Plus, Capital Pizza Box, tropical storm + Lustron home.
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78º | 40% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:27 a.m. | Sunset 8:13 p.m.

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City Guide

🍴 Lunch on a budget

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 25+ places where a lunch for one costs $12 or less.

Fast and casual

La Santa | Score Mexican food with this eatery’s $10 lunch menu, including enchiladas, huevos rancheros, and filling nachos.

Mustang House | This Himalayan restaurant is a fave for its central location and vibrant flavors.

North Carolina General Assembly Cafeteria | Not to get political — but folks swear by this cafeteria even if they’re not affiliated with local politics. Located in the basement of the General Assembly, expect down-home eats at great prices.

Sandwiches and wraps

Raleigh Cheesy | We’re eyeing the Bradley made with ham, Gruyere, and red currant jelly found on this charcuterie shop’s boards.

Side Street Restaurant | Offering hearty salads, light bites, and much more, this spot’s menu is almost completely under budget and offers a wide variety of veggie options.

City Guides are presented by Coastal Credit Union.
More budget eats

Asked

Eating lunch in your car — yay or nay?

A. Yes, it’s my personal escape
B. No, anywhere else
C. Sometimes, if it’s convenient
We want to know

Events

Thursday, Aug. 7

Dino Dig Live | 12-12:30 p.m. | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | Free | NCMNS’s team of paleontologists will call in from their expedition across the American West from a dinosaur quarry.

Jazz in the Square | 8 p.m. | Moore Square | Free | Jam to local jazz by Moon Unit with members of Instant Alter.

Friday, Aug. 8

Dierks Bentley | 7 p.m. | Walnut Creek Amphitheatre | $50+ | Rock out to “What Was I Thinkin’” and “Somewhere on a Beach” live.

Saturday, Aug. 9

The True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show | 6-8:30 p.m. | Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Crabtree | $100 | There’s been a murder — figure out whodunnit with a tasty meal.

North Carolina FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies | 7:30 p.m. | WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary | $15+ | Cheer on NCFC as they take the pitch against the Rowdies.

Sunday, Aug. 10

Raleigh Underground Market | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | North Hills, Midtown Park | Free | Shop from unique vendors, jam out to local music, and grab drinks and food with your friends and family.
See our full events calendar
Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Open

Oakwood Pizza Box’s new takeout-only location in the former Capital Creations storefront on Wake Forest Boulevard is now open. Capital Pizza Box is serving up the same famed New York-style pizza. Plus, owner Anthony Guerra is introducing profit-sharing to give his employees a slice of the pie.

Weather

A storm is brewing off the coast of NC as we approach peak hurricane season. Later this week and into the weekend, it could become a tropical depression. It might not become a hurricane, but it’s always best to stay prepared this time of year. (ABC 11)

Coming Soon

Calling all vintage lovers. Raleigh Iron Works is welcoming Fall Back Vintage to the former Curated Events storefront. You might remember Fall Back Vintage from their market earlier this year, and you can expect the same variety of vintage clothes, jewelry, accessories, and furniture when the store opens this fall.

Try This

On belay! Left Hook is joining forces with Triangle Rock Club for another fundraiser, and this time, it’s an evening climbing session this Sunday, Aug. 10. Tickets are $15, and you’ll have the chance to climb after hours and get a Sleepy Boy Latte, made with decaf cold brew, oat milk, and brown sugar vanilla syrup.

Plan Ahead

Registration is now open for the 2025 Engage Raleigh Expo happening Saturday, Sept. 13 at the McKimmon Center. This year’s theme is “One Community, Many Generations,” and you’ll learn about multigenerational engagement, participate in workshops, network with other locals, and much more.

Community

In case you didn’t know, it’s NC law to use your headlights while your windshield wipers are on. Keep this in mind while we’re still facing rainy weather — and peek at our rainy day activities to get out of the house safely during a downpour.

Real Estate

Preservation North Carolina is trying to find a buyer for an iconic Lustron house in Chapel Hill by Aug. 31, or the home faces demolition. Lustron homes are retro-futuristic, prefab homes, and approx. 1,500 exist in the US today. Are you the next owner of this modernist home? (via INDY Week)

Giveaway

You still have time to enter our End-of-Summer Staycation Giveaway in partnership with North Hills, featuring a $750 prize packed with dinner, shopping, and a stylish overnight stay. Head to our Instagram to enter before Tuesday, Aug. 12 at noon.*

Shop

15% off every Wednesday? We’re in. Learn about this Senior discount and many more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*

Number

56,000+. That’s how many potential candidates are looking at this right now. Post your job listing for free on RALtoday Job Board, then promote your role right here for premium visibility.

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The Buy

A great maxi wrap dress that can see you through the transition from summer into fall. Choose your favorite print or floral and enjoy the airy, comfortable feel and flattering ruffle hem.
More worth The Buy

Games

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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

From Allie

While grabbing some Jasmin & Olivz near Meredith, I spotted a new acai bowl biz coming to the former Ben & Jerry’s location. Purple Spoon will serve juices, spreads, and acai bowls packed with good-for-you ingredients, and it should be opening soon.
RAL_PurpleSpoon_AUG2025

Photo by RALtoday

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