Where to Find Cheap Eats in Nashville, TN
Hungry in Nashville but watching your budget. You are in luck, because Music City is stacked with flavor-packed spots where a few dollars go a long way. From chili houses with history to taco counters that draw big lines, these places deliver comfort, character, and serious value. Bring your appetite and a flexible plan, because you might end up chasing seconds after the first bite.
1. I Dream Of Weenie
This quirky hot dog stand lives inside a bright vintage VW bus, and it always feels like a friendly backyard hang. The menu changes often, but classics like chili cheese, kraut, and a tangy slaw dog keep things affordable. You can grab two dogs and a drink without sweating your budget.
Order a Frito pie dog or a breakfast weenie if you roll up early. Portions hit the spot without feeling heavy, perfect for a quick bite during a stroll through Five Points. Bring cash or card, snag a picnic table, and soak in the neighborhood charm.
2. Puckett’s Restaurant
Puckett’s makes you feel like family the minute you step inside. The meat-and-three lineup is generous, with smoky pulled pork, fried catfish, and sides like mac, collards, and skillet cornbread that taste like home. Daily specials help you build a plate that sticks to your ribs without emptying your wallet.
Brunch is a win too, with biscuits, gravy, and pancakes that arrive hot and fluffy. Friendly service keeps refills flowing while you relax under warm lights and maybe catch live music. You will leave full, satisfied, and already planning the next visit.
3. Varallo’s
Varallo’s is Nashville legend status, the kind of old school spot that keeps tradition alive. Their chili reigns supreme, thick and comforting with just enough heat to wake your palate. Order it on spaghetti, over tamales, or paired with a cornbread puck for a filling plate that stays friendly on price.
Breakfast plates land fast if you are hustling to work, and lunch crowds know to keep it simple. There is a humble charm here that feels timeless, where regulars swap stories at the counter. Eat well, pay little, and savor a bite of Nashville history.
4. Sun Diner
Sun Diner shines for early birds and night owls craving affordable nostalgia. Think fluffy pancakes, syrupy waffles, crispy bacon, and eggs any way you like, all in a shiny chrome and neon setting. Portions are generous, coffee is strong, and prices feel kind to your morning routine.
Grab a breakfast sandwich or chicken and waffles if you want savory sweetness in one plate. Service is quick, friendly, and unfussy, perfect before a downtown adventure. Slide into a stool, watch the griddle sizzle, and let that first bite reset your day.
5. Brown’s Diner
Brown’s Diner is pure no-frills comfort with one mission: feed you a great burger at a great price. The patty is seared on a seasoned flat-top, cheese melts perfectly, and the bun hugs everything together. Add fries, a pickle, and a cold drink, and you are set for the night.
The vibe is laid-back, like a neighborhood living room where locals trade stories. Service is direct and quick, especially during late hours. Come hungry, keep it simple, and enjoy a classic that never goes out of style.
6. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Midtown)
Hattie B’s Midtown nails the perfect balance of crunchy crust and juicy chicken, with heat levels that go from gentle to fiery. Order a small plate or sandwich and still stay under twenty bucks, sides like pimento mac or greens rounding out the feast. Pickles and white bread keep the burn in check.
Lines move fast, the staff stays upbeat, and seating turns over quickly. Grab sweet tea if you are tackling hotter levels. Whether first timer or regular, this is the hot chicken fix that satisfies without wrecking your budget.
7. Cheap Charlie’s Taco Shop
Cheap Charlie’s lives up to its name with quick, tasty tacos that do not break the bank. Carne asada, al pastor, and chicken tinga come loaded with onions, cilantro, and lime on warm tortillas. Grab two or three, add rice and beans, and you are still spending modestly.
The salsa bar lets you dial flavor, from bright verde to smoky roja. Service is fast for lunch breaks or post-show munchies, and the patio is perfect on breezy days. Keep an eye out for combo deals that stack serious value.
8. Mas Tacos Por Favor
Mas Tacos Por Favor is a flavor bomb that stays friendly on the wallet. The fried avocado taco is a local rite of passage, and the chicken tortilla soup deserves its hype. Elote, plantains, and aqua frescas round out a meal that tastes bigger than the price tag.
Expect a line, but it moves, and the payoff is huge. Grab a window seat, squeeze lime, and let the tortillas do the talking. You leave happy, maybe a little messy, and already plotting the next order.
9. Dino’s Bar & Grill
Dino’s is the definition of an East Nashville hang, with one of the city’s best cheap burgers. The smash-style patty gets crispy edges, melted cheese, and a soft bun that hugs every bite. Add crinkle fries and a cold drink, and your total still feels fair.
It is a late-night gem where conversations stretch and time slows. Order at the counter, grab a booth, and watch the griddle show. Comfort food, easy prices, and neighborhood soul make it a must.
