Nashville is famous for hot chicken, but the city's food scene goes deeper. Meat and threes (one meat, three sides), BBQ, and international food in immigrant neighborhoods offer incredible value. Here's how to eat well in Music City on a budget.
Hot Chicken
Nashville's signature dish. Cayenne-coated fried chicken served on white bread with pickles.
Prince's Hot Chicken
The original since 1945. Where hot chicken was invented. The gold standard.
Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish
Local favorite with serious heat. The hot fish is also excellent.
400 Degrees
Newcomer with legit heat. Great for those who want extreme spice.
Hattie B's
Tourist-friendly but still good. Lines are long, chicken is reliable.
Meat and Threes
Nashville's cafeteria-style tradition: pick one meat, three sides, get a biscuit or cornbread.
Arnold's Country Kitchen
The most famous meat and three. The roast beef is legendary. Cash only.
Monell's
Family-style Southern. All-you-can-eat passed around communal tables.
Wendell Smith's
No-frills meat and three with incredible fried chicken.
More Budget Gems
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
West Tennessee whole-hog BBQ. The pulled pork shoulder is excellent.
Pho Saigon
Vietnamese in Nashville's growing Asian corridor. Big bowls, low prices.
Mas Tacos Por Favor
Tiny spot with creative tacos. The fried avocado taco is famous.
Pancake Pantry
Nashville breakfast institution since 1961. Worth the weekend line.
Nashville Budget Eating Tips
- Skip Broadway: Tourist prices. East Nashville and Germantown are cheaper.
- Lunch specials: Many meat and threes are cheaper at lunch
- Nolensville Pike: International food corridor with cheap eats
- Hot chicken heat: Start with "medium" – Nashville "hot" is serious
- Food trucks: Check out the Truck Stop at the Fairgrounds
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