Nashville on a Budget: Tips for Savings on Fun

Let’s face it – Nashville is expensive. With cocktails at $16 or more on Lower Broad – and rising – and many downtown restaurants charging more than $20 for pub grub, it is not cheap to eat, drink, and be merry here. Even so, I have your back. So, let’s explore Nashville on a budget.

Free Saturday songwriter session at the Country Music Hall of Fame with Cameron Bedell.

Cameron Bedell, August 2, 2025, CMHoF songwriter session – (c) Gregory A. Beamer

Always free or cheap

The John Segenthaler Pedestrian Bridge (formerly Spring Street Bridge) terminates on 3^rd next to Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up. and you can walk the greenways on both sides of the river. Here are some other free options to lessen the burden on your wallet. These are a great way to see Nashville on a budget. This is also a great spot for photos at sunset or popping the question.

Always Free Stuff

War Veterans Memorial in Bicentennial Park

To start, here are some options that are always free or cheap.

Music City Walk of Fame Park – this park sits next to the Arena and Country Music Hall of Fame on Demonbreun. Here you will find plaques for various famous country music artists from history.
Centennial Park – While the Parthenon has a marginal charge to go inside, the park is free. Located in West End.
Bicentennial Park – Located in Capitol North, near Germantown, this park has loads of information about the history of Tennessee. During the summer, you can find class 1800s baseball played in the park.
Shelby Bottoms – This park, in East Nashville, has miles of greenway and a bridge over the Cumberland that connects to Two Rivers Park. Other notable nature spots include Radnor Lake and Warner Parks.
Fort Negley – A union fort during the Civil War, this spot contains a history museum as well as a self-guided walking tour of the fort itself.
Medieval Combat – At Elmington Park (West End), they have large battles with safe weapons with the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) on Sunday.
Music On Lower Broad – As long as you don’t eat or drink, there is no charge, although locals like me will recommend you tip the bands if you sit and watch, as they making most of their living through tips.

Cheap Stuff

To begin with, Up/Down in East Nashville has 25‑cent arcade games, and nearby No Quarter gives tokens for pinball with every drink purchased. Meanwhile, Board Game Café (Bongo Java in 5 Points – East Nashville) offers coffee, cheap eats, and plenty of board games.

If you head downtown, you can get a moonshine tasting and a beer for $10 at 6th & Peabody (Ole Smokey and Yee‑Haw). Better yet, if you use the $10 coupon to buy merch or shine, your tasting is effectively free. In addition, the least expensive duckpin bowling is at Hoppin’ Gulch on Gleaves in the Gulch — also a pour‑your‑own‑beer‑by‑the‑ounce taproom with full bar service. On top of that, the cheapest factory tour in Nashville is Olive & Sinclair at $8 per adult. Finally, the cheapest museum is the small but quirky museum of oddities at Hail Dark Aesthetics in East Nashville — just $5.

Food & Drink

Everyone has to eat and finding cheap eats is not always the easiest. Here is a list of some of Nashville’s best spots to find reasonable food prices and great food.

Restaurants, by food type

Hot Chicken

I will cover this more in a future post, but hot chicken is an easy one to find that is affordable (generally $15 to $20 for a meal). Here is a quick list of some of the most popular, by order of pricing (for fair comparison, this is a breast quarter, 2 sides, and a drink, except where not available). For ordering online, make sure you have the correct location, as this is the biggest faux pas with places like Helen’s, Prince’s, Hattie B’s, et al. Also be mindful of hours, especially with food trucks and spots like 400 Degrees. Links where there is online ordering.

Helen’s ($15) – Helen’s is old school, but not exactly traditional Nashville hot, as she adds some vinegar based sauce. Locations in North Nashville and Midtown.
Hattie B’s ($15.75, half bird for $20) – Helped make hot chicken Nashville’s iconic disk with their marketing and a Michelin recommended restaurant, Hattie’s has some of the best sides in the city. I recommend the bacon cheese grits. Locations in Midtown, downtown, West Nashville, Melrose, and the airport – with additional locations in Franklin (TN), Memphis, Atlanta (2 locations), Birmingham, Huntsville, Austin (2 locations), Dallas, Plano, and Chicago. East Nashville is coming soon.
Prince’s ($18) – the original gangsta, Prince’s has been slinging chicken since the 1940s. The downtown location takes too many shortcuts. If you are also interested in shopping, the Tanger Outlets location is the best in the city. There are also locations downtown in Assembly Hall and on Old Hickory Blvd in Brentwood.
Bolton’s ($20) – Also old school – originally Colombu’s Chicken by Bolton Polk, resurrected by his nephew Bolton Matthews as Bolton’s. Location in East Nashville on Main Street. I prefer the fish to the chicken here – whiting over catfish.
Lily’s Hot Chicken ($20) – Located in the Farmer’s Market, Lily’s is a small stand that slings out some very tasty hot chicken. Also has Chicken & Waffles on the menu and sides include fried okra. Great location if you are going to the market or visiting the free Tennessee State Museum.
Party Fowl ($20 – $28 for half bird) – Meals here come with mashed potatoes and slaw. Extra sides are $3. One of the more interesting items here is the Nashville hot chicken fried chicken with gravy. They also will do baked chicken for a health alternative. Locations in Donelson, Midtown, and in the airport.
Pepperfire ($20) – a pick up only location in the Nations (find the silo mural and it is right in front next to the dollar general. The most unique meal here is the Apple Jack, which is a deep-fried grilled cheese sandwich, top with tenders, and apple pie filling.
Red’s Hot Chicken ($19.50 for a tender meal) – No white, so not a direct comparison, but one of the best in the city. Home of the $13 Hot Chicken, Mac & Cheese Crunchwrap. You can go into Springwater with your chicken for an adult beverage or take it to the park for a picnic by the Parthenon. Also has a hot chicken mac & cheese plate and hot chicken and waffles. Located behind McDonald’s on West End.
400 Degrees ($20 for a leg quarter, 2 sides and a drink – no white quarter) – I first met Acqui in the early 2008 in her SoBro location downtown on Peabody (location a food court now, but soon to be a hotel). She is now located in Bourdeaux and has fewer operating hours than any other joint in the city. Well worth the trip if you are an aficionado. Favored by many in the Fraternal Order of Hot Chicken group, Acqui goes up to 400 degrees on menu, but masochists can order up to 900 degrees.

Food Trucks:

Brave Idiot is Hot Chicken Sandwiches and Tenders, which run $14.50 to $16.50, plus drink. Dylan also runs burgers for $15 to $17.50 + drink, but you can get a discount if you show him your kitties – cat pictures. I mean, cat pictures. This food truck is permanently planted behind No Quarter and Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk, both of which will let you bring your food in and get an adult drink with your meal.
Hurt’s Hot Chicken alsosticks with tenders and breast sandwiches, but a tender meal will run you $16 + drink. The best option here is hot chicken gyro with a side at $16 + drink. Lamont offers $1 off for loyal customers.

Burgers

One of the best options for burgers in the city is Dino’s in East Nashville. This iconic spot continues to sling an $8 burger with add on fries for $3 (if 2 or 3, consider a basket for $5 and save a few bucks). A few blocks away, you can get a smashburger and Old Bay fries for $15.50 (cocktails at $13) at Lakeside Lounge. After 10 PM, $12.50 gets you a burger, cold beer, and a shot of whiskey.

Hugh Baby’s is a local chain that has Nashville’s only slug burger on Fridays for $4.49. Burgers will run between $6.50 and $10, with dogs for $3.50 to $6 (chili cheese) and fries for $3. Hand-spun Milkshakes range from $5.50 to $6.50. Locations on Charlotte, East Nashville, and Berry Hill, with a new location in Charleston, South Carolina.

If you want a local burger joint with the happiest employees in the city, you should check out Gabby’s Burgers. A bit more expensive that some other joints, running around $22 for a combo, but worth a visit none-the-less.

Subs, Grinders, and Other Sammies

Dukes in East Nashville (5 Points) does hot or cold bodega sandwiches for $8 – regular- or $10 – large (specialty for $10 or $12). The large bread is vegan (regular is not). Seven sandwich versions – Tavern Ham, Sausalito Turkey, Pastrami, London Broil, Veggie, Cuban, or Grilled cheese – and you can add as many toppings as you want (extra meat or cheese $2 each). They also serve until close to close at 3 AM.

For a classic New York Deli, you will want to visit Mitchell’s Deli in Inglewood (East Nashville). These run a few dollars more than Duke’s. 51^st Deli is also a winner and in the same price range.

Tacos

Almost all taco trucks around town have street tacos for $2.50 to $4. Rather than run through all, I will name some of my favorites.

Taqueria Don Carbon – Eater Nashville named this taco drive through the best in Nashville. Tacos run around $3 a piece and sides are also very cheap.
Mas Tacos Por Favor – A little joint that feels like a dive bar in Old Mexico. Located across from the Pharmacy in Greenwood (East Nashville), this is a great spot for a cheap bite. Tacos from $3 to $3.50 and you can order from the window or grab a seat at the bar. The fried avocado taco is the bomb but also consider the Pozole Verde if you like soup (no menudo on menu, however).
51^st Deli – I enjoy everything they cook here. Street tacos are no exception and run from $3 to $4 and they have a great Nashville Hot Chicken taco. Locations on West End, the Nations, Charlotte Pike, and Brentwood.

Cafes & Diners

Big Al’s Deli is the quintessential dive dine. Located in Salemtown, and manned by Big Al and his kids, this is the place to get down and dirty Southern food. The prices might seem a bit higher than in some places, but the portions are ample and should satisfy any craving. I often get 2 to 3 meals out of each trip. Menu here.

For Centennial Cafe, it is get there early or miss out on the option of biscuits and gravy as a side for breakfast. An Omelet with home fries, biscuits and gravy, and coffee will set you back around $16, including a healthy tip. Lunch is only marginally more expensive and meat & three style. Friendly service and one of the better Diner meals in Nashville. Located behind Daddy’s Dawgs on Centennial in the Nations. Look for the non-descript cinderblock building. If you can park near the street, you won’t have to go four-wheeling to get out.

Biscuit House

Biscuit House is an iconic spot on Gallatin in East Nashville, More expensive than Centennial, but you can split the Ultimate Platter between two people for $16 and might still leave with a few leftovers.

Ethnic

African: One of my favorite Ethiopian Spots is Awash. This used to be a “eat what she is preparing” type of restaurant and you can still order combos Ethiopian style. You can get a combo for around $16, while Gogo will run you $23 and Abyssinia around $21. For pickup, also consider Street Injera in midtown foods, which has veggie combos from $14 to $17 and Meat combos between $19 and $24.

Uzbek: The best in this vein is depending on the meal options. You will find a few more Uyghur dishes at OSH, which is similarly priced.

Middle Eastern: While Edessa is suggested for sit down, Newroz Market is a great option for cheap eats, with items running from $8 to $17 (large plate). Nearby Jerusalem Reebar is a bit more expensive, but you can cater a small party with the $130 platter. Jerusalem is also a great spot for their unique daily specials. You can also try Al Rasoul Market in this area for a cafeteria serving at a reasonable price.

Uzbegim, near Centennial Park, is Uzbek andMichelin recommended. Items run from $9 to $16, and you can reserve a table, although I have never had a hard time eating in. Fatoush Cafe on Charlotteis the spot for Lebanese, with dishes maxing out at $15. Istanbul is the most authentic

Asian: For Thai, I recommend Thai Ni Yom, where meals run from $13 to $15, but the low price leader goes to King Market in Antioch, where you save a dollar or two on Laotian and Thai food. Thai Papaya in Southeast Nashville rounds out the cheap Southeast Asian options, coming in around the price of King Market. Steam Boys does bun for $4 and bao buns for $7 (Assembly Hall, Germantown, Hermitage, Nolensville, Harding Place, and Franklin). For Chinese, Inchin’s Bamboo Garden will run around $11 for a combo.

Desserts

One of the best options for dessert in town is a dip cone from Bobby’s Dairy Dip. Desserts run $3.50 to $6 and there are numerous sizes of dip cones. The large was discontinued after too many hit the floor – the ice cream was more than 12” high on top of a 3 to 4” cone. Also has a decent cheeseburger and Belgian style fries for $9.

Adult Libations

For Lower Broad, the Broadway Brewhouse has one of the most reasonable beer and food prices. For an even cheaper meal, the recession special at Robert’s Western World is only $6 – fried baloney sandwich, chips, moon pie, and a PBR beer ($2.50 PBR’s daily). Teddy’s Tavern, across from the Arena, is another great option for cheap eats and drinks.

If you get over near Printer’s Alley, the Alley has better pricing than many other live music bars and The Cellar is more where locals hang out for cheaper drinks – half price beer on Sunday. Champy’s does specials on 40 oz bottles of beer and has reasonable prices for meals – especially if you make it two meals with the two-breast special.

Outside downtown proper, you want dive bars. I will cover them in a future article, but here are some of the best known in the city.

Doc Holliday’s Saloon – Downtown on 2^nd Ave N, so not as cheap as some others, but definitely not as bad as the standard fare here. The Bloody Mary is ridiculous in size.
Santa’s Pub – lively karaoke bar near Berry Hill in South Nashville. Cash only, but they have an ATM.
Springwater – Nashville’s oldest dive, located near Centennial Park. Can get Red’s Hot Chicken and bring it in.
Bobby’s Idle Hour Tavern – In its third location on Music Row, this is the diviest music bar in the city.
Batter’s Box – Sports bar on Rolling Mill Hill.
Green Light Bar – Newer addition in Edgehill. Will store your luggage for free with the purchase of 2 drinks per person storing bags.
Melrose Billiards – Divey pool hall in Melrose.
Rosie’s Twin Kegs – Dive bar with great food that does karaoke on weekends, sometimes nightly around holidays and special occasions.
Wilburn Street Tavern – Dive bar in McFerrin Park. Great spot to grab a brew after visiting Red Headed Stranger or Folk.
5 Points Dives – Around 5 Points, there are a number of dive spots. Dino’s is known for burgers, as is Lakeside Lounge. Duke’s for bodega sandwiches. Ernie’s is a cool spot for pool or a game of Toad in the Hole. And Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk is a 80s and 90s themed dive tiki bar.

One of the newest hidden additions is the $5 bar at Audrey in the Gulch. That’s right, 5 $5 cocktails, 5 $5 beers, and $5 wines.

Museums

Love a great museum? Want free admission? You’re in the right place. Nashville has plenty of spots where you can explore, learn, and wander without spending much. The trick is knowing when to go and what perks you can use. This guide breaks it all down so you can plan fast and save money.

The Parthenon

Centennial Park’s crown jewel is already inexpensive, but you can get in free with an EBT card. Inside, you’ll see the massive gilded Athena and a small but solid art gallery. Active‑duty military get free admission for themselves and their families on Armed Forces Day weekend and Memorial Day weekend.

National Museum of African American Music

Located in the 5th & Broad complex, this is one of Nashville’s most interactive museums. Sing in a gospel choir, trace the river of African American music, or mix your own track. Admission is free every Wednesday.

Fort Nashborough

Sitting on the Cumberland River at 1st Ave North, this reconstructed fort tells the story of early Nashville. It marks the site of the Battle of the Bluffs, where James Robertson fought the Chickamauga Cherokee. It’s worn around the edges, but it’s free every day and open to wander.

Fort Negley

Step into Civil War history at this free museum and visitors center. Learn how Nashville became the first Confederate state capital to fall to Union forces. Then walk the fort grounds to see its strategic position firsthand.

Tennessee State Museum

Black music exhibit at the free TN State Museum.

Next to the Farmers’ Market and Bicentennial Park, this museum covers everything from prehistoric cultures to modern Tennessee. It’s free daily (10–5, and 1–5 on Sundays). Parking is free around the park and at the market. With an appointment, you can also visit the Tennessee State Archives across the park.

The museum’s Military Branch on Union Street is currently closed and may be permanently consolidated into the main building.

Frist Art Museum

Bank of America cardholders get in free on the first full weekend of each month through the Museums on Us program. Guests 18 and under are always free. Don’t miss Martin ArtQuest, where kids and teens can create their own art.

Cooter’s Place

Daisy "Duke" Country inside the free Cooters Musuem in Music Valley

In Music Valley near the Opry, this free museum celebrates The Dukes of Hazzard. Owned by Ben Jones (“Cooter”) and Alma Viator, it’s packed with memorabilia. Admission is free, though photos with the General Lee and other cars cost extra. Cast members often appear on weekends.

Tennessee Agricultural Museum

South of the city off Ellington Pike, this free state museum showcases Tennessee’s farming history. Explore pioneer‑era tools, modern equipment, an heirloom garden, and a historic log cabin village. A hiking trail adds a nature bonus.

Notable Mentions (Not Free, But Worth It)

Country Music Hall of Fame – No free admission, but on Saturdays you can attend a free songwriter session with paid entry. Shows run from noon to about 12:45, often followed by a meet‑and‑greet. (see picture at top of the story)
Hatch Show Print – Kids 5 and under get in free with a paid adult. You can also watch posters being made through the big glass window for free. Bundling with the Hall of Fame or Studio B tour can save money.
Storytellers Hideaway Farm & Museum – Johnny Cash’s private retreat in Bon Aqua. Kids get free admission. Pair the trip with breakfast at Loveless Café or Beacon Light Tea Room.
River House Museum – Free on select days (check ahead), but located in Clarksville, about an hour away.

Art Galleries

Elephant Gallery – Artist Alex Lockwood’s space in Salemtown (1411 Buchanan St). Open Friday and Saturday, noon–6 PM.
The Haley Gallery – Inside the Omni/Country Music Hall of Fame complex, featuring art tied to country music’s cultural legacy.
Vanderbilt University Gallery – A free, often overlooked gallery open throughout the week.

Art Crawls

Downtown Art Crawl at the Arcade – Second Saturday, 6–9 PM. Located on 4th Ave North in the Arts District.
WeHo Art Crawl – First Saturday at 6 PM in Wedgewood‑Houston. Local art, live music, and a lively crowd.
100 Taylor Arts Market – Third Saturday each month in Germantown. Free entry, 60+ artists, live music, craft beer, and snacks.

Murals

Nashville’s mural scene deserves its own deep dive — and it’s coming in a future article.

Final Notes

Thanks for exploring Nashville’s free and low‑cost museums with me. If you have questions, want personalized recommendations, or need help planning your trip, drop me a comment here or reach out anytime. I’m always happy to help you experience Nashville like a local.