It seems that fast food restaurants are not the only places offering inexpensive meals for anyone trying to save some money. Because Knoxville is a University town, it is simple to think that most places are going to have some specials to help out the students at UT.

Right off the strip, on 17th Street, McDougal’s Chicken sells inexpensive chicken strip baskets that come with a drink and free ice cream. McDougal’s recently opened. Its goal is to provide inexpensive food in college towns.

Next door to McDougal's, students can find Niro's Gyros.

“When Niro’s was first opened, we hoped to have a lot of students coming back and forth from the campus.”
Niro's employee, Ronnie MillsThis authentic Greek-style restaurant opened with hopes of gaining customers from UT. Niro’s offers Chicago-style sandwiches and Greek eatery.

“Our most popular item on the menu is the Gyros, followed by the chicken or steak Phillies,” Ronnie Mills, a Niro’s Gyros employee said. “When Niro’s was first opened we hoped to have a lot of students coming back and forth from the campus.”

Downtown, there are plenty of options for inexpensive dining.

Beginning in Old City, DaVinci’s Pizzeria and Calzones offers a different Italian special every day of the week.

Popular Mexican restaurant, Soccer Taco, offers authentic Mexican food at a price anyone can afford.

Former UT student, Dana Pare said about Soccer Taco, “With being a college student, one is often on a limited budget, yet Soccer Taco allows you to go out and not break the bank! The margaritas are great! This is probably one of the best places to meet up in Knoxville and hang out with friends and avoid the strip.”

Highlights of some downtown area specials, by the day:

• Sunday: Wasabi offers an entire entree from $5.95 to $9.95 on their lunch menu.
• Monday: Niro’s Gyros offers any gyro for $4.99 plus a 20 ounce drink.
• Tuesday: Cafe 4, located on Market Square, has wine and cheese night, with half price wine bottles and $10 cheese plates.
• Wednesday: $5 burger night at the Copper Cellar on Kingston Pike.
• Thursday: DaVinci’s Pizzeria has $1 slices of pizza.
• Friday: BAR Knoxville, on Cumberland Avenue, offers $5 liquor pitchers and $2 longnecks.
• Saturday: $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon tall boys at Hanna’s Cafe located on Cumberland Avenue, near 20th Street.