Cheap Eats in Western Wake

Written by David McCreary

You don't have to be hyper cost-conscious to realize that eating out has become an expensive proposition. Nowadays it's hard to get a quality meal that won't set you back well into double-digits. With this in mind, the crackerjack team at Cary Magazine decided to scope out various local eateries — both on and off the proverbial beaten path — to find the tastiest rations for the lowest price.

The following are tasty yet thrifty options for dining on a budget. Everything included here goes for $7.99 or less.

Bargain Meal: Shepherd's Pie
Bargain Price: $7.95 lunch or dinner
Destination: Connolly's Irish Pub & Restaurant
1979 High House Road
Cary
(919) 465-4458

As Connolly's owner Dave Molee said about his eatery's shepherd's pie: "This is a stick-to-your-ribs dish." He's not kidding. Filled with ground beef, celery, carrots, onions, peas and mashed potatoes, this top-selling Irish classic should satisfy the most famished appetite. Ask for grated cheese on top for good measure.

Bargain Meal: House Calzone
Bargain Price: $7.75 lunch or dinner
Destination: Homegrown Pizza
4928 Linksland Drive
Holly Springs
(919) 577-5575

Really hungry? Make a run at a massive calzone filled with — get this — spinach, pine nuts, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers and feta, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Served with smoked tomato sauce, this oft-requested specialty is not intended for the carb counter or lightweight eater. Just be patient, as this substantial item takes a while to cook.

Bargain Meal: Individual Specialty Pizza
Bargain Price: $6.99
Destination: The Loop Pizza Grill
1207 Kildaire Farm Road
Kildaire Plaza
Cary
(919) 657-0330
2734 Highway 55
West Park Place
Cary
(919) 387-8002

Whether you opt for artichoke and smoked bacon or spicy cilantro chicken, any of the 10 varieties of eight-inch thin-crust specialty pies is sure to hit the mark. And since nearly half the offerings are vegetarian (including the superb ricotta- and spinach-based pizza bianco), there's definitely something for everyone.

Bargain Meal: Sliced Beef Brisket (regular size)
Bargain Price: $7.50 lunch
Destination: Smokey's BBQ Shack
10800 Chapel Hill Road
Morrisville
(919) 469-1724

The good ol' boys formerly known as Rub's have reincarnated themselves and are back serving some of the best smoked grub around. While it may be hard to pass up the pulled pork, you can't miss the oh-so-tender sliced brisket. Don't neglect to use a liberal dose of the house creation secret sauce. Lunch is served with hushpuppies and choice of two sides (macaroni & cheese and baked beans stand apart), and there's no tipping required.

Bargain Meal: Whole Cheesesteak Combo
Bargain Price: $6.19 lunch or dinner
Destination: Philly's Cheesesteaks & Cheeseburgers
973 East Broad Street
Fuquay-Varina
(919) 557-5010

You'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than with this robust meal. The eight-inch cheesesteak sandwich (beef or chicken) is overstuffed with grilled onions, mushrooms, green peppers and American cheese. It's a messy proposition, but super-tasty nonetheless. Suggestion: skip the fries and ask for onion rings as an alternative (90 cents more, and well worth it). The bottomless sweet tea also is rewarding (included in combo price).