The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
7 fun things to do on a small budget
There are two things everybody likes: fun and money. Sometimes it can seem like the two can’t coexist, but an aware Atlantan can find many cheap and fun deals hidden among the thousands of things to do across the metro area.
Whether you want a budgetfriendly night out on the town, a cost-effective day as a tourist or a steal of a meal, here are seven fun things to do that won’t break the bank.
Whole World Improv Theatre
If you want to laugh and it’s a Thursday, this nonprofit improv theater has you covered, especially if you’re a woman. The Thursday Night Classic Show at the Whole World Improv Theatre in Atlanta offers hours of slapstick comedy for free to women who show up at least 30 minutes early for the 8 p.m. show. Any men tagging along will pay $10, but it’s a small price to pay to see the women in your life laugh for free. If that’s too steep for you, hopefully you’re a student, because then it’ll only cost $5. 7:30-10 p.m. Thursdays. 1216 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. 404-8177529, wholeworldtheatre.com.
Bike to Three Taverns Brewery
With well over a dozen breweries in Atlanta, there’s no shortage of well-stocked taprooms or funky India pale ales to try. However, if you have a bike and live near Decatur, Three Taverns Brewery has a deal crafted for you.
If you bike to their brewery tasting room, nicknamed The Parlour, you get a $1 discount on your first two drinks. You can double down on the discounts and go on your birthday, netting a complimentary beer as well. 4-10 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays, noon-10 p.m. on Saturdays and 1-6 p.m. on Sundays. 121 New St., Decatur. 404-6003355, threetavernsbrewery.com.
Victory Sandwich Bar
With locations at Inman Park and Decatur, this fast-casual sandwich shop offers sandwiches for $4 or $5 a pop. Speaking of pop, spiked sodas, cocktails and all other libations cost $9 or less at Victory Sandwich Bar as well.
If you’re feeding a larger party and are at the Inman Park location, a VICnic basket costs $29 and includes a blanket, four sandwiches, a side, two bags of chips and two sodas for an easy and convenient picnic lunch.
11 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Sunday (the Atlanta location closes at midnight on Sundays). 913 Bernina Ave. NE, Atlanta and 340 Church St., Decatur. 404-7092892 (Bernina Avenue) and 404377-9300 (Church Street), vicsandwich.com.
D.R.U.N.K. Bar Bingo at The Highlander
For those 21 and up, this midtown bar offers a fun way to unwind after a hard day’s work — on a Monday. Hey, we don’t judge how you start your work week, and we won’t question how many $2 PBRs you order. Starting at approximately 9:30 p.m., possibly later depending on how much the host has had to drink that night, this bingo night is one of the most cost-efficient nights you’ll hopefully remember. Please drink responsibly. 9:30 p.m. Mondays. 931 Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta. 404-8720060, thehighlanderatlanta.com.
The View at The Sun Dial
It’s one of the easiest buildings to recognize in Atlanta and is a feature of the city’s skyline. There’s aren’t many views of the city better than going 723 feet up to The Sun Dial’s observatory level, which is called The View.
While the restaurant can be one of the pricier meals in the city, the elevator ride to the top only costs $8 for adults and $4 for children between 6 and 12. If you fancy a drink, the elevator ride is free as long as you spend at least $8 at the bar. That’s an easy way to get more bang for your buck. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday (must be 21 to go after 8 p.m. any day). 210 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. 404589-7506, sundialrestaurant.com.
High Museum of Art deals
One of Atlanta’s most wellknown museums, the High Museum of Art offers a variety of exhibits that change from month to month to keep things fresh. General admission is $14.50 for people over 6 years old — it’s free if you’re younger.
That isn’t too expensive, but the museum offers many deals to make costs even lower. On the second Sunday of each month, admission is free from 1 to 4 p.m. If you get a group together, ticket prices drop to
$12 per person and only $7 for students. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. on Sundays. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400, high.org.
Taco Pete
On the Southside, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better meal deal than Taco Pete in East Point. The price of a taco varies from $1.35 to $2.75, and nothing on the menu is over $7. These prices might remind you more of slapdash fast food chains, but Taco Pete makes simple, grilled-toorder tacos, quesadillas, hot dogs and burgers that show well-executed simplicity can go a long way. It also helps stretch some loose change into a tasty snack. 10:30 a.m.8:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturdays. 2957 Main St., East Point. 404-968-47900, tacopete.com.