Five Bucks and MARTA Fare

61 North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30308 (map)

Snag a tray-full of greasy goodness for less than $5 at Atlanta's fast-food institution. Chili dogs and onion rings are a must, and if you have enough extra change left over, the Frosted Orange is chilly treat.

600 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (map)

You're bound to get your fill at this dual pasta/meat-n-three spot--the most classic of all cheap eats in Atlanta. Plus, the clientele is always good for people watching.

650 Ponce de Leon Ave Ste 680, Atlanta, GA 30308 (map)

Try the Jerusalem salad at this Midtown Mediterranean eatery for an even five spot or, to really keep the price down, opt to make your own starting at $2.50.

650 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (map)

This may look strange (Whole Foods sells anything under $5?) but if you go to the salad bar and use the smallest carton to fill up your leafy lunch, there is a very good chance you'll come in well under $5.

125 East Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030 (map)

Bypass the expensive brews in the upstairs Belgian bar, and stick with the downstairs watering hole known for its outstanding beer selection--almost all draft brews come in under $5.

515-B N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030 (map)

Hit the Attic (famous for breaking John Mayer) on a Monday for its weekly open mic night. $5 gets you in the door to hear some of Atlanta's best up-and-coming singer/songwriters.

205 E Ponce De Leon Ave Ste 5, Decatur, GA 30030 (map)

Open early, and closing late, there is no bad time to come in for a jolt-o-joe or one of their addictive desserts.

211 E Trinity Pl, Decatur, GA 30030 (map)

Go during the lunch hours when the pool is free, and order one of their surprisingly cheap microbrews. If you go during the evening hours, you can split a game of pool with your buddy for $5 per man.

129 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030 (map)

The fish or pork tacos are both under $3 and are delicious carbon copies from its sister restaurant, Casita La Cantina in EAV. The salsa is super-smoky, and the wrap-around porch makes this a good spot to relax for a bit.

259 Peters St, Atlanta, GA 30313 (map)

Slices come cheap at Atlanta's most underrated pizza joint. Almost all are less than $3 and if you rock the plain cheese, you can sneak out with double the goodness.

100 CNN Center, Atlanta, GA 30303 (map)

Chick-Fil-A and Dunkin Donuts make it easy to get a chicken sandwich and a little coffee pick-me-up in one food-court swoop. Plus other fast foodie spots make this an easy destination to stay under budget.

51 Elliott St, Atlanta, GA 30313 (map)

On Saturdays, Elliott's does a self-serve high-gravity beer for $3 to add a little bang to your buck. If you're nice, the neighborly owners will probably let you refill your cup a second time for a discount.

3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 (map)

It's order-at-the-counter heaven in the Lenox Mall food court. Get your fill of Sbarro, Cajun Supreme, Farmer's Basket, Chick-Fil-A, Nathan's Famous and more fast-food spots to help you eat well and keep the change. As a bonus you can go window shop for the remainder of your mall time.

1180 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30309 (map)

Another upscaler that doesn?t really scream "cheap" on any level, Trois surprises with $4 beer on Monday night and free jazz on Saturdays.

1180 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (map)

On Wednesday nights TAP does industry night, offering pints of $3 Numbers Ale, and half off all small plates.

188 14th Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30361 (map)

Usually four- or five-star restaurants don't have anything under $10, much less $5. But at the W Hotel's Spice Market, you can get the wonderfully filling sticky coconut rice steamed in a banana leaf for $1.50.