Atlanta on a Budget

Updated: January 16, 2009

While the recession has caused restaurants, bars and shops to unload special-after-special, sometimes it's nice to have a slue of favorites that you can always rely on for being cheap. From chowing at Eats to catching a double-feature at a drive-in, we've got Atlanta's best deals that are always available.

On this page:Cheap Eats, Frugal Entertainment, Drink Deals.

Cheap Eats

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Australian Bakery Cafe Llc
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    463 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 (map)

    This cute hidden find in the East Atlanta Village is the only in-town spot that accurately (and cheaply) does the flaky meat pies that Aussie's are known for. With every pie under $5, we suggest spending an extra few bucks on one of their imported (non-alcoholic) ginger beers.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Eats
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    600 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (map)

    Midtown's favorite slacker hangout draws cash-strapped diners looking for inexpensive, flavorful meals. It's a unique place that somehow serves both a great jerk chicken meat 'n' three, and a hearty bowl of pasta. As a bonus, they serve booze. Everyone wins!

  3. 3 3.5 Star Rating: Average Taqueria Del Sol
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    1200B Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 (map)

    The price--all tacos are just over $2 bucks--and the sleek urban setting make this one the city's most popular lunch spots. Our suggestion? Try the Americanized tacos--Memphis or fried chicken, and skip the overpriced queso.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Vatica Indian Vegetarian
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    1475 Terrell Mill Rd SE, Marietta, GA 30067 (map)

    There's no menu and no choice, but you won't care after feasting on the low-priced all-you-can-eat Indian fare. It makes that trek all the way out to Marietta totally worth it.

Frugal Entertainment

  1. 5 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Martin Luther King Jr Historic
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    450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (map)

    All of the sites, from King's birth home to Ebenezer Baptist Church, are free. Sometimes we forget that this global icon grew up right here in our hometown.

  2. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended High Museum of Art
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    1280 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30309 (map)

    On the first Saturday of each month, Fulton County residents get into the museum for free.

  3. 7 4 Star Rating: Recommended Star Community Bar
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    437 Moreland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307 (map)

    Known for cheap indie shows and even cheaper beer, the Star Bar takes things one step forward by offering free-show-Thursdays. Local promoters like Pine Magazine and Pop Death Squad have built a following bringing in buzz-worthy bands for the free shows on their respective nights.

  4. 8 Starlight Drive In
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    1889 US Rte 127, St Henry, OH 45883 (map)

    Hit Atlantic Station for a movie and you'll come out spending $20 easy. Take a break from the usual, and head over to the Starlight Six Drive-In, where $7 will get you a double feature. If you really want to play it frugal, bring your own food and wine.

  5. 9 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended The Warren City Club
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    818 N Highland Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30306 (map)

    Typically, the Warren quietly sits above the Darkhorse, keeping their doors closed for members-only. However on Thursday nights they host Comedy Gold in the Highlands, with Punchline-worthy talent for only $10. And on this night, everyone is welcome.

Drink Deals

  1. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended Moe's & Joe's Bar & Grill
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    1033 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (map)

    One of Virginia-Highland's oldest establishments draws the masses with its Tuesday and Thursday beer specials. And when we say "beer specials" we mean pitchers in the $5 range. While it's typically PBR, it's still tough to beat.

  2. 11 4 Star Rating: Recommended Park Tavern
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    500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (map)

    While most people like to complain about nasty, rainy weather, we here at Citysearch like to take full advantage. When it rains, this popular brewery by Piedmont Park pours dollar drafts. Booya!

  3. 12 3 Star Rating: Average Zaya Mediterranean Restaurant
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    240 North Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307 (map)

    Known for their too-good-to-be-true drink specials ($1 Ketel One cocktails, anyone?) this little Mediterranean spot in Inman is slaying it in the drinks department. While we might not ever see the Ketel One special again (RIP summer '08), they do a discount wine list with a slue of $10 bottles that is worth checking out.

  4. 13 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Highland Tap
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    1026 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (map)

    Martini's (especially of the fancy variety) tend to get expensive quickly. Thankfully the classic VaHi-dwelling steak cellar, the Highland Tap delivers their $10 basic 'tini with a side-car, sporting nearly enough for a second glass.

  5. 14 Elliott Street Deli and Pub
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    51 Elliott Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (map)

    Paying a mere three bones for a beer typically reserved for the middle-of-the-road, Miller Lite's of the world. Thankfully God invented Elliott Street Deli and Pub, who does a self-serve IPA keg for $3. Keep track of your beer consumption on a chalkboard and order the $1.50 loaded 'tator salad for good measure.

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