05.23.2023

Today’s Forecast

94º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:39 a.m. | Sunset 7:56 p.m.

When you forget to pack your lunch...

Where to find lunch for $12 or less in Raleigh

A plate of chicken, tostones, and rice + beans from Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken.

Don’t skip the yellow and green sauces at Alpaca. | Photo by RALtoday

Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Raleigh. Check out this list of 24 places where a lunch for one costs $12 or less.

We know cravings are key when it comes to a midday meal, so we’ve broken up these spots into their respective groups. Think fast + casual and vegetarian options.

Fast and casual

Square Burger, 225 E. Martin St., Raleigh | Teddy’s Square Deal Meal includes a burger, fries, and a drink for $10.

The Pizza Times, 210 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | Enjoy a one-topping slice, salad, and drink meal for just $8.

The Roast Grill, 7 S. West St., Raleigh | A classic hot dog is $1.45 at this cash-only hole-in-the-wall; add a $2 homemade Greek baklava to your tab. Pro tip: Don’t even think about asking for ketchup.

A burger, fries, and drink. — Order Teddy’s Square Deal Meal to satisfy your lunch cravings.
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Photo by Square Burger

Sandwiches and wraps

Berkeley Cafe, 217 W. Martin St., Raleigh | Try the turkey applejack sandwich with chips for $9.50 or the vegetarian super sprout sandwich for $8.50.

Manhattan Cafe, 320 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | From $9 club sandwiches to $8 Thai chicken wraps, this spot serves tasty downtown bites for under $10.

Mitch’s Tavern, 2426 Hillsborough St., Raleigh | Order a sandwich with a side for less than $10. Think: The London broil sandwich with chips and a dill pickle.

A sprout sandwich with chips. — Try the vegetarian super sprout sandwich.
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Photo by Berkeley Cafe

Vegan and vegetarian

Dose Elixir Bar, 415 N. Harrington St., Raleigh | Add a scoop of $1.50 plant protein to an already nutritious $8.75 smoothie or enjoy a packed smoothie bowl for $11.50.

Gringo A Go Go, 100 N. Person St., Raleigh | Enjoy $4.25 vegetarian empanadas or $3.50 tacos; this spot has plenty of vegan filling choices.

Jasmin & Olivz, multiple Raleigh locations | Build your own platter, bowl, or pita pocket for under $10.

15 more cheap eats

Asked

When it comes to lunchtime, which option do you prefer: eating at home/work or eating out?

A. I prefer eating at home/work.
B. I prefer eating out.
C. A mix of both.
D. It depends on my mood.

Where are you eating?

Events

Tuesday, May 23

NC Blooms - Wine and Floral Class | Tuesday, May 23 | 7:15-8:45 p.m. | The Wine Feed, 602 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $80 | Sip on NC wines while you make a lush bouquet to take home.

Wednesday, May 24

Discover Downtown Sustainability Biking Tour | Wednesday, May 24 | 4-6 p.m. | Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh | Free | Join this bike tour to learn about some of downtown’s most sustainable buildings.
Live Music Lounge | Wednesday, May 24 | 7-10 p.m. | Whitaker & Atlantic, 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd., Raleigh | Free | Enjoy this New Orleans speakeasy-inspired lounge filled with jazz, blues, and soulful melodies, along with snacks and innovative cocktails.

Thursday, May 25

The Raleigh Pancakes & Booze Art Show | Thursday, May 25 | 7 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh | $10-$20 | Enjoy pancakes and view works from some of the nation’s leading emerging artists.
Movies in the Garden: “Transformers” | Thursday, May 25 | Raleigh Little Theater, 301 Pogue St., Raleigh | Free | Watch this action-packed film on the lawn and grab a snack or brew from food trucks Chick-N-Que, JAM Soft Serve Ice Cream, and Raleigh Brewing Company.

Friday, May 26

Carolina Fear Fest | Friday, May 26, Sunday, May 28, Monday, May 29 | Times vary | NC State Fairgrounds, Jim Graham Building, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh | $35-$125 | Celebrate all things horror with celebrity guests, shopping, and unique entertainment.
Dinner Party | Friday, May 26 | 7-9 p.m. | The Optimist, 1000 Brookside Dr., Raleigh | $75 | Sit down on the coffee shop’s tranquil patio to enjoy a four-course Asian-fusion meal.

100+ events around Raleigh

Click here to have your event featured.

Giveaway

Enter to win our Stock Up and Shop Giveaway

Park West Village in Morrisville is located ~30 minutes from downtown Raleigh. | Image by 6AM City

Giveaway: Ready to stock up and shop? We’ve teamed up with Park West Village to give one lucky Raleighite $200 worth of Park West Village eats, drinks, and experiences, including:

$100 Trader Joe’s gift card (we’ve got our eye on the new Buttermilk Ranch Dressing)
$50 to Red Hot & Blue BBQ restaurant (we recommend starting with the Caramelized Burnt Ends)
$50 to B&B Theatres (we see a Friday night family flick in your future)

Head over to our Instagram (@RALtoday) to enter now through Thursday, June 1 at midnight. We’ll announce the winner here in our newsletter on Monday, June 5.*

Enter to win

News Notes

Community

Celebrate survivors, family members, and responders affected by cardiac arrest at Wake County’s Code: Celebrate! event tonight, May 23. There will be an EMS open house, entertainment, and survivor stories at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

Festival

Animazement — a Japanese animation and culture convention — is this Friday, May, 26-Sunday, May 28 at the Raleigh Convention Center. Browse the Artists Alley, enjoy concerts + karaoke, and hear from a unique panelist lineup. Get tickets for $70.

Sports

As of yesterday afternoon, the Florida Panthers were leading the NHL Conference Finals series against the Canes, 2-0. Click here for last night’s Game 3 outcome.
The Carolina Mudcats homestand begins today, May 23 at Five County Stadium in Zebulon. The six-game series against the Down East Wood Ducks features promotional nights like Starry Taco Tuesday, Micro Brews Thirsty Thursday, and Bark in the Park. Grab tickets to a ballgame.

Cause

Registration is open to volunteer for the Special Olympics NC Summer Games happening Friday, June 2 to Sunday, June 4. Athletes will compete at venues in Raleigh, Cary, and Holly Springs. Volunteer opportunities include positions like announcer, athlete escort, and competition assistant.

Theater

Theatre Raleigh launched a new concert series called TR in Concert featuring Tony Award winners and Broadway stars. Two-time Tony Award-winner Norbert Leo Butz will kick off the first performance on Friday, June 23. View the lineup.

Biz

Quail Ridge Books + Shop Local Raleigh are hosting a monthlong scavenger hunt from Saturday, July 1 through Monday, July 31 to find Waldo across the city. Participating small businesses will donate a prize valued at $25+ and display a small Waldo cutout for guests to find. Want your business to participate? Sign up.

Featured Job

Attention teachers: Trinity Academy is hiring full-time Lower (TK-6) and Upper (7-12) school Latin Teachers to join their growing faculty. Bonus: They’re hiring various other teaching positions, too. Learn more + apply.*

Wellness

Did you know The NOW Massage’s Gliding Cupping enhancement increases circulation, reduces tension + decreases pain? See how it works — and add the enhancement at your next massage.*

Active

Contemplating an e-bike purchase? Upway — the No. 1 certified e-bike provider — sells top-quality electric bikes up to 60% cheaper than retail. Shop top e-bike brands in new or like-new condition. Bonus: Your bike will ship right to your door, so you can immediately experience the sheer joy of effortless travel.*

Environment

🐦 Cut the lights

Lights Out for bird migration

Help feed Raleigh’s birds. | Photo by RALtoday

As billions of birds migrate south over cityscapes at night, they can become disoriented by artificial lights, causing them to collide with buildings or windows. Lights Out is a national initiative which helps provide a safe passage for nighttime migrants.

The City of Raleigh participates in the program twice a year in an effort to protect migrating birds. Now through Wednesday, May 31, all non-essential lighting in city facilities will be turned off between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Bonus: This also reduces energy consumption.

Good news — you can help, too:

Turn off the lights outside of your home when not in use.
Close blinds and curtains at home and at your office.
Ask your employer to turn out exterior upward-facing lights, as well as interior office lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The Wrap

Cat George in a black turtleneck sweater

Today’s edition by:
Cat

From the editor

Boulted Bread’s new, larger bakery is now open at 328 Dupont Cir. near Rebus Works. I stopped by last weekend for an everything croissant, morning bun, and a fresh baguette to serve with dinner. Folks were lined out the door and cinnamon scents wafted through the air while we waited.

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