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Daddy Dog topped with Cream Cheese, Bacon, Pickle, Grilled Onion, Jalapeño and Daddy’s Secret Sauwce.
A Daddy’s Dogs gourmet hot dog.
Rebecca Ward/Daddy’s Dogs

19 of Nashville’s Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants

It is possible to spend less and still eat well in Music City

by Eater Staff and Delia Jo Ramsey Updated
4 comments / new
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A Daddy’s Dogs gourmet hot dog.
| Rebecca Ward/Daddy’s Dogs
by Eater Staff and Delia Jo Ramsey Updated
4 comments / new

Nashville has plenty of restaurants where diners can spend a pretty penny for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, especially as swanky hotels and bachelorette parties proliferate. You can throw a rock and easily strike a handful of burgers or cocktails priced well over 15 bucks a pop, but everyday diners beg for more budget-friendly options around town. From tantalizing tacos to the best bang-for-your-buck burgers, here are Nashville’s best bets for affordable meals out.

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Big Al's Deli

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This small Salemtown space ranks high among locals for its flavorful, affordable comfort food. Alfonso Anderson, aka Big Al, opens the doors at 6 a.m. during the week, serving up morning favorites like pancakes, biscuits with gravy, and a big breakfast plate all priced below $8 plus lunch and dinner classics like shrimp and grits, hot chicken, and fried pork chops.

1828 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 242-8118
(615) 242-8118

Also featured in:

Mas Tacos Por Favor

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Teresa Mason turned one of Nashville’s very first food trucks into a wildly popular restaurant with two patios in East Nashville. Even if you miss daily specials like a pickled cactus taco, you’ll still find other worthwhile options at the no-frills Mas Tacos Por Favor, including some of the city’s best soups and drinks that work with or without booze.

732 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 543-6271
(615) 543-6271

Also featured in:

Dino’s

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In East Nashville, the city’s oldest dive bar has the low-key vibes, wood-paneling, and late-night appeal you’d expect, with diner fare that’s better than it has any need to be, including fries smothered in cheese and onions and a nationally renowned burger. You can spend the money you save on a Miller High Life pony.

411 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 227-8998
(615) 227-8998

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Five Points Pizza East

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The original East Nashville location of this popular pizza joint still reigns supreme, always packed with hungry diners ordering New York-style pizza by the slice or whole pie. Grab a slice of cheese and a half-order of those garlic knots and you can still escape without breaking the bank. The lunch specials are also a good deal. You’ll find another Five Points Pizza in West Nashville.

1012 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 915-4174
(615) 915-4174

I Dream Of Weenie

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I Dream of Weenie, East Nashville’s cute little vintage VW bus-turned-hot-dog-stand, turns out festive hot dogs with inventive toppings at appetizing prices. Every item rings up well under $10, including charcoal-grilled dogs topped with pimento cheese or chili cheese.

113 S 11th St, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 226-2622
(615) 226-2622

Daddy's Dogs

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Daddy’s Dogs is a hit for its 100 percent all-beef specialty dogs and sides like loaded tots, chili, slaw, and chips. Choose classics like the New York- or Chicago-style dog or get over-the-top originals like the Big Daddy topped with cream cheese, bacon, pickle, grilled onion, jalapeno, and Daddy’s secret sauce. You’ll find these economical franks all over town, too, including at a shop in the Nations, a late-night window in historic Printers Alley, and stands at Nissan Stadium and Wedgewood-Houston’s Geodis Park.

5205 Centennial Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209
(615) 802-8481
(615) 802-8481

Also featured in:

Robert's Western World

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Sure, Robert’s Western World is more bar than restaurant, but this old-school honky-tonk’s Recession Special — a fried bologna sandwich with an ice-cold PBR and chips — has become an iconic Nashville meal. Most everything on the menu runs less than $10, a steal for anyone looking to stuff their face in the middle of a Broadway bar crawl.

416 Broadway B, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 244-9552
(615) 244-9552

Also featured in:

Taqueria del Sol

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If you avoid ordering a drink, one of the city’s best low-cost bites — a cheese enchilada with pork green chile sauce from Taqueria del Sol in West Nashville — runs just over $5 plus tax. Pair it with turnip greens or charros beans on the side for another few bucks each. (There’s another location in 12 South but it’ll close as of June 30, 2023.)

4500 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
(615) 490-3129
(615) 490-3129

Also featured in:

Hugh-Baby's

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Pitmaster Pat Martin’s throwback fast-food chain, Hugh-Baby’s, now has three Nashville locations, and while only the Charlotte Avenue and Berry Hill restaurants have play areas for kids, all the restaurants share the same menu. Choose from burgers, slaw dogs, chili cheese fries, and a shake, with nothing priced above $10 — and if you’re feeding a crowd, the Big Boxes offer a slight discount per item.

4816 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
(615) 610-3340
(615) 610-3340

Also featured in:

VN Pho & Deli

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West Nashville’s VN Pho & Deli serves banh mi and piping-hot bowls of pho for a very reasonable price, especially if you just get noodles in the complex broth.

5906 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
(615) 356-5995
(615) 356-5995

San Antonio Taco Co.

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Casual Tex-Mex is the name of the game at Midtown stalwart San Antonio Taco Co., known to most as Satco. Long-time locals and even many visiting chefs love the low-priced, high-impact bean and cheese tacos and fish tacos on fresh tortillas, not to mention the chips and queso.

416 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 327-4322
(615) 327-4322

Also featured in:

Tex's World Famous Bar-B-Q

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A pulled pork barbecue sandwich at Tex’s World Famous Bar-B-Q, a longtime barbecue destination for weekday lunches, runs just over $5, and a Lite Lunch platter, a smaller portion of barbecue loaded up with three veggie sides in the classic meat-and-three fashion, still rings up under $10.

1013 Foster Ave, Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 254-8715
(615) 254-8715

Brown's Diner

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There aren’t many places quite like Brown’s Diner anymore in this town. An institution since 1927, this Hillsboro Village watering hole boasts “Nashville’s oldest beer license” and draws patrons from all walks of life for quintessential dive burgers and old Music City charm. And while Brown’s has changed hands in recent years, it still rocks a solid cheeseburger for less than $10.

2102 Blair Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 269-5509
(615) 269-5509

Also featured in:

InterAsian Market & Deli

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At InterAsian Market & Deli on Nolensville Pike, don’t miss the sandwich counter, which serves arguably the best banh mi in town — try the roasted pork with double meat, which can really fill you up for very little. You’ll also find plenty of imported goods and produce at this international market.

2160 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 742-3268
(615) 742-3268

Fat Mo's

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Iranian immigrant Mohammad “Mo” Karimy was thinking drive-thru diner rather than fast-food empire when he and his wife, Shiva, opened the first of their several Nashville-area Fat Mo’s hamburger joints on Franklin Pike in 1991. Everything here is cooked to order and almost everything costs less than $8.

2620 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 298-1111
(615) 298-1111

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Baja Burrito

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At Baja Burrito, a Mexican winner in Berry Hill, burritos run around $6 while a basket of three tacos runs about seven bucks.

722 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 383-2252
(615) 383-2252

Pupuseria Reina La Bendición

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All of the Salvadoran cuisine at the bright blue Pupuseria Reina La Bendición is made to order and highly affordable, including sweet and crispy nuegados, savory beef shanks, and hearty pupusas liberally stuffed with pork, cheese, and beans. You can also fill up on empanadas, burritos, and tortas.

3003 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 243-8425
(615) 243-8425

Greek Cafe Grill

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With falafel pita wraps coming in at $7.29 and lunch combos at $12.09, Greek Cafe Grill — a little strip mall Greek joint in Green Hills — offers much-appreciated relief for wallets.

4004 Hillsboro Pike #100r, Nashville, TN 37215
(615) 972-1247
(615) 972-1247

Taqueria San Luis

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Look for the large street-side smokers before hitting I-24, and there you’ll find this gem of a taqueria and carniceria. Head to the walk-up window at Taqueria San Luis and order a round of surprisingly affordable traditional tacos such as carne asada, chorizo, and carnitas or a burrito stuffed with cabeza or bucha.

369 Harding Pl B, Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 678-8768
(615) 678-8768

Also featured in:

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Big Al's Deli

1828 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

This small Salemtown space ranks high among locals for its flavorful, affordable comfort food. Alfonso Anderson, aka Big Al, opens the doors at 6 a.m. during the week, serving up morning favorites like pancakes, biscuits with gravy, and a big breakfast plate all priced below $8 plus lunch and dinner classics like shrimp and grits, hot chicken, and fried pork chops.

1828 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 242-8118
(615) 242-8118

Mas Tacos Por Favor

732 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Teresa Mason turned one of Nashville’s very first food trucks into a wildly popular restaurant with two patios in East Nashville. Even if you miss daily specials like a pickled cactus taco, you’ll still find other worthwhile options at the no-frills Mas Tacos Por Favor, including some of the city’s best soups and drinks that work with or without booze.

732 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 543-6271
(615) 543-6271

Dino’s

411 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

In East Nashville, the city’s oldest dive bar has the low-key vibes, wood-paneling, and late-night appeal you’d expect, with diner fare that’s better than it has any need to be, including fries smothered in cheese and onions and a nationally renowned burger. You can spend the money you save on a Miller High Life pony.

411 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 227-8998
(615) 227-8998

Five Points Pizza East

1012 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206

The original East Nashville location of this popular pizza joint still reigns supreme, always packed with hungry diners ordering New York-style pizza by the slice or whole pie. Grab a slice of cheese and a half-order of those garlic knots and you can still escape without breaking the bank. The lunch specials are also a good deal. You’ll find another Five Points Pizza in West Nashville.

1012 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 915-4174
(615) 915-4174

I Dream Of Weenie

113 S 11th St, Nashville, TN 37206

I Dream of Weenie, East Nashville’s cute little vintage VW bus-turned-hot-dog-stand, turns out festive hot dogs with inventive toppings at appetizing prices. Every item rings up well under $10, including charcoal-grilled dogs topped with pimento cheese or chili cheese.

113 S 11th St, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 226-2622
(615) 226-2622

Daddy's Dogs

5205 Centennial Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209

Daddy’s Dogs is a hit for its 100 percent all-beef specialty dogs and sides like loaded tots, chili, slaw, and chips. Choose classics like the New York- or Chicago-style dog or get over-the-top originals like the Big Daddy topped with cream cheese, bacon, pickle, grilled onion, jalapeno, and Daddy’s secret sauce. You’ll find these economical franks all over town, too, including at a shop in the Nations, a late-night window in historic Printers Alley, and stands at Nissan Stadium and Wedgewood-Houston’s Geodis Park.

5205 Centennial Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209
(615) 802-8481
(615) 802-8481

Robert's Western World

416 Broadway B, Nashville, TN 37203

Sure, Robert’s Western World is more bar than restaurant, but this old-school honky-tonk’s Recession Special — a fried bologna sandwich with an ice-cold PBR and chips — has become an iconic Nashville meal. Most everything on the menu runs less than $10, a steal for anyone looking to stuff their face in the middle of a Broadway bar crawl.

416 Broadway B, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 244-9552
(615) 244-9552

Taqueria del Sol

4500 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209

If you avoid ordering a drink, one of the city’s best low-cost bites — a cheese enchilada with pork green chile sauce from Taqueria del Sol in West Nashville — runs just over $5 plus tax. Pair it with turnip greens or charros beans on the side for another few bucks each. (There’s another location in 12 South but it’ll close as of June 30, 2023.)

4500 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
(615) 490-3129
(615) 490-3129

Hugh-Baby's

4816 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209

Pitmaster Pat Martin’s throwback fast-food chain, Hugh-Baby’s, now has three Nashville locations, and while only the Charlotte Avenue and Berry Hill restaurants have play areas for kids, all the restaurants share the same menu. Choose from burgers, slaw dogs, chili cheese fries, and a shake, with nothing priced above $10 — and if you’re feeding a crowd, the Big Boxes offer a slight discount per item.

4816 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
(615) 610-3340
(615) 610-3340

VN Pho & Deli

5906 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209

West Nashville’s VN Pho & Deli serves banh mi and piping-hot bowls of pho for a very reasonable price, especially if you just get noodles in the complex broth.

5906 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
(615) 356-5995
(615) 356-5995

San Antonio Taco Co.

416 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Casual Tex-Mex is the name of the game at Midtown stalwart San Antonio Taco Co., known to most as Satco. Long-time locals and even many visiting chefs love the low-priced, high-impact bean and cheese tacos and fish tacos on fresh tortillas, not to mention the chips and queso.

416 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 327-4322
(615) 327-4322

Tex's World Famous Bar-B-Q

1013 Foster Ave, Nashville, TN 37210

A pulled pork barbecue sandwich at Tex’s World Famous Bar-B-Q, a longtime barbecue destination for weekday lunches, runs just over $5, and a Lite Lunch platter, a smaller portion of barbecue loaded up with three veggie sides in the classic meat-and-three fashion, still rings up under $10.

1013 Foster Ave, Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 254-8715
(615) 254-8715

Brown's Diner

2102 Blair Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212

There aren’t many places quite like Brown’s Diner anymore in this town. An institution since 1927, this Hillsboro Village watering hole boasts “Nashville’s oldest beer license” and draws patrons from all walks of life for quintessential dive burgers and old Music City charm. And while Brown’s has changed hands in recent years, it still rocks a solid cheeseburger for less than $10.

2102 Blair Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 269-5509
(615) 269-5509

InterAsian Market & Deli

2160 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211

At InterAsian Market & Deli on Nolensville Pike, don’t miss the sandwich counter, which serves arguably the best banh mi in town — try the roasted pork with double meat, which can really fill you up for very little. You’ll also find plenty of imported goods and produce at this international market.

2160 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 742-3268
(615) 742-3268

Fat Mo's

2620 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Iranian immigrant Mohammad “Mo” Karimy was thinking drive-thru diner rather than fast-food empire when he and his wife, Shiva, opened the first of their several Nashville-area Fat Mo’s hamburger joints on Franklin Pike in 1991. Everything here is cooked to order and almost everything costs less than $8.

2620 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 298-1111
(615) 298-1111

Related Maps

Baja Burrito

722 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204

At Baja Burrito, a Mexican winner in Berry Hill, burritos run around $6 while a basket of three tacos runs about seven bucks.

722 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 383-2252
(615) 383-2252

Pupuseria Reina La Bendición

3003 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211

All of the Salvadoran cuisine at the bright blue Pupuseria Reina La Bendición is made to order and highly affordable, including sweet and crispy nuegados, savory beef shanks, and hearty pupusas liberally stuffed with pork, cheese, and beans. You can also fill up on empanadas, burritos, and tortas.

3003 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 243-8425
(615) 243-8425

Greek Cafe Grill

4004 Hillsboro Pike #100r, Nashville, TN 37215

With falafel pita wraps coming in at $7.29 and lunch combos at $12.09, Greek Cafe Grill — a little strip mall Greek joint in Green Hills — offers much-appreciated relief for wallets.

4004 Hillsboro Pike #100r, Nashville, TN 37215
(615) 972-1247
(615) 972-1247

Taqueria San Luis

369 Harding Pl B, Nashville, TN 37211

Look for the large street-side smokers before hitting I-24, and there you’ll find this gem of a taqueria and carniceria. Head to the walk-up window at Taqueria San Luis and order a round of surprisingly affordable traditional tacos such as carne asada, chorizo, and carnitas or a burrito stuffed with cabeza or bucha.

369 Harding Pl B, Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 678-8768
(615) 678-8768

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