The Daily Tar Heel
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The Daily Tar Heel

It’s getting close to the end of the semester. The weather is warming up, there is an abundance of people sporting overalls on the quad and exams are only a month away (cue the internal screaming).

It’s also that time of the semester when I actively avoid looking at my checking account statement because I know the situation will not be great. All the money I once had at the beginning of the semester will somehow be almost gone. I ask myself the question, “Where did all my precious dollars go?” I then remind myself the answer is quite simple: To the array of dining establishments on Franklin.

While it’s important to be frugal on a college budget, I do want to emphasize how worthy the food scene on Franklin Street is of your personal funds. There are so many options, and most of them are affordable. I regret nothing about all the wonderful meals I’ve consumed on Franklin, even if it does cost money outside of a meal plan. Eating out every night is unreasonable; however, I can argue that expanding your culinary tastes is an important part of the UNC experience.

Exploring Franklin Street’s restaurants has broadened my horizons. I am one of the pickiest eaters I know, so any time a friend suggests a place I haven’t eaten at on Franklin, I now see it as an opportunity to be less picky. Will I play it safe and push for Buns? While the burger haven is my personal heaven on Earth, I have made an effort to take one for the culinary team and try new things.

Looking for pho that will blow your mind and cure your springtime sickness? Lime and Basil has changed my life. I would’ve never tried the place had my friend not guaranteed it would cure whatever ailed me. A sandwich that just might bring you to heaven? TRU Deli made me a true believer. Want to try banh mi that proves it doesn’t have to have pork to still be delicious? Ms. Mong will give you a one-way ticket to (vegan) hog heaven.

There are so many fantastic, locally owned restaurants that deserve your attention. And the best part? You’re helping the Chapel Hill community stay authentic when you support local businesses.

I probably wouldn’t have made it to most of these delicious spots had it not been for friends encouraging me to give restaurants a second chance or convincing me I’ll miss out on something fantastic. And if food FOMO isn’t real, I don’t know what is.

It has become an item on my UNC bucket list to eat at every restaurant on Franklin. I’ve realized maybe a meal plan is no longer for me, and I can still eat in a way that won’t kill my wallet. It’s hard to eat out on a budget, but I’ve realized locally owned restaurants are generally more affordable than those big chains. Franklin Street offers so many options that fit all taste personalities.

Suspicious that you won’t like the cuisine offered at a restaurant you haven’t tried? Just put on your best Food Network host impression, and go for it. I promise there’s more to life than just the dining hall.

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