Eats

"A 30-year time lapse video of Ponce would show Eats standing as a fixture in the rapidly developing area. That’s because this cafeteria-esque institution has remained a go-to for quick, affordable comfort foods. At the order counter, you’ll be hit with several meat and side options (our favorite is the semi-spicy jerk chicken with rice and beans that always fills us up and sends us back to the counter to order another to-go). Your meal will be around $12 and ready before you’re even done paying, so find a booth by a window and look out at all the new builds between bites." - demarco williams, nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard

"Do a word association game with any Atlantan. When you say Eats, the first thing that comes to mind will be an affordable down-home American meal. This Ponce institution is where you turn to get heaping portions of tasty meats like spicy jerk chicken (our favorite), lemon pepper chicken, and a smoky turkey meatloaf for just $6.50. Add in a few dependable sides (around $3 each), and your meat-and-two plate clocks in around $12 or less. The prices have barely risen since Outkast apologized to Ms. Jackson. And the casual dining room and speedy service has stayed consistent, too. It’s so quick that you might not have time to snag a booth before the counter has your red plastic tray piled with hearty rice and beans, creamy mashed potatoes, collard greens, and juicy chicken. Food Rundown photo credit: Amy Sinclair Jerk Chicken This is our favorite protein because they are generous with the seasoning, so it’s got a little kick. Lemon Pepper Chicken Our second favorite protein, the chicken is moist and has plenty of ATL’s favorite spice. Cornbread You get a square of this with every order. It’s usually a little dry, so lather it up with butter and order some collards for your own pot likker. Mashed Potatoes You get a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes, but make sure to get it topped with the gravy, which makes this side really sing. It’s dark brown, a little meaty, and gives the carbs a nice, rich flavor. Mac And Cheese We'll give this mac a participation trophy— it’s a little bland and not nearly cheesy enough. Put two other sides in your starting lineup, and just keep it on the bench unless you’re really hungry. Collard Greens They do these pretty well. Plus, it really does make the cornbread better, so order them. Black-Eyed Peas Their little bowl of black-eyed peas is nothing special, but it’s decent, and we usually order it when we’re in full Southern feast mode. photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Amy Sinclair" - Juli Horsford

"After nearly 30 years on Ponce, this landmark restaurant continues to serve hearty, affordable meat-and-three combos throughout the week in an unpretentious environment. In addition to the regular menu that includes the restaurant’s popular lemon pepper and jerk chicken plates, expect daily specials here, like spaghetti and meatballs on Monday, jerk tilapia on Fridays, and chicken alfredo with garlic bread on Saturdays." - Beth McKibben, Caroline Eubanks

"It’s hard to pass up this Atlanta landmark restaurant for a hearty yet super-affordable meal, especially when a meat-and-three combo costs $10. In addition to lemon pepper, barbecue, and jerk chicken on the menu, Eats also serves turkey meatloaf and tilapia. The priciest meal here is the chicken alfredo with garlic bread offered on Thursdays and Saturdays for $12." - Mike Jordan, Beth McKibben

"Few places like Eats exist anymore on Ponce. And, for locals and regulars, it’s hard to pass up this Atlanta landmark restaurant which offers classic meat and three (or four) options on its menu starting at around $10 a plate. The jerk chicken here is the mainstay." - Sarra Sedghi