Eddie Hernandez's Taqueria del Sol in Atlanta runs Southern-Mexican tacos and chiles rellenos at counter speeds. The West Midtown location opened 2003; pivotal for the city.
Tip: The fried-chicken taco with peach salsa and the chiles rellenos with corn pudding are the cult orders. Counter ordering; no reservations.
Address: 1200B Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
The Varsity at North Avenue in downtown Atlanta since 1928 runs chili dogs, onion rings and Frosted Orange at a drive-in counter format. The original location runs the longest hours.
Try: Chili dog with onion rings
Tip: Order in Varsity slang: 'two dogs walking' = two hot dogs to go. The onion rings and Frosted Orange are the standard upsell.
Snackboxe Bistro in Doraville, Atlanta runs Laotian street food: sai oua sausage, papaya salad and sticky rice from chef Linda Khamphouseane. Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024.
Try: Laotian sausage and sticky rice
Tip: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The crispy rice salad (nam khao) is the cult order; sticky rice comes with most plates.
Pho Dai Loi 2 on Buford Highway in Atlanta has run Vietnamese pho and bun since the 1990s. The pho tai (rare beef) is the canonical first order; the broth simmers overnight.
Try: Pho tai
Tip: Cash and card. Open every day; lunch hours quieter than dinner. Pho dac biet (everything bowl) is the upgrade order.
Lee's Bakery on Buford Highway in Atlanta runs Vietnamese banh mi and pastries since 1996. The $6 banh mi remains one of the city's best food values.
Try: Banh mi
Tip: Cash and card. The classic banh mi dac biet (special sandwich) with pate and cold cuts is the move; baguettes baked in-house daily.
This Is It Southern Kitchen in Cascade and West End, Atlanta runs takeaway-counter soul food: fried chicken, ribs, wings and Southern sides since 1985.
Try: Wings and ribs
Tip: Drive-through and walk-up. The whole wings with a side of mac are the move. Multiple locations across Atlanta.
Thumbs Up Diner on Edgewood Avenue in Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta runs all-day breakfast and burritos since 2002. The Heap (potato and egg skillet) the cult order.
Try: Burrito and pancakes
Tip: Cash and card. No reservations; line builds by 09:30 weekends. The Heap with chorizo runs the heaviest breakfast in town.
