Sam AlvarezNashville is well known for its neon lights and expensive rooftop bars, but you don’t need to spend much to eat well here. Finding the best cheap eats in Nashville just requires a little local knowledge.
I spent time exploring the city to find places with big flavors and small prices. You can find legendary burgers and massive plates of hot chicken without any stress.
These spots prove that you can feast like a king on a budget. So grab your appetite and let’s go find some great food.
How much do cheap eats cost in Nashville?
Grabbing a budget-friendly meal around Music City typically runs you anywhere from $10 for a fast-casual combo up to about $50 for a casual downtown dinner.
| Meal Type | Average Cost |
| Fast Food/Casual Combo Meals | ~$10 |
| Budget Lunch (Food Halls/Local Spots) | $15–$20 |
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal | $13–$25 |
| Downtown Casual Dinner | $25–$50 per person |
1. Dino’s Bar & Grill
Website: https://dinosnashville.com/
Address: 411 Gallatin Ave
Contact: (615) 226-3566; [email protected]
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM
- Saturday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Are you looking for the best late-night burger in town? You should check out Nashville’s oldest dive bar, Dino’s Bar & Grill, which has been a local favorite since 1970.
I stopped by last month, and the signature cheeseburger was just as good as everyone says. The atmosphere is exactly what a dive bar should be, with cold beer and a sizzling grill.
Anthony Bourdain even visited this spot, making it a legendary destination for food lovers. The kitchen stays open until 3:00 AM every night, so it’s the perfect place to end your evening.
The meals are very affordable, but remember that the bar is strictly twenty-one and over. You also need to bring cash because they don’t take cards.
Customer Reviews
This place is rad
You can’t come to Nashville and not come here. This place is rad. The burger is insane for how little you pay for it, and the vibe is exactly what you’d want out of an American dive bar. Bring your friends, bring yourself… whatever. 11/10
- Dominic Angelo | Google Review
Love the vibe of Dino’s
Love the vibe of Dino’s. The best late night dive bar for sure. Get the hot dog – it’s a hidden secret how good it is!! 😉 Grab a burger, couple beers, a couple hot dogs, and head up to the top outdoor seating patio area to chill. We come by whenever we’re in the area or drive over late night when nothing by us is open. Or end our night here. Highly recommend Dino’s- it’s simply an institution.
- Bailey | Google Review
2. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – Nashville – Midtown
Website: http://hattieb.com/
Address: 112 19th Ave S
Contact: (615) 802-5700; [email protected]
Schedule:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:45 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10:45 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:45 AM – 10:00 PM
Get ready for some serious heat because this spot serves up legendary chicken without breaking the bank. Founded by the father and son duo Nick Bishop, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is a beautiful tribute to their family history.
They do a great job of mixing classic Southern comfort with modern city vibes. I love that you can choose your own spice level. You can start with mild or go all the way to the fiery Shut the Cluck Up tier.
Their homemade sides, like the rich Pimento Mac and Cheese, pair perfectly with the crispy chicken. If you grab one of their huge meal bundles, you’ll get a ton of food for your money.
Unfortunately, they don’t have gluten-free or vegan options because of their traditional breading.
Customer Reviews:
The chicken was literally the best
My wife and I were in Nashville to see a show. We came here to eat because it was close to our hotel and we were so glad we did. There was a line but it was definitely worth the wait! I had the chicken sandwich medium spice and my wife had the half chicken mild spice. The chicken was literally the best I’ve ever had and all of the sides were amazing. We will definitely come to Hattie B’s every chance we get!
- Chris Jeffery | Google Review
The food was great overall
Staff was extremely sweet and helpful. They even gave us free drinks, which was really nice of them. The food was great overall. “Shut the Cluck Up” was way too spicy for me, but the medium level was perfect. Would definitely come back.
- Asritha Gopalam | Google Review
3. Sun Diner
Website: http://thesundiner.com/
Address: 107 3rd Ave S
Contact: [email protected]
Schedule: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Step inside and let the rhythm of rock and roll take over your senses. This official Sun Records partnership spot delivers a high-fidelity tribute to music pioneers right across from the Country Music Hall of Fame.
You get a fully immersive mini-museum vibe while digging into signature dishes like the Million Dollar Quartet.
One major perk is that they offer their entire menu twenty-four hours a day. This means you can grab a Hangover Burrito whenever the craving hits.
Just keep a close eye on your bill if you bring a large crew, since they automatically add an eighteen percent gratuity for parties of six or more.
Despite those mandatory group fees, eating fluffy pancakes while surrounded by iconic music history feels incredibly special and unique.
Customer Reviews:
Great breakfast spot!
Great breakfast spot! The vibe is 10/10. Service, music, & food were top notch. The short rib breakfast hash, cheese crusted breakfast wrap, & country fried steak were all delicious. Also, the cornbread was incredible! Definitely stop here if you’re in Nashville.
- Aisha Azatto | Google Review
Very friendly and efficient
Traditional style American diner, in the centre of Nashville. Serves breakfast and lunch, with a Nineteen fifties vibe with matching decor, playing classic C&W songs. Food is served around three central counters, and was very tasty. Recommend the Chicken Waffles with maple syrup.Service was very friendly and efficient, with coffee refills provided without being asked for.
Well worth a visit.
- Simon Morrison | Google Review
4. Brown’s Diner
Website: http://thebrownsdiner.com/
Address: 2102 Blair Blvd
Contact: (615) 269-5509
Schedule:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
If you need a break from your favorite Italian restaurant, this joint is perfect because it’s the oldest operating eatery in its original building.
I grabbed lunch here last week, and their award-winning cheeseburger totally blew me away with its juicy perfection. This restaurant is a low-key neighborhood institution that has barely changed over the last century.
You should grab a seat in a real 1927 mule-drawn trolley car for a truly unique experience. Then feast on crispy fried okra and hot hush puppies without stressing over the bill.
Just make sure to watch the clock carefully. They occasionally shut down for a few hours in the mid-afternoon, which can ruin late lunch plans. If you time it right, you get great comfort food and a slice of history.
Customer Reviews:
It was delicious
Finally had the chance to go to Brown’s Diner and it was great! We ordered the Brown’s 1927 Burger, onion rings and a Homestyle Bearded Iris IPA. It was delicious. The ground beef they use is top of the line. I enjoyed all the old photos and decor too. I’ll be back the next time I’m in the area.
- Gary Nall | Google Review
I got the tots and they were great
Fantastic burger. I got the 1927 burger with everything. It was delicious. Juicy, flavorful and very good size. I got the tots and they were great. Very large order of tots and I ate them all. I saw other people eating breakfast for lunch and I want to go back to try that too.
- Spence Meyers | Google Review
5. Mas Tacos Por Favor
Website: https://mastacosporfavor.shop/
Address: 732 McFerrin Ave
Contact: (615) 543-6271
Schedule:
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
If you follow the glowing lights to a colorful outdoor patio, you’ll find Mas Tacos Por Favor tucked away in East Nashville.
This hidden gem serves up a signature fried avocado taco that perfectly balances a crispy shell with a buttery, soft center. You can wash it all down with their massive, quart-sized margaritas that offer excellent value.
Their efficient counter service gets your food out quickly. Just grab some sweet plantains and snag a patio seat for a vibrant feast. The best part is you can even bring your dog to hang out under the shaded umbrellas.
Since it’s so popular, expect to stand in line because this spot draws a huge crowd every day.
Another thing to know is that their famous chilaquiles only make an appearance on Saturday mornings. If you crave them on a Tuesday, you’re completely out of luck.
Customer Reviews:
Low key great place to eat
Low key great place to eat. Order at the window outside, find a table and they call your name and you pick it up at the window. Cuban beans, Elite (corn) was amazing. Tacos were great also. Good selection of drinks also.
- Daryl Molll | Google Review
I had great service when I was there
Love the old school feel of a Cantina with a bar outside eating. Walk up order bring it to your table. You have a bar where you can order drinks. Eat tacos in the sunshine or eat them inside. They also play great eclectic tunes. I had great service when I was there.
- Russell Ali | Google Review
