4427 Roswell Road 404-303-8201 and other locations Few places prove as cheerful and accommodating for Atlantans-on-the-go as La Fonda Latina. The chain of local cantinas frequently has a festive atmosphere, from the peppy, ubiquitous salsa music and the fresh, tangy salsa itself to the tropical paint job and the speed of service, which can get you in and out quickly (unless very crowded). The food never fails to satisfy, from the plentiful paella (in both vegetarian and seafood-heavy varieties), luscious pork chops, bold Cuban Reuben sandwiches and some of the biggest, most satisfying quesadillas in the city. After work hours (or if you're taking a siesta), you can drink La Fonda's sangria and munch on the fruit chunks for vitamins. less...

Little more than $5 will buy you an astonishing meal at this Dominican restaurant in a former doughnut shop. Mysterious but savory stews are served in huge portions from a steam table, with rice — including the crunchy stuff from the bottom of the pot — combined with olives or big brown beans. less...