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Best Cheap Eats in Atlanta

Find the best cheap eats restaurants in Atlanta, GA. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Atlanta's cheap eats scene is a study in contradictions: places that deliver real flavor and value but often ask you to tolerate chaos to get them. You'll find genuine gems alongside venues where the food is solid but the execution feels held together by hope and regulars' loyalty. Knowing which ones are worth the gamble—and which ones aren't—makes all the difference.

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Best Cheap Eats in Atlanta

1.

Pedro’s Tacos

92/100

Pedro's Tacos is a highly-regarded taqueria in Atlanta celebrated for its authentic, fresh, and flavorful tacos offered at remarkably affordable prices. Diners frequently celebrate the friendly service and cozy atmosphere, making it a standout spot for Mexican cuisine.

Pro tip: The best tacos in Atlanta!

🍽️Food95

The tacos are well-regarded for their authentic flavor, freshness, and generous portions, with many diners calling them the best they've ever had.

The tacos were amazing and fresh

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, personable, and accommodating, contributing to a welcoming dining experience.

Excellent service, the local man is very friendly

Vibe85

The atmosphere is often described as cozy, welcoming, and reminiscent of Mexico, with pleasant music and a comfortable patio area.

Feels like stepping into your grandma’s kitchen

💰Value95

Diners consistently highlight the affordable prices and generous portions, noting that the quality far exceeds the cost.

Cheap prices

📍 1892 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30315
4.9$AtlantaMexican
Ideal for
Authentic Mexican food loversBudget-conscious dinersQuick and casual meals
2.

BBQ+RICE Buckhead

92/100

Fresh, bold, easy—huge portions at $11–$12. The Korean BBQ bowls are consistent (no 'sometimes good, sometimes mediocre' nonsense), the owner actually cares, and staff treat you like a regular on your first visit. This is the rare cheap-eats spot with zero drama in the reviews and flavors that don't feel like they're cutting corners.

Pro tip: Lunch rush is packed but moves fast. Grab-and-go focus means limited seating—plan accordingly.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its bold, authentic Korean flavors, fresh ingredients, and generous portions, with specific dishes like the Black Pepper Chicken and Bulgogi bowls frequently highlighted.

Absolutely amazing! The flavors were on point

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, kind, and welcoming, with staff often noted for their pleasant demeanor and helpfulness.

Amazing service! Always fresh! Always friendly!!

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally described as welcoming and friendly, with some noting the interior's aesthetic appeal.

The vibes were super friendly and welcoming

💰Value95

Diners consistently highlight the excellent value, noting large portions and reasonable prices, with some calling it a 'steal' for the area.

Incredible price with more than approp

📍 2277 Peachtree Rd NE Suite # H, Atlanta, GA 30309
5$$AtlantaKorean
Ideal for
Quick lunches during the workdayDiners seeking authentic Korean flavorsValue-conscious diners
3.

MAKAY AFRICAN RESTAURANT. Pre-Order Food in 1/2 Pan, Full Pan & Big Bowl Only. We Ship to All Other States. Call Before

92/100

Makay African Restaurant offers authentic and delicious West African cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh, scratch-made dishes. The restaurant is known for its affordability, excellent customer service, and consistent quality, making it a highly recommended choice for those seeking genuine African flavors.

Pro tip: The food is affordable, Serving the Best of West Africa cuisine. They serve delicious food

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its authentic West African flavors, with specific dishes like Waakye, jollof, and suya receiving high marks. Ingredients are described as fresh and meals are prepared from scratch.

All outstanding

👋Service90

Customer service is frequently highlighted as easy and awesome, with efficient delivery and accommodating staff.

Great customer service

Vibe75

The restaurant aims to evoke a sense of 'Africa' in America through its food and service style, though specific details on the physical atmosphere are limited.

Feel “Africa” in America

💰Value95

The restaurant is described as affordable with great value for money, offering delicious food at competitive prices.

Affordable

📍 5599 Rock Shoals Way, Atlanta, GA 30349
5$$AtlantaAfrican
Ideal for
Diners seeking authentic West African flavorsCustomers prioritizing value and affordabilityThose needing fast and reliable food delivery
4.

Rahim Chicken Supreme

88/100

Rahim Chicken Supreme is a highly-regarded takeout-only wing spot in Atlanta, celebrated for its remarkably flavorful and well-seasoned halal wings at unbeatable prices. While most diners celebrate the owner's friendly service and the consistent quality, a few recent negative interactions with the owner have been noted.

Pro tip: Best chicken wings I’ve ever had, got me craving chicken wings for the first time in my life.

🍽️Food92

The wings are well-regarded for their excellent flavor, tenderness, and perfect seasoning, with many calling them the best in Atlanta. While some find them slightly small, others appreciate the size and meatiness. The fries are generally well-regarded, though some diners note they can be soggy or bland.

Best chicken wings I’ve ever had

👋Service85

Service is frequently described as friendly, amazing, and professional, with the owner often highlighted for his kindness and accommodating nature. However, reported a condescending and rude interaction with the owner.

The owner was extremely condescending

Vibe70

The establishment is a takeout-only window, often located in a parking lot, with no seating. The atmosphere is functional rather than experiential.

Small red building in the middle of a parking lot

💰Value95

The restaurant is widely lauded for its outstanding prices, with many diners noting generous portions for the cost, making it a top value proposition in Atlanta.

Unbeatable prices

📍 2883 Lakewood Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30315
4.6$$AtlantaAmerican
Ideal for
Halal wing enthusiastsDiners seeking valueQuick takeout meals
5.

Afrodish Restaurant

88/100

Afrodish offers authentic and flavorful African and Caribbean cuisine, particularly noted for its tender oxtails and jerk chicken, at excellent value.

Pro tip: Fire. For $13 this was the best value food I had in the city.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its authentic African and Caribbean flavors, with many dishes described as tender, well-seasoned, and delicious. Oxtails, jerk chicken, and curry goat are frequently highlighted.

Chicken was juicy, tender and well seasoned.

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, kind, and warm, with many patrons noting the owners' pleasant demeanor. However, a few instances of rudeness and unhelpfulness have been noted.

The owners/staff are so kind

Vibe75

The atmosphere is generally described as casual, cafeteria-style, and family-friendly, with a focus on the food rather than elaborate decor.

It’s a cafeteria style place.

💰Value95

The restaurant is consistently lauded for offering large portions of high-quality food at very reasonable prices, representing outstanding value.

Best value food I had in the city.

⚠️Heads Up
  • Maggots found in rice
📍 209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
4.3$$AtlantaAfrican
Ideal for
Diners seeking authentic African/Caribbean flavorsValue-conscious dinersQuick and flavorful lunch options
6.

Da Cocinita MAGIC TACO

88/100

Da Cocinita MAGIC TACO is a highly-regarded food truck in Atlanta, celebrated for its remarkably flavorful and fresh tacos offered at great value. While the food consistently receives enthusiastic celebrate, the management's handling of customer issues and one instance of rude service detract from an otherwise stellar experience.

Pro tip: These are some of the best tacos I’ve had in Atlanta!

🍽️Food95

The tacos are well-regarded for their excellent flavor, freshness, and generous portions, with many diners calling them the best they've ever had.

These are some of the best tacos I’ve had in Atlanta!

👋Service75

Service is generally described as friendly, fast, and accommodating, with staff often bringing orders to cars, though one instance of rudeness was noted.

The staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate

Vibe60

The atmosphere is primarily functional due to its food truck nature and gas station location, which some find detracts from the overall experience.

Food truck at a gas station

💰Value95

Diners consistently find the tacos to be an outstanding value, with generous portions and reasonable prices, often highlighting deals like 3 for $10.

Generous tasty portion for 10 bucks

📍 225 Clifton St SE, Atlanta, GA 30317, United States
4.8$$AtlantaMexican
Ideal for
Taco enthusiasts seeking authentic flavorsDiners looking for great value mealsQuick and convenient take-out
7.

Beef Grill

75/100

Beef Grill is a highly-regarded, casual Brazilian steakhouse known for its excellent value and delicious, consistently fresh grilled meats. Despite its small size, which leads to frequent waits, diners find the food quality and affordability make it a worthwhile experience.

Pro tip: The food is delicious, affordable, and consistently clean, and the service is genuinely warm.

🍽️Food90

The grilled meats are well-regarded for their flavor and quality, with many diners highlighting specific cuts like picanha and tenderloin as outstanding. The buffet offers a good variety of proteins and sides, with fresh ingredients noted.

The meat is cooked fresh

👋Service70

Service is generally described as friendly and attentive, with staff often remembered by regulars. However, there are isolated incidents of rudeness and a lack of attentiveness, particularly when busy.

Friendly staff, very attentive.

Vibe60

The atmosphere is frequently described as casual, local, and a 'hole in the wall,' which appeals to some but is noted as lacking polish or a 'fancy' feel by others. The small size contributes to a crowded and sometimes less-than-ideal ambiance.

Very casual, great selection.

💰Value95

Diners consistently find the all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse experience to be an first-rate value, with prices significantly lower than comparable establishments.

Unbeatable for the price.

📍 8599 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30350, United States
4.7$$AtlantaBrazilian
Ideal for
Meat lovers seeking valueCasual dinersThose prioritizing food quality over ambiance
8.

Asian Fusion

88/100

Asian Fusion offers a well-regarded dining experience with a focus on fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned Asian cuisine, particularly noted for its hibachi and sushi. The restaurant boasts a pleasant atmosphere and friendly service, making it a popular choice, especially for Georgia Tech students seeking good value.

Pro tip: Amazing Asian food and the hibachi experience was fantastic! Fresh ingredients, great flavors, and friendly staff.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, flavor, and generous portions, with many dishes, including hibachi, sushi, and various Chinese entrees, receiving high marks. Some minor critiques exist regarding specific items like fried rice and chicken.

Amazing Asian food

👋Service88

Service is generally described as friendly, sweet, and helpful, with many staff members well-regarded. While most interactions are positive, a few signs suggest room for improvement in attentiveness.

Staff is so sweet

Vibe85

The atmosphere is often described as pleasant, modern, cozy, and inviting, with contemporary decor contributing to a positive dining experience.

Wonderful vibe all around

💰Value92

Value is a strong point, with diners consistently highlighting generous portions and affordable prices, especially for lunch specials and late-night deals.

Incredibly worth the price

📍 75 5th St NW #170, Atlanta, GA 30308
4.9$$AtlantaMixed/Fusion
Ideal for
Georgia Tech students — convenient location and student dealsDiners seeking value — generous portions at affordable pricesCasual dining — pleasant atmosphere for quick meals or gatherings
9.

Cafe Du Jour

92/100

Cafe Du Jour is a highly-regarded, family-owned cafe known for its delicious food, excellent value, and outstandingly friendly service from its owners. It's a favorite offering a welcoming atmosphere and consistently fresh ingredients.

Pro tip: Owners are very kind, friendly, and have great senses of humor.

🍽️Food90

The food is consistently described as delicious, with fresh ingredients and unique options that keep diners returning.

Amazing service/food!

👋Service95

Service is a standout, characterized by friendly, personable staff and owners who make customers feel like family.

Service is quick and attentive

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally described as chill and welcoming, with owners who are personable and friendly.

The vibes were chill

💰Value90

Diners consistently find the food to be delicious and affordable, offering outstanding quality for the price.

Affordable options.

📍 3350 Riverwood Pkwy #450, Atlanta, GA 30339, United States
4.9$$AtlantaAmerican
Ideal for
Quick lunches for building workers — convenient location and fast serviceDiners seeking friendly service — owners make guests feel like familyValue-conscious diners — high quality at affordable prices
10.

21 M Street

92/100

21 M Street is a highly-regarded new restaurant in Atlanta, known for its delicious, fresh, and flavorful soul food, particularly its lamb chops and catfish. The establishment also receives high marks for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and affordable prices.

Pro tip: The food was great! Everything was hot and fresh!

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for being flavorful, fresh, and well-cooked, with particular highlights being the lamb chops, catfish, collard greens, and yams.

Everything was hot and fresh!

👋Service90

Customer service is frequently described as great, with staff noted for being welcoming, polite, and friendly.

The customer service is great

Vibe90

The atmosphere is consistently described as positive, with mentions of good music, an outdoor patio, and a welcoming environment.

Great music and food

💰Value90

The restaurant is noted for offering affordable prices and good value, with specific mentions of deals on wings and lamb chops.

Affordable prices and worth every penny

📍 2149 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30315, United States
5$$AtlantaSoul Food
Ideal for
Diners seeking authentic soul food — well-regarded dishes like lamb chops and greens.Those looking for a welcoming atmosphere — good music and friendly staff create a positive vibe.Budget-conscious diners — affordable prices and good value are frequently mentioned.

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