best places to eat in murfreesboro | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

11 Budget-Friendly Restaurants Near Middle Tennessee University's Campus

McCallie Dining Hall gets old real fast, so here are my favorite places around town.

714
11 Budget-Friendly Restaurants Near Middle Tennessee University's Campus
Caryn Tramel

In This Article:

The past two semesters I had multiple friends living on-campus tell me that they weren't happy with the options for food on-campus. MTSU doesn't offer great options and the restaurants get old real fast. There aren't many vegetarian or gluten-free options and every time I've gone to McCallie Dining Hall, it's been the same options. So here are my go-to places to eat off-campus, veggie options included.

1. La Esquina - Middle Tennessee Boulevard

La Esquina is on the corner of East Main and Middle Tennessee Boulevard, so it's super close to campus. They have great tacos for $2. It's not just chicken or beef either, they have tons of options depending on how adventurous you are with food. But beware of the sign on the door, and don't buy beer there.

Facebook: La Esquina Market

2. Cook Out - South Rutherford Boulevard and Memorial Boulevard

This is a great place for a late night study break or just to hang out with friends. Cookout on Memorial closes at 3 am and Cookout on South Rutherford closes at 4 am. You can get a Cookout Tray with a drink for $6. If you drink Cheerwine, try mixing it with Coke for a new twist on a favorite drink.

Website: Cook Out

3. Cup Pop - Middle Tennessee Boulevard

Cup Pop serves Korean barbecue and ice cream. It's located behind Smoothie King on Middle Tennessee, so it's a hidden gem. Their bowls are between $8 and $10 depending on what you get. I like the Spicy Bulgogi, but don't worry if you don't like spice. They have other options and you can tell them the level of spice you want.

Facebook: Cup Pop

4. Pita Pit - South Rutherford Boulevard

I love Pita Pit so much. In high school, I would go here two or three times a week. They have breakfast, lunch, and veggie options, so there is something for everyone. You can forgo the pita, too. I usually get a Gyro or Awakin with Bacon with a drink for $8. They have an app to order, but there is a minimum order to deliver. It's still great to have the option to order and then pick up when you get out of class. They offer a student discount and have a rewards program.

Website: Pita Pit

Blue Raider Food: Order Online

5. Freebirds World Burrito - Medical Center Parkway

Freebirds is my new favorite place. They have giant burritos and quesadillas for $7. You customize your whole order from the type of tortilla to extras like guacamole. If you want more rice, just ask. You can also order bowls without the tortilla. I have never left hungry. It does get really busy at lunch, so I recommend ordering with their app and picking up your order. They offer a student discount and have a rewards program.

Website: Freebirds World Burrito

Facebook: Freebirds Murfreesboro

Blue Raider Food: Order Online

6. Newk's Eatery - The Avenue

I don't go here a lot, but it's my go-to if I'm spending the day at The Avenue. It's great food for a hot day. I like their club sandwiches and the strawberry cake is delicious. They have some food pre-wrapped, so you can just pop in for something simple. They have an app if you want to order ahead instead.

Website: Newk's Eatery

7. Zoës Kitchen - Medical Center Boulevard

I grew up on Zoës and will continue to eat here until it closes or I die. The whole place is so light and refreshing to me. They serve Mediterranean food. I love pairing the chicken orzo soup and the turkey stack. If you pair a sandwich with a salad or soup, it's $10. They have an app to order from and a rewards program.

Website: Zoës Kitchen

8. CoreLife Eatery - Medical Center Boulevard

CoreLife opened recently and all my friends love it. It has a similar atmosphere to Zoës, but CoreLife is completely different from any place you are going to go. They have fresh selections of all food, and fresh juices and teas every day. I recommend getting a small bowl. Don't worry, they really pack the bowl with food. I got the Southwest Grilled Chicken for $10. They also offer fitness and nutrition classes. If you interested, follow your location on social media for updates. They have an app and a rewards program.

Website: Corelife Eatery

Facebook: CoreLife Murfreesboro

Blue Raider Food: Order Online

9. Bar Louie - The Avenue

On Tuesdays 5 pm to close, Bar Louie offers burgers starting at $1 with the purchase of a drink. You can customize the burger with toppings for $0.50 to $0.75. This is a great way to hang out with friends away from the stress of school. Their tots are amazing.

Website: Bar Louie

10. Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant - North Church Street

Puckett's is a southern restaurant through and through. I still love it though, because I can eat, and then go next door to Hattie Jane's for dessert. They have live shows on the weekends and students get a discount. They are also paired with UberEats to deliver food. I get a classic burger with their skillet mac n' cheese for $12. I still think it's worth it because you can see a show at Puckett's or see a show at Center for the Arts on the corner.

Website: Puckett's

Facebook: Puckett's Murfreesboro

11. Nacho's - South Rutherford Boulevard

This is an awesome local family business. The fajitas are so good. They don't hold back on the meat in the fajitas like some other places. If you go for lunch, the fajitas are $9 with the same portions as dinner. They also offer a student discount and they have coupons on their website.

Website: Nacho's

Blue Raider Food: Order Online

There are many more great restaurants in the Boro and there are more opening around Medical Center. When the fall semester rolls around, venture out from campus and see what this town offers besides McCallie and Happy Tomato.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

6740
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

3134
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

2307
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2169
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments