The Connector
The Connector

By Gray Chapman

Don’t head out to Peachtree with that tin cup just yet—these places will keep you full for less.

1. Ru-San’s
1529 Piedmont Road NE
(404) 875-7042
Ever-popular Japanese sushi restaurant that features possibly the least expensive sushi menu in Atlanta. Ru-San’s has multiple locations throughout the city, so check out which is closest to you before heading out to get your sushi and sake fix.

2. Coco Loco
2625 Piedmont Road NE
(404) 364-0212
Hidden in a generic-looking strip mall off of Piedmont, this Cuban spot has a menu full of authentic, hearty dishes for the thrifty connoisseur.

3.Thumbs-Up Diner
573 Edgewood Ave. SE
(404) 223-0690
An Old Fourth Ward favorite tucked away on Edgewood, with a retro diner atmosphere and hearty Southern favorites.

4. Ann’s Snack Bar
1615 Memorial Dr. SE
(404) 687-9207
Ann Price works this burger joint all by herself, so don’t expect fast food. Her culinary expertise garnered the “Best Burger in America” award by the Wall Street Journal for her infamous, massive “ghetto burger.”

5. Ali Baba
1099 Euclid Ave.
(678) 508-9811
You’ll have to look hard to find this one, but the tiny Turkish restaurant is sandwiched in between Java Lords Coffee House and the Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points. Get an authentic, enormous gyro for about $7, and use the cash saved to try some baba ganoush or falafel.