Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Nashville. Check out this list of 15+ places where a lunch for one costs $10 or less — excluding tax and tip.
We know cravings are key when it comes to a midday meal, so we’ve broken up these spots into their respective food groups.
Soup, salad, and sandwiches
The Food Company, 2211 Bandywood Dr.
Order a Pick 2 with your choice of half sandwich (chicken, tuna, or egg salad) or a salad and a side. Even on a summer day, we’ll never pass up a cup of piping hot tomato basil soup.
Otaku Ramen, Locations vary
Enjoy a hot chicken bun made with Otaku’s hot spice (mid heat also available) and Kewpie mayo slaw for just $7. Bonus: Happy hour is daily from 3-6 p.m. (if you want a late lunch).
Cafe Sperry’s, 7745 Hwy. 70 S.
The concept’s cozy interior will have you wanting to enjoy a sandwich (chicken salad or pimento cheese) and drink in person, but the drive-thru is also an option if you’re short on time. Plus, with the money you’re saving on lunch, there’s more to spend on grocery items from the mercantile space.
Radish Kitchen, 4101 Charlotte Ave.
For just over $10, you can build your own salad, grain bowl, or wrap without protein and load up with toppings like crunchy chickpeas, lentils, cotija cheese, hot sauce, and more. Splurge a little with a cup of frozen yogurt for $4.50.
Calypso Cafe, 700 Thompson Ln.
Calypso Cafe’s beans and three meal comes with Cuban black beans and choice of three side items. Think: Coconut corn muffins, citrus salad, callaloo, fresh fruit, and spiced sweet potatoes.
Italian
Five Points Pizza, Locations vary
This NY-style pizza joint has lunch specials that get you two large slices and a fountain drink for $11. If you find yourself catching up with friends midday (say, 2 p.m.), take advantage of the weekday happy hour special — any slice and any draft for $8.
DeSano Pizzeria, Locations vary
Authentic Neapolitan pizza? Don’t mind if we dough. This pizzeria offers a 9” marinara for $9 until 3 p.m. We’re personally eyeing the 3 for $10 meatballs with marinara, pecorino romano, focaccia, and fresh shredded basil.
Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen, Locations vary
Build your own pasta bowl for $9.95 with choice of sauce and fresh-cut pasta — radiatori, farfalle, and creste di gallo to name a few.
Pizza Perfect, Locations vary
This Nashville staple of 40 years serves up a variety of pasta dishes, salads, subs, and slices. Try this: Hot Capi sub with a side of chips for $9.50.
Barbecue and chicken
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, Locations vary
Order a pulled pork, sliced smoked turkey, or bologna sandwich. Not feeling a sandwich, but still want something filling? Consider the barbecue baked potato or a bowl of brisket chili.
Shotgun Willie’s, 1500 Gallatin Pk. S., Ste. 104
At Shotgun Willie’s, all of the meat is slow-smoked over a live fire. The Texas Hill Country sausage sandwich (1/3-pound of meat) is $10 on the dot, but we wouldn’t blame you for dropping an extra $2 for the pulled pork.
Waldo’s Chicken and Beer, Locations vary
Your $10 (and some change) goes a long way at Waldo’s, considering the fried and fire-roasted chicken plates come with two sides and a cheddar biscuit. Bonus: Don’t forget to browse the sauce menu, which includes 10+ house-made options.
Burgers and more
Brown’s Diner, 2102 Blair Blvd.
Most menu items clock in at $10 and under, including burgers (hamburger, cheeseburger, and patty melt), salads, and soups. Bonus: Breakfast is served all day, and you can’t go wrong with an $8 sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit.
Cledis Burgers and Beer Garden, 1011 Elm Hill Pk.
Choose from ~10 craft smash burgers, like the Georgia Caprese and Morning Deets, with the option to substitute a veggie burger.
Bag Lady’s Fry Joint, 1402 Buchanan St.
When it comes to loaded fries, the options are endless at this local spot. Customize your base (regular or sweet potato fries, tortilla chips, or cauliflower) and don’t forget to add on as many drizzles as you desire. Oh, and there’s a $7 burger, too.
Tacos
San Antonio Taco Company, 416 21st Ave. S.
Al la carte tacos ring in at $3 or less and additional taco toppings like beans, tomato, or guacamole can be added for 25 cents. Everything on the Tex-Mex menu is made from scratch daily, and we recommend the pulled pork fajita with a side of chips and guacamole.
Oscar’s Taco Shop, Locations vary
Find the plant-based or omnivorous tacos of your dreams for under $10. Did you know? You can make anything a combo with chips and salsa or rice and beans for an additional $3.25.
Tio Fun!, 1008 Buchanan St.
Grab two breakfast or lunch tacos (served all day), a Caesar salad, or mix and match a couple of sides.
