Perhaps you just splurged on those concert tickets for that band touring next year. Or maybe you’re finally admitting that ‘treat yourself’ shouldn’t mean treating your bank account like a piñata. Either way, you’re watching your wallet. But you’re also tired of your own cooking and craving a real meal out. Here are 12 spots in Lilburn where you can feast without the financial fear.
I Love Wings (Stone Mt Highway)
$ | (770) 557-1398 | WEBSITE
I Love Wings on Stone Mt Highway is a pleasant dining spot in a plaza in Lilburn, so it’s understandable if you haven’t discovered this place during your weekly errands or family outings. They have a large menu of American comfort food, including perfectly cooked wings (with a range of sauces to choose from) and sandwiches (the Rueben is a highlight), all priced around $8-14.
But our favorite things are the combo meals – for example, adding fries to any sandwich and the variety of wing sauces, which both have a great amount of flavor.
Aunt Betty’s Halal Soul Food
$ | (803) 922-7566 | WEBSITE
This popular spot in Lilburn serves up halal soul food that’s perfect for both special occasions and everyday cravings, with most plates running around $12–$18 depending on your picks.
But deciding what to order might require some serious soul-searching: the fried chicken comes crispy and golden, the beef ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, and you’ve got sides like creamy mac and cheese, savory green bean casserole, buttery mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and fluffy cornbread—all well-seasoned and delicious. So really, the only risk here is getting overwhelmed by options, loading up your tray, and ending up with leftovers for days.
Which, honestly, might be exactly the kind of indulgence that makes a meal here feel like a celebration.
Baby AL’s
$ | (678) 400-7571 | WEBSITE
This cozy, family-owned Chicago-style joint (one of the best in Lilburn) specializes in Italian beef sandwiches, but anything involving their nostalgic comfort food is delicious – burgers, rib tips, that incredible Chicago mild sauce – and almost everything is under $12. You get to pick your style (with options like dipped with sweet peppers or classic) and your sides (fries or coleslaw), and there’s really no wrong decision.
While eating here might bring back childhood memories, the truth is we’d still come here even if we had enough money to fly to Chicago and order one of everything before heading to our favorite childhood diner for the weekend.
Shayona Café
$ | (678) 906-2277 | WEBSITE
There’s a lot to like about Shayona Café in Lilburn. Not only is it affordable and vegetarian-friendly, but everything on the limited menu is tasty. That being said, we really like the khichdi (which is warm and comforting, though a bit greasy, for about $8.50) and the homemade Indian sweets (which are around $3-4 each). You can come here after visiting the nearby temple for a casual meal, or on the weekend with family.
Basically, you should come here even when you’re not following dietary restrictions.
Frida’s Taqueria
$ | (470) 273-5349 | WEBSITE
If you’ve hit the limit on your homemade Mexican food, head to Frida’s Taqueria in Lilburn. This spot specializes in authentic tacos that range in price from $3-$5. Get the birria quesadilla, or one of the homemade classics like the sopes or gorditas. It’s perfect for dining solo, but you could also bring your friends – they’re tired of your bland tacos from a kit, too.
Kabab Hut
$ | (770) 925-4440 | WEBSITE
Kabab Hut is a straightforward yet satisfying Pakistani restaurant serving authentic dishes throughout the day. You’ll find classics like mutton curry, beef curry, and charcoal chicken alongside tawa roti and kulcha naan – all ranging from $9-$18. It’s the kind of hearty, home-style cooking that will make you feel like you’ve made a smart choice, even if you just splurged on something frivolous.
They have a simple setup, but we prefer the Atlanta location for its cozy, unpretentious atmosphere and reliable service.
Marco’s Pizza
$ | (678) 999-7878 | WEBSITE
Here’s the thing about pizza – it’s delicious and satisfying, but a whole pie with all the toppings can add up. Fortunately there’s Marco’s Pizza in Lilburn, which serves very good pizza by the slice. But the best is their Deluxe pizza, which has fresh onions and great pepperoni. This is a counter service operation, but there’s a comfortable seating area that looks clean and functional. So grab a quick meal and enjoy it on-site or take it home.
Somos Peru
$$ | (470) 709-2155 | WEBSITE
Hosting friends from out of town can be tricky when you’re trying to keep dinner costs reasonable. But they’ll definitely appreciate it if you bring them to a local favorite like Somos Peru. And honestly, you should welcome any chance to enjoy the food here, regardless. Go for the green spaghetti, ensure there’s at least one Lomo Saltado ordered at the table, and since the prices are quite fair (think $15-$25 per entrée), order a round of drinks from the bar, too.
Rosita Mexican & Salvadorian Food
$ | (770) 979-2900 | WEBSITE
This Salvadorian and Mexican spot in Lilburn serves delicious pupusas, veggie burritos, and plantains, and almost everything on the menu costs less than $12. But what you really want to order here is the pupusa platter. It’s made with fresh masa stuffed with cheese and beans, served with curtido slaw and salsa roja. It’s $8.50, absolutely filling, and qualifies as a complete meal in itself. And it’s a lot more satisfying than grabbing fast food for roughly the same price.
Bambinelli’s Italian Restaurant
$ | (770) 717-7217 | WEBSITE
This Italian restaurant in Lilburn is one of our favorite spots in all of Georgia. One reason why is that for around $14, you can get the best thing on the menu – the blackened Alfredo dinner. It’s a perfectly creamy pasta with big shrimp and sausage, served with bread and a simple salad. And while that’s really what you should order, the other dishes (like the marinara and Alfredo combo sauce and the meatballs) are as reasonably priced and almost as good.
As for dessert, you can save room for the cannolis, which are a favorite in the state. Or just savor the tomato sauce.
Arrieros taqueria and grill
$ | (678) 395-6087 | WEBSITE
This spot near the gas station is ideal for grabbing a casual takeout lunch or dinner with some friends. The tacos here are delicious (our favorites are the al pastor and the chicken) and very filling. Plus, each order comes packed with meat on regular-sized tortillas. If you can, spring for an order of the queso dip, too. It’s worth it.
Doo’s Seafood And Deli
$ | (770) 925-9292 | WEBSITE
Doo’s Seafood And Deli serves excellent fried seafood, and our favorite order here is the fried swai meal with crawfish. Whatever version you choose, you can get a generous plate with large shrimp or a full seafood boil for around $15. If you’d rather eat something kind-of-healthy, they have tasty vegetarian options with fresh vegetables for the same price.
This place tends to be popular no matter when you come, but it’s a casual spot with quick service, and if you time it right, you won’t have to wait long for a table.
