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VenezuelanBuford Highway
Arepa Grill on Atlanta's Buford Highway runs Venezuelan arepas under $13: pabellon with shredded beef, sweet plantain, cheese, plus deep-fried churros.
TryVenezuelan arepas with stewed meats
TipOrder the pabellon arepa: shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantain, cheese. The fried churros come three to an order.
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Korean BBQWest Midtown
Hankook Taqueria on Atlanta's Westside puts Korean BBQ inside taco shells: tongdak crispy chicken with spicy aioli, lettuce, Monterey Jack under $14.
TryKorean-Mexican fusion tacos and burritos
TipTongdak crispy chicken tacos are the move; ask for extra spicy aioli. Closed Sundays.
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Middle EasternInman Park
Yalla at Krog Street Market in Atlanta runs Middle Eastern fast-casual: $12 shawarma pita with fried eggplant and tahini, falafel, fresh laffa bread.
TryMiddle Eastern shawarma, falafel, kebabs
TipChicken shawarma pita with fried eggplant and tahini for $12 is the sleeper. Eat on the market patio.
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CalifornianInman Park
Bell Street Burritos at Atlanta's Krog Street Market does California-format burritos for $9 to $13: rice, beans, generous protein, hot sauce, walk-up service.
TryCalifornia-style stuffed burritos
TipGet the namesake burrito with hot sauce and a Mexican Coke. Counter service, fast turnover.
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PizzeriaVirginia Highland
Pielands in Atlanta's Virginia Highland does NY round slices and 16-inch square Noni pies: pesto, marinara, house-pulled fresh mozzarella, fold-friendly.
TryNew York-style pizza by the slice
TipThe Green Granny square slice with pesto and house-pulled mozzarella is the move; standard NY cheese is the cheap default and folds correctly.
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CafeBuckhead
Souper Jenny in Atlanta's Buckhead cooks six soups a day under $14: chicken tortilla, the dad's turkey chili, plus daily-changing seasonal sides.
TryDaily-changing soups, sandwiches, salads
TipChicken tortilla soup is the default. Servers are local theatre actors; you get a show with the cup.