10 Memphis Spots Where $20 Gets You a Seriously Great Meal

Twenty dollars in Memphis stretches further than you think, especially when you know where to point your appetite. From smoky rib joints to neon lit diners, the city serves big flavor without bruising your wallet. You will find crispy chicken, legendary burgers, and tacos that hit like a hug after a long day.

Bring a friend, split a few plates, and discover how far your twenty can really go across the Bluff City.

1. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

That first bite brings a crackly crust, a peppery zing, and steam that smells like pure comfort. Slide into a table, grab a quarter dark or a two-piece with baked beans and slaw, and let the heat build slow. Sweet tea helps, but you will still chase crumbs with your fingers.

Keep it under twenty by ordering a plate and sharing a side of mac and cheese. The chicken stays juicy without greasiness, proof of patient frying. You will leave plotting your next visit, nap totally justified.

Service is brisk, the vibe is lively, and the line moves faster than you expect. When Memphis urges “get the hot chicken,” this is the one.

2. Elwood’s Shack

Tucked near a busy road, this shack turns out generous sandwiches and smoky meats that taste backyard crafted. Order the smoked brisket taco duo or a pulled pork sandwich with slaw for a reliable under twenty win. The bread is soft, the meat drips, and the sauce leans tangy.

There is a chilled, locals only energy here, like someone invited you to a secret picnic. Sides like potato salad or beans pair well without tipping the budget. You will finish full and a little proud you found it.

Grab a stool, watch the grill, and breathe in that hickory perfume. Big flavor, small price, no fuss, just Memphis doing what it does best.

3. Sunrise Memphis (Downtown)

Mornings in Memphis brighten fast with a biscuit the size of your palm and bacon that snaps. Order a breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, and country ham, plus a hashbrown patty. Coffee is bold and friendly, like the staff calling you hon as they slide plates across.

Stick to the classics to stay under twenty and leave happy. The biscuits have butter layered like pages, and the jam tastes like summer. You will walk out ready to explore Beale or the riverfront.

Seats fill early, but turnover is quick, and the vibe stays upbeat. It is the kind of breakfast that sets your pace and keeps you smiling till lunch.

4. Cozy Corner Restaurant

Smoke lingers in the air, and that is your cue to order ribs or the famed Cornish hen. A rib plate with beans and slaw fits the budget and fills the soul. Each bite hits sweet, salty, and smoky in quick succession.

The room is unfussy, which makes the meat feel even more serious. Grab extra napkins and let the sauce leave happy evidence. You will find yourself gnawing the bone for the last flavorful edges.

Service stays warm and straightforward, like family that knows your order. When locals say barbecue first, this place often tops the list, and your twenty goes far.

5. The Green Beetle

Downtown nights call for a burger or patty melt that lands with comforting weight. Order a classic cheeseburger with fries, or split wings and a side to stay under twenty. The bar glows softly, conversations hum, and the kitchen works steady behind it.

Nothing feels fancy, just right. Buns are toasted, patties seared, and pickles pop with brightness. You will finish the fries without realizing, then chase the last crunchy ones.

It is an easy stop before a show or after a river walk. Grab a stool, lean into the soundtrack of clinking glasses, and enjoy dependable comfort that respects your budget.

6. Earnestine & Hazel’s

Stories cling to these walls, but the Soul Burger is the headline your stomach wants. A griddled patty, onions, pickles, mustard, and that secret soul sauce create perfect late night chemistry. Order fries or chips and still keep the tab friendly.

Music hums from upstairs, the jukebox knows your mood, and history hangs in every creak. You are here for the moment as much as the meal. The burger drips onto the napkin, and you smile unapologetically.

It is iconic, scruffy, and completely Memphis. Under twenty gets you a legend on a plate and a story to carry home.

7. The Arcade Restaurant

Retro booths and neon make breakfast taste like a postcard. Go for sweet potato pancakes or a country breakfast with eggs, bacon, and toast. Coffee refills keep coming, and your wallet stays calm while your plate stays full.

Order carefully and you can add a side of grits without crossing the line. The staff moves with practiced speed, and plates arrive hot. You will linger a bit just to soak in the vintage glow.

It is a filming location favorite for a reason, but the food is the anchor. Start your day here and everything else tastes brighter afterward.

8. Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos (Downtown)

Fast, fresh, and wildly satisfying, these tacos carry bright salsas and tender meats. Two or three al pastor or carnitas tacos plus a drink keep you under twenty with room for chips. Tortas come stacked with avocado, beans, and melty cheese.

The counter crew moves quick, and orders hit the table steaming. Lime squeezes, cilantro pops, and everything tastes made to order. You will plan a return visit before finishing the last bite.

It is the kind of spot that fixes a long day in minutes. Slide into a booth, share a basket, and enjoy downtown flavor without the fuss or the bill.

9. Central BBQ (Downtown)

Reliably tender pulled pork and ribs make this an easy choice when the craving hits. A pulled pork sandwich with one side stays under twenty and satisfies completely. The sauce lineup lets you tour sweet, mild, and hot without committing to one lane.

Pick mac and cheese or seasoned fries, then add slaw for crunch. Smoky aromas drift through the dining room, and trays clatter with happy noise. You will lick a finger and not apologize.

Service is quick, seating is plentiful, and the vibe is game day ready. When friends ask for a downtown barbecue sure thing, this is the pick.

10. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous

Down a famous alley, stairs lead to a cellar filled with smoke and stories. Dry rub ribs arrive with a peppery bark that wakes every taste bud. Add beans and slaw, maybe a sausage and cheese appetizer to share, and keep it thrifty.

The staff works with practiced rhythm, stacking plates and swapping jokes. You will brush rib dust from your fingers and grin. The rub leans savory with a whisper of sweet, uniquely Memphis.

It feels like a bucket list box checked without emptying your wallet. Take a photo by the sign, then get busy with those ribs before they cool.