It’s true: Atlanta is a hot destination right now. With an incredible music scene, a significant number of Fortune 100, 500, and 1000 companies headquartered there, and more than a handful of colleges and universities, this southern gem is attracting young jobseekers and students setting out on their own.
No matter what attracted you to this city of half a million people, we know you want to enjoy its perks. So if you are new to Atlanta and living on a limited budget – whether you’re a student, intern, or just getting your first apartment – you don’t have to miss out on all the great food and culture. We have the inside info on where to find good and cheap places to eat in Atlanta.
Woody’s CheeseSteaks
981 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Cheesesteak sandwiches any time of day, for under $10? You bet. Woody’s has been serving up Philly-style cheesesteaks from a 180 square-foot kitchen for over 35 years at a rate of 2,000 sandwiches per week. We’ve heard that the original Woody’s version of the sandwich is the way to go, with – get this – Cheese Whiz.
Victory Sandwich Bar
913 Bernina Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
The motto at Victory is “We make it, you take it.” The Mile High Club sandwich has chicken, bacon, ham, avocado, fontina, and mustard – all for just $4. Add an adult beverage for $8, and you’ve got yourself a solid meal for under $15. That means you might as well splurge on the house-made popcorn of the day, right?
Boruboru
1568 Avenue Place #D-160, Atlanta, GA
If you think that living on a budget means you’ll never savor a tender bite of sushi, think again. For those dining on a budget in Atlanta, there’s Boruboru. The sushi bowls, poke bowls, and sushi burritos all provide a delicious meal for $15 or less without add-ons. Bonus: the menu is easily made vegan and gluten-free.
Eats
600 Ponce de Leon Ave, Atlanta, GA
A full meal with 3 sides for $9? It’s possible at Eats, an Atlanta staple. Go for the jerk chicken and prepare for a food coma: eating on a budget in Atlanta doesn’t have to mean going home hungry.
Fellini’s
909 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA
A list of cheap eateries in Atlanta wouldn’t be complete without a pizza spot. Grab a late-night slice after work or to fuel you for night on the town without breaking the bank.
Manuel’s Tavern
602 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA
For brunch on the cheap, head to Manuel’s. Specials run for as little as $8 and the eggs are collected from the chickens that live on the roof of the building. Can your brunch get any fresher?
Pauley’s Crepe Bar
935 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, GA
Feeling like a fancy breakfast-but-not-really kind of meal? Pauley’s has both sweet and savory crepes for as little as $6 if you want a snack or as high as $16 for a savory meal wrapped in the best kind of indescribable breakfast wrap.