortex's selection around the corner that makes me feel less than ecstatic about the selection. Overall, they're a nice addition to the neighborhood.
(4)
joshua j.

Went here for the 1st time tonight expecting a great beer selection and better than average food... and that's exactly what we got. I'll go back - no frills, no gimmicks... just great beers, competent servers and much better than average food. I'm going 4 stars just because the service was a little slower than necessary for a Tuesday night and the music was not too great. I would highly recommend this place as a weeknight spot to hang with friends that enjoy good beer.
(4)
Nicole W.

Yum! Food was certainly worthy of 5 stars, but service was a little slow though very friendly. Great beer list (aged beer is a fun novelty, although neither of us were especially into it) in an energetic pub environment. We ordered the heirloom tomato salad with basil, fresh cheese, and preserved lemon and quickly realized that we were in for way more than your typical pub fare...it was a flavor explosion! For the main course, the pork chop was perfectly moist, and the accompanying mashed potatoes and gravy were tasty accompaniments. The desserts are tiny (and who really wants more than a few bites, anyway?!) yet delicious...try the peach cobbler with chestnut strudel. Wish we spent more time in Atlanta so we had a reason to go back!
(4)
Greg S.

Props to The Porter's extensive beer menu. We were less impressed with what appeared to be a creative menu. I was excited about the shrimp and grits (with truffle oil!) but the meal was lackluster. The shrimp were tiny and although the mushrooms were a nice touch, the dish wasn't all that tasty. A bite of my friend's fried fish-- which looked yummy-- also failed to impress. The batter needed salt or something to liven it up. It didn't help that we showed up on a busy Monday before Christmas. It seemed The Porter didn't anticipate a busy night and may have even been short staffed. The service was slow and awkward, although our server did seem to have some beer knowledge (despite not being able to find one on the menu). One request for vinegar (malt-- for the fish) resulted in the server bringing us back vinegar powder. Wha?? A few drink orders came in pairs, including the incorrect drinks. The awkward service is forgivable but it's hard to imagine going back for a meal to accompany that great beer. And since we were only visiting for a few days, I found myself wishing we'd gone with our first choice and old standby: the EARL.
(3)
Alli H.

The first time I went to the Porter Beer Bar I thought it was amazing - an alternative to Brickstore, trendy but quiet, a good place to go with friends. The second time I went I ate there and thought the food was mediocre at best. Even though the menu has a lot of selections and is creative because it incorporates the beer you should drink with the food selections on the menu. However, the cilantro on the french fries kind of ruined my meal. Additionally, for what my burger was it was extremely overpriced. However, the beer selection is still good if you just want to go drink with your friends. Just make sure you have drunk munchies to eat there because you can get a lot better food elsewhere.
(2)
Adrienne L.

SALT AND VINEGAR POPCORN!!! It's a must!!!! I haven't been to the Porter in about a year... constant traveling for work takes me out of the area too much.... but I went back this weekend, and I've gotta say- hands down, this place is a great experience. Don't let the narrow window/doorway fool you... once you get past the bar, the place opens up and offers plenty of seating in the back. I think when this place opened they had $1,000 to decorate or something like that, and I've gotta say- the ambiance is wonderful... not to mention the friendliness of the servers, the amazing beer selection, and the very delicious food! There isn't all THAT much on the menu... but you can be guaranteed that whatever you do order, you'll have plenty and definitely be leaving satisfied. Love this place!!!
(5)
Song S.

After a visit to this place, I'm liking Atlanta again. But I might be talking through my beer. The hostess was incredibly friendly and sat us in the back of this narrow restaurant/bar. Brick walls, an antique bike, old suitcases, and other knick-knacks made me feel like I was in a totally different city. Actually the feeling is akin to being in a warm cabin while a snowstorm is raging outside. Didn't have any food, but the garlic fries smelled delicious. The drink menu is huge (larger than the food menu!) and categorized according to type. Alcohol content and descriptions are listed in case you want to try beers that taste like "grass", "dough", or whatever floats your boat. Though it was a Saturday night, we didn't feel rushed to finish our drinks before facing the cold outside. Definitely coming back here and hopefully will get to try the food. **Update: the fries were tasty and so was the beer-battered fish**
(5)
Tolga E.

The Porter has instantly become one of my favorite beer bars in the United States. As an avid fan of all types of beer, I ran here the minute I found out about it during my recent trip to Atlanta. And it did not disappoint. The Porter is an a funky little mini-neighborhood called the Little Five Points - a hipster-esque, mission/brooklyn-like haven for the tattoed and educated-but-alternative lifestyled folk of Atlanta. I sat next to a girl who worked at a bar down the street and claimed the Bill Murray had been in for a few drinks the other night (and yes, he is a grumpy guy...apparently...but he also left a $30 tip on a $20 bill...apparently). ANYWAYS, what I loved about the Porter is that it was a no-nonsense beer bar for beer lovers. A massive, frequently update beer list of informed, hard-to-find brews. Generous barkeeps who offer tastes of everything before you commit to a pint. Good gastro-pub food, including the staples of moules and frites (but not over-the-top belgian). The beer menu keeps an even keel, listing American, English (often overlooked), Belgian, German, and others with equal thought put into each. When I went for St. Patrick's day, the choices were Beamish draught and a whiskey-barrel-conditioned cask ale called "blarney" straight from Ireland which was simply incredible. Lastly, the thing that I just couldn't get over were the affordable prices! Somehow, all of the beers here were $1-2 cheaper than anywhere else I've been with a similar menu. They have Maudite on tap for $3.75...that's insanity! I don't know how they manage this, but all beers on tap were clearly below what I considered the fair market-price to be. Amazing.
(5)
Grace S.

I've been here less than two months, but from the multitude of options available to the average hophead this place soothes my starved soul. If you do not want to read the gush of love that is about to follow- just keep in mind...awesome food from an owner that tries to grow his own food or at least get it locally, a beer list that makes you forget any and all unpleasant thoughts of responsibility (Let me just say- Bitches Brew on draft, two weeks after its release!!), and great staff that love food, beer, and good times. You can go without the brownie topped with beer ice cream and caramel sauce. We strolled through L5P trying to decide which place to try and I can feel that cranky hunger wave coming on as I fiercely scroll through the Yelp reviews-grumble growl. I picked up the draft list and saw the newly released Dogfish Bitches Brew; the rest of the experience could have been a wash to me and I would not have cared. We started with fried plantains with a habanero honey for dipping. The plantains were not like the glutinous side dish I crave next to my favorite hangover cure- tamal en casuela at local Cuban diner (wait, I am not in Florida anymore...hmmm). Back to The Porter's take on the plantain...starchy, but that was remedied by the sweet and spicy honey and I found myself appreciating its simplicity against the honey. These little discs would have stayed on the plate if I did not have that honey, but that is the way some things go in life- they need a partner. The plantain itself reminded me of how I expect to find southern, fried okra. Next, we split a cheeseburger and fries. Personally, I like to see how places approach a pub staple. If a burger gets as much attention as some of the more involved menu items I feel like there is some sort of love coming from the kitchen. The burger made up for the small pitfalls of the plantain. Not that I always want a big plate of food, but this was a monster on a plate half-filled with shoestring fries. That burger... fresh pickles and pickled red onion (I could have had this as a side!!), with bacon and cheese on a fresh bun that was dense enough to hold up the stackings. It made me mentally schedule my next trip to try other dishes. I loved that the waiter did not seem to have an issue with us splitting a meal. Typically, I feel like they expect me to eat that extra 1000 calories for the extra $3 tip from another sandwich (from one ex-server to the new generation- you will still get the tip, if you don't get the pissy impression that I am being cheap). Our waiter was chill and he prompted just the right amount of conversation. This is the first time I have had that type of really comforting experience here in Atlanta. Now for dessert- I feel bad for saying anything negative because it was on the house, but as my husband will tell you I am a bad liar- even with the little ones. I really wanted to get this dessert, but I was soo full that I didn't have any room left. When the server brought it out- I found room. It was a fresh brownie lacking the requisite chewiness and density. It was truly lighter than I would expect from a cupcake or sheet cake. The beer-flavored ice cream was light and icy, just as I expected because of the beer; but its lightness is the only reason it paired with the brownie at all. A creamier profile would have overwhelmed the cake. As for the salted caramel sauce- in my book this could have made up for all of dessert's trouble. Sadly, as the sauce cooled on top of the ice cream it became grainy and nothing turns me off of a food faster than an off texture. Flavor- great salt/sweet ratio. The only thing I would not order again is this dessert. Otherwise I plan to go back, often, for many reasons, and with an empty tummy.
(4)
Sean W.

For beer snobs, it doesn't get much better than this. Draft & bottle selection is extensive... I can always find what I want and discover new brews, too. There are great food choices on the menu... I'm partial to the bacon cheeseburger and the fish & chips. Sunday brunch is good, too. Only problem is the thick crowd during peak hours. Avoid that and you'll be happy.
(4)
Curt D.

Tuesday night I went for the Terrapin / Left Hand Collaboration beer tasting dinner. The food was wonderful! Lamb tortellini, olive oil poached grouper, pumpkin creme brulee, all very good. The beer pairings were spot on and delicious. Molly, the co-owner, saw my name on the reservation list and came to the table to personally welcome me back. The food here is very good, and the beer list is the best in the city. Some people have incorrectly written that the Brick Store has a bigger list. Actually the Porter offers almost 100 more beers, and the food is far far better. The only real advantage the Brick Store has is size. Sometimes on a weekend night the Porter can be pretty crowded. However, it's with good reason! The service is not super fast, but it fits the vibe of the place. The staff is a little eclectic, but they're all very nice and helpful. Late at night if you see a guy at the bar with gauges in his ears, lots of tattoos, and a bushy brown beard, say hello to Nick. He's the chef and co-owner. Very friendly, and loves to talk about the beers and the food. My absolute favorite!
(5)
Brad H.

Great place, nice atmosphere, polite staff. We've been on several dates here and always have a good time. One of the wife's favorite spots.
(4)
Matt J.

This is my favorite place in Atlanta to get a burger and fries. The herb fries are ridiculous and you get a heaping mound of them with a sandwich. The burger is an indulgent work of art. Salt and Vinegar Popcorn is so weird but fun. The special appetizers are always worth a shot. Don't even get me started on The Porter's brunch which is thankfully still a hidden treasure in a town where brunch places get swarmed on the weekends. There are a lot of places now doing a similar menu but The Porter does it the best.
(5)
Melissa B.

Love his place. Went for the first time and they have an AMAZING beer selection and the popcorn ROCKS! Will definitely go back!!!
(4)
Acman P.

Yet another great beer bar in Atlanta. Always on the lookout for a good beer bar, friends have been urging me to visit this place since it opened up a year ago. Located in the bohemian village of Atlanta called Little Five Points, or L5P as the hip say, I must say that these guys have built a nice bar. It reminds me of a small English/European style pub, although they did serve some really good apps. In fact, I've had one of the best cheese plates I've ever had here - most of them are locally sourced too. The beer menu had everything I look for, some good belgians, some of my local favorites (Terripan & Sweetwater), and a smattering of IPAs from across the country. It had a good mix of blue-chips and random offshoots. I'd recommend you stop by this place, sample a pint with the local flavor. Cheers,
(4)
adrian w.

Even though I have only been here once, I believe it is worthy of at least 4 stars. Atmosphere alone gives this place a couple stars. The building is unique. The menu is interesting but not unique. I had the vinegar popcorn; don't be too quick to say that sounds gross. I don't remember which beers I had, it has been a while, but they were all mighty tasty. I will be back during my next visit to Little Five region.
(4)
Cove C.

Easily one of my favorite bars. Copious amounts of beer selections. Good food. Killer atmosphere. It can get crowded though.
(5)
Kathryn H.

I really love this place the ambiance is right up my alley, it really reminds me of a pirate ship. Though the beer menu is smaller than several other of the surrounding pubs it is still very thought full and diverse. Also they offer beer flights which I think are great for trying different types of beer. I have been only a hand full of times and mostly for a pint and not so much for the food however I did try the salt and vinegar popcorn and loved it! This is a great spot to meet up with friends be it for a weekend kick off or just a lazy Sunday treat. They do tend to be a bit busy I usually go early just to beat the crowd.
(4)
Bobbin W.

Finally stopped by the Porter Beer Bar on Saturday with a group of gals. The exposed brick, lantern lighting and tight passageways catapulted me into a Euro mindset. I was ECSTATIC to be served by Brandy, who has waited on me on several occasions at Ria's Bluebird--she's the svelte, funky lady who makes her own clothes and tells it like it is. Brandy is for REAL. Anyway, I ordered a Koningshoeven Tripel, a spicy, hoppy Trappist ale from the Netherlands. Golden. Rich. Delish. My friend had the Koningshoeven Quadrupel--AMAZING, registering a 10% alcohol content. Amber. Fruity. Candied. I didn't order any food but appreciated that the menu suggested a beer to go with every plate. The Porter inspires me to be a beer snob.
(4)
Delaine R.

Some of the best bar food in Atlanta and a beer list that makes your head spin.
(5)
Matt L.

I've been to The Porter a couple times now, usually before wandering over the The Variety Playhouse. Each time the staff has been great. Very knowledgeable about beer and willing to take on challenges in beer selection (especially trying to find beers for non-beer drinkers... without resorting to lindeman's framboise). The beer selection is top notch and they always appear to be getting something new in... and still having it available. Too many other great beer bars are constantly advertising things they don't have. Food here has been consistently good. I'm a big fan of the bacon-y hushpuppies, but last time they were a bit over fried. The kitchen could do a bit better in getting food out faster and I've had had to wait far too long to get a new beer a couple times now. So service does need some work. The fixed menu can be a bit limiting if you're looking to go beyond sandwiches and fish&chips, but there usually is something interesting on their ever changing list of daily specials. Their blt is so good right now. The big draw with this place will always be the beer, but the food has been consistently good... and they have some really good fries.
(4)
Lesley R.

Great selection of beer and food from The Porter Beer Bar. Ate there with my husband and their food was delicious. Get the Fried goat cheese. Amazing. The only thing is the place is really small so make sure you get there early especially on the weekends.
(4)
Ashley B.

Alright. Since the cat's out of the bag now I'll go ahead and say it. Goat cheese fritters. Holy f***. Yes. Little morsels of yum fried to perfect yumminess and drizzled in yum (honey) and sprinkled with yum (black pepper.) Yum. Also, after numerous trips to the Porter, I've decided how best I like to enjoy a dinner there. Their regular menu is really great (with the aforementioned delicious goat cheese fritters), but the REAL highlight is their specials menu of seasonal offerings. They almost always have a vegetarian entree and it's almost always amazing. My favorites have been some of their pasta dishes over the summer - agnolotti filled with something delicious (one time it was polenta! Pasta stuffed with polenta???? ARE YOU CRAZY???? Yes. Yes you are. Crazy BRILLIANT), surrounded by seasonal veggies and in a spicy tomato-based broth. Served with a giant hunk of bread. If loving carbs this much is wrong, then I don't want to be right! Last time I went they had a yummy sounding flatbread, but I must admit I had gotten so used to variations on their agnolotti theme that I kind of foolishly went there banking on being able to get something similar again with different ingredients! So go to the Porter and bank on a solid meal, (and obviously on some awesome beer to get your buzz on), but keep your fingers crossed that they have a special that appeals to you. And keep your fingers crossed for me that there is more agnolotti in my future....like this coming Wednesday, Oct 6 2010 when I will be there with my husband and my parents...hint hint.....
(5)
Krystal K.

I visited the porter one night when I was just lookin for a place to have a beer and some dinner alone. I had never been here before and was surprised by it. The layout of the place is strange, but in a good way. I sat at the bar and the bartender was cool and answered all my questions. I tried a few of the many many beers they have and they were good. I also had the mussels and the cheeseburger. YUMMMY. The muscles were cooked nicely, not rubbery. They came in a sauce that was flavorful and the crusty bread was the finishing touch. The cheeseburger is delish and the fries...mmmmmmmmmmm. If you're in the neighborhood, check it out! I recommend this place!
(4)
Ansley A.

I love bringing beer enthusiast buddies here. The food is substantial and decidedly gourmet, especially compared to other establishments in the area. The bartenders are knowledgeable and very friendly. They have a tempting brunch menu that I haven't tried yet.
(5)
Josh K.

I got stuck with a 6 hour layover at ATL and a friend recommended this place. Everything totally lived up to my pretentious Bay Area food standards, except for the coffee which was not so good. Pretty easy walk from the Inman Park MARTA station.
(4)
Cat B.

I never hang out in L5P, but might have to start if for this place only!! Fantastic beer menu full of craft beers, great food, nice casual feel great place to hang out with friends.
(4)
The Food Abides W.

Pretty much like Brickstore but better. At off-peak hours, the place is charming. When the crowds come poring in (as they often do), it still ain't bad. It's a small place, but for whatever reason, I never feel cramped or annoyed despite the very small and often crowded bar. The beer list is extensive, but if you're reading this review you already know that. The food is similarly as ambitious as their beer menu and almost all items are made in house. The problem, and the only reason I'm docking the Porter a star, is that I've had equal hits and misses with the food. The goat cheese fritters with honey and black pepper is perfect. I don't care if Ecco did it first, Ecco isn't this chill. I once had a pork Vindaloo ravioli with those beautiful little watermelon radishes that was as splendid to taste as it was to look at. I'm also a big fan of the mac and cheese. However, pub staples have always suffered every time I've ordered them - particularly that burger. Where to start on that damned burger? Let's work our way in. Starting with the delicious bun. It comes on an oversized, delicious asiago cheese bun. The bun is delicious on it's own, butit doesn't work with the burger. Not to mention you can't figure out how to hold (because of the cheesy top) or bite (because it's oversized) the thing. The pickles and pickled onions (I wish more places would throw this on a burger) are really quite good, however an entire clove of pickled garlic made its way onto my bun on my last visit. I think it was part of the pickling solution. The bacon has always been overcooked - like too crispy strips of bacon bits. Given the quality of much of their food, you'd think they could cook a hamburger patty to temp. NEVER. Every time I order medium rare, every time I get medium well. Really aggravating. Additionally, I think that they should really switch to hand-cut fries as these get boring after a few. They're advertised as Belgian fries, but they're just not there. Outside of their burger and a couple of other small items, their food is pretty terrific and leagues above Brickstore Pub. The Porter is one of Atlanta's best offerings and I encourage anyone who likes beer, or just a different non-Atlanta vibe to stop in. Seriously one of the best joints in Atlanta.
(4)
Carlos C.

The beer list is extensive and interesting. However, if you just want to sit and nurse a cheap PBR or High Life, this is not the place for you as the mass produced stuff is not available. Our server was on point the entire night. Attentive enough, very friendly, very knowledgeable. He provided the high point of the experience as the grub itself was just okay. Breakdown below: French Onion Soup - must have simmered for a week. It was reduced to the consistency of play dough Fish and Chips - actually, they weren't chips but rather fries. The fish tasted like it may have been caught a few weeks ago and the breading was completely oil soaked. My portion was a bit on the skimpy side. Our guy was not pleased - he brought a replacement portion and comped my entree. Nice touch on his part...too bad the replacement fish was just as sogged. Burger - very tasty, cooked as requested and full of flavor. The focaccia style bun provided adequate structural soundness and herbal counterpoint. If not for the rather poor fish and chips (at a "pub" no less), this could have been a four-bagger. Not this time. Three stars at best for this visit, but I will return to reevaluate.
(3)
Floyd R.

I want to write a love song for The Porter, but I don't think I'd do a good job of it. And that's kind of a weird idea anyway. But I really have an affection for this place. I've had some blissful moments both by myself up at the bar and with others at a table in the back. I want The Porter to know how much joy it's given me just by providing that Brickstore Pub-type beer bar experience and for doing so in Midtown so I don't have to go as far from home. I want to give it a thank you card for cooking french fries to the perfect doneness and for hiring/training a staff that has been surprisingly friendly on each visit. We've had a couple of rocky moments in our relationship. I have to squeeze uncomfortable behind anyone who's sitting at the bar stool nearest the front door when I enter or exit. The decor of the back room leaves a bit to be desired. And I sometimes wish I could pick up the whole place and move it out of L5P when I get grossed out by all the litter on the sidewalk there and the hokey as hell cookie-cutter-counter-culture stores nearby. But mostly I have love for The Porter. I want to go to there. Now.
(4)
Matt B.

Arguably the best beer menu in Atlanta. Arguable only to Brickstore.
(5)
Drew C.

I went here last year after a Phillies/Braves game. Food was great. Beer selection was awesome. And the prices were ridiculous compared to Philly. A St. Bernardus in Philly costs close to $12. Not at the Porter! Best fish and chips I've ever had and my guest loved the burger.
(5)
Jennifer s.

The porter is one of the most diverse and delicious bars/restaurants in the little five points area. Run by good people, full of good beer, and food that will make your knees weak. I was really hurt tonight to see protesters outside the bar claiming racism and sexism within the company. After a year of knowing these people and their work ethics and mentalities, I'm truly sad that a previous employee would strive so hard to tear a place that is clearly anything but discriminative down. I was thoroughly enlightened to see that some of the ethnic employees took the time to go to bang on and have shirts made showing their pride to be working there. I hope that people and passers by in general will see past it and stop in and give them a shot, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Justin H.

A great place for beer snobs and hipsters (is there a difference?) but just an ok spot for the blue collar beer drinkers like myself. The Reuben is fantastic and the fish & chips are slightly above par. The service is slow, but this is the L-5-P. Prob be a good spot to bring a girl that pretends to know a lot about beer because she is the only one of her friends that drinks Newcastle instead of Corona or Bud Light.
(3)
Lisa K.

You know how everyone loves Brickstore Pub? Well this is like that, only 3 times better. Food is great, especially try the ceasar salad, if you like anchovies. The beer selection is extensive but not ridiculous and they have tastings! The only thing I don't like is how you have to squeeze past the bar to get to the dining room.
(4)
Andrew K.

Rotating menu of interesting, excellent and well-executed comfort food along with one of the best beer selections I have ever encountered, with an expert on hand to guide you through it. Classic pub atmosphere. One of the best pubs I have been to in the US.
(5)
Brien M.

I have been here quite a few times. I haven't had anything i don't like. The hush puppys are amazing. The shrimp and grits made me almost cry when i had them. perfect on a cold day. The Ruben is also amazing! Best Ruben i have ever had. Now beer. I have had many of the beers and just about all of them have been great. The staff is very knowledgeable so just tell them what you like and they will bring you back some samples.
(5)
Malloy M.

Good food, great beer, meh service. Good drinking place nearby but it's not as good as The Brick Store Pub
(4)
Meg C.

The Porter is an ok place to go, though their food is pretty obviously menued to keep the customer needing some liquid refreshment! The garlic fries, fried goat cheese, mac, and a couple of other things were all great but slightly saltier than I would have cared for in a normal situation. The beer selection is great, though, and the staff was super helpful and quite pleasant so I wouldn't be averse to heading back here another night!
(3)
Scott L.

It's like Brickstore in Decatur with better food.
(4)
Andrew H.

Is it me or is the beer list here A LOT bigger, more diverse and comprehensive than the BrickStore? This may be my new standard for Atlanta beer bars.
(5)
Laura F.

Went there for lunch, the menu is small and not exactly health food... the fries are great...the burger was a belly bomb..and I am still recovering. The service was great so that was a plus. I liked the feel of the place but..besides assorted fried and snack foods I'm not craving anything from there any time soon.
(2)
dan m.

if you like beer...youll love this place if you like food...eat before you get here i got the shrimp blt and when the server said it was served cold like shrimp salad, i had no idea it was pretty much raw shrimp this was the funkiest (meaning crappy) blt ive ever had still hungry, i tried the brownie sundae, hoping for some salvation i took two bites and sent it back...horrible...complete lack of taste the good news is their beer selection and knowledge is vast but go there after eating, or at least not looking for a meal
(2)
Ingemar S.

If you're from the Atlanta area and love ale then you know the others, Brick Store, Gordon Biersch, 5 Seasons and all the rest. The Porter's selection TRULY is heads and tails above all the rest. I can't say that I'm a big eater at the place though I always get one thing consistently -- the garlic fries -- which are better than any kind of potato I've ever had prepared, lol. And the goat cheese fritters. Yeah, yeah, you're thinking, 'goat cheese?' Yes! Goat cheese. They are amazing. If Porter would deliver them a mile away to my home I'd probably eat them every evening with or without beer. They are scrumptious! The design of the Porter is also cozier than any of the other top beer bars you'll find. The top/back room bar of the Brick Store in Decatur is its only rival in this respect. This mom and pop is nice, close and intimate. Not an airy showroom like the other corporate beer chains-yuck. All of this said, I'm giving the Porter one star. Here's why. The Porter is located in Little Five Points Atlanta, the most progressive neighborhood in Atlanta that is also ethnically mixed and diverse. It's THE place to hang and live if you're living inside the city. As someone born, raised and educated in Atlanta I'm very proud of what we've overcome and what we've built with Little Five Points, home to the funkiest, coolest, most eclectic shops you'll find in most of the southern United States. So when I have to walk through a picket line packed with people charging the Porter with racism and sexism, I don't like it. But the goat cheese fritters call so I do (don't snark, you would too if you'd munched on the goat cheese fritters). Once I'm inside and waiting I spy something I didn't expect and the reason I won't be having another goat cheese fritter anytime soon. If ever. The Black staff are wearing shirts that read, 'I'm Black and work at the Porter'. I guess it's possible that they wanted to put on those hideous and insulting shirts but I just can't fathom that. It's safe to assume they were made or coerced to wear them by their bosses. Not frikkin cool. The goat cheese fritter is supreme but I won't feel like I'm in 1950 while I'm eating it. Thanks a lot guys for ruining what was clearly the best place to settle in and really enjoy ale without televisions all over the place. I was thinking about letting this slide and not reviewing but as ridiculous as it sounds, whatever those people outside are picketing about is probably true and it ruins the atmosphere to see Black servers and dishwashers walking around in those offensive shirts. It's 2010. Not 1910! WHAT ARE THE OWNERS THINKING???
(1)
Bri Z.

This place has a huge selection of booze. It's Amazing. Yet the bartender was such a snob about it. It was actually kinda of funny, but still you don't need to be so stuck up about your selection dude!
(4)
Greg C.

Holy smokes was I impressed with this place! Hey wannabees, this is what a gastro pub is supposed to be. Not only I the beer and food reasonable, but extremely well prepared and innovative takes on classic pub fare. I love the attention to detail in pouring each beer in the specific glasses supplied by true breweries.
(5)
Urban Crawler H.

Made our first visit here this week , so my review is based solely on first impressions...it may change later on subsequent visits, but I will not be quick to make that trip anytime soon. The setup of the place was cool and interesting--skinny long bar in the front room leading back and up into equally narrow "L-shaped" dining room area. The exposed brick walls and the rustic wood tables were a nice touch and I definitely dig the whole ambiance of a simple neighborhood pub. Right off the bat we noticed that their clipboard-styled menus were way too similar to the Brick Store's...I think a little originality would've been a nice touch here. The beer selection was good--I don't think it's as vast as Brick Store's, but they had many enticing Belgium beers on tap and the featured Japanese beers was a nice unique touch. The food however was really, really not good...something a lot of reviewers have already commented on, so I thought I was prepared for it...well, I was wrong. After not finding anything on the menu that was enticing, we decided to stick to the usual pub grub--both the basket of Belgium Fries and the Crispy Calamari came out over-fried and hard, and the Kraut and Beer Brats was just so-so, and the 3 small bratwursts for the price of $13 is absolutely ridiculous. Overall, my first impression of The Porter is, it's a knockoff of the Brick Store Pub, but with much worse food. I hope they'll improve, but for right now I'm having a hard time justifying my reasons for returning here.
(3)
Leah M.

I went here with a handful of friends (6 total in the group) for a goodbye party. Each of us had a couple of drinks a piece. We went because we had some craft beer fans in the group, but I am not one. I had the lemon gingerade which is AMAZING. I love it. The lemonade is so fresh and the ginger beer feels so good on your stomach. We had eaten earlier, so we didn't try any of the food. The weirdest part was when we left. We had asked for separate checks in the beginning and settled those out. Two people paid with cash and told the server to keep the change. We went down the street to Star Bar, and about half an hour later, another server from the Porter came and found us because we had "shorted our tab." Of course, it was the two people that had paid in cash that supposedly didn't pay and therefore had no receipt trail because they had told the other server to keep the change. This server wouldn't leave us alone, so we ended up paying for two tabs twice. That left a sour taste in my mouth. I understand being out money sucks, but it just seemed weird.
(3)
J D.

I dig this place. Lots. Terrific beer list, a quality menu and food that is way above the bar food standard, (french fries and popcorn, I love thee) and good service. They don't roll their eyes or give us the crappiest table when we bring the kids in. I've been here several times, with kids, without, with my wife, with friends and with all of the above and it's a great experience. Unlike the lower level bar at the Brick Store, the bartenders aren't completely rude and dismissive either. My only complaint is that it isn't closer to my house. Fix that will ya...
(5)
Scottie Beth F.

Try the daily specials... Delicious! My favorite right now is the BLT.
(5)
Kat W.

If you are a hipster you should put on your [insert something hipsters wear], wax your mustache, and ride your bike on over here. If you like to drink great beer in a comfortable establishment, you should not. The bottled beer selection is impressive but the tap selection can be matched or even beaten by other beer bars and markets in the Atlanta area. The hush puppies were really good (excepting the organic apple spread that accompanied them). However, the service was pretty smug and contemptuous. The bathroom was apalling (everything was wet, it was tiny, there was nowhere to put my bag except the top of the toilet which had a giant lit candle on it-it was like being on a pirate ship: water or fire everywhere I looked). The table was wet as were the menus. Our plates arrived dirty. To top it off: our server didn't know anything about any of the beers on top we inquired about. Which is the point. I'd put up with all the rest if I could have a truly engaging conversation about beer but nope. I've spent a lot of time in Portland, OR and the beer bars there-they aren't trying to be anything and that's the problem here, this place is trying way too hard. Save yourself the hassle of trying to get to this place and just book a plane ticket to Portland.
(1)
T D.

I'm a fan! I don't know much about beer so the menu descriptions are super helpful. I've never ordered one I didn't like. It can get fairly crowded, so expect a wait. I knocked off one star because their bathrooms can be kind of gross. Luckily I live on the next block.
(4)
Kim N.

Hole-in-the-wall bar, which has awesome food & drinks.... what more can you ask for?This place gets really busy on weekends of course. I like to come here closer to 10 pm for drinks and snacks/desserts. Favorites: `salt & vinegar popcorn - so addicting... but be careful eating these lol always make me cough bc the seasoning goes down the wrong pipe ~Belgian fries - can't go wrong ~Shrimp & grits - amazing!! and you can't beat the price $9 I think ~Left Hand milk stout - if you like coffee, you will like this beer ~Grapefruit margarita ~Mint Julep ~The Dude (white Russian with a breakfast twist) ~DESSERTS: I always order the trio.... they come in little mason jars and have always been yummy
(4)
Danny K.

The service was really nice and the experience was fun as well. Only reason I'm giving it a three was the constant taste of something being burnt in my fish and chips. The outer layer of my fish were pretty burnt (the inner fish was amazing though) and the fries were only slightly burnt (was hard to finish them considering I love fries).
(3)
Dee B.

I was with my cousin at Vortex and we started walking around L5P to burn off our stomach with hamburger and we decided to walk into Porter Beer Bar because I've heard great things about it. This place overall is so damn dope. Amazing selection of draft beer on draft and an extensive amount of beer in the bottle. The bar area was hippy and eclectic; everyone e Was friendly and knew their beer! I met the sous chef and I'll be back to eat!!love I found my new favorite place!
(5)
Jared K.

Amazing BEER selection from tap or bottle to local or imported (could take you awhile to read all the choices), cool western salon feel in the back, tasty food options! Go enjoy this place - cheers
(5)
Samantha J.

Porter is usually a sure thing, a great beer selection, and I've always been pleased with the food. This Friday evening was different. From the start, the service was rude. I approached the host with a smile but her attitude made us feel as though we were inconveniencing her. A server led us to our seats before literally throwing the menus down and pushing past us before we even reached the table. We patiently waited 10 minutes for anyone to pay us any attention and bring some waters. Our server seemed completely disinterested. We ordered draught beers each (which were the only saving grace of the night) and then food. My boyfriend ordered the burger and I had the fish and chips. I've had the fish and chips before (without the cornmeal in the batter) and it has been great. The food came out very quickly but when I looked at my fish, the batter was burnt. I tried one bite and it was completely inedible. The batter was way over cooked and left a bitter taste, the fish inside was not much better. I ate some of my fries (the ones that weren't soggy) while I waited for our server to check on us. I waited and waited and waited. My boyfriend finished his meal and still I waited. Finally our server came and simply put his hand out motioning for me to hand him my plate. He never once asked either of us how the food was or if we needed anything else - nobody did. As I handed him the plate complete with the whole piece of fish, he just looked at it, said nothing and walked away. After the 'too cool for school' service and the terrible food, I will not be returning to Porter. I will be taking my business to Wrecking Bar or Diesel Filling Station instead.
(1)
Dan H.

Food is always super good and the rotating specials are super unique and delicious. Porter has a very large draft list of interesting and specialty beers and an absolutely massive draft list. There's a reason it's ranked one of the best beer bars in the country. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Owner is a delight. Monthly events and theme dinners are awesome. Honestly there isn't enough praise I can give one of my favorite watering holes in Atlanta. FYI: try the salt and vinegar popcorn and try not to sneeze!
(5)
Ash A.

Was looking for a place in midtown and ended up here. The area itself is super strange and this place feels like it belongs somewhere else but this gem was well worth their travel. The food was def the best I had in my trip to Atlanta. The catfish was delicate and perfectly cooked, the mussels were delicious and the mac and cheese was the best I had in ATL. Would def go again
(5)
Sahil D.

Love this place. No bud lights or mich ultras here. Great place for the true beer drinker. Endless variety of brews from all of the world. Very knowledgable and professional bartenders.
(5)
Dayle S.

My husband and I went to ATL for a visit in 2009 and we are still talking about this place. Great pub fair, and a mile long beer menu broken down by region. We are planning a visit in a few weeks and will be returning. We love the rustic pub feel with the dark wood and booths. A great find.
(5)
Bryan B.

I stopped in for lunch last week with my boyfriend and fell in love with this restaurant. The server was also the bartender and was working the restaurant by himself. Honestly I was a bit concerned when he told us that was the case but we would have never noticed if he didn't say anything. Even working on his own the service was outstanding! The restaurant is a really cool layout in what appears to be a pretty historic building. It's the kind of place that I could see not being for everyone but if you're into great food and an amazing beer selection this is the place for you. I tend not to worry about what bathrooms look like or if a building has a little age on it when I go out to eat as cited in some of the other reviews of this place. I suppose that's just the chef in me. For lunch my boyfriend and I had the burger. By far one of the best burgers I have had in a long time. The boyfriend got the fries which were incredible, garlicky, and coated in fresh herbs. I had the Mac and Cheese which is something I'm a bit of a fiend for. The porters Mac and Cheese made me a very happy man. For an appetizer we shared the calamari which was fried to golden perfection. It was a little heavy on the citrus for me but take away the extra lemon juice and it would be perfect. If you're in the neighborhood this is a spot you have to try. Whether you're a "foodie" (a term I hate), a beer drinker, or just an all around fan of epically cool restaurants The Porter has got you covered. Enjoy, buddies!
(5)
Suzy D.

Porter Beer Bar is getting a new line in which will up their count to 35 beers on tap. But even that isn't where Porter Beer Bar's money lies: they have over 10 double sided pages of beers available by the bottle and can. You're talking hundreds of beers. And they update their beer menu online daily by 6pm. They also have a pretty extensive whiskey list. The waiters really know their stuff. Not only do they know their inventory off the top of their heads, but they were able to maneuver their way through the 20+ pages of the drink menu to show you what it was they were recommending. Most impressive. I drank every oatmeal stout they had. Ok, it was two, but still, that's two more than most places. The St. Ambroise won but the Samuel Smith's was a decent second. For eats, I had mac and cheese and Jess had the beer brat. The m&c was so rich and cheesy that we couldn't finish it. But I wanted to. Really bad. It's made with legit cheese, bÃ©chamel, asiago and cheddar, none of that packaged Velveta crap. The brat plate consisted of two huge brats and was accompanied by the Belgian fries (herb and garlic oil mmmmm). But my favorite part of the menu: they pair everything with beer suggestions. Someday I'd like to come back for a beery brunch here. The brunch menu is small but crazy cheap; nothing even hits the $10 mark. The venue itself is charming. It's just piecemealed enough to be unique without being too divey. The waiters edged on the hipster side. Unfortunately, smoking is allowed after 10 pm.
(5)
Dai T.

Excellent food. Cool beers. No space around the bar, so go to the back. Salt n vinegar popcorn is a must!
(4)
Jeff E.

The hush puppies, cocktails and beer selection are all amazing. It's pretty crowded, and with good reason.
(5)
Tongie S.

I was so disappointed...my Dtr. suggested I come here because I desired a Reuben. Well let me tell you...it started out beautifully...the Server was genuine...honest...and an overall great person. The Mgr on the other hand...AWFUL!!! I decided against the Reuben and wanted to go for cheese and a soft cocktail...the Server told me about the cocktail and I noticed the price was $4.75...for Atlanta...well within reason for 3:00 in the afternoon...the check came and the drink doubled in price. I quickly reviewed the menu and informed the Server that the price was doubled...he apologized profusely and stated that he would ck with management...I seriously thought that the issue would be fixed...can you imagine how I felt when he came back to our table only to say" I'm sorry"? Listen...I'm all for supporting small businesses...I have a few myself...but to blatantly mistreat someone in your establishment...well that's unheard of with so many vehicles that can create a very unpleasant "Social" reputation. I will NEVER EVER visit this place again! I caution each of you to be mindful that if you order a specialty drink at one price...it can very well come back to you doubled!!!!! Mistakes happen...I get it! But to disrespect a paying customer by not adhering to what you advertise...something is wrong with that picture. I began to feel that perhaps because my skin was a little darker was the reason for this ill-treatment. In my 20 years of being in business I have always honored my prices, even if they were outdated and the loss was my own fault. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED...PS...Yelp will not allow you to post without giving at least a "star"...they do Not deserve this star...it was forced...
(1)
Theresa L.

Surprisingly delicious, last time I went to the Porter's the food was ehh. This time I found it very satisfying and tasty. I had the spicy shrimp and eggplant. I think it was an appetizer. Salt & Vinegar popcorn is fun to eat, I warn you though don't pop a whole handful in yoru mouth at once. You might be showering your friends with some popcorn. When my food came out it looked so delectable, it looked like a flower. The eggplant being the petals and the good sized portion of shrimp being the center, sprinkled with some fresh okra. The sauce on this was SO yummy, spicy yet sweet and the ingredients were all cooked perfectly. Warning: the pop corn will make you cough, the vinegar hits your throat in such a way you cant help but cough.Definitely addicting, you just want to try it again to see if you'll cough again. Each time you try to eat some more even though you know its going to happen your body can not help it. French fries were piping hot and very well seasoned, they must bre fresh otherwise they get a bit soggy, Instead of using ketchup I acutally used the sauce from my eggplant, seriously I kid you not it was THAT GOOD. Beer selection is out of this world. I had a little sumthin sumthin ale. YUM Loved the name, loved the taste, I even took the bottle home, it was a cute bottle that looked vintage. St. Benardus was pretty good too, looks heavier than I prefer but it was light. This place is so cozy. one of my atlanta favs. Having some cool people around also helps!
(5)
Jenn D.

I love the Porter, I love the food, the beer, the people. It can get a little crowded later in the evenings, but it's worth getting close to your neighbors for this experience. So far I've had the Hush Puppies, The Burger (probably now the best in Atlanta), the herb fries, the shrimp and grits, and the goat cheese fritters. The only thing I wouldn't have again were the goat cheese fritters, but they were still good to try. And The Porter is one of the few places in town you can get a cask ale and it's always something good. Hooray for The Porter, I hope you guys stick around for a long long time!
(5)
Meg W.

The Porter has a great atmosphere (I am a total sucker for exposed brick), a great location (It helps that this bar is only a mile from where I live. When it's late and I'm ready to go home, I can walk! Always a +) and an excellent beer selection (120 beers). It reminds me of Brick Store Pub...but it seems to attract a younger and more diverse crowd. My friend ordered the Allagash Four, which instantly would have become my new go-to beer...if it didn't cost $21. The waiters were very knowledgeable about the beer list and gave great suggestions. We didn't order food, we were much too occupied by the beer, but I will definitely be back for dinner. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the Porter's Reuben is "possibly the best sandwich in Atlanta." I just may have to see for myself!
(4)
Isaiah D.

First time at the Porter, and I'm kicking myself for not going here sooner. The place has a great selection of beers you won't find most places, and the atmosphere made me feel like I was at a station or stop in Wes Anderson's Darjeeling Limited. The luggage and suitcases everywhere add to its great feel. I had an amazing burger and a ridiculous amount of fries to go with it. Check this place out now!
(4)
SC S.

This place doesn't have an overall 5-star rating? How can you not love this place? The beer selection is wild. Everything you want, and the prices are great. And the food. The foooood. Its great, ya'll. The sweet potato soup? With some sorty of candied ginger on top? The fries? The friiies. The mac and cheese? Ok, I can see someone giving it four stars if they got seated at one of those tiny tables next to the bathroom and had to watch drunk people careen in and out of the commode all night, smelling of piss and...high gravity stout. But even then, you're still eating the yummy food, and drinking the delicious beer. If you're sitting in the back, with a tummy full of beer and garlic pom frittes, then you're having a 5-star night.
(5)
Julie E.

Unbelievable!! Need I say more about excellent food, extensive beer menu and knowledgeable servers?
(5)
Yen T.

I've been to the Porter many times and while the food can be hit or miss, I always enjoy being there. Of course, the beer is the reason we go. The waitstaff is always friendly and I think that attitude funnels down from one of the owners who's always there and is always smiling. I have to give them props for the daily specials on their food menu. Compared to the boring menus at other pubs around town, the Porter menu is interesting and I can always find something different to try. The only dish that I've ordered more than once is the biscuits and sausage gravy during weekend brunch.
(4)
Peter Y.

I hit the Porter again last night to try out a few different things on the menu. I have to say...the salt & vinegar popcorn was awesome! I just wanted something to munch on while we're drinking and the popcorn just called out to me and it was better than expected. Also had the calamari, which tasted great but had too few pieces. Still want to upgrade to a solid 4 though.
(4)
Jen B.

Great Beer Selection! And best burger and fries, I have had in town.
(4)
Raymund S.

The Fries, The beer list, the Black bean burger with the goat cheese and arugula salad...My sever Timothy was very knowledgeable about the beers and I took his recommendations and loved them. We ate outside on Easter Sunday and I had my Standard Poodle Romeo with me and it was no problem. There was a drum beating session going on next door that was peace but it seemed to be bothering my girlfriends girlfriend. But she's always a little uptight, so maybe it was just being herself. Definitely go here if you appreciate the art of beer making and enjoy a mountain of fries with your burger.
(4)
Brittaney D.

I love this place and go there regularly...the food is flavorful and well made (their fries are my favorite ever ever ever). The price point is dead on perfect and the extensive beer menu is great, considering most places only have like 15-20 drink options. I love knowing theres a place in the neighborhood that is cozy and friendly with a menu that changes...or at least it feels like it does? I've never once waited for a table, no matter how packed they are. Also, The Porter attracts a relatively cool crowd..no obnoxious teens or kids; they're all adults with composure and style. Go to The Porter for their great hearty pub food, tasty veggies, CHEESE, BEER and a good time.
(4)
Angelica B.

I am not ashamed to say I eat here several times a week. It is one of my first suggestions when asked "Where does food come from" or "Where should we go for lunch." Sometimes the service can be overwhelmed or aloof, but it's never really affected my experience. I sometimes eat here alone, and am never bothered by creeps, unless they're my friends who are sitting at the bar while I try to sneak into the back. Sometimes it is really smoky, but not during the day. The beer list here rivals the brickstore, and the staff is really knowledgeable. I don't usually come here to drink -- I come here for the food. The food is GOOD. Especially the specials. I've never been dissatisfied with a special, and the only time I was not completely excited and enthusiastic was the beef stroganoff, but maybe i just wasn't in the mood for it. That said, the house-made noodles were the most perfectly textured noodles I've ever tasted, and very fresh. The stand-by here for me is the Shrimp BLT, it's satisfying but still cool and refreshing -- the jicama is the best part. I usually have the arugula salad on the side, it is so perfect (occasionally overdressed but not smothered fortunately) . The banana split is pretty crave-able as well as the apple beignets ("There's no shame in two desserts," said the server). Last night I had a soup that blew my mind. Once again, another enticing special: I wanted something comforting and mild, not too filling, so I went for the cauliflower soup. "Shaved Almonds with Beer Marshmallow," said the heading. BEER MARSHMALLOW?!? What's a beer marshmallow? The server explained to me that it was a house-made whipped marshmallow flavored with beer. I ordered it, and immediately the fear was mounting. I questioned my choice -- was I out of my mind? My palms became sweaty as one of the kitchen staff brought a platter to me with a bowl and what looked like a Belgian beer glass full of milk. He whispered with the anticipation of a child awaiting a report card, "cauliflower soup?" "Oh, yeah," I somehow choked out. He set the bowl down. Its bottom was covered by shaved almonds. Atop them was a fluffy, slimy, white blob. He poured the contents of the beer glass over it and instructed that I enjoy. I scooped out a heaping spoonful of the frothy slime and slurped. It was cool, sweet, mild, pleasant, heavenly. La Chouffe! In Marshmallow form! The soup was delicate, satisfying, and perky with fresh parsley leaves. i savored the last little floating frothy lump with a scoop of the almonds from the bottom -- rich creamy goodness. I am amazed that such a place exists in L5P. I feel special
(4)
Julie J.

I liked this place enough. It wasn't mind-blowing but it was cozy and had a great selection of beers. I came here with friends for dinner on a Saturday night and was fortunate enough to get a table immediately. Ten minutes later though and we'd have waited 30 minutes or more. Service was quick and friendly, though harried at times. The food was just okay, which was disappointing because of all the rave reviews on Yelp. I think you're best off ordering a bunch of starters, rather than any of the entrees.
(3)
Mark H.

Great place! I was a bit worried about finding a good bar where the crowd isn't too "young" (as in college-aged). This place is great though. I highly suggest it for any beer lovers out there. Feel free to ask questions about the beers because the staff members know their stuff!
(5)
Joshua P.

What a great place to hole up and drink your way through an afternoon. Every time I come here I get giddy with excitement - I guess I'm just a sucker for great beer. I've never eaten here, but every time I've asked a fellow patron about their grub they rave about it. I wouldn't go as far as saying that they have a better selection than the Brick Store, but they may have more diverse offerings. Not the same "beer hall" feeling of Brick Store either, but a great atmosphere none the less. An excellent addition to the L5P bar scene.
(4)
Optimus P.

Excellent choice for refreshment. I spotted my new friend Humblebee there recently, but as both of our Autobot aliases are still secret, I did not say hello. Optimus enjoyed all 147 varieties of beer in a single gulp. This beer version of soda-fountain "suicide" was by far the most delicious I've had since arriving on your little blue planet. So tasty, I had another. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the food. The apparently well-trained chef/owners' reputations (literally framed on the walls) seem unfitting after churning out "gastro-pub" grub without an inkling of respect for the dishes' origins. Sickly-sweet lemon "aioli" to dip a cold-shrimp BLT? Disgusting. Might as well have brought me some frozen cinnamon roll icing to dip shellfish in. The sandwich was unforgivably greasy. The fries are hollow - yes, hollow - which tells me they were frozen or at the very least prepped far too early, and the delicious seasoning (garlic & herb) as well as the charred-onion mayo it comes with is lost due to the poor texture and hearti-less-ness of the fries themselves. My only other choice of side? Arugula salad - for a whopping $1.50 more, even though it's tiny (saw one at another table) compared to the huge amount of fries you get without the extra charge. My companion got a burger which he couldn't finish, so I took a swat at it since I had [politely] dumped my shrimp into a napkin and flushed it away. It was good but overcooked (they actually use fresh Angus beef, so he'd asked for it medium-rare, but they brought out a crispy, medium-well patty). Not bad, but at $10.75, they must be joking. It was massive, I'll admit, but also greasy and not in the good burger way: in the nasty, cold, deep-fried bacon kinda way. Why attempt this when there are so many better, cheaper burgers in this area? It doesn't make sense. Your friend Optimus doesn't visit Little Five Points as often as he used to, but he still knows where to get a good burger for cheap around there. Optimus is sure to return. Just not for the food.
(3)
j l.

thank goodness things here have improved since my last visit! our server had lots of nice beer suggestions and was able to answer our questions, was as attentive as could be expected with a full house, and of course the food was delish. with the service stepped up a notch, the porter is definitely a place to frequent for a decent beer and some damn good hushpuppies :)
(3)
Cara C.

We had a great meal sitting at the bar, billy was our server- he was great about suggesting items for a cold night. We had the Brooklyn Chocolate stout, hush puppies( I loved the moistness), onion soup(exactly the traditional style with thick bread and blanketed with gooey cheese), fish n'chips and great garlic fries. I could be a regular in a snap.
(5)
Brittany H.

I will join in and write a review for The Porter, though I am not sure if it is even needed at this point. We first went to The Porter about a month ago, on a Friday night. As expected, it was crowded as hell, with a wait for both a table and the bar. I was happy to see one of my old friends was the bartender, so we got a drink there for round one, then moved to a table for dinner, then back to the bar for round three and four. (Only four...I'm trying to cut back.) I had a really good porter to start with, and my friend got a Delirium Tremens, one of his favorites. (At a much more reasonable price than I have seen at some other places. *cough* Edgewood Corner Tavern *cough*) For dinner, we had the scallop special, which was great. The scallops were perfectly cooked, served over roasted tomatoes and fennel, and it was yummy. We tried the mac and cheese too, which was also good, but I hate when it says macaroni and it is actually shells. (Hey, they are still getting five stars, it isn't that important. Just let me know what I am ordering!) We also split the burger...ah, the burger was great. Bacon and cheese, cooked just the way I ordered it? You would think this would be an easy task, but many places over cook to the point that I might as well start ordering rare so it will come out correctly. Our server, Justin, was nice and sufficient, even though he was very busy. We grabbed a seat at the bar, and Ty made me a perfect mint julep. (or three.) Matt moved around the beer menu a bit more, and tried the special cask of the night. (We were there pretty late, and they do allow smoking after ten, for those who are bothered by it.) It was a fun night, so we made plans to go back for my birthday. We took a few more people for my birthday, and they nibbled on a few things, like the mussels, which were well-received. The real star of the night was the two desserts, one of which was a special that I don't recall the name of, and a fresh tiramisu. The Porter is a great place to find good beers you have never heard of, enjoy wonderfully crafted food, and run into people you haven't seen in years. What more do you need?
(5)
Juan M.

I'll add my voice here. We just got back - it was great. What a weird weird space - it was like a combination of the bar in the first Indiana Jones movie (where the babe is tossing down shots with the oafy guy) with an I Spy book (parents out there, you know what I'm talking about). Should I back up and give context? Yeah, I agree. So, I'm in the Pacific Northwest all week - separated from my better Half and kiddies. SHE picks me up at the airport and decide to debrief at this place based on a cool review from Yelp (of course) as well as some intowner magazine thing. We get there and are a little visually overwhelmed; bu tthen are led to our seat. I think I saw this term recently - asses to ankles (or something like that) - it's tight. But it was good! We started with a GF beer for Her (of course) and I told the server to bring me "something" - these were accompanied by the popcorn with vinegar and salt and the Belgian fries (historical note: did you know that the language spoken in Belgium is belch?). Really good - and both went perfectly with the beer. Next, She had the pumpkin soup (it's GF) and I had the pot roast. I have a huge appetite, but I brought the remnants home with me of the pot roast. It was great. Our server was Joe who totally took care of us and took the challenge of "Please bring me a beer" and "Please bring me food" without batting an eyelash. We'll be back. The End. Juan M., Grade 4
(5)
Ashley P.

So I've been to Porter a couple times now, and I'm impressed! Naturally, I love the beer list. From what I can tell, they put a good deal of effort into carrying a lot of cool seasonal beers. Clearly a Brickstore rip (or maybe they're by the same people?), as the beer descriptions are pretty much verbatim what you'll find at Brickstore, but nonetheless, a nice beer list. Also, the beer menu looks a tad expensive at first. 4-5 bucks for 12oz on draught... not so great, right? However, I have yet to *actually* be served a 12oz portion; it's always been a full pint, for whatever reason. I'm not asking questions! As for the food, the only thing I've actually had is the hush puppies. They were fabulous; not hush puppies at all, but fabulous. Let's just say they were bacon cheese fritters. With apple sauce. I don't generally go for the bacon-cheese anything, but these were seriously awesome. Overpriced, yes, but I would order them again, and I would most certainly return to try other menu items. Take what you want from that. Now for the loss of a star... The way the building is set up makes it so that there is almost ZERO ventilation in the back. It's a bar, people smoke, I get it. Normally, that would just be one of those "I don't like this thing, but that's just me, so I won't fault the place for it" statements in my review. But, seriously, it's a little out of control at Porter. I literally could not breathe, the air was hazy, I had to wash my clothes a good 3x, and Kyle and I ended up closing out early and moving up front. As for the silver lining, I've never seen the place like that on weekdays. Also, much applause for serving food super late! *applause* *applause*
(4)
Bee N.

I was beginning to feel bitter after writing two bad reviews, so I had to think of some place that I have enjoyed in the past few weeks and I thought of Porter Beer Bar. First, I have to say going back to the old Bridgetown Grill space brought back a lot of crazy college memories and of course, running into old college friends helped revive that, too! The place reminds me of the Brickstore with their huge selection of beer and their menu, too. The veggie burger was yummy and the shrimp & grits were awesome. We also tried a spicy beer with a pepper inside of it. Really interesting and worth tasting. It left a warm feeling in my belly. Don't get the bloody mary, though. It was really subpar and served in a jelly jar, which is a little odd. I wish they would stop using jelly jars--I don't get it. That is my one qualm about the place!
(4)
Jessica R.

Considering the enormous number of beer options at The Porter, HOW can you go wrong? Love the location, the feel, the people, helpful staff. Had a few apps - were delish. Wouldn't mind being a regular here.
(5)
Jeff F.

Visited the area from out of town and stopped in to grab a quick beer and be on my way...ended up staying a couple hours and having a fantastic burger accompanied by a ton of fries. Beer selection was great and the bartender, Justin, was very informative of the beer selection and area happenings. Will definately stop in again when in the area!!
(5)
Hambri Enta M.

At the urging of my Wingman, I met him for Lunch today. It was 1/2 priced food, I guess all March. I ordered my fave salad the GRILLED CAESAR, yum. I still do not understand why I am getting a poached egg with it? Is kind of NOT my thing...Is it your thing?: to get an almost raw yolk with your Ensalada? I tried the mussels, and they leave much to be desired, like, my desire that they tasted like something, that they seasoned the broth, that there was some garlic flavors or the tomato flavor that is supposed to come with the namesaked title "Mussels with Garlic and tomato Broth"...where is the tomato broth? I will stick to P'cheens. The serving was meager too. Beer was good and of course,Lagunitas Pilsner. The "patio" is non existent, as it all comes down to a tiny area with 2 little seating tablets...of course, is not their fault. Also, I think they need to remove the corner seating or shave down the bar, or remove the seats by the entrance, one can't barely fit walking in (I am not a large person), and the Kegs in the hallway close to the walkway towards back is a sure fire hazard because it is obstructing the safe entrance and exiting. I guess everyone is bound to stumble out of there if they have a few high gravity beers!
(3)
Stacy A.

I ventured here again this past weekend and was surprisingly disappointed compared to my last visit. My food arrived before my beer. Not even sure how that's possible in a beer bar, but service was not great, the place was a mess, and I'd rather not spend so much time waiting on drinks. The food is always good here, but the ambiance just doesn't make me want to return.
(3)
Destin D.

I love the atmosphere and friendly staff. The beer selection is really good and usually fairly priced. I've heard people say that they are trying to be the next Brickstore, but I disagree. The food menu is different too and I acutally think they put more thought into it. Get the mac 'n cheese. You won't regret it!
(4)
julia g.

Um, where do I even start?? How about with, WOW! It was my first time in Atlanta, and first time in Little Five Points. Not knowing where to go a group of us stumble upon The Porter and saddle up in a table towards the back. The minimal yet vintage/raw feel of the place was very inviting. Everything on the menu sounded delish! We ended up getting the calamari, hush puppies, mussels, fries, and arugula salad as starters, and had the shrimp blt and rueben sandwich as entrees - - Everything was sooooo good! Too bad I was with a bunch of people because I wanted to eat everything! We kept giving our praise to our server and come to find out that it was only their 3rd day of business.. what??! Oh, and did I mention all the yummy beers they have? What's also nice is that the menus recommend which beer goes well with each menu item, not to mention the helpful and knowledgeable staff. And to top it all off, the owners kick ass! They're both super laid back and just seem like two really great people. I definitely didn't get a snobby vibe from anyone... oh yeah, the music selection rocks. good food, good beer, good people, and the misfits? I'm there
(5)
Eliza K.

The service was okay, but it took a while both to get our order taken and to get our food... pretty weird for the middle of the afternoon on a Monday. The food was okay, but not stellar. The beer selection was fantastic, however.
(3)
V K.

I don't dole out 5 stars to pubs and beer bars, but this is a first. If you enjoy drinking and merry making, you will love Porter. With an amazing selection of beers and an excellent service, the place draws you in for endless visits. Agreed the parking situation isn't the best during peak times, but Porter is so good that I'd go here over any other beer place regardless of the parking. Easily one of the best in Atlanta and everywhere else that I've had a drink. 2 Thumbs Up!
(5)
Cat P.

The food is solid and the beer selection--just wow. Best place I've been in a long time. Fantastic.
(5)
theron t.

Maybe I'm spoiled living in Decatur and having so many places that already serve great craft beer and Belgians, but the Porter did not impress me very much. The beer selection is great, but the food was a disappointment. The popcorn is good, but the goat cheese "fritters" were not so great. These resembled cheese sticks instead of "fritters". House made fries were pretty good. For me, I know that a menu is not very exciting when the only thing that sparks my interest is a burger. The bartender recommended this rather expensive burger, so I thought that it was a safe bet. First of all, the burger wasn't grilled, it was cooked on a flat-top and when it got to me it was swimming in grease. Definite gut bomb. It did come with enough fries to feed a small family. The wife got the shrimp and grits, which was average. For a chef driven "gastropub", I got to say that the food needs some help. It's mostly boring sandwiches with a little creativity. Service at the bar was really good. Only been here once, but didn't see any reason to go back. However, I probably will try it again sometime, just to be fair.
(3)
dean N.

A phenomenal beer selection with really knowledgeable bar keepers, this gastropub combines a wide range of beers with the finest in bar food. If you're in the mood for a different pub experience, this is the place to go.
(4)
Lauren W.

It's hard to find if you've never been there and parking is tricky too. The space is really tight to trying to get around in (very small restaurant), so DO NOT bring your kids or a large group of people. But other than being REALLY cramped, it was a unique place with good food, try the signature hush puppies or Belgian Fries as a starter (Yum)!
(3)
Matt B.

I've dropped in here twice now, both times to grab a bite before a show at The Variety Playhouse. No doubt that this will become a routine stop before all future Variety shows. Awesome place to grab a brew or two, along with fantastic grub, the proper prelude to great tunes across the street. This place bills itself as a beer bar and there is no embellishment in that designation. The variety of selection and care with which they are poured is second to non in the ATL. But if you are expecting standard pub grub, hold onto your pint glass Polly! The food here is outstanding. Fish n Chips as good as I've had anywhere, with a solid, crispy outer shell that doesn't dissolve and melt away with loads of malt vinegar. And they have burger that is something to sing about, although I'm not quite sure it merits the price. Plan on arriving plenty early, as the seating is very limited and the wait can be substantial. The good news is that once you are in, the service is extremely efficient. Love the Porter!
(4)
Jarrod C.

Best draught list in Little 5 by far! In fact, only the Brick Store has a better overall draught/bottle list in Atlanta. You must try the salt and vinegar popcorn...words can't express how amazing that stuff is. The burger was tasty and I had 3 friends that gave the fish 'n chips a thumbs up. I can see this quickly becoming an Atlanta favorite. Solid, but I need to have a few more trips before I give that crucial 4th star!
(3)
Brittany M.

Always great beer and authentic tasty food to pair with just about any drink! Great atmosphere and good people! Must have for a drink after work or people watching on the patio in L5P.
(4)
Larry K.

Had an overall good experience at Porter. Beer list was excellent, food was very good. Had the fish and chips and must say that it was one of the better I have had. Mac and Cheese appetizer was also excellent. If you have to eat in the Little Five Points area, which is not known for it's quality of restaurants, this is really your only option. Service wasn't awful, and was very friendly, but a little shaky and seemed somewhat overwelmed for a large Saturday night crowd. I would go back on a weeknight to see if it is any better. In conclusion - a must if you are in Little Five Points for the night and would put it in the rotation.
(4)
Cricket B.

Yummy food for a beer bar! I loved the goat cheese drizzled with honey! Tastey tastey! Our server was super nice and i enjoyed sitting in the window seat and watching all of the L5P shoppers passing by. Will definitely visit again! Check it out!!!
(4)
Melissa D.

If you don't frequent Little 5 and are apprehensive, you don't need to worry. No matter what your scene is, you'll notice people just like you at Porter. You should be paying attention to your food and drink anyway. They command your attention here with their complex flavors. Beer, beer, beer. Bottles, samplers, and cocktails made with beer. If you're not here for beer, there's lemon gingerade in a big old mason jar with or without alcohol. And there's cocktails served by the pint or quart. And to soak up all the alcohol, there's food. The starters are all delicious, cheap, and plentiful. Do what I do and order a few to share. It stretches the beer money. If you're not a nibbler, get a main course of comfort food, such as the grown up version of shrimp and grits with truffle oil. Smart, efficient staff and a comfortable environment round out the experience. This is a must-try, must-return, must-frequent.
(4)
Mary L.

damn this place makes me happy. of course the MASSIVE beer list is one of the main attractions, but that is only the starting point on why I love thee so. everything from the salt and vinegar popcorn to the HUGE veggie burger and garlic fries to the shrimp n' grits is sooo good!! the atmosphere is unique and laid back, and the service is always great on even the busiest of night. will go back again...again....and again.
(5)
Linsey C.

go there every time i'm in town and absolutely love it. the beer choice is incredible and Justin is the best bartender in town. he knows the best brews to go with anything and is super nice. If you're not a huge beer drinker get The ginger vodka lemonade, it'll change your life. the food is unreal and the specials always kickass. definitely try the black bean burger, best i've ever had and get up on some shrimp and grits!!! The Porter Rocks!
(5)
Wendy C.

This place is one of my most favorite restaurants and bar in the city! Any time I can get 5 star food in a casual atmosphere I am all about it! I have never had 1 thing off this menu I didn't like, and they always have great daily specials. some of my favorites include the bone marrow gnocchi, the pumpkin ravioli, their house made terrine served w bacon powder. My favorite drink there is something called Lemon Gingerade. This is just a great place in a cool neighborhood to get great food and be able to go in jeans and a baseball cap!
(5)
Robert S.

The Porter Beer Bar is a fantastic little gastropub located in the heart of eclectic L5P. My second visit in as many weeks was today and I found it even better the second time. The bar space (which is the only part of the establishment that I have eaten) bears resemblance to the neighborhood in which it graces. The bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly. And, best of all the food and drink are superb as would be expected since the kitchen is headed by Nick Rutherford (formerly of Seeger's, Quinones at Bacchanalia, and the Chocolate Bar). Both visits to the Porter have resulted in the eating of both quintessential bar food (Belgian Fries served with a charred onion mayo) as well as more unique fare (Duck confit sliders and chicken liver mousse). Everything was perfect. The sliders were a beautiful mixture of fattiness and tenderness and was accompanied with a fruity apricot compote. The flavors could not have worked better. The same goes for the chicken liver mousse which had a thin layer of solid fat on top of a ramekin of delicate mousse over a Riesling gelee. Accompanied by lightly toasted bread to spread, the flavors were an orgiastic feast for the senses. I did not want to stop eating it! In addition to the cuisine, the Porter has a fantastic beer list and drink menu. The beer bargain of the year is the 17 oz Franziskaner Dunkelweizen at $4.75, a beautiful wheat beer from Germany. But the draught beer list consists of beers from the UK, Belgium, Ireland, Germany and the US with at least half at a price of under $4.00. They also have a nice and reasonably priced list of bottled beers, drinks and wine. The menu also does a great job of identifying pairings to go with each of the dishes if you don't trust yourself to make the right choice. The Porter all in all is a great addition to L5P since moving into the space on Euclid in September, 2008 and I hope that it sticks around for a long time. It has quickly become one of my favorite casual places in L5P and definitely up there overall in the City.
(4)
Erica J.

love the interior, very rustic and casual. great beer selection, although i'm not much of a beer drinker. i went mostly to hang out with a group of friends. we ordered a few appetizers, mac & cheese and goat cheese fritters, and they were yummy. i ordered their black bean burger and it was blah....mushy and tasteless. a friend ordered their shrimp and grits and it was delicious.
(3)
Marina R.

Unfailingly great. I have to admit it justifies the otherwise pretentious term "gastro-pub," but the prices aren't pretentious at all. The beer list is absolutely endless. The burger may be the best I've ever eaten.
(5)
Jason M.

The food is pretty good here (I had the shrimp and grits), but what really sets this place apart is the beer selection. They have a very solid 12-15 craft beers on tap and an extensive bottle list. The atmosphere is also really nice - not divey, not formal, just very unpretentious. If I'm in ATL again, I will definitely go back.
(5)
Anna F.

Don't know which came first, but Porter Beer Bar and Brickstore Pub (Decatur) are near exact replicas of each other - which is awesome - as both provide a clipboarded beer list that contains the most extensive Belgian variety in Atlanta (or so I've seen/heard), accompanied with a clipboard menu of German/Belgian-inspired bar food. Upsides of Porter Bar are: 1) it's not quite as ridiculously packed out, and 2) it's in a much more convenient, in-town location. If you're looking to try some new beers that you'll have trouble finding elsewhere - try the Banana Bread Beer (fun and refreshing) and the Belgian Framboise (tastes like rasberry!).
(4)
Dustin S.

Finally, the ATL is starting to pile up these great beer houses found mostly out west. True Gastropub. Excellent beer selection that does not turn its nose up to local brews (Sweetwater, Terrapin on the menu). Good beer samplers. Fun themes during the week. Food is solid. They have nightly specials. Little Five Points gem which feels like you are on Haight Street in San Francisco, but a less snooty atmosphere and much friendlier staff than any of the Gastropubs in SF.
(4)
Alice J.

Great for a first date especially if he is paying - little pricey, but great for beer snobs. I always seem to sit at the same table - not intentionally. The food smells amazing, but first dates - nothing for me thanks - just wait till he gets to know me - then he'll stop taking me out - ok I'll never get a chance to eat here, but great vibe, nice / knowledgeable staff - and close to home.
(5)
Owen M.

Porter's has an amazing selection of European beers and great food. The bratwurst and sauerkraut was delicious and so were the steamed mussels. I found the service here to be lacking.
(4)
Erin G.

great beer menu. reminded us of brickstore in decatur. ambience is warm & friendly - love the way that you don't expect the rest of the restaurant hidden in the back. server wasn't exactly well versed in beers, but we knew what we wanted, so we were in good shape. appetizers...we ordered the pretzel and it was very disappointing. we're talkin straight out of the freezer, grabbed it at a hockey game pretzel. nothing you'd expect a nice pub to have. they redeemed themselves with their kick ass french fries - all crispy and garlicky and great fish and chips. the fish was HUGE. i could only eat half. will go back to to try other menu items. comfortable place to grab a few and eat some pubby food!
(3)
Jason C.

GREAT beer selection!
(4)
massiel g.

I have gone to the Porter a four times so far while visiting Atlanta; twice in December and twice in February. I am not a big beer dinker in general but the cozy environment at this pub is so inviting to a woman. The wait staff are really knowledgeable too about the beer on the menu and every time I have been there have recommended beer to my liking. The food is also not the typical "bar food", which as a foodie from San Francisco I really appreciated. I definitely see myself going back to the Porter every time I visit Atlanta. Really good food, really good beer, a really great combination!
(5)
Jay S.

I hope my review helps put them up to five starts. First off yes this is a brew house type trendy place so people should not go if they are expecting a up scale dining experience without a diverse crowd and a younger mix of people. Was not at all smoky when I was there on a Friday, in fact they made people go outside to smoke. The beer menu is great, would have liked to see more Irish beers on there, but still very extensive. Me and my friend went there at 3:00 and didn't leave till after 9:00. Food was good, the appetizers are the best. The vinegar popcorn and hush puppies were really good. My entree of Shrimp and Grits was what I expected it to be, nothing extrodinary. But the server was VERY knowledgeable on all the beers I asked about and made great recommendations based on what I like. Overall definitely a place I will go to again, and again.
(5)
Niraj S.

Revised: Service has improved and the beers are awesome, closer and easier to get to than the brick store, which is a cluster. I have been back here a lot of times. Learning to not be so harsh when places are new and I am willing to revise my revues Let me preface by saying that I will definately go back to this place, but I will stick to the bar and stick to a liquid diet. I like the atmosphere and the drink selection. The food here kinda sucks and the service is miserable, enough said, it takes about 15-20 mins for your beers to be delivered no joke. As for bartenders the guy with the mustache (goatee maybe) kinda sucks but the shaved head guy is great so overall they get 4 stars.
(4)
Alicia C.

I've been here twice so far - once on a weekend, once during a weekday - and both times have been fantastic. The beer list is definitely something with five or six pages of domestic and imported beers. Both servers I've had were able to give their recommendations, so these clueless servers must be elsewhere. The food is also very solid. Their seasonal specials are always worth a try. The last time I was there I had fries made out of chickpeas. They were incredible. I'm a huge fan of their shrimp and grits, which they top with truffle oil. I can't think of anything tastier. I also recommend their mussels. It's great to go with a group of friends or stands great as a date venue. The best part? (Besides the food and the beer...) You can smoke after 10pm.
(5)
Bryan S.

Awesome experience. Get the salt and vinegar popcorn!
(4)
B W.

If you're a beer fan, this is the place for you to go! I'm not, i'm a pure liquor person myself, but the establishment itself is nice, you would think its small because of the tiny bar when you first walk in until you go around back and see the giganticness (imaginary word, i know lol) of this place. Either way, I doubt I would go back, but over all a nice place to go for beer.
(3)
Mariela G.

yup, It really is as good as it gets.
(5)
Beverly N.

Next visit to the Porter.... the same server, Joe, promptly and kindly greeted us as soon as we were seated. He was extremely helpful in choosing beers, and even introduced us to a brown ale that we fell in love with. Everything else was as wonderful as usual.
(5)
D.L H.

We had the BBQ sandwich and the Calamari, both dishes we thoroughly enjoyed. The only bad spot was the service, not great. However they were slammed so I can understand that. 3 1/2 stars.
(4)
Lisa C.

My husband and I live up the street from The Porter. Cool atmosphere and awesome beer! Try the French fries and popcorn. Very pungent and so devilishly good!
(5)
Logan V.

Since it's opening, I've been in love with the Porter. I've brought countless friends and colleagues, and plenty of dates. The atmosphere is great, small, yet warm and inviting. The staff is always on point, and its never long before Molly (one of the owners) comes over to say hi. Their beer selection is excellent, and their specials are always worth trying. As for their staple menu items, the Reuben is one of the best in town, along with their fries, and goat cheese fritters. On special occasions, like Christmas and Valentines Day, you can find items like chocolate truffles made with and paired with beer. On other days you can find items like the Hanger Steak, made from naturally raised cattle up in PA. If all that wasn't enough, for the last year they've been conducting monthly beer classes, having all types of beer aficionados come in and explain the in's and out's of certain types of beer. It remains my favorite place to dine in Atlanta.
(5)
John A.

Everyone has a boner for The Porter - but I don't necessarily get it. There's hardly seating at the bar, and when you do get seating you always have people bumping into you or leaning over you to order a drink. They do have a large beer selection - but so do a lot of places now. I'm sure the food is great - but the few things I've tried have been just average.
(3)
Dalora S.

I have yet to eat here but enjoy exploring the expansive beer menu. The staff are friendly and attentive, loving nothing more than bringing you a beer or answering your millionth question about a selection. Knowledgeable, well-stocked beer bar without the "too-cool-for-skool" attitude? I'll take it.
(4)
Michael H.

A friend introduced me to this spot in L5P today, and I cannot thank her enough. Two days later and I'm still nursing my post-NYE celebration post-hangover-but-its-all-still-upsidedown-Âstrangeness, so beer was off the menu -- although the selection was extensive, and nicely paired with meals for you. In lieu of beer, I had the best black bean burger of my life! It wasn't some frozen patty thawed on the skillet, but rather a fresh mash of quinoa and black beans, cooked up nicely, and heaped with feta, and topped with tomato, lettuce and onion, served on a delicious aziago roll -- something like aziago or foccacia. What's even better is that the side salad that was served with it was easily the best side salad I've ever had -- with a veggie burger no less! Don't know what was in it (base was arugala), but it was delish. And all for $8.50. Hell ya, I'm going back. Atmosphere was cozy, old-school with lots of raw wood surfaces and old americana artifacts (although it was bordering on too much of a constructed atmosphere/experience). Service was friendly, if a little cordial, and prompt. The place was dead (or at least slow) when I went (1:30pm), but with the tight quarters I could see the experience being a little more cramped and complicated during a crowded evening dinner (which I believe influenced many of the other ratings). I'll stick with brunch/lunch hours.
(5)
paula f.

Amazing beer list... yummy food... service was great even on a busy Friday night. Our waiter was pretty knowledgeable about the beer menu. Fun decor, a little tight between tables but that's not a fault. Love this place!
(5)
Kevin G.

I tried The Porter for the first time the other night and had a great experience. We had no problem being seated and our server was very helpful. The beer list was extensive with a wide range of beers and, unlike many high-end pubs, a lot of the selections are reasonably priced (still, if you're just looking to get a pitcher of Miller Lite this isn't the place for you). While the food isn't dirt cheap ($9-$10 per entree), it isn't overpriced and is well worth it. I had the reuben, which was solid, and the garlic and herb fries, which were outstanding. I will definitely be returning.
(4)
josie p.

A beer connoisseur, I am not, but I do know what I like & dislike, & I'm definitely down with The Porter! I've tried & finished both the Franziskaner Dunkelweizen beer & the Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier... enjoyed both very much. Ironically, I've gone with a large party & the service was spectacular... I mean, they even cleaned our cake tray dish for cryin' out loud! On the flip side, I've gone with a small, intimate group of 4 & our server couldn't have cared less about us. When you have to ask for a glass of water 30 minutes after being seated, there's a problem. In their defense, this place gets PACKED, I mean SLAMMED, on the weekends. Given the narrow hallway in the entrance, getting to the restaurant side of things can be a feat in itself. Personally, I'm a big fan of the food here for the most part. I didn't love the calamari, but that's because most of it was fried lemon peel or fried jalapeno as opposed to fried squid. That said, you can't go wrong with the arugula salad, the garlic french fries, or with any of their sandwiches/burgers... yum-o! The Porter is definitely worth a look see if you're strolling through the L5P area... or if you're simply lookin' for a good place to chillax, eat & grab a brew with the buds!
(4)
Katherine D.

Oh, Yelp, how I've neglected you in the holiday season. My deepest apologies are extended to my fellow yelpers. And now on to the Porter. I'm really diggin' this spot. It's closer than the Brickstore for Atlanta dwellers, even if it is kinda small. As the name implies, the beer selection is where it's at. Though I'd like a few more draft ales on the menu, I understand that the Porter specializes in Belgian and Belgian-style brews. For the love of god, when you're at the Porter, order the calimari. It comes with some very delicious fried lemon slices and is really stellar. The spent-grain bread is a delight as well, but I'm pretty sure it is a special. Everything else on the menu sounds and smells amazing, though I can only vouch personally for the things I mentioned above. Though it doesn't seem to "fit" in L5P, I love that it's there and hope the Porter helps L5P move (at least a little bit further) into adulthoood.
(4)
c d.

Very cool place. The only thing I had to eat were the fries, but they are the BEST in town.
(5)
Ryan M.

this place is one of my favorites. it's in my neighborhood, draws my kind of eclectic mix of people, and has quality food and beer! I have been by for dinner a bunch of times now and have the following comments... -Beer List is as good as some of the best beer bars in Atlanta. Brickstore may have a more impressive list, but the list at the Porter is solid and very well priced for the quality of the beer. I need to venture out of my La Couffe comfort zone though. In fact, need to venture out of my belgian comfort zone. -Food is top notch. It's not quite elitest gastro pub sophistication, but straddles the fine line between pub fare and gastro. -The Brat is homemade and delectable. Their side salad that comes with entrees also SOLID. The reuban sandwich and burger are both solid. They have expanded their specials to have a more comprehensive menu, so i recommend going there with any kind of appetite. The atmosphere is certainly divey, but the place is clean. I like how the various props used as the interior decor are a play on the "porter" name - check it out and you will see what i mean.
(4)
Kirk L.

we had a really great first experience here. i'm all about vibe and this place had a good one. food was really good. we all split mac and cheese, fries with charred onion mayo, and the salt and vinegar popcorn. and the beer list is amazing! our server was a wee bit of a b**ch but at least she was down to business and got what we needed when we wanted it. hey, i don't need a best friend, just a cold beer. haha. kudos porter!
(5)
Chris C.

I can only judge this place on their beers and beverages, since I did not come here to eat. I'm visiting from Portland, OR, and I must say that this place would be right at home there. The beer selection was top notch! A large list of specialty taps (and it looks like they rotate), and what's that? Aged beers? Nice! They had barley wines, lagers, sours, and pretty much any other style in bottles from as far back as 1998 (that's the oldest one I saw). Plenty of good local craft beers on tap, as well as plenty of beers from further away. Good ambience... Enjoyable music selection (I heard blues, some hip hop, some classic pop rock, and a dash of Sonic Youth), knowledgeable wait staff too. Yes, a bit pricey, but if you want quality beers and a great selection, then you should expect to pony up a bit.
(5)
Jeannine A.

Get the salt and vinegar popcorn! It's seriously the best. Also love the goat cheese fritters. Oh and the fries... Yum! I had the duck bahn mi last time and they were small but pretty good. The flavors came together well. I also tried the duck Reuben which I liked too. They obviously have an awesomely huge selection of beer to choose from. My favorite is Delirium Tremens. Our main server came around a lot at the beginning (to get drink and appetizer orders) and then disappeared for the rest of the evening. We never saw her again! Fortunately all the other servers help each other out and we had a few different really nice ones come to our table to bring drink refills, the check, etc. Seating in the back of the restaurant is VERY tight. Tables are so close together and it can be awkward tying to squeeze in to sit down. Other than that I always enjoy the food and atmosphere here.
(4)
Sheek T.

Nice buzz in the restaurant. The seating was a bit tight. I could hear each person's conversation that was in ear shot. The service was good. Pretzel and cheese dip was good. The hush puppies were awesome. The duck Reuben was ok. The porndog was ok. The evil twin lil B (beer) was ok I'd come back but I noticed there wasn't a lot to pick from on the menu.
(4)
Lee L.

ATLANTA, GA: Thrilled to find parking and sneak in to the famous Porter. Although I'm not a beer drinker, this place has over 1,000 beers. Amazing selection, menu for them was like a book. Salt and Vinegar Popcorn (5 stars): This stuff was amazing: salty, acidic, and sweet, so addictive and still light and dry. Must try. Goat Cheese Fritters (3.5 stars): These were good, but the heat diluted he goat cheese flavor and the corn breading overpowered the other flavor stop much for me. Duck Confit Reuben (4.5 stars): Gruyere cheese, duck, apple sour kraut, it was delicious. Only gripe was that the duck was slightly dry, other than that, perfect. Service was amazing, super nice server and hostess. Very knowledgeable and prompt, great suggestions.
(5)
Addison Y.

Service: The service was great, new to this bar, I asked for recommendations and they were very helpful and willing to go the extra to make sure everything was great. Food: The food was good, but I enjoyed the beers even more. Selection of beers was great and it went very well with the food selection. Ambiance: Very hipsterish place. Modern bar with old school style kind of place? lol
(4)
Scott E.

Nevermind that the food was 3-4 stars, you come here for the beer selection. Don't lie to yourself. This place has just about everything beer-wise. They had an Orpheus I haven't had yet and also had Cisco Grey Lady, which I've been searching for since my brief affair with it at Taco Mac (Oh how I had missed her). Hopefully one day I'll be able to afford some of their vintage beers. These range anywhere from $20-160, but for the beer connoisseur I'm guessing this is worth it. As far as regular beers go, the prices are pretty reasonable. The Grey Lady was only $4, whereas I remember it being $5 or $5.50 at T.Mac. Enjoy, beer lovers!
(5)
Melissa W.

Wish I lived closer so I could try every beer. Delicious food choices, fun atmosphere, great beer. No wonder everyone loves this place.
(4)
Rian A.

I revisited The Porter hoping I'd catch that awesome lentil stew special I had last time I visited but alas it was not there so we tried something new. I ordered the ramen and my girlfriend got the pumpkin ravioli with mascarpone froth. The ramen had been dyed with black squid ink and came in pork broth topped with bacon and herbs. The noodles were chewy but it was a positive. The flavor was quite rich and concentrated. The only downside is the broth was not thin, it was almost oily, so I would not recommend drinking it like you would a regular bowl of ramen. We ordered Goose Island Sophie's...if you don't already know, this is a go to spot for beer selections; we're talking seriously extensive. Great addition. It was light and tart and refreshing, which you need for the rich broth in the ramen. Another cool thing about this spot is they offer beer pairings for each dish so you can make the best of your meal. Fast service and good times as usual.
(5)
Allison T.

The beer was delish, service was fine but the food was not good. Shrimp and grits (with mushrooms) was undesirable - shrimp looked, tasted and had the consistency of being frozen. My friends Reuben wasn't good either. Kraut was too tart and overtook the sandwich. I like the place but my next visit may be only about the beer.
(3)
Jennifer G.

I finally made it here after hearing only the greatest things about this place. I came here on Halloween for dinner time with a group of seven, and they were able to accommodate us pretty much right away. The restaurant has a very homey feel to it, and they decorated with some pumpkins and such for Halloween, so bonus points in my book. The food is simply amazing and even as someone who isn't a crazy beer fanatic, I was impressed with their large selection of beers! I would be in beer heaven if I was a beer drinker. Food: I shared the mac and cheese appetizer with two other people, and it was the perfect amount of cheesiness and greatness to start off the meal. For my entree, I had the fish and chips, and I must say, it's definitely one of the best, if not the best, fish and chips I've ever had! The batter is so flavorful and crispy, but not too much, and just the right amount of fish. Also, the portions are ginormous. And it comes with delicious fries. We all ordered different entrees, and I have to say we were all very impressed, so doesn't seem like you can go wrong with whatever you choose. Highly recommend coming here!
(5)
Kristin L.

The food here is really standout, with a good balance of innovative things (for the foodie adventurers) and their less adventurous companions. And of course, the beer is expertly curated and offered in the proper glasses in an astounding selection. The Belgian fries are garlicky and crispy at the same time. Very yummy. I really enjoy the spent grain bread too. At brunch, the biscuits are really decadent. I don't even want to know what kind of fat makes them so crunchy on the bottom, but it is yummy. A small beef I have is at brunch, the side order of potatoes resole (discs of tater flash fried with caramelized onions and herbs) were pretty stingy. No one at our table of 10 liked them much either. Don't waste your extra money or gym time on those.). But the atmosphere, pleasant service, details, and the rest of the food make this a favorite.
(4)
Kira G.

When a vegetarian gives a pub 5 stars, you know it's good. Well, maybe a pub is different, since the dranks are front and center, but still. I eat and drink here with delight. To start, let me rave about the Salt n'Vin Popcorn. Raaaaave. Cough cough. Yum. Raaave! And then as far as vegetarian faire goes, there are a couple of choices. But they execute them so well, I don't mind getting the same thing again and again. It's usually falafel or a quinoa burger. That being said, when any of the other meat entrees exit the kitchen, I check them out as well. And the drinks. I LOVE sour beers. And the Porter delivers. Again and again and again. On tap too! One of my favourites in Atlanta.
(5)
Alyssa M.

I love the porter beer bar, it has a great cozy atmosphere with the most beer choices I have ever seen at any place similar. Last time I went I had the salt and vinegar popcorn and fried goat cheese with a raspberry sauce. I have always had great service even when I've come in with a large group. I look forward to returning here very soon.
(5)
Serena J.

A great place to have a casual lunch. Staff is wonderful as well. The burger is one of the best in the state & the fries were so good! The shrimp and grits was good, but not the best. The hush puppies were different but absolutely delicious!
(4)
Myles M.

Went out with some of my buds last weekend for some late night drinks and bar food. The pickles and pimento were really good. The fried pickles were crispy but also sweet. We also got fries with ranch dipping which was also delicious. It did seem a little on the high end of the price range though. They also have a healthy selection of beer. I got myself a malty IPA (atlas by reformation brewery) while my friends each got a stout.
(4)
Jackie M.

Literally the best fries I have ever had. Also, I sat at the bar and the bar tender Justin was extrememly attentive and knowledgeable. I told him what kind of beer I liked, and he found me the perfect ones from their extensive beers on tap. The food selection was eclectic, and their vegetarian option was delicious. The atmosphere was so chill and I didn't want to leave! I will be back.
(5)
Ryan M.

We did not eat here, but we were all wowed by the beer list. Holy moly! I had never seen anything like it. The area is really cool, the bar itself has lots of stuff everywhere, and the staff was great! I would definitely return if I find myself in the area again!
(4)
Justin H.

Would absolutely come back! Great service, great beer selection, good food. I'm a beer snob and I loved this place. Had vintage beers available at reasonable prices. Unique food options. I had the duck Reuben. Interesting twist, worth a try, I'll try something different next time. Standard fries were tasty. Wife and I split the salt and vinegar popcorn which was good but would have liked to see other flavor choices. Location was a little sketchy but once inside the staff was friendly.
(4)
a b.

Stayed for a wkend in ATL and this was recommended by a friend. Took Uber from downtown and driver was hesitant to let us out in this neighborhood, describing it as "alternate lifestyle". We arrived around 7 pm Saturday and it was packed. Mostly 20-30 y/o, some olders (like us) sprinkled in. Very rustic in dÃ©cor. Super attentive and friendly staff. Awesome craft beer menu. But who cares, the food was the shining star. SO and I shared Mussels, fresh bread for appetizer. He: Angus Beef cheeseburger and fries, Me: shrimp and grits. It was embarrassing how much we enjoyed this food. We left around 9:30 to walk around neighborhood before heading back to hotel. We only walked past a few storefronts before deciding we should probably call for a ride back. Would love to check out some of the stores, but will probably need to do it earlier in the day.
(5)
Liesl F.

The best place in L5P for a beer. They have a MASSIVE beer menu (Brick Store in Decatur is the only other place in the Atlanta area that might rival it). The food is also wonderful, whether you're getting snacks or a meal. I'm pretty sure they put crack in their salt and vinegar popcorn, it's so addicting!
(5)
Greg S.

This place flat out is awesome. Everything single item was incredible. Love the variety, menu pricing and portion sizes!
(5)
Amanda K.

If you love beer, this will be one of your favorite places in Atlanta. The Beer: The beer selection is out-of-this-world and ever changing. The draft selection is huge and the bottle selection it even bigger. If you're looking for something local, unique, or rare, The Porter is where it's at. They're also very generous with letting you sample the beers on tap before making a decision. This is especially true when you set up shop at the bar, rather than a table. Tip: if you have the app Untapp'd you can look up which beers people have been checking-into at The Porter over the last couple of days. This is an easy way for me to see if it's time to make another trip over to taste a new beer. The Food: I've only eaten here a couple of times, but the food has always been top-notch. The salt and vinegar popcorn is SERIOUSLY good. The flavor is so strong, you'll likely cough/choke on it at some point. And you'll love every second of it. The Service: Fantastic! Servers are typically laid-back, knowledgable, and attentive. The Atmosphere: This place feels like a dark, hidden pub. The restaurant is long and skinny and the space is tight. You sit very close to your neighbors, but I'm okay with that. The patrons are mainly hipsters. But what else would you expect at a craft beer bar?
(5)
Nicolas L.

This is one of the best Craft Beer Bars I have visited. The Porter Beer Bar has a large selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles including vintage options. The beer menu list looked like a short story. The tap options include local favorites and rare treats. This place also has enticing food options but I only got the opportunity to try The Porter's Signature Hush Puppies. The hush puppies were pretty good, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The side of Fuji Apple Sauce was a nice touch.
(5)
Kristina T.

Got the pull apart pretzel, duck ruben, chocolate brownie, Jack cider, eighth notch, and two German beers. All were great, and the waitress was helpful!
(5)
Pratik S.

The Porter is definitely one of the best bars in Atlanta for several reasons: 1. The beer selection can't be beat. The have tons of selections from small and large craft breweries from all over the US and the world. The beer menu is several pages long and they even have a list of super hard to find craft beers that they keep in their cellar. I'm also a big fan of how they have their beer menu organized so you can quickly find something if you aren't in the mood to read through the entire thing. 2. We have been several times and the service has always been exceptional. The staff is super friendly and if you need recommendations on beer they are more than happy to offer a suggestion. There was one time where the Kitchen was a little backed up and they apologized several times as well as bringing out table a few free apps and dessert. They definitely go above and beyond in terms of service. 3. The food is amazing and even though they are known for their beer selection, the food is just as good in my opinion. They are constantly changing around their specials and everything I have tried here has been amazing. Some of my favorites include the salt and vinegar popcorn, goat cheese fritters, the cheese burger, fish n' chips, and the shrimp and grits. If love good beer and food and haven't been to The Porter yet you need to get there ASAP.
(5)
Ryan F.

Great beer selection. Bartender was friendly enough. Decent prices. Ordered the brownie with beer ice cream for $3. It was delicious! It was also pretty large for the price. Ordered the pull apart pretzel. The pub cheese was tangy, kind of unlike cheese but still delicious. The pretzel was buttery and yummy. This item is better warm so eat it quickly.
(5)
Kimberly J.

Beer list off the charts good Bourbon/whiskey/scotch list -impeccable Really great selection of beer, ciders and spirits. Decor beautiful. Food. Kicks ass. No other way to describe the food here. I had the special, the hangover brunch. Eggs any style, pan roasted potatoes, onions with a buffalo sauce. Served with a side of grits and a chive biscuit. Hot damn, the buffalo sauce was good and spicy. Added a really nice element to the dish. The grits were the best I've ever had. Like, ever. Perfectly prepared and seasoned. I didn't even need butter. They were spectacular. GET THEM. You will not be disappointed. I had one of house specialties... A dark and stormy. With house made ginger beer. Wowza. Hella strong and extremely delicious. Located in little five points aka L5P nestled between a tattoo parlor and a killer record shop (criminal records) the area is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Atlanta. Super impressed with this place. Double thumbs up!!!
(5)
Tawny P.

Awesome beer selection! Kind of tight space-wise in the bar area but they've got a few outdoor tables for when it's nice and the space wraps around in the back so it's enough. Plus, can you compete really with the people watching anywhere other than L5P? Bartenders really know their ish.
(5)
Bo Y.

7 Stars! I've give them 8 stars if it meant anything to go above 5. Tiny front entrance with a rustic, pub style feel but the restaurant extends all the way to the back. It used to be an alley way and they just built a roof, slapped on some walls and called it, The Porter Beer Bar. I found my favorite beer of all time on draft here. The Creature Comforts - Tropicalia! It's an IPA with citrus flavors and notes to the nose. Perfect blend of contradicting sensations like hoppy, full bodied, and refreshing. The Brats & Sauerkrat is great and the Vinegar & Salt popcorn is creative. If I liked in ATL, I'd visit at least once a week.
(5)
Nathan R.

Veeeeeery Noice! The bar staff is exceptionally helpful. Didn't feel rushed or belittled when I asked for a Pimm's Cup in a silver chalice...they gently corrected me that I wanted a "Pimp's Cup" when in a silver chalice. On the other hand...Get the YELLOW TAIL TUNA TARTAR...essentially sushi on a Thai tostada but amazingly delicious. Don't forget to enjoy the deelicious artwork behind the bar stools. Currently...birds of prey enjoy their Pimp's cup. PEACE!!
(5)
Phong T.

99A Health Inspection as of December 2014. Yasssss!!! So I've definitely been missing out on this place. A friend of mine that comes here often decided to take me one night after an event we attended. The food here is delicious! Lets just say the appetizers/starters are bomb and enough to fill you up with only one order... or maybe two for some folks. My friend and I ordered 4 appetizers and shared. We even took some home for lunch the next day! We sat at the bar counter and the bartender/server was super cute, which made the visit even more worthwhile. Appetizers: -Belgian Fries (5): delicious! the herb and garlic oil adds a unique taste to the fries. it's accompanied with a simple charred onion mayo dipping sauce. -Mac 'N' Cheese (6.75): this was okay. nothing spectacular. -Yellowtail Tuna Tartare Tostata (12.25): okay this was bomb. the thai chili dressing was so bold and definitely starts a party in your palate. the mint and basil refreshes everything along with the crispness of the mincely sliced mango. -Pull Apart Pretzel (8.75): soft and chewy. the house made pub cheese was the highlight. so cheesy and melts in your mouth good. Overall, great food, service, and atmosphere!
(4)
Amanda P.

I ordered the 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon and it was phenomenal. I'm s fan of lighter wheat beers like Hefs and this went above and beyond. Food wise I ordered the mac and cheese starter which was so hearty and delicious that it was a perfect amount for me to eat especially alongside the wheat watermelon beer. Great friendly service and comfortable environment.
(5)
D D.

So glad I went here! Drive by it all the time and was curious. It is actually bigger than it looks from the outside. Went on a Sunday and it was bustling. The hush puppies were so yummy they were like dessert! Good crowd, good service, good food, great beer selection. I need to try that grapefruit margarita next time.
(4)
Steph C.

My husband and I spent two nights in Little Five Points, and we ended our stay with a visit to the Porter Beer Bar. We like beer, and we were able to walk to this bar, so it was a pretty nice spot for a nightcap. We arrived around 11 on the Sunday night of a long weekend, and the place was already emptying out. I guess it closes at midnight on Sundays, which, I guess, is fair enough. We got a small table for two near the bar, and we got table service. The bar was cozy, a little tight even, but we had a relaxing time. We squeezed in two rounds of beer. The selection was fantastic, with dozens of beers on tap. I had a Monday Night Bed Head Imperial Coffee IPA and an Orpheus Transmigration of Souls, which was a strong double IPA. My husband had the Orpheus Peace.War.Truth.Lie and the 21st Amendment Brew Free or Die IPA. We like IPAs, apparently, and all four of these were top notch. We didn't get to spend much waking time in Little Five Points this trip, but coming from L.A., I liked this little hipster part of town. The Porter Beer Bar seems pretty essential to the neighborhood. I know I'd go often if I lived nearby.
(5)
Donny F.

I've enjoyed a lot of great drafts at The Porter, and I generally appreciate the gritty pub atmosphere, but at almost every turn I've found the food underwhelming. For these elevated prices you're much better off eating at a legit restaurant and then stopping by this BAR for a postprandial quaff. Our latest visit saw more of the same. The calamari was just bad. To start it was served in a greasy, soggy pile, stacked all on top of itself in a too small fry basket. I've recently enjoyed much, much better calamari plates at nearby Agave and Doc Cheys. Both of those places understand that Calamari should be served spread out on a large plate so as to retain its crispiness. The aioli was blah, and paled in comparison to the sublime jalapeno jelly at Agave. Lastly, the fried lemon that was mixed in and difficult to distinguish from the squid was a dish wrecker; the rind was overwhelmingly bitter and just threw everything off. My lady had the ramen special and pegged it as a failed and unfortunate experiment from the culinary hacks that apparently run things in the back. It was greasy, muddled, and the pork belly was just off. This one was not ready for prime time and never should have left the kitchen. I thought her assessment was harsh until I really thought back and realized, outside of their laudable french fries, I've never had a truly good bite of food here in five years and at least as many trips. Why the hell do I keep coming back to pick up a fork when I should really stick to raising glasses? That's a question I won't have to ask myself again because I'm done picking up The Porter's menu. I really do like the vibe, the location is killer, and I appreciate The Porter being one of the leading beer mecca's in the region--but that's where it ends for me. It's 4 or 5 stars as a place to post up and get exotically swerved, but the food has always been an expensive disappoint.
(2)
Christine A.

Die-hard fan of the porter. Their fries cannot be beat. Also their grapefruit margarita is the things dreams are made of. The wait can be a bummer but isn't a problem if you come on the earlier side. The shrimp and grits is also one of the best in town! Don't miss out and hit up the Porter ASAP.
(5)
Svetlana O.

All the beer you could ever want. Period. Their pull-apart pretzel with cheese is really good! I will be back :).
(5)
Tamera B.

I recently and finally checked PBB off of my "to try" list. Three times over. What is making me leave this review now is the meal I had yesterday on our Sunday "walk for our brunch". Actually, one item in particular. Them damn collard greens. Loaded with pickled peppers (why didn't I think of that?) and parmesan. They were served in a dish that had quite a bit of the liquid (pot likker) in it but that dish was dry as a bone once I was done. Served with three scrambled eggs, a biscuit and potatoes resole. It was a brunch fit for Queens. Simple and fulfilling. This was a "special" brunch item so I am laying my food heart on the line now: THE PORTER BEER BAR - please keep this as a regular brunch item. I'd be there weekly. Outside of that, I see why everyone loves this place. The food is good and creative. The beer menu is plentiful and the service is awesome. I also enjoy their version of hush puppies and the shrimp and grits. It was a tad salty but still good. The one time my bf has been, he had the fish and chips and wasn't pleased. All was a bit too greasy (it was) and it turned him off to PBB. I'm still trying to coax him to giving them another try. In the meantime, you should go.
(4)
Dome P.

Excellent selection of beers and the food was top notch as well! Their milk and honey ice cream dessert was an excellent way end the night.
(5)
Gricelda P.

I am a believer! As a former non-beer-drinker, I was sort of disappointed when my friends wanted to go to a beer bar. The place was cool and hip, the crowd is hipster Level 100 (That is maximum amount of hipster in case you didn't know) We walk in and there was a super line because the bar is very narrow but it took almost no time to find us a table. We got the menu and it was ridiculously overwhelming. It was the never ending menu of beer! We took forever to decide what to drink because they had so many choices. Anyway, the food menu came and it was just as overwhelming, so many delicious things to choose from. It's also important to mention that the prices are very reasonable. We started with a cheese plate to share and as a meal I had the arugula salad which was pretty delicious. Everyone enjoyed their meals and we had a great time. P.S. The waitress seemed like she hated the world and it physically hurt her to smile, but besides that, everything was a blast.
(4)
Leila R.

What a great find during my trip to Atlanta. Tons of beer options on tap and bottles. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. You can tell they love what they do. The food is good as well. I had the shrimp and grits which was incredibly rich and delicious. My friend had the fish and chips with the truffle fries which were so good they should be illegal.
(5)
Jeremy D.

Went back to the Porter. It looks like the new chef has improved the overall execution of the dishes. The beer menu is still awesome. I actually prefer coming here for beer than Atlanta's other well known beer bar because it's very extensive, but you don't have to go all the way to Decatur. That's a definite win. I had the goat cheese fritters, which are always incredible. I followed that up with the shrimp and grits. I've had that before, but previously it was over salted so I made sure to get it again. This time it was spot on. If you're in the little five points area, and want well made, unique, food... This is your best bet.
(4)
Yohan N.

Beer, Bier, Pi Jiu, Mek Ju, Bir, Birra, Biiru, Bia, Chelas, Cerveja, Pivo, Cerveza.... Beer is all I can say about this place. Beer Heaven? You have arrived. If you love beer, you better stop reading, just come hither and give this place a try. Don't waste your time reading any reviews or pics. Just come. PARKING: Parking is on the street at little five points. It can be a pain when there are no spots (all parallel parking spots at $2 an hour metered - Credit card accepted). Even if you can't find a spot close buy, enjoy the walk and see all the interesting stores and people as you walk to the bar. INTERIOR: From the outside, it will seem like the place is tiny. It's a part of a huge building and the entrance (front part) of the restaurant looks like a very narrow strip of a big building. Even when you walk in, it feels small... but as you walk in further, you'll notice there are a lot more spaces in the back and plenty of tables and booths. But as you walk along side the bar to get to the back, your attention will be grabbed by its 30+ draft beers. It's quite a sight and the beer lover in my got super excited when I saw that. BEER: Expect 400+ choices, each bottle comes with its own pint glass and ton of high gravity (7% + ) beer selections for as low as $4 bucks. Drink away and you will not be robbed! FOOD: I loved their number of items on their menu. It wasn't too little and it wasn't too much. They also have a separate page for specials to choose from. On my visit, our table ordered the Belgian Fries to start with, Buffalo Po Boy, Fish and Chips (fries), and Shrimp and Grits. We ordered the fries as appetizers because the pics looked amazing. However, if you are planning to order fish and chips or the po boy... I recommend ordering a different appetizer since your main entrees will come with plenty of the same fries. We had a fries overload at our table. The Po Boy was on the above average size. A solid amount of fried shrimp covered in buffalo sauce (a bit soggy so the fried batter fell right off without any crunch) and the bread it came on was not your typical sub bread. I enjoyed it very much as it paired nicely with my beer. The Shrimp and Grits and the Fish and Chips were slightly under the average portion size (compared to the po boy). Smaller portion but both decent. Other than that, not much to say because I didn't taste these dishes but from my friends, they both seemed to enjoy it. SERVICE: Not too intrusive, came just the right amount, refilled our glasses at the perfect times, and had a solid knowledge of the beer menu which seems to have over 400+ items on it. Ordered per his recommendations on food pairings and they complimented each other very well. For a very down to earth, old pub feel (wooden booths, old paper menus, and pint size mason jars for water/ mixed drinks (each beer comes with it's own glass with the beer's logo on it), definitely check this place out. I believe it's currently listed as #6 for Best Matches Restaurant in Atlanta on Yelp and there's a reason why it's up there. Go Go Go!
(4)
Fatema B.

Looks small upon entrance...but so much space when you walk in! Booths plus tables, but loud. So many drink options! We got the burger, it was good angus steak but not my favorite burger! Can't wait to come back for popcorn and goat cheese fritters. I felt like I was in Europe due to the diverse crowds. Cool that the menus are ok clipboards!
(3)
Devika H.

Went here for the first time with a friend girl last Saturday around 830pm; when I rounded the corner, I saw a small crowd outside an entrance, not knowing that was where I was headed, lol! We were told by the hostess our table wait time would be 25 mins. I observed patrons enjoying beer or wine from the bar just outside while waiting for their tables. When you initially walk into the space it is SUPER narrow as a long bar takes up most of the room, but once past the bar the space opens slightly up some stairs and rounds a corner, presumably to more open space, but I don't know because I didn't look. The beer menu is quite extensive, if you're a beer connoisseur then THIS is your place! I went with the grapefruit margarita that I learned was infused with rosemary (VERY GOOD and STRONG if grapefruit is your thing!); you get a pint or quart (quart is what your water comes in) via a mason jar which compliments the very casual atmosphere. I ordered an appetizer, the pretzel, which was warm from the kitchen and yummy, my only complaint was that the house made Pub cheese that came with was not as warm as I would have liked. My friend ordered the shrimp and grits and stated that it was very good. I'll likely visit again and gave 3 stars because my cheese was cold.
(3)
Pourina R.

This place is the tits! Am I allowed to say that? The Porter's reputation stretches far and wide and even in complete darkness. Famous on Yelp and infamous with other non-Georgians that don't even Yelp! I'm not sure on the age of The Porter, but my god does he dress like an old man. I'm not talkin' new age Urban Outfitters look-a-like vintage, I'm talkin' Macklemore thrift shop, the real deal holy ssshhhhhiz this table is wobbly and my beer slides like I'm on a boat vintage. The decor is something outta the lower deck of an old wooden swashbucklin' pirate boat decorated with suitcases and trunks, real trunks and wood; lots of it. Tables, benches and chairs appear to be made from re-claimed wood and had overall a heck of a lot of charm. Even in complete darkness, the vibe is pretty hip. We already know The Porter knows beer, but did you know The Porter also knows food? Don't let the kitschy decor fool you, The Porter produces top notch grub that can stand against any of the renowned gastropubs around town.
(4)
Clayton B.

Cool place to have a brew and bite before a variety playhouse show. The sweeteater bread was outstanding and the Sculpin IPA washed it down nicely!
(5)
Kay F.

My affection for the Porter has waned somewhat. Quart cocktails don't appeal to me like they used to although whenever I've been in the mood for good beer they have never failed me Service is good, the servers are usually friendly. Their specials are wonderful. I still fondly remember a melon salad with 3 kinds of melon, goat cheese, basil, and red wine vinaigrette. Their was also a superbly roasted chicken that was just in time for an impromptu birthday party. I'm not super thrilled with the regular menu though. Fries, hush puppies, and goat cheese fritters are all good, but I wish they'd kept the prosciutto sandwich and been able to make it consistently good (the prosciutto was almost never the proper thinness and that made it hard to chew). I'm notoriously picky though, so I'm sure most people will be able to find more things they like. Definitely check it out if you're around- a night at the Porter is usually a fun one.
(3)
Molly L.

The food is decent and the evening atmosphere is hard to beat. I recommend you NOT sit at the bar. The bartender has NO IDEA how to make drinks. Including completely ruining 2 Irish coffees that were perfectly executed when I had an actual waitress. He didn't apologize or comp the drinks but just smiled and said, "Oh well." Then somehow they were the most expensive drinks known to mankind, a whopping $46. Go for dinner, stay for beer...but don't expect the bartenders to do anything else outside of pouring or opening beers. **EDIT** The owner reached out to me to apologise and even explained their typical way of making Irish coffees there. I've never had someone go so out of their way to make sure their customers have a great time AND understand their practices. The bad has been entirely erased and The Porter is "my place" again.
(5)
Ricardo S.

Two stars for the great ambiance, the weird-but-cool and authentic decor and the service. The other three stars I keep them always for food, which is why we are all here and honestly we just had three platters, and they all failed to impress us: Crispy Calamari: Too much batter and bread, very heavy and greasy. Truffles Shrimp Grits: It was good, but not impressive, a really really heavy dish Short Rib Special of the Day: The meat was very tender, good flavor, but it laid over a bed of very greasy smashed potatoes and they finished it with a lemon foam over it that I didn't enjoy at all.
(2)
Jr H.

This place is really good if your looking for a quick tasty beer that's hard to find. it's a bit grungy but thats what makes it The Porter. the place has tons of awesome character and a really friendly staff. Totally has the hipster chill Lil Five Points vibe going on. Great place to start the night off.
(4)
Yoonie Y.

All the beer you could ever want and the food rules as well. The wait can be long for a table, but it's worth it for a place that serves cocktails in mason jars! My friends and I still dream about their fries...
(5)
Mick D.

I'm having this strange dÃ©jÃ vu experience. I thought I'd reviewed The Porter already. I guess not. Maybe I drank too much the first time. I'll blame it all on Angela and Nick. Because I really like The Porter. I don't (sadly) get to L5P much these days, but The Porter is definitely one of my favorite destinations there. The Porter is tucked into what used to be an alleyway between two buildings. This makes for some tight environs, but I think it just adds to the charm. I'm not hugely into beer, but I know what questions to ask to find stuff I like, and the staff here never fails to deliver. Heck, they seem really intimately familiar with their beer menu, and could probably recite it on request. The last time I went, I had the Sugo (papardelle over a lamb stew). This thing was fantastically delicious. I'm not lying when I say I've found myself daydreaming about it twice since I ate it. There are other favorites on the menu. The bangers look bangin'! And I have a vague, hazy memory of the aforementioned Nick or Angela raving about the Ramen. I hope they have the Sugo on the menu next time I'm there. Holler if you're coming with.
(4)
Issac M.

Beer. Popcorn. Shrimp and grits. Mac n cheese. All fantastic. The downside, prices and portion sizes.
(4)
Michelle B.

Very nice people that frequent this place. I always seem to talk to someone new, so that part is great. Plus the bartenders are very quick and attentive. Everyone who criticizes the dinner (me being one of them), you should give it another go and try the brunch. The black bean cakes with egg are killer. It's my favorite brunch dish in all of Atlanta. The biscuits & bacon are great too! Love the beer selection, even though sometimes I order something weird and don;t enjoy it as much. If you are polite to your server/bartender they will let you get a sample of a few before you make your choice. I just love that they serve local beers and also tons of Belgians. Just a GREAT BEER BAR. Nick, the owner, is a crazy funny guy. You should talk to him.
(4)
Michael W.

I got the burger with herb fries and my girlfriend got the shrimp and grits. We started with the goat cheese fritters. I'm used to goat cheese having more a punch. There fritters are more mild in a light crispy coating with honey. Definitely try these, they were good. My burger was cooked correctly and was very good, as well as the fries. The shrimp and grits tasted very good, however we were executing nice big succulent shrimp not the frozen little cocktail shrimp. However it was good and we would get again. I'm not a beer drinker but this place has a crazy beer selection. They also have a full bar with some very good cocktails (sizes are pint and quart) all served in Mason jars. This is a down to earth place with cool servers. Open late 2:30am on the weekend I believe. All in all would go to again.....and will
(4)
Barbara K.

Neil patient & quick waiter. Goat cheese fritters great starter. Grapefruit margarita really good. Extensive beer, bourbon, scotch menu so no excuse to not find something fabulous to drink. Luckily got there early so not too crowded or loud. Glad I read a review because bar packed - and I knew there was a back room. Perfect place for us to sit. Mussels looked great so will be back and try them.
(5)
Korey M.

Top 3 beer bars in Atlanta, no competition. I go here at least a couple times a month, sometimes to eat, sometimes just to grab a few brews, but every time I am there, I enjoy myself. The beer selection is out of this world, and their food fits the bill as well. I usually get the Burger, just because it is fantastic, fresh, and just everything about it is fantastic. If you are in Little 5 Points, or any where in that area, it is 100% worth a stop. Great crowd, great servers, great people.
(5)
Say M.

This is one of the coolest pubs I've ever been to! I was very impressed with their fantastic selection of beer from all over the world! Literally hundreds of beer! I tried the "Hell or High - Watermelon" and it was delicious! Highly recommend trying this place out!.. I just wish they had Brazilian Beer on the Menu, and when they do offer, I'll be coming back and giving them 5 stars on this review!
(4)
Chris V.

I only came for the beer and I was rewarded. Excellent beer selection, including cask and vintage beers. The prices were fair and the atmosphere was great. It's the kind of place you could waste an entire day slowly working your way through your own preference of many great beers. I will try the food next time as the choices on the menu looked appealing. If you are anywhere near the area I highly recommend checking this place out.
(5)
Keo S.

I teetered between 2-3 stars on this one cause I really want to love it as everyone else has, but I've been twice and it's just ok. They do have an amazing list of beers and the service is good. However, the food is just off. Calamari was way too lemony, hamburgers are "ok", and the pastrami sandwich needs higher quality meat. Anyway, it's a local favorite and just needs to take it up a notch with the food. Then it would really be stellar.
(2)
Andy M.

Amazing beer, mediocre food If you love beer, this is the place to go. A huge draft selection and amazing imports. We loved our japanese beers. Our food was a mixed bag. The goat cheese fritters were great (though Fritti still has the crown), and we liked their spin on french fries. That said, my fiance didn't enjoy her chickpea burger and my fish [and chips], to be honest, was pretty bad. It was way too battered, and all I got was dull fried dough when eating it. The Porter seems like a great place to go for beer and appetizers, but we won't be going back for the main entrees. 3.5/5, but rounding down to 3 for our first visit.
(3)
Steven S.

Awesome place; if you love Brick Store Pub in Decatur, Porter is the next place you need to go! Located in L5P, the atmosphere inside is cozy, old school & fun. The main bar is long & very tight along the wall, leading to the back room with a larger dining space. The list of bottled beers & beers on tap is incredibly extensive. The servers take pride in the knowledge of the beer & that helps when it comes to selected what you are in the mood for. For our food, we only had apps, but they were great! The house popcorn is ADDICTING. The Salt & Vinegar flavor keeps your hand diving back in the big bowl for more all night. The Mac & Cheese has a smoky flavor & is very cheesy. The Hush Puppies are good, but it's the house made organic fuji applesauce that makes this app outstanding. Stop in whenever you can when you want a beer, a good beer, a weird beer, ANY beer!! A staple in the city for sure, The Porter IS Atlanta in all its glory!
(5)
Caleb M.

I would not expect to find such a gem in the sandy sift of Little 5 Points. This thin Brick-n-Mortar joint is deep and dark, and comfortable, more like a beer cave. I've seen huge beer lists before at the Flying Saucer, such a novelty is a welcome new trend. The Porter Bar's list does not disappoint--organized from by style, and at least 2 pages long. What really impressed me was the vintage list. Beer can be aged, as wine is, doing so allows flavors to mellow and blend and can change the character of the beer. The porter offers a list of vintage beers, a list that is as snobbish and delectable as it sounds. I will be honest--I didn't try any, I couldn't afford it. Something so exclusive in such unpretentious trappings smacks of hipsterism, which could be a tremendous turn off. Yet the rest of the experience here completely offset any misgivings it may have caused. The staff was amazing. And the honey-drizzled goat cheese fritters were amazing. The experience hit every one of my favorites. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Jess B.

We love this place! The food is great and really different and the beer selection is unbeatable. The goat cheese fritters are a must and the hush puppies are really good as well. The servers are always great and patient for anyone who wants some advice on which beer to try out. They also know the menu well. I would 100% recommend this place- the menu is varied enough to make any one happy without being overwhelming or obnoxious. The only draw back is the space can be tight- especially if its crowded but its really not too bad.
(5)
Suzy J.

Great service! Whiskey sour made with beer OMG. Goat cheese fritters, salt and vinegar popcorn, short rib Reuben and kraut with brats... all amazing. Where it fell short was the fish and chips were salty. Also the fish had to much breading. Over all we will be back but in cooler weather. Great fans but this Georgia humid heat was to much to bear.
(4)
Ryan T.

Came here just for drinks. Fantastic selection and a charming bartender. What more do you want? I was impressed with the number of beers they have from across the nation. They've done a pretty good job to represent my states of CA and MI. Moving from the West Coast to the state of Michigan, I have rapidly learned what beer means. It doesn't just mean a drink. It means hops, malt, and an array of infusions that even the best bartenders will have a hard time keeping straight. Alas, no confusion here! Your trusty bartender keeps everything in order and is more than willing to help out with their intimidating menu. Bottom line: 20+ beers on tap, 100s in the bottle. Give it a try!
(5)
Kelly H.

We stopped in here because the Vortex had a line out the door, however, it was the best decision. We had the popcorn, arugula salad and the Mac and cheese. The Mac and cheese was to die for. I also had a Bloody Mary which was equally delicious. Will be coming back to Atlanta and coming back here very soon!
(5)
Chris A.

The mac in cheese is some of the best I've ever had and the beer selection is out of this world incredible! Goat Cheese Fritters were so delicious but so incredibly rich that I couldn't eat much of them. Burger was really good and the atmosphere is really cool. Staff did a great job of helping me choose new beers to try. The whole experience was a real pleasure!
(5)
Ellie B.

I totally love this place. They have the best fries. Seriously. But, YOU GUYS, I mean Y'ALL - the salt and vinegar popcorn, OMG, This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have tasked Alicia M. with re-creating it for us back here in Wisconsin. She will not fail. She MUST not fail. They have a crazy extensive beer list, which put us Milwaukeeans right at home. I stuck with lambics because I'm a beer wuss, but my husband and friends happily sampled several different kinds. I also ordered the mac and cheese and it was excellent. My husband really enjoyed his cheeseburger. All of their desserts sounded amazing but I was just too full. I wanted to take them up on their deal of 3 desserts for $8.50, because I feel like that offer was made just for me. I'll have to go back.
(5)
Brian K.

Little Five Points is known for many things, but unfortunately, outstanding restaurants isn't one of them. However, rest assured, beneath the rubble of hipsters, slovenly vagrants, and overzealous tourists, there lies a beacon of culinary hope. That beacon is the Porter Beer Bar. Food: Most people venture to The Porter for their extensive beer selection, but I'm pleased to report that they also feature a fairly well-executed food menu. The menu features around a dozen appetizers and close to ten different sandwiches. During my recent visit for Saturday brunch, my dining partner and I enjoyed the mac n' cheese, goat cheese fritters, and the buttermilk hotcakes. The mac n' cheese was comprised of a three cheese blend (bechamel, asiago, and cheddar) and was extremely flavorful. The goat cheese fritters were amply filled with goat cheese and equally as delicious. However, the real standout was the hotcakes, which were topped with bananas flambe and toasted pecans - simply exceptional. Service: The staff were pleasant and efficient throughout the entire dining experience. The vast majority of patrons sit at the bar, but the staff are still diligent about ensuring that the tables are adequately serviced. Atmosphere: The Porter is low key and welcoming, complete with hand-crafted wooden booths and exposed brick walls. I imagine this place must get incredibly crowded in the evenings; however, it was nearly empty around noon on a Saturday, which was surprising given the caliber of the brunch they offer. Cost: Inexpensive considering the quality of the food. Appetizers range from $3.50 to $9.25, while sandwiches and main courses range from $9.95 to $12.75. All sandwiches are accompanied by herb fries and arugula salad can be substituted for an additional $2.00. Other: Parking in Little Five is not for the weary. If you choose to park in one of the nearby lots, you will undoubtedly have to pay at least $5.00. However, to save yourself some heartache and a few dollars, I'd recommend parking along McLendon Ave (turn east at the Zesto) and taking the short walk to Moreland Ave.
(4)
A.J A.

Vinegar popcorn is da bomb yo! I've been here like 15 times and I'm coming back. Great liquor options, staff was courteous. Love it, love it love it.
(5)
Haroun K.

Little Five Points, according to a native Georgian I knew, is a point of cultural interest. This is one of many reasons why this Georgian is not to be trusted - Little Five Points is nothing to brag about, though the panhandlers are very well trained. The Porter, though, is a delightful place. Porters are some of my favorite beers, and The Porter has a great selection of them, as well as of every other sort of beer. The selection is actually comparable to the Brick Store's, and the beer is super cheap (even by cheapo Michigan standards). The veggie burger is insanely good. It's made from black beans, and is very hearty, and goes well with either ketchup or the special mustard provided. It comes with french fries, though my friend substituted in a giant bowl of vinegary popcorn, which was tasty. Word to the wise: don't inhale while eating the popcorn, or you will choke. I'd also highly recommend the arugula salad - the pickled beets and goat cheese are excellent. I also like how water is served in mason jars. Service at the bar is great, as it is in the back of the restaurant. Little Five Points may be terribly overrated, but The Porter is well worth any hype!
(4)
Ruth C.

Their salt and vinegar popcorn was delicious. Their menu is extensive, so everyone is bound to find something they like here.
(5)
Tim B.

How do I love thee, oh Porter, let me count the ways: food that never bores or disappoints, all the beer, casks, nice help, friendly patrons. Smallish and a little loud, but it's a bar, so don't go there for intimate conversation. I like: the popcorn, salads, burgers are the best.. Fries...
(5)
Brent T.

Had a porter at The Porter last Wednesday night, invoked the spirit of Ort, and, lo! Beside me was an Athens expat, who grew up in the Classic City and had been making music in Emory Village and the ATL since late 1980s. I shall return.
(3)
Shannon H.

We went here the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and it was a cozy refuge that frigid night. They had great warming drink specials, and their food was very tasty.
(4)
Jennifer U.

This is our new favorite bar in Atlanta. The beer list is long and I am in LOVE with their Lemonade Ginger Vodka drink (I am sure there is a name). I crave this refreshing drink and have to get at least one a week. We have yet to try any of their food because we always head for the bar. A for sure favorite spot.....
(5)
Kanika G.

The Original Sin Cider - was so refreshing perfect drink on a summer evening. The Kale Caesar salad was good. But the heirloom tomato salad had an unexpected but flavorful twist! I will be back for that - saw heirlooms waiting for their next salad on the way out.
(4)
Whitney H.

The Porter is great. Food is delicious, the beer selection is intense, and the atmosphere is chill. Some times it can get too crowded. I hate that parking is annoying at little 5, so I don't go often. When I do go they never disappoint
(4)
Michael S.

If you're a beer enthusiast I think this would be a must stop spot. Very very large beer menu to choose from and many I have never heard of and some that are very expensive like fine wine? Personally I enjoy Pale Ales and IPA'S This bar is not very fancy and I would say better suited to a serious beer enthusiast and therefore would not recommend it as a great spot for taking a date too. However if your a beer lover I would recommend stopping in for and trying a beer or two when in the Little Five Points area of Atlanta
(3)
Derek B.

I must come back to this place soon. We had a brief run in a few weeks ago and the memory is still there. A beer list longer than...well something really long. And full of all kinds of great ones you just don't find anywhere else. My only experience with the food was the goat cheese fritters which were phenomenal. The rest of the menu looks super interesting and I can't wait to go back, this time with an empty stomach, to give it a shot. Really cool atmosphere and environment is great. Oh I'll be back soon new friend.
(4)
Leigh W.

Our Atlanta-based friends whisked us from the airport straight to Little Five Points to try this place. I was super hungry, so that may color my review. It was a Friday night and hopping. We had a 45-minute wait and there's not a comfortable spot to wait in this shotgun restaurant. Once we were seated, we quickly ordered beer. I felt compelled to order beer (even though that's not my first choice for alcoholic beverages) since we were in a "beer bar" and all. We accompanied the yummy brews with a cheese plate and the salt and vinegar popcorn. Each of the four cheese selections was delectable, but the popcorn, surprisingly, is the item that warrants the raving. The first bite will probably take your breath away and may cause a cough or two. Don't be frightened. Just keep eating. It gets better and better with each bite. I don't know how they make it, but I wanted to order a bag to go. I couldn't stop thinking about it for the entire weekend. After all that, I only had room for the beet salad. It was excellent and helped erase a little of the guilt that I experienced from having eaten some much cheese, popcorn and beer. I also snuck a few garlic fries from my partners plate. The whole bar smelled of garlic from the fries at every table, so I needed to try them. Oh my, they were good. Not as good as the popcorn, but still very good.
(4)
Jamie S.

Oh my, what a great first meal in Atlanta. The beer list is a thing to marvel at- affordable, divded into types, and they even have aged beers (I didn't dabble). The decor is fun and service is helpful. As for the food; fries, goat cheese fritters, grits, and the salted caramel dessert were all awesome.
(5)
Angie T.

Lots of great beers on draft and a bunch of good bottled/canned ciders.
(4)
Sally P.

I've been coming here with friends for a long time. While the old crew doesn't hang out here on the regular like we used to, I still like to drop in from time to time. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because of the food. Maybe I'm not used to the whole gastro-pub style, but the food is very heavy. Sometimes very rich and sometimes not, but always large portions and hard on the tummy. Couple that with the beers and and by the end of your meal/night you're bloated and wishing you hadn't consumed at least one of the things you ordered. The beer menu is... ridiculous. I started being a beer snob after coming here a lot, but realized that I don't really care about the 3453235 IPAs on the market or a fancy stout with XYZ flavors. It's not worth the money and snobbery. The menu itself can be intimidating at first, but just tell your server what you like to drink and they'll find at least one thing on draft for you and tons more in bottles. My advice is to not be a pussy and go for the high gravity beers. They're sticky sweet, flavorful and will get you way buzzed in a fraction of the time. The service is always good, and the vibe is awesome. It's what always kept us coming back to hang out.
(4)
Celeste M.

Went to the Porter on a Friday Night. It was pretty packed but used the wait time to look over their extensive beer menu. They have a lot of brews that you just can't find at most bars. If you know your beer, and like being around people who also know their beer, you'll love it here. As for the food, they have a limited menu but offer specials every night. I ordered the fish and chips. The fries were amazing but the fish to batter ratio was skewed towards batter. Not a good thing. I'd come here again for the beer, but I may eat somewhere else.
(3)
Marty R.

Selection changes frequently. Great stop if you are into craft beer. I looked this spot up on top 100 bars in 'Merica. The waiter was gracious as we came in 2 minutes before they locked the doors. When I told him we were from out of town he said... "Alright if you can drink up fast..." he still treated us as if we came in any other time of the night as opposed to just getting frustrated with us. I will definitely hit this spot again next time I'm in ATL.
(5)
Lauren Z.

Really solid spot. I stumbled upon The Porter on Yelp when looking for a lunch spot. Since then, I've been back several times for lunch, dinner and drinks, and it's always great. Extensive beer menu, but I'm not a huge beer drinker. I really keep going back for the food. Everything I've had has been delicious - the burger, the muscles, the reuben are a few of the items I've had and have been happy with all of them. They use fresh ingredients and put meaningful homemade touches on them like pickling the onions on the burger in-house. I don't know what they put on their fries, but they are addictive. It's a popular spot for a reason and a real gem in Atlanta.
(4)
Min Y.

I like this place, but I have to give it 3 stars because of how ridiculously crowded it gets now. The best part is obviously the wide beer selection, and the intimate feeling. But it's just ridiculously crowded nowadays at prime time hours, and because of this, the service is slow. The service is definitely friendly and helpful, and much less douchey than Brickstore, but it's just slow. Not really their fault I guess, they're just swamped all the time. I've since moved on to reliably going to Wrecking Bar instead.
(3)
Jay L.

Wanna go to The Porter? Yes please. This place is fantastic, though the service can be spotty at times. The beer selection is A-plus, and bonus points to any place that serves St. Bernardus Abt 12. I ordered the burger, and it was delicious. I ordered it rare, thinking that they would overcook it, but it came out perfect--red and cool, dripping with juices and topped with plenty of lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles. And I'm not a french fries fan (although I'm a slut for McDonald's fries), but these were great--thin and seasoned. Awesome bar, good people watching, although it was a bit hipster. But that's the price you have to pay every now and then to have great beer options.
(4)
Frank C.

After seeing this restaurant/bar featured on Atlanta Eats, my wife and I added it to our list of "must visit" establishments. Living in Buford,GA, we did not know when that opportunity would arise. However, after returning from a trip, we had to pick up our dogs from a good friend in Decatur. What a perfect opportunity! We picked up our good friend, Karla, and made our way to Little Five Points. After slipping past the bar into the back room we settled in for a real treat. We then selected three different drafts (all of which were fantastic) along with the goat cheese fritters and the Belgian fries. All I can say is Wow! After finishing the appetizers, we ordered our entrees. I ordered the shrimp and grits and the girls split an order of bratwurst on a bed of kraut. We had been so pleased with the beers that we had chosen, we asked our waitress, the charming and knowledgeable Rebecca, to select appropriate draft beers to accompany our entrees. Of course we prefaced the request with information of what types of beer we did not like. The shrimp and grits were the best I have ever eaten and the brats, made in house as was the kraut, were definitely taste treats. I was particularly impressed by the kraut, which was unlike any I have ever had in the past. The three of us are already planning a return visit. The Porter Beer Bar is definitely one of my favorite places in Atlanta for fine casual food and exceptional beer.
(5)
Carrie B.

Holy cockroaches! I ate here for dinner on a Sunday evening at around 9 PM. Too distracted by the many 4 inch cockroaches crawling/jumping on the walls and the bench I was sitting on to enjoy my meal or the wide array of beers they have available. If that wasn't bad enough, the questionable characters outside the building during the late night hours and constant police drive-by with bright spotlight activity was extremely distracting. Will not be coming back. Great beer selection though and the brownie dessert was delicious. They service was also pretty good... For what it's worth.
(2)
Veronica R.

In the midst of a section of Atlanta that is the underground culture, there is a cozy pub named The Porter. The first thing I see when I walk into the restaurant is a sign that says "sit wherever you'd like." This is definitely a place that does take social norms too seriously. The atmosphere is rustic, lighted by soft, bare incandescent light bulbs, and decorated with strange artworks. My friend tells me that the appetizers here are delicious, so we order the goat cheese fritters and the salt and vinegar popcorn. He says that when I taste the fritters, I will think I have died and gone to heaven, so I expect nothing less. The appetizers are served, and I am over the moon tasting the crunchy, savory goat cheese fritters topped with melted honey. I taste the salt and vinegar popcorn, and for some inexplicable reason, the waiter watches. I am startled by the cloud of acid that runs to my nose, and my friend and the waiter start laughing. This is so much fun! We order our entres, and I have the bratwurst and kraut. To be honest, the entre was unremarkable, but the seasoned fries that I ordered as a side were phenomenal! The crispy, fresh-out-of-the-frier potatoes were lightly salted and covered in parsley and were served with a garlic butter. This is another instance in which I will think I have died and gone to heaven. Sadly, we didn't get a chance to try the desert, but the bill was reasonable for the quality of food, and the service was excellent. I definitely recommend it to anyone visiting little 5 points!
(4)
Christine L.

An Atlanta native and unfortunate OTP-er I realized how little I knew about the interesting inner workings of Little Five Points. Always a place for hipsters, wanna-be hipsters, and a varied array of homeless people, Little Five always seemed like the mini-bohemia that the overly conservative OTP-ers never took a liking to. For me, it was love at first sight but for some strange and odd reason, amongst all the hype of The Vortex and The Corner Pub, I never noticed The Porter Beer Bar. It looks like the afterthought of a building, like when you have to hastily insert a "1" that you omitted into a number; The Porter takes up a sliver of the walls of shops that line up along Euclid. It's really hard to notice, a small rather dull sign hangs outside and if you weren't searching for it, you wouldn't think it were anything special, almost like 12 Grimmauld Place (for you Harry Potter fans). My first time here I stumbled in hoping that I hadn't made some horrid mistake. I took two rather skeptical looking British boys in here, who whined their entire trip that I hadn't given them a single decent beer. For those who are familiar with the British, there is an innate understanding of their love of two things: complaining and a "proper pint." All in all, it seemed to be dismal until I pulled a stool up onto the bar and the bartender handed me their beer menu; three stellar pages of draught beer from microbreweries. Beer geeks, this is heaven, even the Brits were smiling by the end of it. And hey, if you're not a drinker their menu is phenomenal as well. In fact, when I perused their selection I was more impressed with their food menu. Foie gras, bone marrow, and goat cheese fritters all with a good pint? It was bound to be an everlasting relationship. It's good to see a place that serves quality and trendy food without the high-roller bullshit. I guess that's the beauty of being a gastropub, you get the best of graffiti-ed and stickered out bathrooms, tattoo-ed bartenders and waiters, and amazing food and quality beer. Their taps rotate constantly, every time I've been in the beer has been different but with that said this place will run you up a pretty penny. Again, though, my general motto is you pay for what you get and the constantly rotating taps, the stellar food, and good company is well worth the extra $10-$20 you pay. Now, I know I'm notorious for long winded reviews but this last bit I felt I needed. For those who enjoy a good atmosphere and just to bring out the liveliness of the bar, talk to people and get to know your bartender. This was one of the best things about this bar; people really seemed to enjoy talking to strangers or other people. Perhaps it's just the Little Five atmosphere, since I experienced the same hospitality at "Wrecking Bar" just down the street. All in all, it's a fantastic place. As usual, for those who frequent Little Five, parking is an absolute NIGHTMARE so try and go during the daytime if you want to avoid the hellfire that is parking in Little Five Points. So stop reading this and go... GET DRUNK (responsibly, of course).
(5)
Ling S.

Awesome beer selection! Literally hundreds of beers. My beer snob of a boyfriend was more than pleased. We only hung around the bar area, which was really cramped. Be prepared to get cozy with the people next to you. The bartenders do a good job though of trying to get to everyone. Didn't get to try the food. Definitely will next time I'm in ATL. For any beer fanatics, this place is a must!! $100 bottles of Cantillon though..Yikes!!
(4)
Mogwai M.

Friendly staff. Great beer selection. The food is mediocre. The burger is dull. The goat cheese fritters are a hot greasy mess. The fries are fine.
(3)
Mike O.

The beer here is easily 5-star material, the food is probably closer to three stars. The prices aren't too ridiculous. Service is pretty good. Came here last night with some friends. Our server was exquisitely knowledgeable about the beers the place serves and was easily able to offer us something that would suit our tastes. I started with Belgian brown ale, which I was worried wasn't going to be nutty enough, but it was very good. Moved on to the Stone IPA which was top notch. The food here is okay. It isn't bad by any means, its just maybe trying to hard. We started with some hush puppies, which were great. Call me strange, but I prefer a little heat in my hush puppies. Maybe some jalapeno in the batter somewhere. We also started with some mac and cheese which may have been the best part of the meal. Moved on to the shrimp po boy, which was not bad, but I don't know if I like shrimp drizzled in a buffalo wing sauce. Not bad, just weird. Also, the fries were way over-seasoned, which was probably the only real disappointment, but I can't get it off my mind and thus the lower rating. Would love to come back here though.
(4)
Laura W.

It was the best pub food I have ever had, totally creative, generous portions, absolutely delicious!
(5)
Keith A.

Oh, Porter -- you're so cool. And I just hate things that are too cool for school, but - I can't hate you. Not with your fantastic beer list, your great food (including ever-changing and awesome desserts!), your legitimately (amongst grumbles) ambiance and vibe...I kind of wish you weren't as good as you are. But you are. Heck, the owner PERSONALLY DESIGNED THE LIGHT FIXTURES. With WELDING EQUIPMENT. I'm sure he had a very cool looking beard while doing it. But really, this place has a great beer selection, great food, and -- whoops! -- an EXTREMELY long wait outside on busy nights. But that's OK, because you'll be inside feeling like a cool guy for a long time once your party is called. The interior is everything you'd expect - I actually do like the long stairway of dining tables - and it's just an Atlanta landmark in the making. Sigh.
(5)
Nikki K.

I'm pretty embarrassed to say this, but I went to The Porter for the first time a few weeks ago. I worked a few doors down for years and walked by it every day and just never made it in. Big mistake, huge. Watching my favorite bums meander from inside while drinking awesome drinks = a great day off. The fries are awesome. The lemon gingerade is DANGEROUS. My husband tried so many new beers we had to stumble home. The salt and vinegar popcorn can be lethal. People with us who ate it kept choking so here's a tip- they said try to keep from inhaling while stuffing it in your mouth and the vinegar won't get you. You're welcome. We can't wait to go back.
(4)
Angelique N.

This restaurant is impressive! It is in a very beautiful building that adds a lot of charm to the experience of dining there. It is pricey for me, at least so it is a place to consider for special occasions. I went there for dinner and absolutely loved every minute of the dinner. Appetizers were a sin, main course beyond belief, wine and drinks selection terrific, and desserts ah! desserts delicious!
(4)

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Address : 1156 Euclid Ave NE
Atlanta, GA, 30307
Phone (404) 223-0393
Website https://www.theporterbeerbar.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 12

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner, Late Night
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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The Porter Beer Bar

1156 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307

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