Day 5 of Cheap Eats: Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro

After four days of finding meals that won’t break the bank, WRAL reporter Kim Dean spent her final day at restaurants in Raleigh, Durham and Carrboro.

Her assignment: find a dinner-sized entree, with a drink and tax, for less than $10 – no fast food allowed.

Dean’s first stop was Poppyseed Market in Raleigh. Open just two years, chef and owner Julia McGovern says customers keep coming back for her homemade specialties and her reasonable prices.

“(They come back for) the local flavor, too. We try to remember people’s names when they come in and make them feel very at home and welcome. I think that has a big impact,” McGovern said.

Most of the menu items are less than $10, but patrons can splurge with a glass or bottle of wine.

Dean, however, stuck to her budget and ordered the homemade "loaded down with love" meat lasagna and salad with berries and sunflower seeds. With a drink and tax, the meal was $9.68.

Next up was the Original Q Shack in Durham. There, Dean ordered pulled pork, two sides and a drink. With tax, it came to $9.93.

With room for one final meal, Dean headed to Carrburritos in Carrboro for, you guessed it, burritos. With the rise in fuel and food prices, the restaurant recently had to raise prices. Owner Gail Fairbanks says the food is still affordable, though.

“You can come here and get out of here for $5 bucks,” she said.

Dean splurged and got their famous pulled pork burrito. Fairbanks said she makes it a point to pick the freshest produce and ingredients.

“We like to think it's part of our philosophy – good food for a reasonable amount of money.”

Dean’s burrito with homemade chips, salsa and soda came to $9.33.

“I shouldn’t talk with my mouth full, but this good,” she said.