For more ideas to satisfy hunger and keep kids entertained, check out our Guide of Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Atlanta with a ton of great information and ideas!

Mellow Mushroom is a crowd pleaser with creative menu items, beyond pizza, that kids love. Photo courtesy Mellow Mushroom

What Are the Best Cheap Places to Eat in Atlanta for Kids & Families?

Home Grown - Reynoldstown

Enjoy down-home Southern food at this beloved local favorite. Home Grown offers tasty offerings like the breakfast dog or the pimento cheese sandwich. Insider tip: There's a lot of vegetarian offerings!

Little's Food Store - Cabbagetown

This neighborhood market/eatery is a relaxed place for kids to shop and enjoy casual menu items, including the chili dog basket or sliders. Insider tip: Pair your meal with their famed root beer floats.

Victory Sandwich Bar - Decatur and Inman Park

It's a fact -- kids love sandwiches! So take them for creative, decently-priced sandwiches (and tasty snacks) at Victory. Insider tip: Parents can enjoy a spiked soda or tasty cocktail during a night out.

TGM Bread - Emory

What's better than soup and a chunk of homemade bread to dip it into for $10?! TGM Bread offers comfort and deliciousness to families. Insider tip: The tomato bisque + asiago levain is a crowd pleaser for kids AND adults.

NFA Burger - Alpharetta and Dunwoody

These American classics will sure to please picky kids, with burgers, hot dogs, sausages, grilled cheese, tater tots, and more, all under $10. Insider tip: Alpharetta's NFA Burger is at Avalon and makes for a great day for fun and shopping.

Willy's Mexicana Grill - Multiple Locations

Create your own Mexican masterpiece at one of the beloved Willy's located throughout Atlanta. Insider tip: All-you-can-eat chips and salsa makes any hungry kiddos happy!

Mellow Mushroom - Multiple Locations

Atlanta's own Mellow Mushroom offers a tasty kids' menu with pizza, pizza, and more pizza! Kids will enjoy the cool decor and fun events (I live near the one in East Cobb, which hosts trivia sporadically). Insider tip: Visit the East Cobb location and walk next door to Half Price Books so antsy, hungry kids will be distracted while they wait for food.

Handels Ice Cream - Multiple Locations

OK, so this one is less meal, more dessert but the portions at Handels are massive and any sugar-loving kiddo will have a great day after a visit. Insider tip: Choose from more than 45 flavors at any Handels (my kids recommend Blue Monster)!

Costco - Multiple Locations

My kids LOVE visiting the Costco food court before I need to shop the aisles. Where else can you beat a hot dog and fountain drink for $1.50?! Insider tip: Up the greens by order one Chicken Ceasar Salad to share as a group.

Roswell Junction is a great food hall that offers affordable options and an outdoor area to play. Photo by author

Atlanta Food Halls - Multiple Locations

Atlanta food halls offer yummy items, usually surrounded by cool shops, live events, and even playgrounds. Great options for families include Chattahoochee Food Works (next to an outdoor play area), Marietta Square Market (off of the always bustling Marietta Square), and The Market at Halcyon in Alpharetta. Insider tip: Bring a credit card because many of the food stalls don't accept cash.

Waffle House - Multiple Locations

Waffle House started in Georgia and has spread it's syrupy goodness across the country. I haven't met a child who doesn't love devouring the options at this all-night diner. Insider tip: Learn the hash brown lingo - "covered" (with cheese), "smothered" (with onions), and "scattered" (on the grill).

Which Cheap Local Spots Are Hidden Gems (and Worth the Trip)?

Hankook Taqueria - West Midtown

My kids LOVE Hankook because of all the flavor choices prepared three ways: Korean tacos, burritos, or bowls. Also the bibim bop is awesome! Insider tip: Check social media for daily specials.

IKEA - Midtown

Though not exactly hidden, families may forget that IKEA offers a cheap and delicious restaurant inside the store with delish offerings. Insider tip: Visit the Childrens' Room area to get out some energy before hitting up breakfast or lunch.

Australian Bakery Cafe - Marietta

Get a taste of the outback back near Marietta Square! Australian Bakery Cafe offers varieties of meat pies, speciality savory pies, sausage rolls, and more. Insider tip: Enjoy your food al fresco on the Square.

El Rey Del Taco - Buford Highway

Doraville's Buford Highway offers an international buffet of goodness, but we have to spotlight El Rey Del Taco for it's wallet-friendly and delicious tacos, as well as fajitas, grilled sandwiches, and side items. Insider tip: Don't fill up too much, so you can continue down Buford for drinks and desserts at other tasty spots.

Are There Any Cheap Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near Major Attractions?

Johnny Rockets - Downtown and Buckhead

Located across the street from the Georgia Aquarium (downtown) and next door to LEGO Discovery Center at Phipps Plaza (Buckhead), Johnny Rockets is a '50s-inspired diner with tasty burgers, dogs, and shakes. Insider tip: Kids love sitting at the counter to watch the food being prepared.

PCM's Food Hall is big, colorful, with lots of options! Photo by author

Food Hall at Ponce City Market - Old Fourth Ward

PCM's food hall sits below The Roof's Skyline Park, a Boardwalk-inspired play area with games, mini golf, and rides. Insider tip: Visit during certain times of the year for ice skating and roller skating on the Roof.

The Varsity - Multiple Locations

Instead of finding an Atlanta restaurant near an attraction, why not eat at the Atlanta attraction itself?! The Varsity is an Atlanta landmark, with eight locations, that serves hot dogs (with or without chili) and more tasty combos. Insider tip: Ask for a paper wedge cap as an unofficial Varsity souvenir.

What Should Families Order to Stay Under $10?

The easiest way to keep your final bill low while dining out in Atlanta is:

• Skip soda/juice and stick with the water
• Visit during the afternoon for lunch specials/menus
• Check out the kids' menu first or consider sharing an adult meal

Which Popular Restaurants Aren't Worth It (and Why)?

Some family restaurants may seem like a good option when watching budgets, but the savings aren't really there. Revolving sushi restaurants are super fun and seem cheap at $3-$6 per plate. However, each plate offers about 2-4 pieces of sushi and my kiddos can rack up a TON of plates. We tend to visit these fun restaurants for celebrations.

Insider Tips for Eating Out Cheap with Kids

• Stick with lunch when prices are usually lower and portions are smaller.
• Dine out at restaurants with kids-eat-free nights -- we've got all the info in our Guide of Free Restaurants in Atlanta.
• Check out restaurant social media pages for flash deals and pop-up savings.
• Order water (cheaper and healthier than sodas)
• Consider sharing meals.

Cheap Eats in Atlanta FAQ

Q: What are the best cheap restaurants in Atlanta for families?
A: Local favorites like The Varsity, Waffle House, and NFA Burger serve great food for under $10 per person — all kid-approved!

Q: Where can kids eat free or cheap in Atlanta?
A: Many local spots offer low-cost kids’ meals or weekday specials; check out our Guide of Atlanta Restaurants Where Kids Can Eat Free.

Q: What kind of food can families get for under $10 in Atlanta?
A: Pizza, tacos, sandwiches, and breakfast plates — many Atlanta restaurants keep prices family-friendly.

Q: Are there good cheap restaurants near downtown Atlanta?
A: Yes! Try Johnny Rockets near the Georgia Aquarium, The Children's Museum of Atlanta, and World of Coke where you can grab a quick meal for under $10 before or after your visit.

Q: How can families save money eating out in Atlanta?
A: Eat at lunchtime, share entrees, try local markets or food trucks, and skip touristy sit-down restaurants that mark up prices.