With publications like Travel Channel and Food Network rolling out articles singing the praises of all the tastiness in Atlanta, it comes at no surprise you can find almost anything you want here. Today’s lineup? Affordably awesome eats 10 bucks and under, so you can sample the best food in Atlanta all while coming in safely within your budget.
The Varsity
Hot Dogs
Varsity will forever and always be iconic in Atlanta. A classic Chili Dog is $2.83, onion ring or fries are $2.41, and a small Frosted Orange is priced at $2.83, all totaling in at 8.07 before tax. Add a chili cheeseburger for $3.73 if you’re extra hungry and willing to tip over the budget. (It’s worth it!)
Home grown
Pimento Cheese Sandwich
For the best pimento cheese that has ever touched your taste buds, head to the modest green and white building known as Home grown. A Blue Collar Pimento Cheese Sandwich plate comes with southern cornbread, a drink and your choice of a side, for just 10 bucks. Since the meal is already kind of hearty, the Jalapeño Cole Slaw balances beautifully. But hey, you could go all in and the flakey, juicy fried green tomatoes.
Fox Bros.
Bar-B-Q Pork Sandwich
You can get a taste of what may arguably be the best barbecue in Georgia at Fox Bros., for only 10 dollars. Classic smoked pork atop an artisan brioche bun is complimented with chips and a pickle—the meat here is tender, with crispy bits on the edges, and hues of rich pink from the smoking process. That’s how southern Barbecue is done.
Holeman + Finch
Pork Bratwurst
Primarily known for their juicy double stack burgers, you can eat at the slightly upscale pub for $10 or less. Being true public house fare, the Pork Bratwurst is bursting with flavor while being topped with an earthy mustard and tangy cabbage—the dish is too often over looked.
Paschal’s
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Located in the Historic Castleberry Hill Neighborhood, Paschal’s was highly notable as a meeting hub during the Civil Rights Movement. Today, the famed chicken recipe from the 1940s stands to be one of the best in Georgia. Home cooked greens, catfish and other Deep South dishes are spot on. During lunch, a sandwich topped with crispy chicken breast is only 10 dollars.
Panbury’s
Pies
Not your typical pie in Georgia, but none the less incredible. Panbury’s savory hand pies are inspired by techniques and ingredients from around the world. Nicknames like “portable pot pies” and “gourmet hot pockets” well describe the flakey, crispy pastries filled with steak, chicken, turkey, veggies, or even gumbo. A Chicken and Bacon Pie with a seasonal sweet pastry will set you back a mere 8 bucks.
Pintxos
Cooks & Soldiers
Boise isn’t the only place with delicious Basque food. Pintxos, quite similar to Tapas, is a tasty variation of delicious Basque snacks. Ibérico Albondigas meatballs with tomato, Manchego cheese, and espuma comes in at $9, while a small plate with roasted baby carrots, eggplant, hazelnut romesco, rosemary honey and peanuts might be the most delicious 8 bucks ever spent.
Sun in My Belly
Lavender Biscuits
A vibrant, spacious breakfast and brunch spot in Atlanta, Sun in My Belly is also pretty easy on the wallet. While full meals barely tip over 10, the generously sized lavender biscuits with house made fruit spread are only $2.50, and the beet hummus with mustard oil, goat cheese and micro celery is just $9.95.
King of Pops
Chocolate Sea Salt Pop
From park side carts to other various locations through Atlanta, King of Pops is the best place to get a healthy, frozen treat. At the Ponce City Market the popsicle chain has a more extensive menu, even offering delicious cocktails. But your basic pop will be 3 dollars well spent.
The Canton House
Lunch Specials
Buford Highway is knowingly the holy grail of international food in the ATL. The Canton House is that bit of cream that rises to the top, above all of the other tasty places. You can have your pick of a list of traditional Chinese dishes for $6.25 during lunch. Chicken with Black Bean Sauce is where it’s at.
