By Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell
When our kids were younger, we rarely went out to eat. We would prepare and cook food at home for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, as the kids grew older and they got involved in more and more activities requiring parents to drive, attend, or organize, time for grocery shopping and cooking every meal disappeared. As a result, dining out several days a week has become a reality.
My wife and I are both teachers, so money is an object. We have spent the last few years looking for weekly restaurant specials and have found a few in the Midtown area that work for both kids and the adults. While I know this is nowhere near a complete list, check out what we have found in regards to low cost dining at local eateries.
Little Italy has been a solid go-to for our family for at least three years. The owners are fantastic, and the staff is way past nice. While all of their food is very reasonably priced, on Mondays and Tuesdays a large one topping New York style pizza can be had for $12 or a cheese pizza for only $10! The large pizza along with a couple of their incredible sides, such as garlic knots and spinach, make for an affordable family dinner. As a bonus, you can bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy with no corking fee. No wine? No problem. Little Italy is located next to Kimbrough Liquors on Union Avenue. Great food, wonderful service in a relaxed, friendly, family-owned local eatery. Who can ask for more?
For years, our family has hit $1 Taco Night on Tuesdays at our Midtown El Mezcal across the street from Little Italy. While there are a number of El Mezcals around the city, we have bonded with the staff of the Union Avenue location. The only requirement for $1 beef or chicken tacos is that you buy a drink—a reasonably priced soda, tea, beer, margarita, or any other beverage. Service is quick and efficient as well as very attentive. You can usually choose your preferred table, and even if you are not in the mood for $1 tacos, the rest of the menu pleasantly priced and plenty tasty.
Cooper-Young’s Celtic Crossing’s BOGO Fish and Chips is another go to on Tuesdays. The cod is delicious and served in a traditional manner with chips (read: French fries). Plus, you can choose to dine in or on the patio. Monday through Friday, you can get half price appetizers from 2-7 p.m. Daily drink specials are also available for the adults.
Our family recently discovered Sushi Wednesdays at Kroger. When the new Kroger opened on Union Avenue, our family was thrilled. Having a grocery store within walking distance means nearly daily trips for fresh veggies and fruit, which exposed us to Kroger specials. While sushi has always been a family favorite, dining out on sushi can quickly put a dent in the pocketbook. With freshly made $5 multiple sushi selections available every Wednesday at Kroger’s around the corner, we have been living large. Combine this with Waffle Cones for less than $2 on Waffle Cone Wednesdays at the TCBY across the street and you have dinner and dessert on the cheap.
As you probably already know, the Memphis Pizza Cafe has had early bird specials for decades. The flagship café in Overton Square is still serving up its unique pies and providing a happy dining haven for families and friends to gather. Since my now teenagers were babies, we have been enjoying the Midtown Memphis Pizza Cafe’s happy hour discount on pizzas and adult beverages from 4-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Throughout the years, the Memphis Pizza Café has kept the Midtown vibe alive in Overton Square.
Of course, over time specials change, but as for now I invite you to discover these Midtown affordable dining options. That said, I am sure I missed any number of other Midtown nicely priced eats. If you know of some, please tell me what your family has found.
Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell has been an educator and freelance writer for over 20 years. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact him at: djacksonmaxwell@gmail.com
