Joe’s Inn

205 N. Shields Ave.; 355-2282; 2616 Buford Road, 320-9700

joesinn.com

Second Place: Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint

Third Place: Don’t Look Back

It’s nice to know that in a town bursting with starving students and penny-pinching artists, there’s a place like Joe’s offering cheap eats done well every day of the week. Spaghetti à la Joe has been filling bellies and providing next-day — or sometimes late-night — leftovers since the place opened in the Fan in 1952. Nothing fancy about the comfort food menu, but portions are enormous, servers are friendly and it’s almost impossible not to run into someone you know — a fact to be considered if you’re stepping out. Jack Brown’s is a place that focuses on the sustenance of life, namely beer and a solid burger. Don’t Look Back not only serves some of the best tacos in town, but also for $15, you can score three rib-sticking Frito pies. Good luck not exploding.