The food scene in Nashville continues to explode, with both locals and tourists embracing Music City as one of the premier places to enjoy a wide variety of foods and cuisines. While Nashville has unfortunately seen several restaurants close, in large part due to the challenges restaurants faced because of the pandemic, there are still plenty of new places popping up all over town. Keep reading to find five of the (very) affordable new restaurants we cannot wait to try for ourselves.

1. Flatiron

Located at 1929 Broadway in the heart of Midtown, Flatiron offers surprisingly affordable food, including an array of salads, like their Crispy Tofu Salad or Steak Salad, as well as burgers (including one made with tuna, miso, cilantro and mint), and entrees that include steak, pork, salmon and more. Flatiron also offers a weekend brunch menu, which features a boozy Strawberry Lemonade. Flatiron’s happy hour offers food and drinks for just $5, including a varying cocktail, plus wine, beer and tempting snacks like Roasted Shishitos and Falafel Bites.

2. Blanco Cocina + Cantina

Nashville might have plenty of Mexican restaurants, but none quite like this. Blanco Cocina + Cantina, located at 530 Broadway in downtown Nashville, puts their own spin on Mexican food, with unique dishes like Red Chile Chicken tacos and Short Rib Machaca Chimichangas. The cheese enchilada plate, with guacamole and beans, is only $12. Or splurge a little for the Tiger Shrimp Fajitas for $20. But save room for the Mexican Chocolate Tiramisu.

Bonus: Join their eBites Club and receive $10 off your first online order of $20 or more.

3. Shep’s Delicatessen

One thing Nashville didn’t have a lot of was a Jewish deli, until now. Shep’s Delicatessen, found at 1000 Main Street, in the trendy Five Points section of East Nashville, has all of the favorites found at New York City delis, but without having to get on a plane. Shep’s menu includes an all-day breakfast, with a variety of homemade bagels, blintzes, and a California Omelet, with avocado and pico, for only $10. Their lunch menu features Matzo Ball Soup, an Open-Faced Reuben, or Crispy Chicken Schnitzel for just $9.50. Don’t miss the Bagel Happy Hour, where bagels are just $1, from 1:30 to 2:30. Note: Shep’s is only open for breakfast and lunch.

4. Zeppelin Nashville

Zeppelin Nashville is a rooftop bar located at 503 Third Avenue North, in the Capitol District, and the views alone are worth a visit. But while you’re there, enjoy some of their reasonably-priced items, like Sticky Ribs for $19, or a Patty Melt for just $15. Their homemade soft serve ice cream comes with either grapefruit, meringue and campari, or praline, caramel and chocolate, all for just $7.

5. Jasper’s

Jasper’s is owned by renowned Nashville chef, Deb Paquette, with the restaurant named after Paguette’s Jack Russell Terrier. While many know Paquette for her pricier Etch restaurant, Jasper’s has all of the food Paquette is known for, without making much of a dent in your bank account. Try the Shrimp & Goodies, described as “chilled shrimp. greens, whipped amarillo potatoes, avocado, carrots, capers, cilantro & red onions tossed in ceviche sauce,” for just $15, or the Catfish Tostadas for only $14. Happy Hour occurs Monday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and features $6 snacks, like Caulipoppers and Sweet Potato BBQ Fries, and $4 draft beers, $5 wines and $6 craft cocktails. Bonus: Jasper’s also has a market so you can pick up lunch or dinner (or both) for the next day.