Atlanta's food scene goes far beyond upscale dining. From legendary soul food spots to the international wonderland of Buford Highway, the city offers incredible cheap eats. Here's how to eat well in ATL on a budget.
Soul Food & Southern
Busy Bee Cafe
ATL institution since 1947. Fried chicken, collards, mac and cheese. Soul food perfection.
Mary Mac's Tea Room
"Atlanta's Dining Room" since 1945. Southern hospitality and huge portions.
Beautiful Restaurant
Cafeteria-style soul food. Cash only, massive portions, real deal.
Greens & Gravy
Modern soul food with healthier options. Great lunch special deals.
Buford Highway
BuHi is Atlanta's international food corridor—Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Mexican, and more.
Pho Dai Loi
Huge bowls of pho for cheap. The special with everything is a meal and a half.
Hae Woon Dae
Korean BBQ where you grill your own meat. Split with friends for cheap.
Taqueria del Sol
Southern-influenced tacos that are unique to Atlanta. Cheap and creative.
Lee's Bakery
Vietnamese bakery with $5 banh mi. Some of the best cheap sandwiches in ATL.
Northern China Eatery
Hand-pulled noodles and dumplings. The cumin lamb noodles are excellent.
El Rey del Taco
24-hour taco stand with authentic Mexican street tacos. Perfect late night.
More Budget Gems
The Varsity
World's largest drive-in. Chili dogs and frosted oranges since 1928.
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Texas-style BBQ in ATL. Great brisket at fair prices.
Antico Pizza
Neapolitan pizza that rivals NYC. Pizzas are shareable, making them affordable.
Sublime Doughnuts
Creative doughnuts that are worth every calorie. Cheap treat.
Atlanta Budget Eating Tips
- Buford Highway: ATL's best kept secret for cheap international food
- Krog Street Market: Food hall with varied price points
- Lunch specials: Even upscale spots have affordable lunch menus
- Ponce City Market: Some stalls are affordable, others pricey
- Sweet Auburn Market: Historic market with cheap eats
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