29 Cheap (But Freakin’ Delicious) Eats in Atlanta
Wallet feeling light these days? We feel ya. Here are some budget-friendly restaurants in and around Atlanta that are light on your pocketbook but don’t sacrifice on taste.
1. American Deli
Multiple Locations
A no frills, classic ballin’ on a budget spot featuring classic lemon pepper wet wings, plus philly cheesesteaks, chicken fingers, burgers, and more. Locations throughout Atlanta.
2. Arepa Grill
5302 Buford Hwy NE Ste A2 Doraville, GA 30340
Buford highway has all the good eats, and you can find yourself a hot, fresh, quality, and filling arepa at Arepa Grill on BuHi. For a few bucks more, indulge in their deep fried churros.
3. BB’s Bagels
770 McFarland Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004
Don’t be fooled–the best bagels in the metro area are not in Atlanta at all, but in a no frills trailer in Alpharetta. They’ve lovely and large with just the right amount of chew with every kind of flavor cream cheese you could want. Be aware that they do sell out often–wake up and make the drive because early bird gets the bagel!
4. Bell St. Burritos
Multiple Locations
Specializing in great burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and tamales, Bell Street Burritos is the perfect stop after you walk the Beltline. They’ve got some of the *best* guac in town and you can easily fill your belly for $12 or less.
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5. Corner Cafe
3070 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Corner Cafe is a great spot for a weekday lunch. One whiff of the freshly baked bread at their bakery and you’ll be hooked! They also serve up delectable weekend brunch offerings like banana pancakes and the always delicious fried chicken and waffles.
6. Eats
600 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Pick yourself up a plate of the good stuff at this meat-and-three on Ponce. They’ve been open since 1993 and are just as affordable as they were when they first opened up, a true rare gem on the heart of Ponce!
7. Falafel King
1405 Oxford Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
This teeny spot in the heart of Emory Village is beloved by Emory students but often overlooked by the rest of ATL. But, it has some of the BEST falafel in town. Parking is tricky, but the $6 mixed sandwich with falafel and shwarma is a standby and also super affordable! Open for pick-up, according to Google Business.
8. Fellini’s
Multiple Locations
Open late, always affordable, and always tasty. Order by the slice or by the pie. Their best flavor? The white pie, topped with tons of different kinds of cheeses.
9. La Fonda
Multiple Locations
Maduros, paella, and tacos, and more! La Fonda serves up Cuban fare that’ll fill you up for under 20 bucks. Order the sangrita, a mix between a sangria and margarita, for a fun drink option!
10. Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken
Multiple Locations
There are few pleasures in life than a perfectly crispy piece of fried chicken, and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is killing it for all the fried chicken lovers out there. Bite into bliss with an order of their fried chicken, with just the right amount of crunch and just a hint of spice. The collard greens are flavorful and the okra comes out hot, crispy, and delicious!
11. Gyro Bros
Multiple Locations
Massive portions, fresh cut fries, and sauces made from scratch make this gyro spot total bang for your buck. The service is also always excellent and fast. Their Sandy Springs location has a quick and easy drive-thru, and you can also find them in Downtown and Midtown.
12. Hankook Taqueria
Big on flavor and light on your wallet! Hankook Taqueria has been serving up Korean/Mexican fare with that fusion twist long before it was trendy. For an umami bomb, order their nachos.
13. Harry’s Pizza and Subs
2150 Powers Ferry Rd C, Atlanta, GA 30339
Family-owned spot Harry’s Pizza and Subs is right on the money for that thin-sliced, New York style pizza, but don’t overlook their wings and subs either! Finish off your meal with their nutella pretzel, a decadent sweet treat. Available now for pick-up, and if you’re lucky, you might even get a curbside delivery from their Pizza Girl!
14. Hovan Mediterranean Gourmet
2148 Johnson Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30319
For perfectly flavorful beef, lamb, and chicken, all wrapped up in warm pita bread, head to Hovan Mediterranean Gourmet on Johnson Ferry’s Rd. We’re obsessed with the Mediterranean flavor they add to everything they make. Pro tip: their platters are an even greater value!
15. Knuckies Hoagies
Multiple Locations
When your world is spinning sometimes a warm, toasty sandwich is all you need. (Or is that just us??) Knuckies is slinging delicious deli meats and cheesesteaks at a value price, with locations all over town!
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16. Lan Zhou
5231 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville, GA 30340
For a fantastic meal AND a show, Buford Highway‘s Lan Zhou’s hand-pulled noodles are unmatched. The best part of Lan Zhou is getting to watch them make the noodles right in front of your eyes! Order up some of their pan-fried dumplings or soup dumplings, too, to complete your meal!
17. Lee’s Bakery
4005 Buford Hwy NE Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30345
Lee’s Bakery is home to Atlanta’s most beloved banh mi plus nourishing warm bowls of pho and sweet and extra caffeinated cups of Vietnamese iced coffee. If you ever get the chance to meet the owners as well, y0u’ll see why this family-owned spot is so loved!
18. Mad Italian
This Chamblee spot has been open for decades and has a cult following for their Philly cheesesteaks. The interior isn’t fancy at all, but the portions are massive. The ” pastalaya,” with a blend of diavolo and alfredo sauce and stuffed with grilled chicken, shrimp, and Italian sausage, is a total gut bomb in the best way possible. They’ve also opened up a little drive-thru tent to make your visit extra safe.
19. The Manna House
This OTP, Marietta soul food spot is definitely a hole-in-the-wall dive, but you can taste the love they put into every dish and it’s affordable for your budget, too! Get a meat, cornbread, and two sides for $15 or under. The customer service is always great; they’ll make you feel right at home!
20. NFA Burger
You’re not really a foodie until you’ve tried the NFA burger. This famous burger has been popping up all over town, and now they’ve got a brick and mortar location inside the Chevron in Dunwoody. Enjoy them with a side of tots.
21. Chong Qing Hot Pot
5385 New Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341
It doesn’t get much better in terms of value than Chong Qing Hot Pot. You can totally eat super well for two for under $25 at this Chinatown mall spot in Chamblee, and the spices they use?! Chef’s kiss.
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22. Pijiu Belly
678 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Fill up on generous portions of Asian street food fare like takoyaki and ramen at this West Midtown spot! You can also order up a tasty and filling bento box at lunch for $12 or less.
23. The Original Hot Dog Factory
Multiple Locations
The Original Hot Dog Factory will help you think outside the relish, mustard, and ketchup box. They have affordably-priced, chargrilled hot dogs served up every which way, like their Memphis Dog that’s bacon wrapped and topped with shredded cheese! It’s the perfect summertime treat.
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24. Rocky Mountain Pizza
This Georgia Tech haunt will fill you up for less. There’s plenty of pitcher specials most nights and great pizza and wings for when you’re on a budget. You’ll love the buffalo chicken pizza!
25. El Rey Del Taco
5288 Buford Hwy, Doraville, GA 30340
Eat like a king at the king of tacos! A standout on Buford Highway, this place is. serving up simple, delicious, authentic Mexican tacos that’ll have you coming back again and again. Parking can be tricky, but the food is more than worth it.
26. Rincon Latino
5055 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville, GA 30340
This should be a surprise to no one, but Buford highway is key when you need a budget bite and Rincon Latino’s pupusas are cheesy, bready perfection that’ll satisfy your hunger without eating into your budget! Pupusas are a Salvadorian treat, a type of thick, corn griddle cake filled with cheese and beans or your choice of meat, and Rincon Latino makes a mean one! Available for dine-in and takeout.
27. Taco Pete
Taco Pete’s affordably-priced tacos, wings, and burgers has made this hole-in-the-wall place a staple for the East Point community. Airport district folks rave about these wings–some of the best in the Tri-city area!
28. Taqueria Del Sol
Multiple Locations
When you’re craving some cheesy goodness, there’s really no better option in ATL than Taqueria Del Sol. Lines are almost always out the door, but no need to fret as they move quickly. Order the corn chowder!
29. Your Local Mexican Carniceria
Bet you didn’t know that you probably live down the street from some excellent, authentic tacos in the most unexpected of places: Mexican grocery stores. For expertly cooked carne asada and chorizo, just search for a small shop with a sign that says “carniceria” to order up some tacos that are also super easy on the budget. El Progreso, nicknamed “Prison Tacos,” is well known for great ones, but other small shops like Mercado Acapulcoand CuernaVaca Supermarket and Taqueria will also really impress your tastebuds for under $10!
Editor’s Note: This article was first published September 2020 and last updated April 3, 2023.
Use our map below to find cheap eats near you!
A no frills, classic ballin’ on a budget spot featuring classic lemon pepper wet wings, plus philly cheesesteaks, chicken fingers, burgers, and more. Locations throughout Atlanta.
Fill up on generous portions of Asian street food fare like takoyaki and ramen at this West Midtown spot! You can also order up a tasty and filling bento box at lunch for $12 or less.
Maduros, paella, and tacos, and more! La Fonda serves up Cuban fare that’ll fill you up for under 20 bucks. Order the sangrita, a mix between a sangria and margarita, for a fun drink option.
When you’re craving some cheesy goodness, there’s really no better option in ATL than Taqueria Del Sol. Lines are almost always out the door, but no need to fret as they move quickly. Order the corn chowder!
We love Philly Connection for their always philling and always delicious subs, wings, and sandwiches. Plus, CURLY FRIES! Locations all over GA, but their original location is still open in Vinings!
Big on flavor and light on your wallet! Hankook Taqueria has been serving up Korean/Mexican fare with that fusion twist long before it was trendy. For an umami bomb, order their nachos.
You’re not really a foodie until you’ve tried the NFA burger. This famous burger has been popping up all over town, and now they’ve got a brick and mortar location inside a Dunwoody Chevron. Enjoy them with a side of tots.
Open late, always affordable, and always tasty. Order by the slice or by the pie. Their best flavor? The white pie, topped with tons of different kinds of cheeses.
Whatever you do, order the loaded Greek fries! PITA is a fast-casual lunch option for the budget-conscioous with locations all over town. Their tasty gyros and fresh salads will have you coming back again and again!
Corner Cafe is a great spot for a weekday lunch. One whiff of the freshly baked bread at their bakery and you’ll be hooked! They also serve up delectable weekend brunch offerings like banana pancakes and the always delicious fried chicken and waffles.
This Georgia Tech haunt will fill you up for less. There’s plenty of pitcher specials most nights and great pizza and wings for when you’re on a budget. You’ll love the buffalo chicken pizza!
Known for soup dumplings, this Buford Highway spot is well-worth the trip. We recommend making a few other stops along Buford Highway to make your trip even tastier. Tea House Formosa, Mango Mango, Dat Sweet Spot, and Mactha Cafe Maiko are all excellent for sweets, and Buford Highway Farmer’s Market is perfect for picking up cheap produce and cuisine from all over the world for the week.
The Original Hot Dog Factory will help you think outside the relish, mustard, and ketchup box. They have affordably-priced, chargrilled hot dogs served up every which way, like their Memphis Dog that’s bacon wrapped and topped with shredded cheese! It’s the perfect summertime treat.
Family-owned spot Harry’s Pizza and Subs is right on the money for that thin-sliced, New York style pizza, but don’t overlook their wings and subs either! Finish off your meal with their nutella pretzel, a decadent sweet treat. Available now for pick-up, and if you’re lucky, you might even get a curbside delivery from their Pizza Girl!
This should be a surprise to no one, but Buford highway is key when you need a budget bite and Rincon Latina’s pupusas are cheesy, bready perfection that’ll satisfy your hunger without eating into your budget! Pupusas are a Salvadorian treat, a type of thick, corn griddle cake filled with cheese and beans or your choice of meat, and Rincon Latina makes a mean one! Available for dine-in and takeout.
Bao Bun Cafe is newer to the West Midtown / Home Park area and they’re doing Taiwanese food right! You’re probably familiar with the slashed baos, cloud-like, fluffy white bread filled with tasty meats like pork belly and peking duck. But they also have other unique eats like crispy sesame buns and flatbread rolls. Their bao bun special is served with a seawood crispy roll and braised pork for less than 10 bucks! and Asian fare that are great for the budget eater too. Available for takeout and delivery.
For perfectly flavorful beef, lamb, and chicken, all wrapped up in warm pita bread, head to Hovan Mediterranean Gourmet on Johnson Ferry’s Rd. We’re obsessed with the Mediterranean flavor they add to everything they make. Pro tip: their platters are an even greater value!
For a fantastic meal AND a show, Buford Highway‘s Lan Zhou’s hand-pulled noodles are unmatched. The best part of Lan Zhou is getting to watch them make the noodles right in front of your eyes! Order up some of their pan-fried dumplings or soup dumplings, too, to complete your meal!
There’s no shortage of excellent Vietnamese spots and banh mis in Atlanta, but allow us to throw often overlooked Buckhead spot, Bun Mi Vietnamese’s name in the mix, too. They’re an excellent ITP choice with a sizable banh mi that has a bread with the perfect crunch and flavorful fillings you’ll think about for days!
Bet you didn’t know that you probably live down the street from some excellent, authentic tacos in the most unexpected of places: Mexican grocery stores. For expertly cooked carne asada and chorizo, just search for a small shop with a sign that says “carniceria” to order up some tacos that are also super easy on the budget. El Progreso, nicknamed “Prison Tacos,” is well known for great ones, but other small shops like Mercado Acapulcoand CuernaVaca Supermarket and Taqueria will also really impress your tastebuds for under $10!
Taco Pete’s affordably-priced tacos, wings, and burgers has made this hole-in-the-wall place a staple for the East Point community. Airport district folks rave about these wings–some of the best in the Tri-city area!
This OTP, Marietta soul food spot is definitely a hole-in-the-wall dive, but you can taste the love they put into every dish and it’s affordable for your budget, too! Get a meat, cornbread, and two sides for $15 or under. The customer service is always grea; they’ll make you feel right at home!
There are few pleasures in life than a perfectly crispy piece of fried chicken, and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is killing it for all the fried chicken lovers out there. Bite into bliss with an order of their fried chicken, with just the right amount of crunch and just a hint of spice. The collard greens are flavorful and the okra comes out hot, crispy, and delicious!
Massive portions, fresh cut fries, and sauces made from scratch make this gyro spot total bang for your buck. The service is also always excellent and fast. Their Sandy Springs location has a quick and easy drive-thru, and you can also find them in Downtown and Midtown.
This Chamblee spot has been open for decades and has a cult following for their Philly cheesesteaks. The interior isn’t fancy at all, but the portions are massive. The ” pastalaya,” with a blend of diavolo and alfredo sauce and stuffed with grilled chicken, shrimp, and Italian sausage, is a total gut bomb in the best way possible. They’ve also opened up a little drive-thru tent to make your visit extra safe.
This teeny spot in the heart of Emory Village is often overlooked by the rest of ATL. But, it has some of the BEST falafel in town. Parking is tricky, but the $6 mixed sandwich with falafel and shwarma is a standby and also super affordable! Open for pick-up, according to Google Business.
Specializing in great burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and tamales, Bell Street Burritos is the perfect stop after you walk the Beltline. They’ve got some of the *best* guac in town and you can easily fill your belly for $12 or less.
