Beltline Foodie on a Shoestring Budget

Craving a taste of Atlanta? You’ll be glad to know that delicious, budget-friendly options are available everywhere.  

The Atlanta Beltline - and the areas just off the corridor - are packed with affordable eats. Whether you’re planning an outing with friends or just hopping on for a casual stroll, here’s a trail-by-trail guide to dining well for less. 

Eastside Trail 

• LottaFrutta: Perfect for a lighter meal or lunch on the go before hitting the trail, LottaFrutta offers fruit cups, smoothies, and flavorful sandwiches for $7 and under. It’s a great stop if you want something quick, affordable, and refreshing. 

• Fellini's Pizza: Recently more accessible thanks to the Ponce ramp off the Eastside Trail, this local chain is loved for its simple but tasty pies and casual patio dining. Slices start at just $3.25, and you can split one of their generously sized salads for $7.25. 

• Victory Sandwich Bar: If there’s one thing Victory is known for, it’s small sandwiches with big flavor. Their slider-style sandwiches start at $6, so you can mix and match without overspending. Add snacks like chips ($2), pasta salad ($4), or their soup of the day ($4.50) to round out your meal. Bonus points if you enjoy it in their large outdoors space. 

Northeast Trail 

• Brooklyn Bagels: No high New York prices here! Get a bagel with flavored cream cheese for $4, a Bacon, Egg & Cheese for $8, or a deli sandwich for $10-12. Best of all, bagels are homemade and hand-rolled daily. 

  

• Grindhouse Killer Burgers: If you’re craving a classic burger without the hefty price tag, Grindhouse delivers. Junior burgers start at $6.50, signature burgers run $8–10, or you can make it a Killer Combo with fries and a drink for $5.75. Plus, their Grindhouse lager is only $3 a pint (talk about a steal). 

Northwest Trail 

• Souper Jenny: Check the website for daily specials at this fresh market style spot and combine a sandwich ($8-10) with a cup of soup or salad ($5). 

• Taqueria Del Sol: This popular restaurant’s first location has been dishing up tacos, enchiladas, and more at affordable prices for over 25 years. Mix and match customized enchiladas with your favorite sauce and filling, tacos, side dishes, and more—all under $5. 

Southeast Trail 

• 97 Estoria: Located by the Krog Street Tunnel, this spot serves regular and vegan wings, chili, salads, and more. All sandwiches, including a Fried Shrimp Po’Boy and a burger, range from $13 to $14 and come with fries or tots. On Tuesdays, you can grab two pollo asado or al pastor tacos for only $3.95 from Vice Taco Truck. 

  

• Home Grown: This self-proclaimed “Retro Country-Diner" (and MICHELIN Guide-recommended spot) serves filling breakfast and lunch dishes at unbeatable prices. Grab a biscuit and a side for under $10, or chow on the $10 Fried Bologna sandwich or $12 Lynne Stack (1 salmon patty, 1 fried green tomato, sautéed spinach & roasted tomatoes with melted pimento cheese). 

• Little's Food Store: Tucked in the Cabbagetown neighborhood, this grocery and grill has been operating for almost a century. And their prices are similar to 1929—you can grab a protein-packed breakfast sandwich on your choice of bread for $6. For lunch, try a burger, chicken finger, or sandwich basket with fries or slaw for $5 to $12. It’s also a known favorite for the cast of Stranger Things, so keep your eyes peeled for special guests. 

Southside Trail 

• El Progreso #14: This bodega, complete with a cozy dining area tucked in the back, dishes out flavorful Mexican fare that is easy on the wallet. Think $1.29 tacos, $6 breakfast burritos, and $7 tortas served with fries, plus hearty steak or marinated pork burritos. 

• Red’s Beer Garden: Red’s offers counter-service hot dogs, sandwiches, snacks, and over 250 drinks to enjoy in their spacious courtyard in Benteen Park. Try the hot ham & cheese or King Curtis (BLT) for $7.50, the Benteen Club or McLovin fried chicken sandwich for $10, or get a soup & sandwich combo for $12.75. 

  

  Southwest Trail 

• QTimeRestaurant: This authentic Soul Food restaurant has been proudly serving Historic West End since 1993. Choose from meat options like their $3.35 baked chicken and add sides like black eyes peas, potato salad and fried corn ($3.15 for regular or $6.30 for large). Or select from their combo menu for a full meal under $15. 

• The Original Hot Dog Factory: Located inside the Lee + White Food Hall, this fast-casual restaurant is known for its wide variety of gourmet hot dogs with unique toppings. While their combo prices vary by style, you can get most of their creative dogs or a smash burger with a side for $10-14. 

Westside Trail 

• K & K Soul Food: K & K Soul Food is a must-stop for home-style meals that won’t leave you hungry—or broke. Their biscuit and sandwich menus range from $1.80 for an egg sandwich to $5.85 for white meat chicken, and sides like sausage links, pancakes, collard greens, mac & cheese, and candied yams vary from $0.60 to $9.95 for 4 vegetables.   

• D’s Cafe & Catering: This family-oriented restaurant serves hearty, high-quality southern cuisine in the Westview neighborhood for $15 or less. Their Blue Plate Specials, including the Perry Homes Platter (four wings or two piece fried chicken + two sides), are available daily from 11A.M. to 3P.M.

With a little planning (and maybe some sharing), you can explore new neighborhoods, support local spots, and enjoy amazing food—all while saving some cash.  

Looking for more activities to check out while you eat your way along the Beltline? Click here!