Budget Friendly Restaurants in Jackson, Tennessee

Jackson, Tennessee is a busy small town with many of the conveniences of bigger cities, including a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and delis. With the current economy, daily business lunches and family dinner nights out can be hard on the budget. These are some of my favorite restaurants in Jackson, Tennessee with delicious food for low prices.

Chango Loco is the best budget lunch for Mexican lovers. This Jackson restaurant offers a Mexican buffet for around $5. A variety of seasoned meats, like ground beef taco filling and pulled chicken, are offered with chips, cheeses and peppers for a make your own taco bar. Also included in the value Mexican buffet are burritos, enchiladas, salad options and a few desserts like fried plantains and sopapillas. Chango Loco is located off the Highway 45 Bypass near the Casey Jones Village. Call ahead to see what is included on the Mexican buffet at 731-664-4088.

The Baker's Rack offers a double budget buster for business lunches or family dinners. First, the low priced menu offers salads, sandwiches and specials in a homey environment. The daily specials include a home-cooked hot plate or a daily quiche special for less than $10. Hit up this cheap Jackson restaurant after the spaghetti or lasagna day and you can take home leftovers for around $3 a container, which are large enough to easily serve two meals. While you're there treat yourself to one of their signature desserts, like the strawberry bites that sell for less than $1. The Baker's Rack is located in downtown Jackson at 205 E. Lafayette Street.

Chinese restaurants have always had a reputation as a budget friendly food service, but Dragon 2000 at 955 North Parkway in Jackson, Tennessee is going even further in food savings. Saturday and Sunday lunch specials are $3.99 and include a set menu of 10 classic Chinese dishes. Sweet and sour chicken, chicken lo mein, beef with broccoli and chicken with vegetables are all included with rice for that low price. The portions are substantial and may even serve two meals for lighter eaters. Buy a few weekend specials to save for later in the week.

The Thai Cafe, at 605 Carriage House Drive in Jackson, Tennessee, is another budget friendly restaurant. This Jackson restaurant is a hidden gem even locals are still discovering. The family owned restaurant stays true to its authentic Thai roots with delicious lunches and dinners. The authentic Thai and Asian spices and food combinations are more than moderately priced, usually less than $10 an entree, and served in huge portions. Except for those with the biggest appetites, the Thai Cafe will probably have to send you home with leftovers. For take-out orders call ahead at 731-984-7050 as the food is made individually to order and can take a few minutes to prepare.