The Best Cheap Eats in Nashville

When you want a nice Southern meal that doesn't break the bank, head to Park Cafe. This restaurant, located in charming Sylvan Heights, offers Southern meals with a contemporary twist. The menu contains offerings like BBQ pork chop, chicken and spinach dumplings, and an iceberg wedge. What makes Park Cafe stand out is their patio. The outdoor dining situation is idyllic and large, so you can nearly guarantee you can get a seat outside without any terrible wait.

Locals consider Eastland Cafe to be a newcomer on the dining scene. However, that doesn't mean that they aren't already beloved, and people from all around the city come to enjoy the food served in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. The menu at Eastland Cafe is eclectic, and some of the best cheap eats on it include mussels and a Margherita pizza. Eastland has one of the best happy hours in Nashville, so come weekdays at 4:30 p.m. to sample drinks and tapas at a discounted price.

You might not think of the Southwest when you think of Nashville. But you should, thanks to Sopapillas. This restaurant in Franklin harkens back to restaurants in New Mexico, with affordable but delicious Tex-Mex fare. Come to Sopapillas and order a taco, enchilada, tamale, quesadilla, or any of your other favorite Mexican dishes. Franklin has a lot of pricey eateries, so you can feel happy that one of the best cheap Nashville restaurants exists in the area for diners on a budget.

A traditional steakhouse can be pricey. The Palm Nashville is one of the Palm chain, and this steakhouse standout offers incredible food in an upscale atmosphere. Sure, there are lots of things on the menu that are not affordable. But then, the Palm also offers options for people who do not want to spend a fortune on dinner. Examples include the Lobster Bisque or the Baked Clams Casino. For smaller portions and even cheaper prices, come to the Palm at lunchtime. The restaurant is in Downtown Nashville, convenient to the city's best country music destinations.

Berry Hill is a quaint neighborhood in the southeastern part of Nashville. Eat at one of their best spots for cheap eats by dining at the Yellow Porch. This restaurant is cozy and country feeling, and offers a menu with a huge selection of healthy items. Large entrees come under $20 at the Yellow Porch, like lasagna or Penne Bettola. The Yellow Porch feels nice and has a laid-back attitude, so expect an enjoyable but not buttoned-up dining experience.

There are a few Italian restaurants in Nashville that get celebrated by locals and visitors alike. Maggiano's is one of them, even though they are an outpost of a restaurant started in New York. The reason people love this restaurant is because the food is so dependably good, and the prices are affordable when you want a fancy meal that is not also stressful. Dishes you might consider if you seek the best cheap eats include the Spaghetti Marina or the Fettucini Alfredo. Maggiano's sits on West End Avenue in the heart of Midtown, so they are a convenient destination no matter what part of town you plan to spend time in.

Some restaurants in Nashville are as much about the social scene as they are about the menu. One of them is Trattoria Il Mulino, an outpost of the Il Mulino chain also started in New York. Trattoria Il Mulino draws a trendy crowd, so make sure you dress well when you go. If you want the restaurant's best cheap eats, opt for the prix fixe lunch. For just $20, you can get two courses (an appetizer, main, or dessert) and for just $24 you can get all three courses. Trattoria Il Mulino sits in the heart of downtown, so make them your dining spot if you want to check out all of the city's most popular tourist attractions.

Another downtown standout that also offers the best cheap eats in town is Bob's Steak & Chop House. The restaurant celebrated their 25th anniversary this year, and there's a reason they have done so well: the food is cooked artfully and the prices are reasonable. If you are looking to really save money, order a couple of small plates instead of a large entree. Make sure you do not skip dessert, since they have a selection of unforgettable ones, like a banana nut rum bread pudding and creme brulee.

There is no doubt about it: Tin Angel is a Nashville classic. One reason they have had such staying power is because the staff here is incredibly friendly and fosters a community. Another is because the menu is affordable and delicious. This midtown restaurant has a bunch of items that won't break the bank when you order them, like lamb sliders and Bounty Pasta. Tin Angel also touts its wine list, so order a glass while you enjoy your meal.

Green Hills is one of the best suburban areas in Nashville. In that neighborhood is Table 3 Restaurant and Market that offers outstanding French food at a price that you can afford. What makes this one of the best cheap Nashville restaurants? You can enjoy dishes like a Croque Madame with a sunny side egg and your choice of side for less than $20. Table 3 has a bustling atmosphere, so come for the excitement in addition to the delicious food.

Miel is a restaurant in residential area Sylvan Park, and has made a name for itself by being the leading cheerleader for sustainable dining in the area. When you eat at Miel, you can get a delicious meal made with fresh, local ingredients for a price that is not outrageous. Consider the butter-poached squid or Rock Shrimp and Fazzoletti. One of the best parts about Miel is the presentation of the food. Every plate you receive is going to be gorgeous, so expect to feel wowed by what you see in addition to what you taste.

On the other side of the hot chicken debate is Hattie B's Hot Chicken, another beloved cheap restaurant in Nashville that has had staying power. At Hattie B's, enjoy hot, hot fried chicken and local beers. There are currently seven locations of Hattie B's today, and they have extended beyond the Music City borders to Memphis, Birmingham, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. There are three Hattie B's in Nashville, so head to one of the locations to see what you think of their fried chicken offerings. At Hattie B's, you can get your meat on a sandwich or on a plate, and you also have control of the heat level if you cannot handle spice.

Arnold's is Nashville's beloved restaurant for "Meat and 3s." That's a Southern term for a plate that comes with a main course of meat and three side dishes, which are usually vegetables but can also be mac and cheese. Get your meat and three at Arnold's for $10. It will fill you up for the whole day. Arnold's is in another trendy area in town called the Gulch, recently gentrified.

If you want to try Nashville's other best pancake spot, head to Pfunky Griddle. This one is as much about the experience as it is the food since the tables have a griddle in the middle and you can use them to make your own pancakes. Order pancake batter the way you like it (white, wheat, or gluten free), then get to cooking! The pancakes are all you can eat, so pay and then keep eating until you can't eat any more. You can choose from a menu of toppings at Pfunky Griddle, which includes pineapple, raisins, mango, chocolate chips, M&Ms, cottage cheese, peach preserves, and many, many more. Pfunky Griddle is in Berry Hill.