Times are tight, but in spite of the recession, lots of folks are still headed out to eat. We can skimp, but we’re not skipping dinner, dang it. So I’ll sandwich the bad news between the good: people are still going out to eat in droves, they’re just not ordering as much, and restaurants that once had two seatings — even three — are limited to one. Wine? By the glass, baby. Look for specials all around, too: many of your favorite spots might be offering deals these days. In the meantime, try these spots on for a meal that won’t dip into your savings — it you order just right, two people can eat easily for $30.

Figo Pasta, not rated
Area locations

These it’s-almost-Italian sprees of fresh-made pasta palaces from Sandro Romagnoli now have seven locations and eight on the way in the Atlanta area. It’s easy to eat simply here, from salads to the house-made pasta, or you can get your Italian on with dishes such as agnello pecorino olive e rosmarino (roasted lamb with olives and rosemary and Pecorino cheese) over papardelle pasta. Take a date for under $30 rating: 8.5

Pure Taqueria, ***
103 Roswell Street, Alpharetta, 678-240-0023
Chris and Michele Sedgwick’s Baja breezy spot in Alpharetta is about to sprout franchises all over the Southeast, with the second scheduled to open in Woodstock in July. Mix and match from an authentic Mexican menu that’s tons of fun to ramble through, whether you’re noshing on chips and queso fundido with chorizo or going gangbusters on a selection of tacos. Either way, don’t miss the margaritas. Una mas, por favor! Take a date for under $30 rating: 10
The Shed at Glenwood ***
475 Bill Kennedy Way, Atlanta. 404-835-4363
Chef Lance Gummere, who served as Shaun Doty’s sous chef for more than a decade, has finally found a kitchen he can call his own. He makes his mark with fresh ingredients and straightforward cooking, and offerings — such as bruschetta with chicken livers and bacon, or the beet salad with goat cheese — that are as easy on the pocketbook as they are the palate. He and owner/manager Cindy Shera are always cooking up specials, too, like $3 slider night and $20 Sunday suppers. Take a date for $30 rating: 9
Valenza ***
1441 Dresden Drive, Suite 100, Atlanta. 404-969-3233.
Any memories of the clubby M!x, are long gone at this popular nabe spot that offers a taste of the northern regions of Italy, particularly Piemonte in the northwest, where white truffles and risotto reign. Nurturing pastas with the homey, precisely seasoned goodness of cheese-and-sauce dishes that string from fork to mouth are easy to find, as are good wines at decent prices to go with. Take a date under $30 rating: 8.5

The profiteroles at the Shed at Glenwood make for a sweet ending to an affordable meal.

Social, not rated

12 W. Peachtree Place N.W., 404-525-2246

Downtown has been booming recently with a lot of big noise: BLT, FAB (what’s with the acronyms?) and Room all opened with a lot of furvish. Social isn’t like that at all: It’s barely noticeable, and seems much more like something you’d find tucked away in Paris’s 16th arrondissement than one of downtown Atlanta’s backstreets. But get ready for one of the best burgers, ever: kefta, here made with marinated lamb, makes up in taste what it lacks in juiciness. Slap on some mustard and feel the flavor. And the dinner menu shines with grilled calamari and fava beans. Slick and minimal, you’ll feel hipper just having walked through the door. Take a date under $30 rating: 9.5