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

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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

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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

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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

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