Best cheap lunch
How about a fish taco and a trio of salsas for lunch. Taqueria del Sol was your pick for best cheap lunch in and around Atlanta. Staff photo
YOUR PICKS
1. Taqueria del Sol
You say, “No competition, Taqueria del Sol – two people, 4 tacos, 1 cole slaw, guacamole for 2, 2 teas (the best tea in the world, by the way!) = $20!” and “Taqueria del Sol is the best deal on the planet for lunch OR dinner.”
2. Costco
3. Matthews Cafeteria
4. Eats
5. Lee’s Bakery
OUR PICKS
1. The Lunch Basket
The AJC dining team’s Popular Eats specialist Jon Watson says, “This small Marietta lunch spot near Kennestone Hospital serves up cheap and simply sandwiches each weekday to long lines of devotees. Most of their no-frills sandwiches cost less than $5 each, making this one of the best lunch deals in the city.”
2. Victory Sandwich Bar
3. Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs
4. Hankook Taqueria
5. Lee’s Bakery
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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
155 comments Add your comment
Belinda
July 18th, 2011
12:02 pm
Pho Dai Lo
Alexa Kravitz
July 18th, 2011
12:34 pm
Belly General Store
Peter
July 18th, 2011
2:51 pm
Matthew’s cafeteria in Tucker for southern food and Taxco restaurant on Roswell Rd. for Mexican food.
MMMmmm...FOOD
July 18th, 2011
3:36 pm
Julia’s Taqueria on Roswell St. In Marietta. They make their own tortillas!
Typical Redneck
July 18th, 2011
4:12 pm
Baldino’s.
Mark R
July 18th, 2011
9:33 pm
Peter is right! Matthews Cafeteria in Tucker on Main Street. It`s the best meal for the money–real food, real meat, real veggies. Very affordable.
Wes
July 18th, 2011
9:35 pm
@Alexa: Belly doesn’t exist anymore.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
July 18th, 2011
9:38 pm
Chin Chin is VERY reasonable for lunch.
John
July 18th, 2011
9:38 pm
Wendy’s. You can have an entire meal for under $5. Best lunch spot ever.
Jason Hatfield
July 18th, 2011
9:42 pm
Taqueria del Sol – you can pick up 2 incredible tacos, a cup of corn chowder and a drink for about $7. Best lunch in Atlanta.
Michael
July 18th, 2011
9:47 pm
Jason’s Deli
Bill
July 18th, 2011
10:01 pm
My lunch box!
Muck
July 18th, 2011
10:05 pm
Viet Tofu. Great Banh mi for $2.50 and dessert for 1.50
Karl Marx
July 18th, 2011
10:14 pm
El Taco Veloz. Super Burrito Carne Asada with Green Sauce $5.50. One is a meal by itself and very tasty! YUM
Cat W.
July 18th, 2011
10:19 pm
@Wes…I ate at Belly on Sunday. It’s definitely still there.
Cat W.
July 18th, 2011
10:19 pm
Oh, and it’s my nomination, as well!
Elizabeth
July 18th, 2011
10:27 pm
Well, we just voted on the Bahn Mi category but any of your top 5 for a $2.50 sandwich are hard to beat. Now if we could just get these Bahn Mi in Midtown – cant trek to BuHi for lunch with my allotted 30 minutes sadly.
Also a newcomer to the food truck scene – the Wow! truck from Ducks Cosmic Kitchen. The arepas are amazing and I was stuffed for less than $5.
Tech Man
July 18th, 2011
10:28 pm
Piccadilly
Tech Man
July 18th, 2011
10:30 pm
Waffle House with the 10% off coupon for supporting local schools.
jw
July 18th, 2011
10:31 pm
Taco Bell !
Bill
July 18th, 2011
10:34 pm
Taqueria del Sol. When you have to get there before 11:45 to avoid a 30 minute wait that should be a good sign….
Cappy
July 18th, 2011
10:35 pm
Ruebens Deli on Broad St.
Half a sandwich and a water… under 4 bucks.
atlanta native
July 18th, 2011
10:46 pm
Banh Mi anywhere $2.50 each buy 5 get one free!
La Kermex awesome huevos rancheros under $5
Taco Bell fresco bean burrito 99 cents, low fat and fills you up
Mary B
July 18th, 2011
10:53 pm
Jason’s Deli, great salad bar for a very good price, also Fortune Cookie over on N. Druid Hills Rd they have a great lunch special.
joe
July 18th, 2011
11:14 pm
Sam’s club and Costco… Hot dog and drink(unlimited) $1.50
Josh
July 18th, 2011
11:33 pm
Bim Bim Bop at Hankook Taqueria or Memphis tacos at Taqueria Del Sol
Josh
July 18th, 2011
11:35 pm
I meant Bimbibap
BarryLee
July 18th, 2011
11:53 pm
Matthews Cafeteria in Tucker is still great for lunch.
FM Fats
July 18th, 2011
11:56 pm
Cafe Lily in Decatur has a wonderful list of $5.95 lunch specials. And then there’s Steak Day at the Oak Grove Market.
Dixie Cybill Presley
July 18th, 2011
11:56 pm
Donnies Home Cookin on Clairmont @ Buford Hwy in the shopping center with Kroger. Meat & 2 with bread & drink for $5.50 tax included. http://www.donniescountrycookin.com
dirty mike
July 19th, 2011
12:03 am
mediterranean grille
$6 business lunch special and im full for a week.
A reader
July 19th, 2011
12:16 am
Harry’s Pizza, at the corner of Powers Ferry and Interstate North Parkway. Great pizza, good prices, and the owner and staff are like a great big family. I have been going there for years and years.
Deal me
July 19th, 2011
12:37 am
mcdonalds on memorial–cheeseburger and apple pie.
William
July 19th, 2011
12:46 am
Taxco on Roswell Road
Big Gunt
July 19th, 2011
12:58 am
Victory Sandwich in Inman Park
Holden
July 19th, 2011
1:20 am
Taqueria is awesome. Also dig Moe’s on Monday. Get a great burrito, chips and a drink for $5.
spidermonkey
July 19th, 2011
2:10 am
Taco Velez on Buford Hwy.
big jon
July 19th, 2011
3:31 am
Eatz on Ponce!!
Kev
July 19th, 2011
4:17 am
Costco. Giant dog or Polish for $1.50. Incudes drink.
Mike Harris
July 19th, 2011
4:48 am
Great lunch selections at very affordable prices.
Mike Harris
July 19th, 2011
4:49 am
The cuban at Crossroads in Flowery Branch!
Ike
July 19th, 2011
5:04 am
Lil This Lil That on 19/41…Jonesboro, GA…Three dollar lunch specials every day!
Mr. Ed
July 19th, 2011
5:57 am
Little Bangkok on Cheshire Bridge. They offer a varied assortment of Thai and Chinese lunch specials, served with an soup appetizer, the bulk under six dollars.
Native
July 19th, 2011
6:19 am
Holden – you don’t get a drink in the $5 Moe’s Monday.
Destin Dawg
July 19th, 2011
6:35 am
Golden Coral buffet or Olive Garden salad & soup… under $8 if you drink water
Destin Dawg
July 19th, 2011
6:36 am
We like salad bars .. so also Sweet Tomato’s..
Elizabeth
July 19th, 2011
6:42 am
El Senor Taco – $1.55 for a fish taco and it comes with fresh tortilla chips and salsa bar!!!!
DecaturCyn
July 19th, 2011
6:59 am
The cafeteria at Your DeKalb Farmer’s Market has lots of veggies and internationally inspired choices for a low price. And I agree with Big John about Eatz on Ponce … it’s cool comfort food in a laid-back atmosphere.
woodstock jack
July 19th, 2011
7:09 am
hands down, the value meal at subway. 6 inch sub, large drink, and chips for #3.99!
Upscale Man
July 19th, 2011
7:10 am
How about Mckendrick’s. While cheap might not be the right word, the blackened grouper with 2 side for $13 is pretty hard to beat for lunch. Maybe it qualifies as best value
Michael
July 19th, 2011
7:13 am
It’s gotten to the point where anything under $10 is cheap. For that, Eats is hard to beat. The jerk chicken is great, and so is just about anything you can get there.
Oxnard
July 19th, 2011
7:29 am
Gotta agree with Costco; foot-long Polish and unlimited drink for $1.50.
Scott
July 19th, 2011
7:34 am
Chef Lui’s dumplings, Lee’s Bakery’s Ban mi, Hankook’s tacos
Maureen
July 19th, 2011
7:47 am
Bar-B-Cutie in Woodstock. Week day lunch specials for a flat $5.00 include a sandwich, two sides and a large drink. Their smoked bar-b-que pork and smoked beef brisket sandwiches are lean and packed with flavor.
MD
July 19th, 2011
7:50 am
Cuban sandwich at Crazy Cuban on 14th Street. Sandwich, chips, & drink for $8.41.
B Ha
July 19th, 2011
7:58 am
cafeteria at your dekalb farmer’s market or lee’s bakery. both are a little out of the ordinary and yummy.
N-GA
July 19th, 2011
8:09 am
Taco Veloz – Barbacoa burrito and a drink…many folks won’t be able to eat the whole thing. Drizzle a little tomatillo salsa on it and eat it like a gyro! Bite, then more salsa. Repeat until you are stuffed! Absolutely a terrific value. The barbacoa torta is great too!
OtisTheDrunk
July 19th, 2011
8:12 am
TWO hot dogs,polish or brats at Quick Trip for $2…Stevi-B’s pizza buffet too.
estro
July 19th, 2011
8:17 am
Bridge town grill and Tortillas!
/
July 19th, 2011
8:22 am
only laborers eat at qt
cheepfoodie
July 19th, 2011
8:40 am
Lee’s Bakery,Senor Taco,Mathews Cafeteria,Old Brick Barbeque,El Taco Veloz,Super H Mart food court.All good and cheap.
Belinda
July 19th, 2011
10:58 am
Always Fresh Cafe in Mountain Park/Lilburn.
Billy
July 19th, 2011
11:18 am
Harry’s Pizza and Barker’s Red Hots
anita
July 19th, 2011
12:12 pm
In Between Cafe at Buckhead Center – Peachtree Road
w in Marietta
July 19th, 2011
12:14 pm
Rhea’s in Roswell…best burger in the area…burger, fries and a drink for just over $5.00
Rick
July 19th, 2011
12:15 pm
Dollar menu at Wendy’s.
Dan
July 19th, 2011
12:19 pm
Home Grown on Memorial Drive.
Mike
July 19th, 2011
12:20 pm
The hotdog/pizza stand inside IKEA. hotdogs are on .50 and pizza is 1 including tax.
Dave
July 19th, 2011
12:23 pm
Maybe it’s just me, but I think the Varsity ought to be mentioned.
Didi
July 19th, 2011
12:27 pm
Do some of you people get it that cheap doesn’t always mean GOOD?! McDonald’s and Taco Bell??? Eeewwww. Cheap, yeah. Good? No, no and never!
Anna Redding
July 19th, 2011
12:27 pm
Cafe at Pharr on Miami Circle
I Agree w/ ???
July 19th, 2011
12:28 pm
La Casona on Buford Hwy
Anna Redding
July 19th, 2011
12:29 pm
Also Little Bangkok on Cheshire Bridge
www.legendarydads.com
July 19th, 2011
12:37 pm
Great cheap eats in Atlanta. . . .
Pizza Vesuvius – Edgewood – Great lunch special – Pizza, Salad and Drink for like $8, on Scoutmob right now
Nick’s Greek – Hill St. – BEST Gyro – Throw in a Baklava and then take a nap – around $6
Mexican is always a great cheap lunch spot. . . your favorite. . wherever
winstonhussein
July 19th, 2011
12:37 pm
Didi,
Their food is better than your acceptance of other people’s opinions.
Yo Mama Says
July 19th, 2011
12:38 pm
Home Grown is NOT a value and is tasteless…def Lee’s Bakery or EATS. Fast Food is gross (no Subway, McDonalds, Taco Bell, Costco dogs, etc)
Tater
July 19th, 2011
12:39 pm
“Dixie Cybill Presley” – Donny’s – Cheap, yes.. Worst food I’ve ever had in my life, yes again.
Costco Pizza and Drink – tremendous value and good!
Matthews – Excellent – Excellent!!!
Wendy’s Chili is pretty good – most days..
Steve
July 19th, 2011
12:42 pm
Little’s Food Store in Cabbagetown has great little burgers and fresh cut fries for cheap!
Rob
July 19th, 2011
12:43 pm
Niramish in lil 5. Full plate of hot Bangladeshi/Indian food for 6-7 bucks.
John
July 19th, 2011
12:44 pm
Los Loros-special lunch # 1.
2 pohr
July 19th, 2011
12:49 pm
Any Willy’s Taco, chips, salsa and a water $2.60 plus tax! Now that’s cheap AND good!
Maddie
July 19th, 2011
12:49 pm
Red Neck Gourmet! In Newnan and Senoia.
Herman
July 19th, 2011
12:52 pm
Lunch on Main located on Main Street in College Park.
ATLien
July 19th, 2011
12:53 pm
Fellini’s has the best pizza in town and their veggie pizza slice is less than $4.00 and very filling.
Blue
July 19th, 2011
12:54 pm
EATS off E Ponce De Leon
Lori
July 19th, 2011
12:55 pm
For the Golden Corral fans…it’s way cheaper if you just make a to-go plate. You can get a whole thing of food for like 3 or 4 bucks instead of paying the buffet price!
JMF
July 19th, 2011
1:02 pm
#1: Sushi Avenue in Decatur (either location, but the off-the-square location seems better to me)
#2: Saigon Basil on Piedmont (always super fresh and delicious)
Jennifer
July 19th, 2011
1:07 pm
Super Pan! Super Pan!
ziza
July 19th, 2011
1:09 pm
little bangkok and mediterranean grill. real food at good prices. i don’t trust any hotdog for 50 cents and ikea’s food just totally grosses me out. good tip on golden corral. folks dont know how good that place can be. you just have to choose wisely.
Steve
July 19th, 2011
1:16 pm
Wilburs BBQ rocks and has a great lunch deal
Bishop Eddie Longs Red Panties
July 19th, 2011
1:20 pm
North Peking on Roswell Rd in Sandy Springs Great food less than $6.00
Atlanta Native
July 19th, 2011
1:24 pm
White House on Peachtree in Buckhead
Ted
July 19th, 2011
1:37 pm
Best deal downtown for lunch. Rays in the City (on Peachtree). Chopped steak, Mashed Potatoes, Glass of Red Wine. Ten bucks. Great meal for the money.
QueenFe
July 19th, 2011
1:42 pm
Definitely, Tacqueria del Sol. Good food at reasonable prices. I know we’re talking about lunch but I double-dog dare you to try a margarita during the dinner hour. Lions, and tigers, and bears–oh my!
Rob
July 19th, 2011
1:43 pm
Eats on Ponce
Forboda
July 19th, 2011
1:43 pm
Taqiuera El Vecino in Oak Grove and Rosa’s Pizza downtown. Great, authentic food for under $5.
Rob
July 19th, 2011
1:48 pm
The little Fiesta Food store on Cheshire Bridge has a 3 or 4 person food counter in back that serves up tacos and a few other things. Very good and very cheap. It’s between the car wash and the poster hut building.
diamond-e
July 19th, 2011
1:51 pm
have to go with baldinos in marietta on fridays.hella tuna sammich,side and all the water you can drink $2.70 drive out
Kate
July 19th, 2011
1:52 pm
The Grilled Pork Sandwich @ Lee’s Bakery… $3.00 and it’s delicious!
Lynn
July 19th, 2011
1:53 pm
Rosa’s Pizza, Downtown. A slice of cheese pizza and a Diet Coke for @ $4.
kevin
July 19th, 2011
2:01 pm
bell st. burritos.
Cherry
July 19th, 2011
2:21 pm
ROSA’s PIZZA in downtown Atlanta on Broad St! The best New York style Pizza for $6, authentic homemade lasagna, meatball hoagie/wedge, italian ice plus excellent customer service! Rosa’s Pizza, the staff, the food, reminds me of home and New York got the best pizzas in the U.S.!
Jim
July 19th, 2011
2:23 pm
EATS is the best cheap meal.
Carrrie
July 19th, 2011
2:32 pm
Lee’s Bakery on Buford Hwy. It’s a Vietnamese bakery and has very reasonable prices and generous portions.
bphilb
July 19th, 2011
2:33 pm
Brady’s Famous Hotdogs. Two chili dogs for less than $4. They will light you up they are sooooo goood.
bphilb
July 19th, 2011
2:33 pm
Brandy’s…ooops
Ganners
July 19th, 2011
2:40 pm
Willy’s Mexicana!!! My go to for cheap and yummy eats!
chicken
July 19th, 2011
2:47 pm
El Pollo Loco has a $2.99 +tax special on Tuesdays that I just finished devouring. You get two pieces of chicken, two sides, two tortillas, and fresh salsa.
Marc
July 19th, 2011
2:56 pm
Judy’s Country Kitchen on Sandy Plains Road in Marietta. Very good selection of hot food, vegetables, and desserts. $7.00 includes taxes and Ice Tea and is all you can eat. Best deal and food for the money.
litz
July 19th, 2011
3:01 pm
Anyone on the northside perimeter knows about La Botana … texmex and cheap. Surprising amount of food, and you can be out the door for <$5 (if you drink water) <$7 if you get a coke.
Mountain Girl
July 19th, 2011
3:14 pm
Ably Asian in Jasper, GA The lunch is only $5.95 and you get a whole meal:soup, eggroll and a plate full of food. Not only delicious but guess what? NUTRITIOUS AS WELL. Unlike most of the lunch places mentioned.
S
July 19th, 2011
3:15 pm
Farm Burger in Decatur. $8 lunch for a burger, fries and a drink!
Workin' Woman
July 19th, 2011
3:16 pm
Baldinos – hands down! Can’t beat the $3.49 daily special
David Allen
July 19th, 2011
3:19 pm
Donnie’s Country Cafe on Highway 78 near Stone Mountain Park. Meat, 2 Veggies, Bread and Soft Drink with free refills for $5.50. Best deal in town.
Randy
July 19th, 2011
3:22 pm
The Varsity is still king of cheap.
Ines
July 19th, 2011
3:24 pm
Cuban Diner off Roswell Road in Marietta. http://www.mariettacubandiner.com
Mike
July 19th, 2011
3:26 pm
Country Cafe on Lawrenceville Hwy. Great wings at cheap price and country fried steak is just too good.
cbgb
July 19th, 2011
3:32 pm
Another vote for Judy’s on Sandy Plains. Lunch or dinner. 6.50 plus tax includes drink. All you can stand. Go there bunches. http://www.judyscountrykitchen.com/
kmaria
July 19th, 2011
3:44 pm
Figo and Eats!! In a pinch while shopping, definitely Costco!
P. Allen
July 19th, 2011
3:52 pm
Lee’s bakery for a $2.50 Banh Mi sandwich – if you buy 5 you get the 6th free, also the #1 combo at Lee’s – for $6.50 you get half a Banh Mi and a huge bowl of Pho.
Steve
July 19th, 2011
3:59 pm
I think its clear that Atlantans are frustrated with over priced, pre-processed food. Wake up restauranteurs… Fresh is best!
Cris
July 19th, 2011
4:05 pm
Lee’s Bakery!
Mark
July 19th, 2011
4:25 pm
Off Virginia Ave BJ’s Home Cooking $6 including a drink, very good food.
Mario
July 19th, 2011
4:31 pm
REUBEN’S DELI ON BROAD ST. BOARSHEAD MEATS FOR $5 PER FULL SANDWICH. AND IT’S A REAL SANDWICH NOT THAT PLASTIC STUFF FROM THE OTHER GUYS.
MJ
July 19th, 2011
4:49 pm
EATS is NASTY.
Gee
July 19th, 2011
6:32 pm
Willy’s Mexicana. I just love those chicken charolitas – get 2 for about $5 and they give you chips and all the salsa you want. Yummy and low calories and fat!
Bill
July 20th, 2011
1:26 am
Brandi’s.
Edi
July 20th, 2011
11:34 am
Gritz Restaurant in McDonough has some great lunch specials. They have great vegetables!
annie
July 20th, 2011
9:38 pm
Willy’s, even though every location i’ve been to during lunch seems to have a long line.
sr citizen dawg
July 21st, 2011
10:04 am
wendys……….can’t beat price……….nor quality………….
Mary B
July 21st, 2011
1:25 pm
I change my vote to the Varsity….no clue how I left them off my list!
Frmvegas
July 21st, 2011
3:10 pm
I agree with mmmmmm Food…Julias in Marietta! CARNE ASADA TACOS W/ FRESH CILANTRO AND ONIONS!!! Great portions too!
Ally
July 21st, 2011
4:01 pm
Bangkok Thyme in Sandy Springs has great lunch specials.
Rob & the Dog
July 21st, 2011
6:13 pm
Julias! i thought it was my secret! Awesome!
jerry
July 21st, 2011
6:49 pm
Lemon Grass on Roswell in Marietta. The best @ 6.95.
CB
July 21st, 2011
7:04 pm
Lunch special at Oz Pizza in East Point or Shindigs on Campbellton Road
frw
July 21st, 2011
9:38 pm
El Taco Veloz and Brandi’s are both great for lunch.
jpk
July 21st, 2011
10:42 pm
Bell Street Burritos (Sweet Auburn Curb Market)- the best burritos in town.
KK
July 22nd, 2011
8:30 am
Figo and Tacqueria de Sol
Helen Baker
July 22nd, 2011
8:42 am
Fortune Cookie at Loehmann’s Plaza, Decatur, ga.
JC
July 22nd, 2011
11:01 am
FIGO Pasta! They have lunch specials for just $5.95 and $6.95
Paul
July 22nd, 2011
11:46 am
Tempo Doeloe
Yum!
July 22nd, 2011
11:56 am
Goldberg’s Deli @ Georgetown Shopping Center in Dunwoody (other ATL locations, too). Any sandwich with a side will put you back $7 or so, but I find it substantial enough to bring home 1/2 for dinner. The roast chicken sandwich will make you slap your mama it’s soooo good!
Foodie Cutie
July 22nd, 2011
12:20 pm
FIGO, home made pasta, your choice of sauce and salad for around $8.00! You can’t beat that!
JB
July 22nd, 2011
1:42 pm
I wish people wouldn’t publicize it (and I am guilty too), but Taqueria del Sol is the best deal on the planet for lunch OR dinner.
JCC
July 22nd, 2011
2:08 pm
Eats on Ponce by City Hall East. Jerk chicken can’t be beat, would be worth it for twice the price. Collars and Black beans are the perfect sides. Their Pasta station is pretty good too. Don’t let the esthetics fool you.
Eric B
July 22nd, 2011
2:17 pm
La Oaxaquena Taqueria on Mt. Zion Blvd in Jonesboro provides fantastic authentic Mexican food – weekday specials for $5.99. The posole on the weekends is worth a trip by itself.
Sheik Kabob & Burritos on Cheshire is an unusual idea for fusion but the fresh ingredients and great flavors make it a bargain. Menu items run $8-10.
Baltisraul
July 22nd, 2011
5:19 pm
woodstock jack……awhile back I would have said Subway also. But when they stopped putting meat on their subs, they lost me.
My vote Sam’s Club
Briley Parkway
July 23rd, 2011
10:47 am
Enter your comments here
Briley Parkway
July 23rd, 2011
10:53 am
The Red Eyed Mule in Marietta. Get the “Jake Burger” on Texas toast for $2.80. Add cheese for .50 more. Catch them on Fridays for the “Redneck Reuben” basket – Smoked beef brisket and homemade cole slaw on grilled Texas toast, with fries – $6.95.
JasonC
July 23rd, 2011
1:24 pm
Mediterranean Grille midtown and East Cobb!
Baltisraul
July 24th, 2011
7:21 am
Upscale Man….Yea, $13 for lunch sort of misses the mark on this topic.
PJ
July 24th, 2011
11:15 am
Taqueria San Pancho in Roswell – we can fully feed our family of 4, including bottled sodas, for $15 or less & it is delicious
Fishwidme
July 24th, 2011
10:34 pm
Matthews in Tucker…unless Al’s in North Augusta SC can be included.
cw
July 25th, 2011
8:16 am
no competition, Taqueria del Sol – two people, 4 tacos, 1 cole slaw, guacamole for 2, 2 teas (the best tea in the world, by the way!) = $20!