El Myr has achieved almost mythological status in Little Five Points as one of the most lively and reliable sources for Mexican cuisine. This endearingly-seedy establishment emphasizes creative takes on traditional Mexican dishes, like the potato, corn and black olive burrito or the Pad Thai burrito, as well as strong drinks. The tequila selection here is delightfully mind-boggling: just name a drink, and the bartenders are sure to be able to mix it. Prices for food are incredibly inexpensive and the prices for beer is inexpensive as well. They do lots of take out orders if you don't want to eat there.
Recommended for Best Value because: They have fresh guac and salsa as well as unique, yet reasonably priced food.
Local Expert tip: El Myr is open late night on weekends until 2:30 am.
An open kitchen and soft lighting add further character to this cozy Virginia Highland restaurant, which is often filled to capacity with loyal regulars. The fantastic Italian cuisine, features delicious salads like beets with apple and a delightful mussels appetizer. Pastas are fantastic with unique items like boar, bone marrow and rabbit sausage. Standout entrees include pork saltimbocca, and seared Georgia trout. The olive oil cake makes for an interesting dessert. Locals know to visit here for brunch and get in easily without a long wait, instead of that other crowded restaurant across the street. The outdoor patio is popular during warm weather.
Recommended for Best Value because: Upscale Italian in a relaxed atmosphere with delectable pasta dishes.
Local Expert tip: Special pasta dinners on Mondays are only $10.
Pleasant, inviting and relaxing, this traditional Bangladeshi restaurant is located in a most unlikely setting — a shopping strip off busy Buford Highway. Don't let the setting dissuade your visit, though, because they serve some of the tastiest fare this side of Dhaka. Dishes seem to explode with exotic aromas and flavors, as seen in tandoori lamb with ginger, Biriyani specialties with baashmatee rice and mixed vegetables, and spicy chicken vindaloo with aloo. A word to the wise: if you plan on enjoying wine with your meal, stop by the store first — Panahar maintains a BYOB policy. Great for groups.
Recommended for Best Value because: Low prices and tasty dishes are found at this Bangladeshi restaurant on Buford Highway.
Local Expert tip: This is one of the only Bangladeshi restaurants in Atlanta.
Hankook Taqueria features an interesting, delicious blend of Korean and Mexican food, and local connoisseurs love this eatery on the westside for its warm, casual atmosphere and one-of-a-kind tacos. No table service is found here - order at the counter and food is delivered to your table. The menu is pretty simple at Hankook. Choices are tacos, burritos (standard chicken, beef, pork, fish, tofu, shrimp) and what they like to call "Street Snacks" which are really what most would consider appetizers. These "Street Snacks" are spicy pork sliders, tempura fried sweet potatoes, fried dumplings and a firedog — spicy hot dog with kimchee. Standout tacos are the calamari and the beef brisket. Don't miss the tempura fried Korean sweet potatoes. You'll soon see why this top-notch taqueria was featured on the Food Network's "Best Thing I Ever Ate" in 2010.
Recommended for Best Value because: The unique blend of Korean and Mexican makes this restaurant especially enticing.
Local Expert tip: Avoid this spot during peak lunch times. It is small and gets very crowded.
Hidden away in Atlanta's Inman Park, this quirky diner attracts weekend breakfast crowds from all over Atlanta with homemade pancakes and biscuits and jellies, which pose tough alternatives to equally tasty scrambles and three-egg omelets. If you're a late-riser, don't fret — they serve breakfast throughout the day, and lunchtime offerings are also superbly done. Menu highlights are the french toast made with Challah and the Sassy Scramble. Chicken and waffles are on the menu as well. Really hungry? Get The Heap, a skillet breakfast with home fries, eggs, cheese and extra add ins of your choice. Be warned, waits can be very long on weekends.
Recommended for Best Value because: Reasonable pricing and consistent food are found at Thumbs Up. Breakfast is served all day too.
Local Expert tip: Payment is cash only so come prepared.
Treat yourself to some tantalizing Mexican food when you stop by La Fonda Latina. Pitchers of mojitos litter the landscape here in endless profusion, in equal parts because of their tastiness and reasonable price. After you've had time to enjoy chips and salsa, choose from a wide variety of sumptuous menu options. The paella is delightfully authentic, and the vegetarian version of this dish is surprisingly delicious. One of the best menu items, however, is the beef enchiladas. It is topped with cilantro and a slightly sweet red sauce. Quesadillas and the Cuban Sandwich are good choices as well. Try to sit on the patio if possible.
Recommended for Best Value because: This latin restaurant is widely popular with Atlantans for their authentic latin food, quick service and cheap prices.
Local Expert tip: Their patio is lovely and is worth waiting for.
Victory sandwich serves slider sized sandwiches, and most are less than $5. Try the Hambo with prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula, with balsamic and apple or the Castro, made which is similar to a Cuban sandwich. As the sandwiches are rather small, you'll need two to get full, but this is still very reasonable. Besides great sandwiches, the restaurant / bar has a fabulous patio for warm, sunny days. Indoors is inviting as well with a ping pong table as well as the old movies projected on to the wall of the restaurants. Make your meal boozy with their jack and coke slushies.
Recommended for Best Value because: These slider sized sandwiches are very popular for lunch and late night.
Local Expert tip: Most sandwiches will only run you about four dollars.
The line out the door of people waiting to eat here is evidence of how popular this is. Taqueria del Sol serves quick and easy Southwestern food that is so good you'll be convinced the cashier under-charged you. Made-to-order fare is prepared right at the counter, and you can have your taco stuffed with tasty ingredients like chopped smoked pork, tilapia rolled in corn masa, or chicken breast with lime jalape?o mayonnaise. Heartier appetites can go for one or two beef brisket enchiladas and, perhaps, a side of Mexican rice, turnip greens or jalape?o coleslaw. Don't miss the shrimp corn soup either.
Recommended for Best Value because: Cheap mexican eats can be found here as well as tasty margaritas.
Local Expert tip: Order your food first then claim your seat.
Many restaurants come and go in Atlanta, but Eats has prevailed with its reasonable prices and diverse cuisine. On the menu you'll find barbecue chicken, pastas, and lots of meats and vegetables to choose from as well. If you are looking for a posh, trendy spot Eats is not it, but what they lack in decor, they make up for with all of their tasty dishes to be found on the lengthy menu. Add to that the fun eighties music they crank out and you are in for a fun time. Parking can be hard to come by, so best to go at off peak times.
Recommended for Best Value because: This restaurant has been a staple in the Atlanta area for quite a few years.
Local Expert tip: Great spot for take out.