Highest-rated cheap eats in Decatur by diners

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September 3, 2025
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Highest-rated cheap eats in Decatur by diners

Americans spend a lot of money on eating out鈥攊n 2024, that totaled, or nearly 59% of all food spending. So, it's only natural to want the best bang for your restaurant dollar.

Value has become a key component of what diners look for when they eat out, with eyeing menus for value meals. At the same time, many diners also look for something new and exciting, hoping to sample new flavors or food with ingredients that are too expensive to make at home.

Many ethnic cuisines also provide a lot of value because they aren't as expensive to produce. Many Mexican dishes fall into this category because. Many Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Filipino, and Cambodian food, also rely on low-cost ingredients and simple food preparation techniques.

Food trucks and street food vendors also offer cheaper food, thanks to lower overhead costs. Their limited menus typically focus on one type of food, allowing them to simplify purchasing and pass the savings on in the form of lower prices.

compiled a list of the highest-rated cheap eats restaurants within 10 kilometers of the Decatur area using data from . Data is as of Aug. 8, 2025. Businesses were selected using Yelp's ranking system, which calculates an adjusted rating value that takes into account the number of ratings as well as the rating score itself. Only businesses with at least 20 reviews were considered, and a cost of "$" (out of 4) were considered. Also, in an effort to highlight independent businesses and local chains, those with more than five locations nationally, based on the Yelp data, were not included.

1 / 18
El Portal

#18. El Portal

- Rating: 2.6/5 (21 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1315 Hwy 31 Northeast Hartselle, Alabama
- Categories: Mexican
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2 / 18
Las Vias Mexican Grill

#17. Las Vias Mexican Grill

- Rating: 2.6/5 (31 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2224 6th Ave. Southeast Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Mexican
-

3 / 18
C F Penn Hamburgers

#16. C F Penn Hamburgers

- Rating: 3.0/5 (55 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 214 6th Ave. Sw Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Burgers
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4 / 18
Canton House

#15. Canton House

- Rating: 3.2/5 (27 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 609 14th St. Southeast Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Chinese
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5 / 18
B.B. Perrins Sports Grille

#14. B.B. Perrins Sports Grille

- Rating: 3.2/5 (45 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 608 Holly St. Northeast Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Pizza
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6 / 18
Whitts Barbecue

#13. Whitts Barbecue

- Rating: 3.3/5 (32 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2532 Spring Ave. Southwest Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Barbecue
-

7 / 18
Casa Santiago Mexican Grill

#12. Casa Santiago Mexican Grill

- Rating: 3.6/5 (47 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2812 Spring Ave. Southwest Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Mexican
-

8 / 18
New China Restaurant

#11. New China Restaurant

- Rating: 3.7/5 (29 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1668 Beltline Road Southwest Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Chinese
-

9 / 18
Whitt's Barbecue # 3

#10. Whitt's Barbecue # 3

- Rating: 4.0/5 (25 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 918 6th Ave. Southeast Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Barbecue
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10 / 18
Tio Juan Mexican Grill

#9. Tio Juan Mexican Grill

- Rating: 4.1/5 (57 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1318 6th Ave. Southeast Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Mexican
-

11 / 18
A Taste of China

#8. A Taste of China

- Rating: 4.2/5 (47 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2941 Point Mallard Pkwy Southeast Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Chinese
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12 / 18
Lets Do Lunch

#7. Lets Do Lunch

- Rating: 4.2/5 (31 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 435 Holly St. Northeast Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Salad, Sandwiches, Desserts
-

13 / 18
Smokey C's Bar-B-Que & Wings

#6. Smokey C's Bar-B-Que & Wings

- Rating: 4.3/5 (24 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3075 Hwy 20 Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Barbecue, Chicken Wings
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14 / 18
Holy Smoke BBQ

#5. Holy Smoke BBQ

- Rating: 4.3/5 (24 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 900 Hwy 31 Northwest Hartselle, Alabama
- Categories: Barbecue
-

15 / 18
Java Jaay Cafe

#4. Java Jaay Cafe

- Rating: 4.5/5 (29 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1713 6th Ave. Southeast Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches
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16 / 18
Mel's Sweet Treats

#3. Mel's Sweet Treats

- Rating: 4.5/5 (27 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1051 Grant St. Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Candy Stores, Bakeries, Sandwiches
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17 / 18
Taqueria El Palomino

#2. Taqueria El Palomino

- Rating: 4.6/5 (78 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1410 6th Ave. Southeast Decatur, Alabama
- Categories: Mexican
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18 / 18
Warehouse Coffee

#1. Warehouse Coffee

- Rating: 4.6/5 (27 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 315 Main St. West Hartselle, Alabama
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Juice Bars & Smoothies, Sandwiches
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 388 metros.

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