As part of my new self-imposed grad student budget constraints, I’m trying to find some good cheap eats around Atlanta (suggestions welcome!). Mario and I had both heard good things about Mama Niki’s Pizza, located in the Howell Mill Kroger Plaza, so we decided to stop in on Saturday afternoon.

A banner outside boasted of being voted “Atlanta’s Best Pizza”, though the source of that vote wasn’t mentioned on the banner. Inside, Mama Niki’s looks like your typical diner. A whiteboard with specials advertises $1 pitchers on Tuesdays–obviously a college hangout. But, on to the pizza. Mario and I both got a slice of pepperoni:

Pepperoni Pizza

I found Mama Niki’s pizza to be a fairly close relative of “mall pizza”:

Jessica's First Bite

It had that yummy flavor that accompanies lots of grease and fat, but not necessarily fresh ingredients. Mario, the pizza aficionado, found it less than impressive as well.

Mario and I both decided that since our recommendations came from students, the $1 pitchers may have had something to do with the rave reviews. However, as far as eating on a budget, Mama Niki’s definitely fits the bill–2 slices and 2 drinks came out to about $8.

www.atlpizza.com