15 Cheap But Iconic Tennessee Restaurants That Prove Flavor Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive
Tennessee has a knack for filling bellies without emptying wallets. In Nashville, fiery hot chicken keeps crowds coming back, while in Memphis, pitmasters who’ve been perfecting their craft for generations serve barbecue that tastes like pure tradition.
After plenty of taste-testing adventures across the state, I’ve rounded up 15 spots that prove unforgettable meals don’t need fancy table settings or big price tags to hit the spot.
1. Prince’s Hot Chicken – Nashville
Nashville’s spicy chicken revolution started right here in this unassuming spot back in the 1930s. Prince’s serves the original hot chicken that put Music City on the culinary map, and their quarter white or dark meat combo with pickles remains the gold standard.
Counter service keeps costs down while the heat levels keep things interesting. I remember my first bite here nearly brought tears to my eyes, but I kept coming back for more.
The crispy coating packed with cayenne creates an addictive burn that’s worth every penny of the budget-friendly price.
2. Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish – Nashville
Bolton’s takes the hot chicken game seriously with heat levels that range from mild to absolutely scorching. This no-frills joint on Main Street has been serving crispy chicken and fresh fish at prices that won’t hurt your wallet.
The whiting and catfish are just as popular as the spicy chicken, giving seafood lovers a reason to visit. Order at the counter, grab a seat, and prepare for some serious flavor.
Their extra-hot level isn’t for beginners, but the mild and medium options deliver plenty of taste without the fire department intervention.
3. Brown’s Diner – Nashville
Brown’s Diner has been flipping burgers since the 1920s, making it one of Nashville’s oldest continuously operating restaurants. The Original Brown’s Cheeseburger costs just $9.50 and comes with all the fixings that made this place legendary.
This century-old diner maintains its vintage charm with a burger-and-fries atmosphere that feels authentically Nashville. The patties are hand-formed and grilled to perfection, while the fries come hot and crispy.
During my last visit, the server remembered my order from months before, showing the kind of personal touch that keeps locals coming back for decades.
4. Mas Tacos Por Favor – Nashville
This tiny taco shop on McFerrin Avenue proves that size doesn’t matter when you’re serving authentic Mexican flavors. At about $3 per taco, Mas Tacos Por Favor delivers incredible value alongside their famous elote that locals rave about.
The long lines outside this fast-casual spot tell the whole story. Fresh ingredients and traditional preparation methods create tacos that rival anything you’ll find in much larger cities.
The corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, and spices makes the perfect side dish that won’t break your budget or your diet plans.
5. Robert’s Western World – Nashville
Broadway’s honky-tonk scene doesn’t have to drain your bank account, thanks to Robert’s famous Recession Special. For about $6, you get a fried bologna sandwich, chips, MoonPie, and a drink while enjoying live country music.
This deal beats most Broadway snacks by a mile and includes entertainment that would cost extra anywhere else. The fried bologna might sound unusual, but it’s surprisingly satisfying after a few songs and some toe-tapping.
I’ve watched tourists become converts after trying this quirky meal combination that somehow works perfectly together in the heart of Music City’s tourist district.
6. Dino’s – Nashville
Nashville’s oldest dive bar knows how to make a proper cheeseburger that satisfies late-night cravings without emptying your pockets. Dino’s keeps things simple with their burger menu, but the execution is flawless every single time.
The crinkle-cut fries are the perfect companion to their juicy burgers, and the late-night hours make this spot a lifesaver for night owls.
The atmosphere is pure dive bar charm, complete with dim lighting and regulars who’ve been coming here for decades.
Sometimes the best meals come from places that don’t try too hard to impress anyone except your taste buds.
7. Payne’s Bar-B-Que – Memphis
Memphis barbecue reaches legendary status at Payne’s, where the chopped-pork sandwich topped with bright yellow mustard slaw has been perfecting taste buds since 1972. This lunch-only spot operates with counter service that keeps prices remarkably low.
The short hours mean you need to plan your visit carefully, but the payoff is worth the effort. That neon-yellow slaw provides the perfect tangy contrast to the smoky pork, creating a flavor combination that defines Memphis barbecue culture.
I learned the hard way to arrive early because they close when the meat runs out, not when the clock says so.
8. Cozy Corner BBQ – Memphis
Family-run barbecue joints like Cozy Corner prove that the best flavors come from recipes passed down through generations. Their rib tips and Cornish hen options start at budget-friendly prices, with sandwich plates still very affordable.
The Cornish hen might surprise first-time visitors, but it’s become a signature item that showcases their smoking expertise. Portions are generous, and the sides complement the meats perfectly without adding much to your bill.
This North Parkway institution maintains the kind of authentic atmosphere that makes Memphis barbecue culture so special and accessible to everyone.
9. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken – Memphis
Gus’s built their reputation on spicy fried chicken that delivers serious heat with every crispy bite. The two-piece snack or small plate with slaw and beans provides excellent value while showcasing why this Memphis institution went nationwide.
Fast-casual service keeps the experience affordable without sacrificing quality or flavor intensity. The chicken arrives hot and perfectly seasoned, with a spice blend that sets taste buds dancing.
Their everyday pricing makes it easy to satisfy fried chicken cravings without planning a special occasion around the meal, though every visit feels pretty special when the food is this good.
10. Dyer’s Burgers – Memphis
Beale Street’s most unusual burger joint has been frying patties in the same grease since 1912, creating a flavor that’s impossible to replicate anywhere else.
Dyer’s famous “heritage grease” gives their burgers a distinctive taste that keeps locals and tourists coming back.
The single or double burger options with fries maintain burger-joint pricing despite the prime Beale Street location. Long hours make it convenient for music lovers exploring the entertainment district.
I was skeptical about the century-old grease concept until I tasted the results, which create a uniquely Memphis burger experience that’s surprisingly delicious and definitely unforgettable.
11. Zarzour’s Cafe – Chattanooga
Chattanooga’s lunch legend has been serving hand-patted cheeseburgers and meat-and-three plates since 1918, making it one of Tennessee’s oldest continuously operating restaurants.
The Southside location operates lunch-only hours with simple plates at old-school prices.
Sell-outs happen regularly because everything is made fresh daily in limited quantities. The hand-patted burgers showcase the kind of attention to detail that built this reputation over more than a century.
Arriving early ensures you won’t miss out on their famous offerings, and the authentic atmosphere makes every meal feel like stepping back in time to when dining out was simpler and more personal.
12. Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken – Chattanooga
Delta-style fried chicken gets the respect it deserves at Champy’s, where the 2-piece and 3-piece baskets deliver exceptional value with counter-service efficiency.
The MLK Boulevard location maintains the energetic atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a celebration.
Their chicken preparation follows traditional Delta methods that create an incredibly crispy coating with juicy meat inside. The basket combinations include sides that complement the chicken perfectly without inflating the final bill.
Budget-conscious diners appreciate the generous portions that often provide enough food for multiple meals, making the already reasonable prices even more attractive for families and hungry individuals alike.
13. Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe – Chattanooga
St. Elmo’s Purple Daisy serves up barbecue sandwiches and chili pie at tourist-friendly prices near the famous Incline Railway. The $7-8 barbecue sandwich range makes it easy to fuel up before or after exploring Chattanooga’s attractions.
The chili pie has become a local favorite that combines comfort food satisfaction with reasonable pricing. Location convenience doesn’t mean inflated costs here, which is refreshing in a tourist area.
Their picnic cafe atmosphere creates a relaxed dining experience that feels more like visiting friends than eating at a restaurant, especially when you’re exploring one of Tennessee’s most scenic cities with a satisfied stomach.
14. Yassin’s Falafel House – Knoxville
Middle Eastern cuisine gets the recognition it deserves at Yassin’s, where falafel sandwiches and plates provide exceptional value through counter-service efficiency.
The downtown location operates from Marble City Food Hall during construction, but the quality remains consistently excellent.
National acclaim hasn’t inflated their prices, and the value combos make it easy to try multiple menu items without budget concerns.
Fresh ingredients and authentic preparation methods create flavors that transport diners straight to the Mediterranean region.
I’ve watched countless customers discover Middle Eastern cuisine for the first time here, always leaving with big smiles and plans to return soon.
15. Pizza Palace – Knoxville
Magnolia Avenue’s 1950s drive-in achieved television fame but maintains the same inexpensive local pricing that built their reputation decades ago.
Half-order onion rings and small pizzas or spaghetti keep the classic drive-in experience affordable for everyone.
The retro atmosphere includes carhop service that makes dining feel like stepping into a time machine. Their pizza and Italian offerings provide variety beyond typical drive-in fare, while the onion rings have achieved legendary status among locals.
Television exposure could have changed everything here, but Pizza Palace proves that some places stay true to their roots and their community regardless of outside attention.