Where to Eat for $5

Nashville's most delicious and satisfying dishes for $5 or less.

by Chris Chamberlain, Erin Byers Murray, Nancy Vienneau, Elizabeth Ann Stewart

June 20, 2016

5:00 AM

West Nashville

Banh Mi Xa Xiu at VN Pho & Deli — $3.50

A powerhouse of flavor comes out of this tiny, family-run kitchen-café, not the least of which is the banh mi xa xiu, a version of a barbecue pork belly sandwich. With fragrant tastes of anise, ginger, and cinnamon, the red-cooked pork belly would be luscious on its own. But, combined with sliced cucumber, green chilis, cilantro, pickled carrots, and daikon, all encased in a crackly baguette spread with house-made butter, you’ve got a sublime sandwich: vibrant and refreshing in every bite. 5906 Charlotte Pk., Ste. C, 615-356-5995

>>> Where to Eat Cheap on Charlotte Pike

Midtown

Chicken Shawarma at Fattoush Café — $4.58

The folks at Fattoush keep things straightforward. Whether you order a falafel or the chicken shawarma sandwich, expect a generously packed, warm pita for a mere $4.58 (a flat-out fiver, with tax). We love the turmeric-tinged goodness found within, too: Hot-off-the-grill spiced chicken meets cool tabouli, salad greens, tomatoes, and a striping of tangy tzatziki sauce. 1716 Charlotte Ave., 615-321-1667; fattoushcafenashville.com

Hillsboro Village

Cheeseburger at Brown’s Diner — $4.50

Burgers abound in this town, especially now that we’ve got a fast-and-furious descent of franchises (Farm Burger, Yeah Burger, and another Burger Up). But nothing beats one of the city’s original deal-busters: the cheeseburger at Brown’s. Settle into the dive-y dining room, and feast on a thick patty of beef, set atop a slab of white onion, a sweet slice of tomato, shredded lettuce, and a generous dollop of mayo. The cheese is your basic American, and pickles come on the side. It’s not fancy or full of itself—it’s just a pile of good, hot food that comes out fast, as it should be. 2102 Blair Blvd., 615-269-5509; brownsdiner.com

>>> Where to Eat Cheap on Nolensville pike

East Nashville

Frito Pie at Dino’s — $5

Sometimes, all you need is a good, gooey, comforting mound of processed food. Hey, we don’t judge. When that’s the case, head straight to this East Nashville dive and request the Frito Pie. Piled into an aluminum plate, the heap of salty, cheese-smothered goodness might not be good for you—at all—but it can definitely cure whatever level of hangover ails you. 411 Gallatin Ave., 615-226-3566; dinosnashville.com

East Nashville

Rebel Yelp Hot Dog at I Dream of Weenie — $4.00

When it comes to inexpensive and portable summer food, it’s tough to beat the humble hot dog. The fun quotient is upped all the more if the dog happens to be served out of a stand fabricated from a vintage Volkswagen van. I Dream of Weenie’s Rebel Yelp hot dog is a party on a bun, topped with jalapeños, mustard, red onions, and spicy Tennessee chowchow. 113 S. 11th St., 615-226-2622; facebook.com/idreamofweenie

When was the last time you got a dinner tab worth less than a Jackson (er, soon-to-be Tubman)? Luckily, there are still a handful of stellar dealsand mealsto be found around town. Check out the most delicious and satisfying finds for $5 or less.

Note: Prices are listed according to the menu; tax and tip are not necessarily included.