Aurora Coffee

This is such a nice place. This is where I would go if I have time to relax and have a cup of their amazing coffee. A perfect place to put your feet up. more

Music lovers should not miss this! more

I loved this store, just visited it for the first time today....simply could not pull myself away from it....it took all the strength I had to keep from staying there all day and spending a bazillion dollars.... more

In the heart of Little 5 Points, Criminal Records is simply the town's go-to spot for music. Whether you're looking for for the new Deerhunter LP (one of ATL's best local bands) or main stream cd's, Criminal has you covered. The vinyl selection isn't incredible vast, but it's good. It's also the best spot for current vinyl. In the back of the music-topia stands a small stage equipped with drums, mics, the works. They also have nearly every music magazine and publication available and at regular price. more

A long time ago (or well... 10+ years ago) there was this place called a record store. Even as late as the cd era, there were still great music shops that were so much more than going in and picking up the newest release of whomever you heard on the radio on your way into work. There were people that worked there who actually were experts and enthusiasts of music. Like librarians for tunes. People who could steer you toward a cool indie local release or when that new Pavement album was dropping. People who would save the extra poster the label sent them for you, because they knew you were a fan...and you'd be swinging by on Saturday morning, like you always did. Thankfully, we still have a few of these left, Wuxtry, Decatur CD...and my personal favorite, Criminal Records. The staff is a little reserved but incredible helpful, they've got a great selection of new and used, cd and vinyl, rolling stone and indie mags. And when bands come through town, they have a stage configuration in the back that allows them to do in-store performances. While itunes is great and convenient, there's something romantic about record shopping that you can't get from your phone or powerbook. Here's hoping Criminal makes it. Pros: selection, prices, staff Cons: there aren't more indie stores left! more

Criminal Records is THE Atlanta record store. Whether you're searching for the latest local release, the newest indie record or just want to dive into a huge selection of new and used vinyl - Criminal is the place to be. Set apart from the big corporate stores by their amazing selection, knowledgeable + friendly staff AND incredible in-store performances from the likes of Phoenix, Girls, Judi Chicago and so many more! Pros: Great customer service and amazing in-store performances more

So a lot of people think that the employees are jerks, that the cds are too hard to look at/browse, and that it is too hard to find a place to park in order to shop here. Good - there might be a Best Buy up the street for you to check out. If you are a serious record nerd and you haven't checked out Criminal, what are you waiting for? The hip new bands and the cult favorites are the norm here, but they have started stocking a great selection of vinyl & hard to find import titles (for cheap) as well in the past couple of years. The sales staff here is always helpful, fun, & quick to make suggestions, and most have been here for years & know exactly what you will like when you get there if you are a regular. If you aren't a regular here yet, what is keeping you? Pros: Great selection & prices, helpful staff Cons: Parking is sometimes an issue, REALLY crowded on weekends more

I've been shopping here for...well lets just say I was familiar with their 2 previous locations in Little 5 Points. When shopping for a CD, I always make a point to try to buy it here. Yes, I am a loyal customer and for good reason. Prices are decent, good and inexpensive used cd selection, great regular cd selection, and if they dont have it they'll order it. Employees have always been helpfull and knowledgeable. Pros: cd selection, used cd prices more

Aurora was the first to introduce the town that drinks Coke in the morning to the beverage that addicts the rest of America (I did think for awhile that it would never happen). No other coffee actually makes me smile at first sip. There are plenty of other coffeehouses around town now, but Aurora was first and is still the best (and may be the cheapest). The L5P location has a little deck frequented by weekend neighborhood family bicycle riders and is open early in the morning for parking lot consumers, which is fun in the summer. There's a bar so there's always a seat. And if the spare decor doesn't appeal to you, try the one in Va-Hi which has a warmer design. But whatever you do, don't miss this coffee. Pros: delicious, quick, location Cons: decor more

This wonderful store has music that you just can't find anywhere else, plus a very knowledgable staff. A fun place to browse. more

Criminal Records is a great record store. They seem to have everything, especially the cd you've looked everywhere for. Now, Criminal Records is the first place I shop. more

In 10 years of coming here the staff has always known the CD, book, DVD or comic I was looking for. If they don't have what I wanted then they probably know something else I will like just as much, if not better. Free concerts, CDs, newsletters, etc. show they are serious about getting the word out about cool music. Pros: smartest staff around, incredible selection, buy DVDs 3 days early Cons: not much parking more

I love CD shopping at Criminal for several reasons. 1. They always have what I'm looking for--you can count on them having the more obscure stuff you can't find at Tower. 2. Their prices are cheaper than the big chain record stores (don't know how they stay in business, but it works for me). They always have an interesting assortment of new albums on display on the counter, which is always good for an idea or two. Also, you can listen to a sample of pretty much everything they have in stock. They also have an amazing selection of magazines. The people who work there are obviously music snobs, but who cares? So are the people who shop there. more

Though a Starbucks is encroaching close on Aurora's territory, the coffee shop need not worry. Its coffee and espresso drinks are top-notch and the in-store attitude laid-back and relaxed. What makes Aurora worth the trip is the friendly non-corporate people who work at the place. If you need a caffeine hit while in Little Five Points, stop here. more