Memphis’s culinary landscape is legendary, known for its soulful barbecue, rich Southern comfort food, and vibrant international flavors. The exciting part? You absolutely don't need a hefty wallet to dive into this scene. If you're looking for genuinely satisfying cheap eats Memphis under $15, you're in the right city. This isn't just about finding a quick, forgettable bite; it's about uncovering incredible value and authentic taste experiences that leave both your belly full and your budget intact.
At a glance: Your Guide to Savvy Memphis Dining
- Discover Memphis's Budget Bounty: Learn how the city's unique food culture makes affordable, high-quality meals accessible.
- Pinpoint Top Under-$15 Spots: Get specific recommendations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner across various cuisines.
- Master the Art of Meal Deals: Understand how to leverage happy hours, lunch specials, and combo plates.
- Navigate Diverse Cuisines: Find affordable options from classic BBQ to Ethiopian, Mexican, and Asian fusion.
- Implement Smart Saving Strategies: Gain practical tips for maximizing your food budget without sacrificing flavor.
- Bust Common Budget-Eating Myths: Get clear answers to frequently asked questions about affordable dining in Memphis.
Beyond the Stereotype: Why Memphis Delivers on Value
Memphis is a city built on good, honest food. It’s a place where culinary excellence often comes without pretension or inflated price tags. From family-run diners perfecting biscuits for generations to innovative kitchens offering gourmet twists on classics, the culture here prioritizes flavor and hospitality over flashy expense. This means that finding remarkable meals for under $15 isn't a challenge; it's a delightful exploration into the heart of Memphis's food identity. You'll find that many of the city's most beloved and iconic establishments naturally fit into this budget-friendly category, proving that world-class eats don't always demand a premium price.
Mastering the Memphis Under-$15 Menu
Navigating Memphis’s food scene on a budget means knowing where to look and what to order. Here’s a breakdown of how to find fantastic meals that stick to your under-$15 goal, covering everything from classic Southern fare to global flavors.
The Iconic BBQ Blueprint: Smoked Meats, Serious Savings
Memphis is synonymous with barbecue, and thankfully, its best doesn't break the bank. These joints offer deep, smoky flavors that define the city's culinary soul.
- Payne’s Bar-B-Que (Midtown): A true Memphis institution, Payne's is legendary for its chopped pork sandwich, especially when paired with their tangy mustard-based slaw. A regular chopped pork sandwich is just $5.25, with a jumbo for $6.50. You can also snag a smoked sausage or bologna sandwich for a mere $3.75. This is quintessential Memphis BBQ at a price point that makes it accessible to everyone.
- Central BBQ (Summer/Midtown/Downtown): While Central offers many options, a genius budget move is their half order of BBQ nachos for $5.75. It’s surprisingly substantial, loaded with pulled pork or chicken, cheese sauce, and jalapeños. Opt for BBQ chips instead of tortilla chips for an extra smoky kick.
- Cozy Corner BBQ (Downtown): For something truly unique, Cozy Corner's barbecued Cornish hen is a revelation. For $12, you get a whole tender, smoky hen along with two sides and bread – an incredibly hearty and flavorful meal that easily fits your budget.
Southern Comfort, Budget Style: Hearty Breakfasts & Fried Favorites
Start your day right or grab a soul-satisfying lunch with these classic Memphis spots, serving up Southern hospitality and flavors at unbeatable prices.
- Bryant’s Breakfast (Summer Avenue): This place is a Memphis legend for a reason. Dive into hearty Southern breakfasts with biscuits ranging from $3.50 up to $5.75 for their famous Philly cheese steak biscuit. If you're really hungry, a breakfast plate like country fried chicken ($10.50) or country sausage ($9.50) comes with eggs, biscuits or toast, and grit & gravy – a full meal under $15.
- Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken (Whitehaven): Uncle Lou’s is famous for its sweet-spicy "Corruption Sauce" and perfectly fried chicken. A four-piece dark meat combo meal with sides can easily be had for under $10, offering a genuine taste of Memphis’s vibrant fried chicken scene.
- Dino’s Grill (VECA): For early risers, Dino's offers an incredible breakfast deal from 7-11 am (Tuesday-Sunday). For just $4.00, you get two eggs, your choice of biscuits or toast, and hashbrowns or grits. It’s an unbeatable start to the day.
International Flavors, Local Prices: A World Tour for Under $15
Memphis’s culinary diversity extends to its budget-friendly options, allowing you to explore global tastes without leaving the city.
- Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos (Downtown, Midtown): For authentic Mexican, Maciel’s hits the spot. Their street tacos (like grilled steak/asada or spicy pork/pastor) are around $3.50 each. A smart move? Go for their weekday lunch deal: three tacos for $9, a perfect, flavorful, and filling lunch.
- Blue Nile (Midtown): Ethiopian cuisine offers incredible value and flavor. Blue Nile’s vegetarian platter, priced at $12, is designed for one but often ample enough to feed two. It includes mesir wat, various veggies, salads, and injera bread for scooping, making it a healthy and affordable option.
- Pho Saigon (Chickasaw Gardens): Banh mi sandwiches are the ultimate budget-friendly delight, and Pho Saigon offers a fantastic crispy-barbecued pork banh mi for an astonishing $3.99. It’s a complete meal in a baguette.
- Lee’s Fresh Sushi (East Memphis): Who says sushi can't be cheap eats? Lee’s Fresh Sushi offers a 12-piece shrimp tempura roll for just $5.99, proving that satisfying sushi doesn't have to break your budget.
- Pho Binh (Midtown): For a truly generous and affordable meal, Pho Binh’s lunch buffet (11 am-3 pm, Monday-Friday) is a steal at $7.49 for dine-in or $8.99 for to-go. It’s a fantastic way to sample a variety of Vietnamese dishes.
- Sushi Jimmi (Midtown): If you're craving something modern and fusion, Sushi Jimmi’s Red Dragon Sushi Burrito for $10 is a creative and filling option that blends Japanese flavors with a convenient, handheld format.
- Casablanca (Midtown, East Memphis): For a light yet satisfying Mediterranean meal, Casablanca offers falafel and hummus with pita bread for under $10, including tea. It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly filling for lunch or a light dinner.
Unexpected Deals: Happy Hours & Lunch Specials
Sometimes, it’s all about timing. Many upscale or mid-range restaurants offer incredible deals during off-peak hours that bring their offerings well within the under-$15 range.
- Hog & Hominy (East Memphis): Known for its creative Southern Italian fusion, Hog & Hominy offers an amazing "Golden Hour of Pizza" (2-5 pm, Tuesday-Saturday) where all their wood-fired pizzas are just $10. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy high-quality pizza at a budget price.
- Bari Ristorante (Overton Square): For a taste of refined Italian, head to Bari Ristorante’s bar after 5 pm. Their Frutti di mare fritti (fried seafood) is available for $11, offering a sophisticated appetizer that can serve as a light meal.
- Catherine & Mary’s (Downtown): During Happy Hour (4-6 pm), Catherine & Mary's offers $5 snacks, including indulgent fried chicken skins. While not a full meal, it’s a decadent and affordable treat from a high-end kitchen.
- Trolley Stop Market (Medical District): For a quick and complete lunch, the Slice Combo Special at Trolley Stop Market is perfect. For $8.99, you get a pizza slice, a side salad, and a drink.
- Andrew Michael (East Memphis): Here's a true insider tip: Andrew Michael, a fine dining establishment, offers a unique "breakfast-for-dinner" dish at the bar for $11. It features a poached egg, pork belly, polenta, and pork rinds – a rich, gourmet experience at a surprisingly low price.
- Char (University District): For a taste of upscale Southern, Char offers a gumbo bowl with crab, shrimp, and andouille for $7. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that makes for a great budget appetizer or light lunch.
Customization & Convenience: Bowls, Sliders & Quick Bites
For meals tailored to your taste or when you need something quick and easy, these options offer flexibility and flavor.
- Zaka Bowl (East Memphis): Customizable BYO-bowls are a fantastic way to control your meal and your budget. Zaka Bowl offers bowls with various dietary options for around $10, allowing you to build a healthy and satisfying meal exactly to your liking.
- Slider Inn (Midtown): Sliders are inherently budget-friendly, and Slider Inn makes it an experience. You can mix & match three sliders, which come with fries and their bourbon-mayo dipping sauce, all for $10. It’s a fun, shareable, and delicious option.
- Kwik Chek (Overton Square): This convenience store might surprise you with its food offerings. Try their Bi Bim Bop bowl for $10.99 or, for an even cheaper option, the Bi Bim Bap burger for $6.99. It’s an unexpected fusion hit.
- Fuel Café/Food Truck (Midtown): For vegetarian-friendly, on-the-go options, Fuel Café (or their food truck) offers two vegetarian tacos for $7. You can add avocado for $1, still keeping it well within your budget.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites: Unique Finds on a Dime
Sometimes the best cheap eats are found in beloved local spots that might not be on every tourist's radar but are cherished by Memphians.
- Dyer’s Burgers (Beale Street): A historic institution, Dyer’s has been frying its patties in the same grease since 1912. A single cheeseburger is $6, and a combo meal (burger, fries, drink) comes in at $9.50 – a taste of history that's surprisingly affordable.
- Porcellino’s (East Memphis): For a unique breakfast or dessert, Porcellino's offers Dutch baby pancakes for just $5. It's a delightful, fluffy treat that's easy on the wallet.
- Soul Fish (Midtown): Soul Fish is known for its fried catfish, but for a budget-friendly and healthy option, their plate of three fresh vegetables/sides with cornbread for $7.75 is a fantastic choice.
- Lucky Cat (Midtown, pop-up): Keep an eye out for Lucky Cat, a popular pop-up known for its ramen. Half-size ramen bowls are $7, and full-size bowls are $12 – offering rich, comforting flavors at a great price.
- Fino’s (Midtown): Fino’s is an authentic Italian deli with incredible sandwiches. A whole prosciutto cotto sandwich is $8, or get a half for $5.25. These are substantial and delicious.
- Brother Juniper’s (University District): Another breakfast powerhouse, Brother Juniper's offers a black bean breakfast burrito with sides for $8.95. It's a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option.
- Mosa Asian Bistro (East Memphis): For a flavorful appetizer or snack, Mosa Asian Bistro offers Rainbow Wings for $5 (four pieces) or $6.50 (six pieces). They're a perfect flavorful bite without a big commitment.
Your Practical Playbook for Saving More in Memphis
Finding cheap eats under $15 in Memphis isn't just about knowing specific places; it's also about adopting smart strategies. For a broader overview of how to find budget-friendly meals across the city, including more tips on where to look, consider checking out our comprehensive guide on Memphis Eats On A Budget. Here are some actionable tips to ensure you're always getting the best value.
Look for Lunch & Early Bird Specials
Many restaurants, even those that might seem out of your budget for dinner, offer fantastic lunch specials or early bird deals. These often feature smaller portions or a curated menu at a significantly reduced price. Always check their website or call ahead to inquire about daily specials.
- Case Snippet: A fine dining spot might offer a $12 gourmet sandwich at lunch that would be $20+ at dinner. Hog & Hominy's "Golden Hour" pizza is a prime example of leveraging off-peak times for premium food at a discount.
Embrace the "Side Hustle"
Don't underestimate the power of sides. In Memphis, where sides like mac & cheese, collard greens, or baked beans are often made with as much care as the main dishes, ordering a couple can create a delicious and surprisingly filling meal.
- Case Snippet: Soul Fish's three fresh vegetables/sides with cornbread for $7.75 isn't just a side dish; it's a complete, satisfying meal, especially if you're craving something lighter or vegetarian.
Share & Conquer (or Save for Later)
Portions in Memphis can be generous. Consider ordering a larger dish and sharing it with a friend, effectively halving the cost per person. Or, if you're dining alone, ask for a to-go box upfront and plan to save half for another meal.
- Case Snippet: Blue Nile's vegetarian platter for $12 is listed for one, but the abundance of injera and stewed vegetables means it can easily feed two hungry individuals or provide two meals for one.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Budget)
Before you even step out the door, have a firm budget in mind. This will help you filter your choices and avoid impulse overspending. Stick to places known for their value or specific menu items that fit your $15 limit.
Explore Food Trucks & Pop-ups
Memphis has a thriving food truck scene and numerous pop-up events. These mobile kitchens often offer incredibly innovative and delicious food at competitive prices, as their overhead is typically lower than brick-and-mortar establishments. Follow local food blogs or social media accounts to keep up with their schedules and locations.
- Case Snippet: Lucky Cat's ramen pop-ups offer restaurant-quality ramen at prices ($7-$12) that are hard to beat, showcasing the value found in this dynamic dining format.
Quick Answers to Common Memphis Food Budget Questions
Q: Can I really get a full, satisfying meal for under $15 in Memphis?
A: Absolutely. Memphis specializes in delivering incredible value. As shown, you can find everything from hearty BBQ sandwiches and complete breakfast plates to international cuisine and even happy hour gourmet bites, all well within the $15 limit. The key is knowing where to look and leveraging specials.
Q: Are these cheap eats healthy options, or mostly fried food?
A: Memphis offers a diverse range of budget-friendly options, including many healthy choices. While Southern comfort food and fried items are popular, you'll also find fresh options like Maciel's tacos, Blue Nile's vegetarian platter, Zaka Bowl's customizable bowls, Pho Saigon's banh mi, and various fresh salads or side plates at other establishments. It's about making conscious choices from the available menus.
Q: What's the best time to find budget-friendly meals?
A: Lunchtime is often prime for deals, with many restaurants offering special pricing. Happy hours (typically late afternoon/early evening) are also excellent for discounted appetizers and smaller plates that can act as a meal. Don't forget breakfast deals, which are abundant in Memphis.
Q: How can I find new under-$15 spots beyond this list?
A: Follow local Memphis food bloggers, check restaurant review sites (filtering by price), and ask locals for their favorite hidden gems. Don't be afraid to venture into different neighborhoods; often, the best local values are found outside the main tourist areas.
Q: Are these places mostly cash-only?
A: While some smaller, traditional spots might be cash-preferred (like Payne's, though they now often take cards), most of the places listed accept major credit cards. It's always a good idea to carry a little cash, just in case, but you generally won't be limited.
Your Next Memphis Meal, Under $15
Memphis is a city that loves to eat, and thankfully, it's also a city that loves to feed you well without demanding a fortune. From the smoky goodness of a chopped pork sandwich to the vibrant flavors of Ethiopian stews or the comforting warmth of a ramen bowl, the options for cheap eats under $15 are abundant and truly delicious. So go ahead, explore, savor, and experience the incredible culinary heart of Memphis—one budget-friendly, satisfying meal at a time. Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you.