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.
