Cheap Eats - 5th Earl Market: The little block that could

Maybe it’s because of the nearby train tracks, but it’s hard not to think of The Little Engine That Could when facing the small block of stores on East College Avenue between South Candler and Avery Street in Decatur. For a block that once featured ... well, nothing ... the small stretch is now home to the brightly polka-dot-painted storefront belonging to Wiggle, a children’s clothing store, and Vintage Home, a vintage-furniture shop that opened last year. The newest addition to the block party is 5th Earl Market, a sandwich shop and wine bar that also features a mini market with organic veggies, homemade soups, imported cheeses and other yummy, posh goodies.

Warm and cozy: It’s hard not to feel comfy inside the 5th Earl. With the exposed brick and warm color palette, it almost feels like eating in your friend’s kitchen, until you step into the corner wine bar. The seductive lighting and small bar tucked off to the side of the restaurant make for a perfect intimate first date. Glasses run at $6-$7, and there are some eclectic selections by the bottle as well.

Earl of the Sandwich: 5th Earl Market has three different sandwich style options: hot, cold and panini, and a variety of selections among all three. Huge, hot and delicious, the Moat consists of barbecue beef brisket, smothered in homemade red or white barbecue sauce (both of which are available in the restaurant’s mini market), and, at $6.25, will hit the spot without hitting your wallet. Another favorite is the Nobleman — thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh shaved Parmesan, mixed greens with Sicilian olive oil, lemon juice and cracked black pepper sandwiched between two crusty pieces of Italian flat bread for $8.95. Add some of their homemade sides and soups to the mix for a well-balanced crunch-and-munch session. The pasta salad, tossed in homemade basil-balsamic vinaigrette, is a scrumptious side dish, and all soups are made from scratch and change daily.

Kid’s menu: Decatur is the hot spot for families with small children in Atlanta, and 5th Earl Market is quick to accommodate the kiddies. Standards such as ham-and-cheese for $3.95 and grilled cheese for $2.95 are sure to please, but the yummy Fluffernutter (marshmallow fluff and peanut butter on white bread — every kid’s dream snack!) at $3.25 and the PB&J (sans crust, naturally) are favorites as well. Refreshingly, all kid’s meals come with a side of seasonal fresh fruit.

Lean and green: In addition to their sandwiches, there are some creative salads to choose from. Beet & Blue has mixed field greens, Point Reyes blue cheese, candied walnuts, julienned beets and dried cranberries tossed in a light, homemade raspberry vinaigrette for $7.25.