Discover affordable but delicious Nashville Restaurants in the downtown area.
Let’s be real, eating delicious food is a major part of any vacay, amiright? You want to sample regional specialties (hot chicken!) and check out trendy spots. I’m a firm believer that filling your belly with delicious eats can easily be done on a budget too. No need to get all fancy-schmancy, unless you want to!
Downtown Nashville Restaurants
If you’re spending a weekend in Nashville, I’ve got you covered. Don’t miss these Nashville restaurants that are affordable AND awesome:
#1: The Pharmacy
This cute outdoor biergarten in East Nashville is the perfect spot to sit if the weather is nice – it’s shaded by trees strung with white lights. At The Pharmacy, they make their own sodas, condiments and sausages. But they’re also known for killer burgers.
Ask for the off-menu BBQ burger with provolone, bacon, shoestring onion rings and BBQ sauce. The warm potato salad is pretty great too.
Not usually a fan of beer? No problem. Try a grapefruit beer or the Radler cocktail, which is like a grown-up lemonade.
#2: Sun Diner
A hearty breakfast at downtown Sun Diner is a must! If you’re not an early bird, don’t worry: They serve breakfast 24/7. Just saddle up to the bar counter and order the donut breakfast sandwich – a fried egg, homemade sausage patty and cheddar cheese between two glazed donuts – or the cinnamon-laced, sweet potato pancakes.
#3: Jack Cawthorn’s BBQ
Within walking distance from Marathon Village, Jack Cawthorn’s BBQ serves the food cafeteria-style. Popular picks are the ribs and collard greens.
#4: Bartaco
Located in the 12 South neighborhood, Bartaco is a modern Mexican eatery that fresh squeezes lime juice for margaritas and mezcal drinks (the smoky tequila I love but my husband says is like drinking a campfire).
Order tacos by checking off which ones you want on a sheet of paper – like how you order sushi – along with sides. Everything was tasty, but the rock shrimp taco and guacamole were off the hook. This place is popular with locals, too, so expect a wait on the weekends.
#5: Hattie B’s
If you’re in Nashville, you’ve got to try hot chicken – it’s the city’s special take on fried chicken. Basically, they add hot sauce to the breading.
Hattie B’s is one of the fast-food joints locals say makes the best. Don’t be scared off by the long line – it moves pretty quickly and food comes out fast once you order at the counter.
Skip the mushy mac and cheese but go for the chicken tenders (I ordered the medium-level heat and it was perfect) and the boozy Arnold Palmer slushie.
Get the Nashville Weekend Itinerary Guide
Want to skip all the travel planning and just go and have a good time? Good news! I put together a day-by-day Nashville Weekend Guide complete with the best things to do, see and eat.
Because why make things harder on yourself? You deserve a break!
Happy travels,
P.S. Looking for more southern adventures? Take a road trip through Kentucky or finally see the Great Smoky Mountains.
Save Affordable Nashville Restaurants to your Pinterest board for later!
