Raleigh, N.C. — Savoring Raleigh's restaurant scene is a little easier on the wallet this week. At least 30 downtown restaurants are serving three course meals at set prices from $20 to $30, as part of Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week.

At Poole's Diner, 426 South McDowell St., the delectable delights and the fixed prices have been attracting quite a dinner rush.

“Last night we broke our record for any Wednesday since we opened,” owner and chef Ashley Christensen said.

In this down economy, restaurant week is designed to get people to indulge their palate and not break their budget.

“I looked online and saw that it was Restaurant Week and it was my birthday,” said Debbie Speas, of north Raleigh. “I can have my birthday all week.”

Rick Lord and his wife, Nikki, decided to get together with some friends for dinner. Restaurant Week made it a little easier to select a location.

“Nikki and I both like to support local merchants, local businesses, because I think that’s important to making the downtown more of a vibrant location,” Lord said.

Ian Willis, manager of 518 West on West Jones Street, said the fixed menu price is a “great way to get people in the door and say thank you for your business.”

Restaurant Week runs through Sunday.