Morning, noon, and night, Big Al’s in Salemtown has you covered with soulful plates ranging from breakfast favorites to meat and sides. Breakfast here is the biggest bang for your buck. You can get a loaded pancake platter or a classic breakfast plate complete with eggs, hash browns, toast or biscuit, and a protein for around $6, with smaller loaded biscuits sold for just a few bucks.

This beloved East Nashville eatery stays true to its dive bar status through decor, price, and overall vibe. Within the wood-paneled walls, expect to find all the diner classics like burgers, BLTs, and baskets of fries, all priced well under $10. That means you’ll have plenty of budget left to order a cold beer.

This East Nashville mainstay has fueled hungry vintage shoppers and late-night stumblers for more than a decade. While a whole pie may run you over $20, you can snag a jumbo slice for less than five bucks. Salads and doughy garlic knots (which are perfect for sharing) are also sold under budget.

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.

When it comes to glizzies, Daddy’s Dogs 100% all-beef specialty dogs reign supreme. Cozy up on the patio at the flagship locations in the Nations or visit one of the satellite stalls around town for some seriously dressed-up dogs. Try traditional concoctions like the New York, Chicago, or Seattle versions, or go big with the mac and cheese-topped Mac Daddy or the peachy jalapeño Georgia dog.

Pitmaster Pat Martin’s throwback fast-food chain, Hugh Baby’s is an elevated fast-food joint serving sloppy-in-the-best-way smash burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and shakes under $10. There are three locations around Music City and a satellite spot in Charleston, each of which is no stranger to crowds grabbing a cheap yet delicious bite.

This Charlotte Pike hotspot has been serving Vietnamese cuisine since 1994. While menu items like pho or stir fry fall in the $15-$25 price range, their banh mi sandwiches with pork or sausage are an excellent option for under $8 each.

Tex-Mex gem San Antonio Taco Co., or SATCO as locals lovingly call it, sits adjacent to the Vanderbilt University campus, appropriately offering sustenance to help students, locals, tourists, and everyone in between prepare for a night out or cure a Broadway hangover. Tacos start below $3 with toppings running a quarter each. Pair them up with a bowl of queso and a bucket of beer.

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.

Plaza Mariachi is a one-stop destination on Nolensville Pike for food, shopping, and entertainment. While you can catch live music, performances, and salsa dancing throughout the week, the onsite Mexican eatery Taqueria Hidalgo is also a great spot for a cheap bite. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and a smattering of sides and snacks are all offered under $10. 

Another Nolensville Pike favorite, Las Americas Market and Restaurant’s claim to fame is their pupusas, a thick griddle cake that originated in Central America. The best news? They run under $3 each, leaving plenty of room to add on other Mexican favorites like a pollo tostada or carne asada quesadilla.