Didn’t your mom tell you to never bite off more than you can chew? While that saying may have totally different implications, it’s something to consider when going out to eat and drink this month. Right now, we’re keeping our waists trim for summer poolside days and our wallets as thick as possible. Luckily, some of the best restaurants in town support our efforts to stay fit—and also to prevent us from going broke—with some incredibly generous offerings. We love the small plates—and their cocktail specials.
—Stacie Standifer
Mortons, The Steakhouse
Every day, Morton’s offers up their signature prime mini-burgers, steak sandwiches and even lettuce wedges for only $5 during happy hour. You can eat like a king, sit in one of the best bars in town and leave with money to tip their friendly valets and then some! mortons.com, 618 Church St., (615) 259-4558.
East or West
Whether you live in East Nashville or Sylvan Park, you likely love the scrumptious food at both Eastland Cafe and Park Cafe. At Eastland, nosh on stone-baked pizza or the popular fried spring rolls for only $5. At Park Cafe, indulge in their unforgettable pot stickers or pulled-pork sliders for the same amount. These specials start early and seats fill up quickly, as the chef has a following—so leave work early no matter where you live to take advantage of their list of more than 10 tasting-sized plates offered weekdays. Eastland Cafe—eastlandcafe.com, 97 Chapel Ave., (615) 627-1088. Park Cafe—parkcafenashville.com, 4403 Murphy Rd., (615) 383-4829.
Flyte
Urbanites rejoice! You can afford one of those expensive high-rise condos and eat well at the same time. Whether you choose to gobble up the sweet potato fries ($7) or the black bean burger ($8), you’ll leave with a smile. Flyte features a the $3.60 cocktail made with organic vodka. Catch a buzz and fill your stomach without breaking a $20. The perfect stop after a stressful day! flytenashville.com, 718 Division St., (615) 255-6200.
Giovanni
We know what you’re thinking. But this NYC-meets-Nashville fine-dining Italian eatery now offers lower prices on bar fare and happy hour specials—amazing pizza creations at a price that will leave you with more than enough to buy sunscreen for the pool the next day. If you want an upscale experience on the cheap—come early and enjoy! giovannirestaurantnyc.com, 909 20th Ave. S., 615-760-5932.
Allium
Allium offers up a number of tapas from Tuesday-Friday, with everything priced at $5. Soak up their wine and cocktail specials with their house-made potato chips or gnocchi. If you’re planning on a night alone, opt for the goat cheese and red onion tart for the same price. Dining on the cheap with an over-the-top view of the city. Fantastic! alliumnashville.com, 501 Main St., (615) 242-3522.
Miro District
This French bistro on the main level of the Adelicia highrise is a gourmand’s paradise. We really like their entirely new bar menu—small, sample-sized plates of oysters, Jonah crab claws and more—are big on taste and small on price. An open-air patio draws young professionals interested in fueling up for a night out and then again late night. The friendly bartenders can always lead you in the right direction. mirodistrictnashville.com, 1922 Adelicia St., (615) 320-1119.
Mirror
12South residents are trying to keep this place a secret, but to no avail. We’ve discovered Mirror not only has an ample menu of well-priced items (try the salmon tartar for $7), but their drinks and service are all you’d expect from a friendly neighborhood eatery. This is a must-visit stop for eating well without spending too much. Order several dishes to share, enjoy a signature cocktail and still leave with money in your pocket! eatdrinkreflect.com, 2317 12th Ave. S., (615) 383-8330.