The Best Cheap Eats in Atlanta

Atlanta is a city that still believes in good ol' fashioned Southern hospitality and the food scene matches. Restaurants deliver everything from big helpings of shrimp and grits like to New Age plates with imported ingredients. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemakers List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. From farm-to-table Southern cooking to thick cuts of dry-aged prime steaks, Atlanta dishes it all up with inimitable charm and hospitality. Find some of the city's hidden gems and local favorites when you follow along with our foodie insiders—delicious is available at any budget.

The OpenTable Team

19 Restaurants

Updated 01 October 2021

Restaurants:	Old Lady Gang, Tin Lizzy's - Midtown, New Realm Brewing…
Price Range:	$$ - $$
Cuisines:	Southern, Tex-Mex, American…
Neighborhoods:	Castleberry Hill, Midtown, Poncey-Highland…

Old Lady Gang

$$$$

Southern

Castleberry Hill

4.0

4553 reviews

Old Lady Gang is a go-to spot for awesome Southern and Soul Food in the heart of Downtown Atlanta. Kandi Burruss-Tucker, the Real Housewives of Atlanta entrepreneur, opened this place in 2017 and it now has two other outposts. Located in the Castleberry Hills neighborhood, is a concept that makes it easy to enjoy delicious down-home Southern recipes that she loved as a kid. To get a taste of what her cooking is like, try a house specialty like Mama Sharon’s Chicken and Cream Anglaise French Toast, a plate of french toast and whole breaded chicken wings served up with maple syrup.

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Tin Lizzy's - Midtown

$$$$

Tex-Mex

Midtown

4.1

98 reviews

Opened in the mid-2000s by four college friends, Tin Lizzy’s is where many locals go to find the best cheap eats Atlanta has to offer. There are now several locations around Atlanta but the outpost in Buckhead is a perfect place to meet friends for a refreshing margarita and awesome “FlexMex” cuisine. It features a bustling happy hour Monday through Friday where you can score great deals on shots, cocktails, and munchies to share, like Queso, Buffalo Shrimp, Taquitos and more.

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New Realm Brewing

$$$$

American

Poncey-Highland

4.2

328 reviews

New Realm Brewing is a casual American beer garden and Atlanta’s first Beltline brewery restaurant. It’s a craft beer destination from former Stone Brewing brewmaster and IPA expert Mitch Steele and his veteran beer business partners. Located in Poncey-Highland, just steps from the Beltline, it features dramatic panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline. And the awesome interior makes you want to kick back and hang for a while. The best news is that the food is delicious - and totally affordable? Check out the full menu of bites to get dinner for under $10.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Coalition Wood Fired Steak and Seafood

$$$$

American

Alpharetta

4.2

1045 reviews

Coalition Food and Beverage, a sophisticated American eatery located in Alpharetta, is a perfect spot for families and neighbors to gather for some of the best cheap eats Atlanta offers. The historic Canton Street locale is just the right setting for this take on a classic diner. The menu mixes up familiar diner dishes with elegant touches that make a meal here really memorable. Try the CF Burger, one of the best values on the menu!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

vero pizzeria

$$$$

Pizzeria

Brookhaven

4.7

175 reviews

Vero Pizzeria brings casual dining from the Word of Mouth Restaurant Group. Situated in the heart of Brookhaven, it’s a Neapolitan-influenced pizzeria with a market-driven menu that locals swear is the best. The eatery features a beautiful interior with an enormous Acunto Napoli pizza oven as the focal point. Embodying the farm-to-fork philosophy that all Word Of Mouth Restaurants do, they still manage to price menu items reasonably. Try one of the yummy red or white pizzas or one of their inventive salads.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Tannery Row Ale House

$$$$

Barbecue

Buford

4.1

171 reviews

Interested in some amazing Barbecue along with a boisterous crowd and great live music? Head to Tannery Row on Main Street in Buford! They claim to serve the best barbecue, pizza, sandwiches, and libations on this side of the tracks. It sits in the Historic Tannery Row building and the laid-back atmosphere is funky and fun. Come in to enjoy the live music and nosh on their succulent barbecue, sides and small plates.

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Bar.bacoa

$$$$

Mexican

Virginia Highland

4.7

782 reviews

Bar.bacoa serves up tapas, tacos and, of course, authentically prepared barbacoa in a cool Spanish setting with warm copper accents and rich textiles. Located in the heart of the Virginia Highlands, it’s a great place for a dinner date, a night out with friends or a happy hour meet up. Owned by longtime restaurateurs Scott and James, it has a focus on fresh ingredients combined authentically in a way that’s both innovative and unpretentious. And their tacos are probably the best, and the cheapest, in town.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Eclipse di Luna - Dunwoody

$$$$

Tapas / Small Plates

Dunwoody

4.7

2109 reviews

Eclipse di Luna is a warm and lively place to go for tapas and all kinds of Spanish and Latin American flavors. Located on Ashford-Dunwoody Road, it features an upbeat and inviting atmosphere where diners can enjoy live music most nights of the week. Their award-winning tapas gets extra points for being super affordable! And they specialize in vegan and gluten-free options for those with diet restrictions. Try the Tomato Fresco, the Queso Frito con Miel or their outstanding Paella.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Hook Line & Schooner

$$$$

Seafood

Smyrna

4.2

454 reviews

Hook Line & Schooner features fresh seafood that leaves you satisfied every time. The kitchen prepares it a variety of ways so you never have to have the same dish twice! They also serve salads, sandwiches and steaks in a casual environment that almost makes you feel like you’re right at the beach! Drop by for happy hour to take advantage of their great specials. You can get half-off Peel and Eat Shrimp, All you can eat crab legs, Raw oysters and more at discounted prices all week.

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Bar Margot

$$$$

Contemporary American

Midtown

4.6

575 reviews

You might not think that the Bar at the Four Seasons would serve much in the way of cheap eats. But while their focus is on high-end cocktails and upscale fare, you can also find a smattering of snacks and small bites that won’t break the bank. Try the Margo Deviled Eggs, the Crab Toast or the Vidalia Onion Soup - cheap options that will also fill you up! Plus, it’s a swanky, bustling place filled with great energy and lovely decor.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

MadLife Grill

$$$$

Southern

Woodstock

4.4

558 reviews

MadLife Grill is a must-try for folks who want to see what kind of cheap eats Atlanta can whip up. Located in Woodstock, it’s a great place to get out of the congestion of downtown and kick back in style. They have a scratch kitchen and smoke all meats in-house as well as making all bread and desserts in-house. The menu reflects the Southern tradition with a few modern tweaks and changes seasonally or whenever a new fancy strikes the chef! They also feature awesome music at the attached MadLife Stage venue.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Tupelo Honey - Sandy Springs

$$$$

Contemporary Southern

Sandy Springs

4.4

2439 reviews

Tupelo Honey is an elegantly casual restaurant located on Roswell Road in Atlanta. The menu here offers a revival of Southern Comfort Food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains. Diners love the warm greetings and smiles that abound here, in the true spirit of the south. They whip up affordable breakfasts, lunches, and suppers that draw in folks from all over the state. Don’t leave without trying their Famous Fried Chicken!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Camps Kitchen & Bar

$$$$

American

Marietta

4.2

504 reviews

Hungry for delicious inexpensive Italian food in Atlanta? Head to Camps Kitchen and Bar. It’s a neighborhood gathering place with a passion for great food, drink, and fun. The rustic, laid-back atmosphere is the perfect place to bring a date, chill out with friends or celebrate an occasion without spending a fortune. The menu here features stone oven pizzas cooked in the brick oven, small plates for sharing and more.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cultivate Food and Coffee

$$$$

Farm-to-table

Buckhead

4.5

52 reviews

Cultivate Food and Coffee is an excellent choice for cheap eats in Atlanta. The menus here reflect simplicity, true Farm-to-Table dishes, and grass-fed and pasteurized meats. They also feature an abundance of Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo and Gluten-Free items. On top of all that, they have a full bar and serve local microbrews, boutique wines, and small-batch craft liquors! Try out their happy hour on Thursday and Friday for half-off specials.

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Jimmy's Tequila & Carnes

$$$$

Steakhouse

Doraville

4.2

180 reviews

Jimmy’s Tequila and Carnes is a family-owned and operated business that values their small community. The aim here was to create a neighborhood spot where everyone could enjoy great food and great conversation in the same space - ad with tequila! Located in the Chamblee area, it offers a nice break from the bustle of downtown Atlanta. Try one of the house Burgers - they have a wide selection and they are all super affordable.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Kona Grill - Alpharetta

$$$$

Contemporary American

Alpharetta

3.6

2395 reviews

For great sushi at a great price, head to Kona Grill at Avalon! Steps away from the plaza in their heart of Alpharetta, Kona serves up fresh, wild-caught fish in their award-winning sushi. They also have modern American entrees prepared from scratch. Grab a seat on the beautiful shaded patio when the weather is nice and indulge in a handcrafted cocktail, ice-cold beer or a glass of wine from the extensive list. The menu has a little bit of everything at prices that won’t break the bank.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Biltong Bar - Buckhead

$$$$

Cocktail Bar

Buckhead

4.7

126 reviews

Biltong Bar is one of the more unique foodie spots in Atlanta. It’s a South African gastropub with a modern craft cocktail bar located at The Shops Buckhead. Pop in for some cheap eats on a break from your shopping adventures! They have a rotating food menu with plenty of small plates for under $1. Try some of the yummy South African flavors like the Deviled Duck Eggs and Beef Fat Fries!

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RED SKY Tapas & Bar

$$$$

Tapas / Small Plates

Marietta

4.4

1449 reviews

RED SKY Tapas & Bar, located on Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta, is the perfect place to enjoy delicious food and get a little space from the city hustle. Just a short distance from downtown, the restaurant offers both a food and entertainment experience for all. They feature live entertainment four nights of the week, including Acoustic Guitar and Dueling Pianos! The regular menu offers global tapas plates and the Happy Hour has amazing specials different days of the week, including dinners from $4 to $8.

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Tavernpointe

$$$$

American

Midtown

4.1

388 reviews

Tavernpointe is Atlanta’s answer to SoCal cuisine in a tavern setting - plus a little bit of pub grub to spice things up! Where else can you find basic pub staples served alongside classy Cali health-food with modern culinary panache? Tavernpointe features a spacious dining room, outfitted with beautiful Georgia pine and reclaimed brick, as well as a lovely patio with a view of Midtown. Cheap eats here include all the small bites, such as the Deviled Eggs, Buffalo Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts and more.

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The Best Cheap Eats