Memphis' best restaurants for meals under $15: The tastiest tacos, burgers, BBQ & more
Looking to feed a big appetite on a not-so-big budget? Check out these 23 cheap eats around Memphis.
At each of the restaurants on this list, you will find tasty dishes for under $15.
And know … “cheap” only refers to the price tag. Each of these spots offers delicious dishes that rival some of the most fancy (and expensive) restaurants in town. One bite, and you will discover each of these recommendations is “rich” in flavor despite the affordable price.
Our picks for top cheap eats include global food, soul food, American classics and even a food truck. There truly is something for every taste and budget at these local eateries.
We only included Memphis-owned restaurants on this list, and each is a true Memphis original.
Here are our favorite spots, in alphabetical order, where you can get a tasty (and budget-friendly) meal for under $15.
The Arcade
The Neighborhood: South Main Arts District | 540 S. Main St.; (901) 526-5757; arcaderestaurant.com
Why We Love It: The Arcade is the city's oldest restaurant, founded in 1919 by Speros Zepatos after he immigrated from Cephalonia, Greece, to Memphis. In the 1950s, his son Harry Zepatos took over The Arcade and transformed it into the '50s-style diner it is today. Third-generation owners Harry and Karan Zepatos ran the day-to-day operations of The Arcade for several years before turning over the business about two years ago to their son Jeff and his wife, Kelcie. It's popular for both Memphians and tourists alike who flock there for its breakfast and lunch fare.
Must-Order Item: The Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich ($11.25) at The Arcade has been included on Food Network’s list of best sandwiches in America. But locals flock to this diner for its fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes ($13.75). Each order comes with two eggs, bacon or sausage and a side of grits.
Bala’s Bistro
The Neighborhood: Whitehaven | 4571 Elvis Presley Blvd.; (901) 509-3024; balasbistro.com
Why We Love It: Originally from Mali, Bala Tounkara is known for the authentic West African dishes he serves at his restaurant, Bala’s Bistro. Dishes like Jerked Chicken, Lamb Dibi and Beef Oxtail offer Memphians a taste of Tounkara’s homeland. Bala’s Bistro also offers many vegan dishes, as well as some American items like burgers and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
Must-Order Item: At his Whitehaven restaurant, Tounkara's offerings include a hot buffet case that allows customers to try as many dishes as they would like, with the plate being charged by the pound ($9 per pound). Be sure to try the Jollof Rice, Fried Sweet Plantains and Vegan Curry Stew. There is also a daily special dish for $13 that includes your choice of two sides.
Bryant’s Breakfast
The Neighborhood: Summer Avenue / East Memphis | 3965 Summer Ave.; (901) 324-7494; bryantsmemphis.com
Why We Love It: Since 1968, Bryant’s has served Memphians home-cooked Southern breakfast favorites and homemade plate lunches. Each morning there is a line out the door as customers wait for their famous biscuits, fluffy pancakes and oversized omelets. This isn’t a fancy place, but, boy, is the food good. Customers of all ages and backgrounds gather at this Memphis institution.
Must-Order Item: The biscuits are a must order. Enjoy them simply with butter and jelly, with gravy or as a biscuit sandwich with country ham ($4.25 per biscuit) or sausage ($2.25 per biscuit). I usually pick up two! If really hungry, try the Sampler Plate ($12). This “Eggstraordinary” breakfast sampler includes three eggs, two homemade biscuits, country gravy, a potato patty, grits and a sample serving of each: bacon, sausage, country ham and pork tenderloin.
Casa Perez
The Neighborhood: Summer Avenue / East Memphis | 4880 Summer Ave.; (901) 683-0505
Why We Love It: Casa Perez is a Hispanic grocery and butcher that has a counter in the back serving up authentic (and mighty delicious) Mexican fare. It’s by no means a fancy meal, but one that is full of flavor. Do I dare say “a fiesta” in each bite?! Each lunch plate is $10.99 and comes with warm tortillas, black beans and Mexican rice. To wash your order down, pick up one of the fresh “agua fresca” juices.
Must-Order Item: Try the Costilla en Salsa Roja. These braised pork ribs are fork tender and come simmered in a slightly spicy tomato-based sauce. I suggest eating it as a taco with the meat and black beans.
Castle Restaurant
The Neighborhood: Normal Station Neighborhood in East Memphis | 3992 Park Ave.; (901) 320-1020
Why We Love It: Over the past 11 years, Nada Hammoud has served dishes from across the Mediterranean and her home country of Lebanon at her tiny café that seats only about 20 guests. When you walk in the nondescript dining room, you don’t necessarily feel like you are in a castle. Her café is pretty basic with fast casual service and Styrofoam plates and plasticware. However, after one bite of her food, you feel like you are royalty. Hammoud makes everything from scratch, and you can tell.
Must-Order Item: The Shish Taouk ($12.99) is her version of a chicken kebab. The chicken is moist, flavorful and so tender you can cut it with a fork. It’s served over a bed of fluffy lightly seasoned rice with a refreshing Mediterranean salad made with lots of tomatoes and cucumbers on the side. I also love the Vegetable Deal ($14.99). This sampler plate comes with hummus, baba ganoush (eggplant dip), falafel, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), spanakopita and pita bread.
Elwood’s Shack
The Neighborhood: Two locations (Summer Avenue and Normal Station Neighborhood in East Memphis) | 4523 Summer Ave. and 4040 Park Ave.; elwoodsshack.com
Why We Love It: A trailer in a Lowe’s parking lot may not be where you would expect to find some of the best food in town, but if you have been to Elwood’s Shack, you know to never judge a book by its cover. Owner Tim Bednarski has created an eclectic menu featuring everything from smokehouse favorites like pork shoulder and brisket to pizzas to tacos. The restaurant is small and super casual. On nice nights, most customers dine outside on picnic tables. Bednarski opened a second location of Elwood’s Shack at 4040 Park Ave. in September.
Must-Order Item: Hands down, the brisket at Elwood’s Shack is one of the best versions in town. Tender and smoky, order it on a sandwich ($10) with pickle and onion or as a filling for a taco ($11).
The Four Way
The Neighborhood: Soulsville | 998 Mississippi Blvd.; (901) 507-1519; fourway901.com
Why We Love It: Good food has a way of bringing people together. As one of the oldest restaurants in Memphis, The Four Way is a soul food institution, with regular patrons including civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and music icons such as Al Green and Isaac Hayes. Fried chicken (with your choice of light or dark meat), fried catfish, turkey and dressing, neck bones, fried green tomatoes, yams, turnip greens and macaroni and cheese are a few of the soul food dishes that have brought in devoted customers for more than 70 years.
Must-Order Item: The Four Way has one of our favorite Fried Chicken plates ($12.89) in town. Each order comes with a breast and a wing, and your choice of two homecooked Southern sides.
Garibaldi’s
The Neighborhood: Three locations (University of Memphis, East Memphis and Germantown) | 3530 Walker Ave.; 764 Mt. Moriah Road; 7521 Queens Court, Germantown; garibaldispizza.com
Why We Love It: Garibaldi’s has been a family-favorite for Memphians since 1975. They offer handmade pizzas, fresh salads with house dressings, sandwiches and pastas with your choice of sauce, as well as an array of appetizers and desserts. All the breads, doughs and sauces are prepared in-house daily. From meals out with friends to family suppers to families meeting up after their kids' sports events, Garibaldi’s is a Memphis institution.
Must-Order Item: While this spot is best known for its pizzas, the Meatball Sub ($11 for an 8-inch sub / $14 for a 12-inch sub) is simply the best anywhere. Made-from-scratch bread brushed with garlic butter is toasted just right and topped with the best meatballs around, homemade meat sauce and parmesan cheese. What's not to love?
Global Café
The Neighborhood: Crosstown | Crosstown Concourse, 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 157; (901) 512-6890; globalcafememphis.com
Why We Love It: Food connects people. That mission was the primary driving force behind the creation of one of Memphis’ most unique restaurant concepts. Located in Crosstown Concourse, Global Café is an international food hall featuring immigrant cooks preparing and selling the dishes of their homelands. Owner Sabine Langer has brought together immigrants, who are talented cooks and are dedicated to preparing the foods of their home countries. Currently, the featured countries are Mexico, Venezuela and Sudan.
Must-Order Item: Chicken Shawarma ($14) is a classic Sudanese entree on the daily menu. If in the mood for Latin fare, try the Mexican Asado Bowl ($12). It’s a filling bowl full of ingredients like beans, rice, pico de gallo, avocado and your choice of meat.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
The Neighborhood: Five locations (Downtown, East Memphis, Germantown, Bartlett and Southaven) | 310 S. Front St.; 730 S. Mendenhall; 2943 N. Germantown Parkway, Bartlett; 3100 Forest Hill Irene Road, Germantown; 787 Goodman Road East, Southaven; gusfriedchicken.com
Why We Love It: Gus’s world famous hot and spicy fried chicken is a Memphis tradition. Memphians and tourists alike line up daily to enjoy this one-of-a-kind fried chicken. The fried chicken gets its spice from a secret recipe batter that the chicken is marinated in. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The perfect accompaniment is a slice of Wonder white bread, but sides like slaw, beans and fries are also available.
Must-Order Item: The three-piece meal (dark meat) features hand-battered, made to order fried chicken served with baked beans, creamy coleslaw and white bread ($13.30).
Highland Super Submarine Sandwich Shop
The Neighborhood: Summer Avenue | 3316 Summer Ave.; (901) 324-3728
Why We Love It: Highland Super Submarine Sandwich Shop is considered the best sandwich shop in town by many Memphians. Nicknamed “the Chinese Sub Shop” because it used to also serve Chinese dishes, this shop is known for its giant sub sandwiches that are offered as an 8-inch or a 12-inch (hence the slogan on the sign that reads “where a foot is a feast.”) Each sub comes topped with shredded iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced tomatoes, onions, mayo, mustard and Italian dressing. Regulars know to order the bread “soft” (lightly toasted) or “hard” (toasted until crispy). Oh, and bring cash. This is a cash-only establishment.
Must-Order Item: The Turkey Sub ($8.49 for an 8-inch sub or $9.49 for a 12-inch sub) with Swiss cheese and all the fixings, with “hard” bread. Each order comes with a bag of chips.
MEMPHIS DINING: The 30 best restaurants in Memphis in 2023: Soul food, seafood and so much more
Huey’s
The Neighborhood: 10 locations throughout the Greater Memphis area | (901) 726-4372; hueyburger.com
Why We Love It: Huey’s has served up "Blues, Brews, & Burgers" since 1970. This beloved Memphis burger restaurant chain is a Bluff City staple. Year after year, the “world-famous” Huey burgers are voted “Best in Memphis.” The Memphis-based, family-run burger restaurant group has 10 restaurants in the Memphis area.
Must-Order Item: Nothing beats the original Huey Burger ($8.25). This award-winning 6-ounce Certified Angus Beef burger comes with your choice of mayo, lettuce, tomato, mustard, pickle, onion, cheddar or Swiss cheese on a buttered, toasted sesame seed bun. Add their tasty steak fries for an additional $3.25.
Las Delicias
The Neighborhood: Two locations in East Memphis (Just outside the I-240 Loop and the Normal Station Neighborhood) | 4002 Park Ave. and 5689 Quince; lasdeliciasrestaurant.com
Why We Love It: Las Delicias hands-down has Memphis’ favorite housemade guacamole and chips. From tacos to fajitas to enchiladas to tortas, this Mexican spot has all the favorites, served in a fun and casual atmosphere. Start with one of their tasty margaritas. (The frozen margarita swirled with sangria is one-of-a-kind in Memphis.)
Must-Order Item: The steak and chicken combo fajitas ($11.69) are my go-to order. The grilled steak and chicken comes topped with bell peppers, onions, bacon and melted cheese. If in the mood for something lighter, try the Tortilla Soup ($5.85). Their tasty version is a tomato and chipotle flavored broth loaded with tortilla strips and shredded chicken all topped with cheese and avocado.
Le Delights Bahn Mi and Pho
The Neighborhood: Cordova | 8095 Macon Road, Suite 104; (901) 207-2476; ledelightsmem.com
Why We Love It: If you are going to put a dish in the title of your restaurant, it better be good. And at Le Delights, the Bahn Mi are some of the best in town. Banh Mi is a classic Vietnamese sandwich. Served on an airy and crunchy French baguette, the sandwich is stuffed with an ever-varying combination of meats, vegetables and sauces. Each bite is salty, sweet, sour and spicy all at the same time.
Must-Order Item: The Original Bahn Mi ($8.55) is a 7-inch sandwich stuffed with steamed pork, paté, cured ham, pork sausage, cilantro, cucumber slices, radish, pickled carrots, jalapenos and daikon radishes and garlic butter.
Mosa Asian Bistro
The Neighborhood: East Memphis | 850 S. White Station Road; (901) 683-8889; mosaasianbistro.com
Why We Love It: Mosa Asian Bistro blends all the bold flavors and savory spices found in classic Thai, Chinese and Japanese cuisine. It’s a family affair at this Asian-fusion restaurant in East Memphis — run by chef Eddie Pao and his daughter Michelle Pao Levine. (Longtime Memphians will remember Pao from his popular — and much missed — Summer Avenue eatery, Formosa Chinese Restaurant.) Service is fast-casual, and every dish is made to order.
Must-Order Item: The best way I know how to describe the Yuan Bao soup ($12) at Mosa Asian Bistro is that it is an Asian spin on chicken and dumplings. Handmade chicken dumplings are served in a flavorful wonton soup broth with Napa cabbage, carrots and fresh cilantro. Crispy wonton strips and a dipping sauce (available in mild, medium or spicy heat) add the finishing touch.
Payne’s Bar-B-Q
The Neighborhood: Midtown | 1762 Lamar Ave.; (901) 272-1523
Why We Love It: Payne's Bar-B-Q is a family operation that has been in business since 1972. This place is the real-deal, and one of the few truly old-school barbecue joints in town. The menu is as bare bones as the dining room, focusing only on the barbecue essentials. Pork shoulders are cooked low and slow over coals in a pit that is adjacent to the service counter. The house-made barbecue sauce, perfectly balanced with sweetness and a vinegary tang, simmers on a vintage stovetop. The proprietor, Flora Payne, chops the shoulder for each sandwich — something she has been doing for almost 50 years. The sound of her cleaver on the cutting board is one of the ways you know you are at Payne’s.
Must-Order Item: At Payne’s, it’s the chopped pork sandwich ($7.50 for the regular size, $8.25 for the jumbo sandwich) that is the star. Each sandwich comes topped with their secret recipe sauce and slaw. One bite and you know why Flora Payne was inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame.
Sam’s Deli
The Neighborhood: University of Memphis | 643 S. Highland St.; (901) 454-5882; samsdelimemphis.com
Why We Love It: Located just off the University of Memphis’ famed Highland Strip, Sam’s Deli offers an eclectic menu of traditional American sandwiches (their muffuletta is one of our favorites) to sandwiches (like the Gyro Sub with thinly sliced and tender beef and lamb gyro meat topped with tzatziki sauce, shredded iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and a roasted garlic pepper sauce) that are fusions of owners Shamira and Brad Wilbanks’ backgrounds.
Must-Order Item: While we love all the sandwiches, it's the Korean bibimbap bowls we keep going back for. Served in a stone bowl at 400 degrees, each bowl is a bed of sushi rice topped with sautéed vegetables, house gochujang sauce, a sunny side egg, and your choice of meat. I love the spicy Korean Chicken ($12).
Southern Hands Home Style Cooking
The Neighborhood: Five locations (Whitehaven, East Memphis, Hickory Hill, Raleigh and Olive Branch) | 6025 Winchester Road; 1811 Kirby Parkway; 3624 Austin Peay; 5175 Millbranch; 7119 Hacks Cross Road, Olive Branch; southernhandshomestylecooking.com
Why We Love It: Smothered pork chops, fried chicken, blackened catfish and creamy mac-and-cheese are just a few of the dishes you will find at Southern Hands Home Style Cooking restaurants. Southern Hands is the Memphis-based restaurant chain Betty Baskin founded with her five children. Baskin died in May 2018, but the restaurant has thrived and expanded as her children have carried on her legacy. The five restaurants serve Southern soul food made from scratch following Baskin’s tried and true recipes. The food reminds you of Sunday supper at your grandmother’s house.
Must-Try Item: Kam Style Pork Chops ($10.99 at lunch and $14.99 at dinner) are two center cut pork shops that are deep fried, smothered in gravy and topped with bell peppers and onions. The order comes with two side items and a mini-loaf of their famous cornbread.
Sunrise Memphis
The Neighborhood: Two locations (Medical District and East Memphis) | Two locations: 670 Jefferson Ave. and 5469 Poplar Ave.; sunrise901.com
Why We Love It: Customers stand in line to enjoy Sunrise Memphis’ biscuit sandwiches, breakfast bowls and boozy brunch cocktails. Signature dishes include items like the Dirty South (an egg and bacon biscuit topped with pimento cheese, fried green tomato and Sunrise sauce) and 3 Amigos Tacos (chorizo, scrambled eggs, pico de gallo and salsa verde). The breakfast menu also includes standards such as pancakes, breakfast tacos and omelets.
Must-Order Item: The King Biscuit ($12) is an over-the-top breakfast bowl. An open face biscuit is topped with fried chicken, country ham, an over-easy egg and country gravy. Plan to take a nap after eating this one.
Taconganas
The Neighborhood: Five locations (East Memphis, Midtown, Cordova) | 4255 Summer Ave.; 999 Oakhaven Road; 2760 Perkins Road; 2120 Central Ave.; 1080 N. Germantown Road, Cordova; taconganas.com
Why We Love It: Taconganas food trucks have become one of Memphis’ favorite spots for tacos. What makes these authentic Mexican street tacos unique is that each taco is served in a corn tortilla dipped in an oil prepared with dried peppers.
Must-Order Item: The Taconganas-style street taco ($3.49 per taco). Choose from several different fillings ranging from barbacoa to al pastor to asada. Tacos are topped with grilled onions, cilantro and melted cheese, served with a side of curtido, limes and salsa.
Tops Bar-B-Q
The Neighborhood: 17 locations in the Greater Memphis area | topsbarbq.com
Why We Love It: Tops Bar-B-Q was founded more than 65 years ago, and now has 17 locations throughout the Greater Memphis area. Over the decades, Tops’ cooked-to-order burgers have become as popular as their barbecue. The burgers are old-school, cooked on a flat-top griddle. A classic done right. The quarter-pound burgers can be ordered as single or double patty. Because the burgers are made to order, customers can choose their toppings. At Tops, it's just the basics — lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mayo and mustard.
Must-Order Item: Splurge and get “The Fireman” ($7.99). It’s a classic Tops cheeseburger topped with pulled pork, barbecue sauce and slaw. It gets its name from a firefighter who requested the sandwich one day at the Rhodes Avenue restaurant. Literally, it’s the best of Tops in one bite.
Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken
The Neighborhood: Whitehaven | 3633 Millbranch Road; (901) 332-2367; unclelousfriedchicken.com
Why We Love It: Deep Fried Sweet Spicy Love. With a name like that, you know the chicken has to be good. Lou Martin, the “Uncle Lou” behind Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken, slathers his crispy fried chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce that was invented by his great-grandmother. Martin won’t share all his great-grandmother’s secrets, but he did say some of the ingredients behind his sweet and spicy sauce are honey, hot sauce, red wine vinegar and their signature “Corruption” seasoning. His chicken — available in mild or hot — is crispy, spicy and sweet all at the same time.
Must-Order Item: The Sweet Spicy Love Chicken Tenderloins. These spicy chicken tenders won Uncle Lou’s the People’s Choice awards at Food Network’s South Beach Food & Wine Festival in 2023. The 3-piece chicken tenderloins meal ($9.68) comes with your choice of a side, one of Uncle Lou’s sinfully good honey butter biscuits and a drink.
Valle’s Italian Rebel
The Neighborhood: Whitehaven | 1636 Winchester Road; (901) 345-5164; italianrebel.com
Why We Love It: Even though the sign out front says Valle’s, most people know this Whitehaven restaurant as the “Italian Rebel.” The restaurant opened back in 1977. At this lunch-only eatery, everything is made from scratch — including breads, sauces and Italian sausage. Stop by for one of the thick crust, rectangular pizzas and a side of toasted ravioli. Pizzas can be ordered by the whole or by the slice. Pastas like Rotel Chicken Spaghetti come with buttery garlic bread. If you're in the mood for a sandwich, get the muffuletta. Instead of olives, Valle's uses a homemade Italian bell pepper sauce.
Must-Order Item: Rebel Combination ($11.75). This sampler plate comes with all the Italian Rebel favorites: Spaghetti, Lasagna, Garlic Bread and one slice of pizza with two toppings.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at [email protected] and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.
If you want to keep up with the tastiest news in the Bluff City — like the story above, sign up for our Eat Drink Memphis weekly newsletter for a hearty serving of stories on everything from restaurants to recipes. You can sign up here.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis' best budget-friendly restaurants: Some of our favorite dishes
