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 $12 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
East Side Bahn Mi, 1000 Gallatin Ave.
The East Nashville restaurant’s sandwiches are served on house-baked baguettes with all the fixings — fried shallot mayo, pickled veggies, cilantro, cucumber, and jalapenos. From roasted pork shoulder to chili crisp tofu, ESBM has a banh mi for every craving, all for under $11.
Bagelshop, 2708 Old Lebanon Pk.
Bagels aren’t just for breakfast, right? Bagelshop’s chicken salad sandwich (served on a bagel, of course) is $12, but there are other tasty options for less, like the turkey arugula and avocado tartine.
Otaku Ramen, Locations vary
Mix and match items from the snack menu, including gyoza, hot chicken and pork buns, cool ranch wonton chips, and more.
Radish Kitchen, Locations vary
For just over $10, you can build your own salad, grain bowl, or wrap without protein and load up on toppings like crunchy chickpeas, lentils, cotija cheese, and hot sauce. 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.
Cafe Sperry’s, 7745 Hwy. 70 S.
The cozy interior might have you sticking around to enjoy something sweet or savory — like a sausage, egg, and cheese croissant or blueberry muffins — but the drive-thru makes it easy to grab and go. Plus, with the money you’re saving on lunch, there’s more to spend on grocery items from the mercantile.
Italian
The Wedge, 2026 Lindell Ave.
Cheese, pepperoni, and supreme slices (aka “pizza wedges”) are $7 each and only available for dine-in. You’ll also find 10-piece wing orders, cheesy bread, and a classic chopped iceberg salad on the menu.
The Pizzeria at Frankies, 925 Cherokee Ave.
Grab two slices and a soda for $10. Throw in a nice patio, and you’ve got yourself a lunch party. Just make sure you place your order between 12 and 4 p.m.
TailGate Brewery, Locations vary
Swing by TailGate’s taprooms on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for saucy lunch deals: $7.99 for a small cheese pizza, $8.99 for pepperoni, or $9.99 for any of the craft sammies.
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 around 3 p.m.), take advantage of the weekday happy hour special — any slice and any draft for $8.
Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen, Locations vary
Build your own pasta bowl for $10.95 with choice of sauce and fresh-cut pasta — radiatori, farfalle, and creste di gallo to name a few.
Pizza Perfect, Locations vary
This Nashville favorite has been around for over 40 years, dishing out pasta, salads, and pizza by the slice. The Hot Capi, Italian, roast beef, and turkey subs are $9.50.
Burgers and more
Brown’s Diner, 2102 Blair Blvd.
Keep it simple with a $10 hamburger, cheeseburger, or patty melt — or spend a little more on Steve’s Chili Cheeseburger. You can’t go wrong with all-day breakfast either.
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. Bonus: The restaurant’s Bellevue location opens on May 5, 2025.
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/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 $10 burger, too.
Tacos
San Antonio Taco Company, 416 21st Ave. S.
A la carte tacos ring in at $3 or less, and additional toppings such as beans and cheese 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
Score four street tacos (choice of carne asade, carnitas, chicken, or pastor) for $8. Plus, you can make anything a combo with chips and salsa or rice and beans for $4.50.
Tio Fun!, Locations vary
Grab two breakfast or lunch tacos (served all day) or mix and match a couple of sides.
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 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. Don’t forget to browse the sauce menu, which includes 10+ house-made options.
