While the chicken tortilla soup at Mas Tacos Por Favor may get the media spotlight, we’re happy to share the secret of their pozole verde, a rich chicken and corn broth flavored with lime juice, tomatillos, and roasted poblano peppers. Add in hominy, radish, cilantro, cabbage, and avocado for textural variety, and you’ve got a serious meal of a soup. 732 McFerrin Ave., 615-543-6271; facebook.com/mastacos
Half Chicken Pollo Asado al Carbon at El Tapatio #2 — $7.50
The black-barrel grill billowing smoke in this joint’s parking lot is a sure sign of good eating. Inside the place are chickens, marinated in piquant spice rub and roasting over coals to a succulent char. Spring for the half pollo and share. Your plate also comes with tortillas, housemade pico de gallo, pickled carrots, jalapeños, fresh lime, pinto beans, and rice. 3611 Nolensville Pk., 615-445-7781
Yes, the beer-in-a-can selection here is solid, but so too are the sliders themselves. One of the better deals includes two in a basket, whose varietals you can select from a long list. Try the Texican, which gets equally thick slices of avocado and tomato, plus griddled onions and a spicy sauce, or the bacon and onion–packed Jack FM, slathered with barbecue sauce. A pile of parmesan fries seals the deal. 1907A Division St., 615-401-9863; thesliderhouse.com
Vegetables roasted to caramel sweetness spooned over nutrient-rich quinoa, finished with garlicky aioli: You can count on this menu mainstay year ’round to be soulful and healthful (even as the produce changes seasonally). Hardy greens and root veggies dominated the cold weather months, but, now, it’s the summer medley’s turn, with sweet corn, squash, peppers, and tomatoes. 1896 Eastland Ave., 615-262-2717; thewildcow.com
Of course, we crave the original—half a bird dripping fiery juices over sliced bread. But Hattie B’s shows pure brilliance, sandwiching a boneless breast of their hot chicken between a Charpier’s Bakery sliced white bun and piling on a hit of cooling coleslaw. Plus, a slick of honey-laced comeback sauce keeps the whole thing together. Pair it with a side of pimento cheese for a belly-rubbing fullness—and all that’s missing is the lingering heat of sauce on your fingertips.112 19th Ave. S., 615-678-4794; 5209 Charlotte Ave., 615-712-7137; hattieb.com
Much like our escalating real estate costs, prices on Music City restaurant menus only seem to be climbing higher. But, luckily, there are still a handful of stellar dealsand mealsto be found around town. We've gathered a sampling of the most delicious and satisfying finds, all for $6-10. Note: Prices are listed according to the menu; tax and tip are not necessarily included.
