Atlanta's Best Budget Restaurants

Photo: Robbie Caponetto

Meet Our Atlanta Restaurant Connoisseur

"After working all day, I just want to have a beer and decompress for an hour before I go home," says Steven Satterfield, a chef known for his obsessively seasonal, local Southern cooking (such as peach-glazed Georgia quail with farro and summer vegetable salad or triggerfish fillet with roasted spaghetti squash and sweet pepper agrodolce). "Sometimes, you just don't want to sit on your sofa and be quiet." Whether it's a killer cocktail and a satisfying snack or a rousing game of Ping-Pong, the chef knows where to sniff out fun spots and tasty fare.

Photo: Robbie Caponetto

Victory Sandwich Bar

"Victory serves sandwiches until 2 a.m.," Steven says. "I usually order the Castro, with slow-roasted pork, ham, Fontina cheese, and yellow mustard, and a Tecate with a lime. And they have Ping-Pong tables. If you get a good volley going, it actually feels like exercise."

280 Elizabeth Street, Atlanta; 770/676-7328; vicsandwich.com

Photo courtesy of Noni's Bar & Deli

Noni's Bar & Deli

"The Wedding Soup and Muffuletta are standouts at Noni's," Steven says. "and owner Matt Ruppert makes a mean Negroni (cocktail with gin, Campari, and vermouth)."

357 Edgewood Avenue, Atlanta; 404/343-1808; nonisdeli.com

Photo: The Food Abides via Yelp

The Sound Table

The Sound Table is "a hip bar with a surprisingly delicious menu," Steven says. "Chef Shane Devereaux serves fantastic Roasted Duck Meatballs and Belgian-style Frites. The bartenders are really good too. Try the Horse's Neck with bourbon, bitters, and ginger beer."

483 Edgewood Avenue Southeast, Atlanta; 404/835-2534; thesoundtable.com

Photo: Robin Henson

Sauced Restaurant & Lounge

Go for the kitschy vibe and modern atmosphere–as well as the jalapeño-and-Cheddar cheese Black-eyed Pea Fritters with Hotlanta hot sauce, smoked tomato vinaigrette, and sweet chile sauce. A refreshing Dixie Cup with Four Roses Bourbon, Red Rock Golden Ginger Ale, and sugarcane syrup helps cool the fire.

753 Edgewood Avenue, Atlanta; 404/688-6554; saucedatlanta.com

Photo: John F. via Yelp

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