There is no place consistently cheaper and tastier than Country Junction in Carrboro. Breakfast is just $2.99 (unfortunately up from the usual $2.29 of a few weeks ago), and the most expensive lunch option, complete with an all you can eat buffet, will cost you no more than $4.99.

Though it’s only open from early morning until early afternoon and the interior doesn’t seem to have changed since it was opened in 1988, the Junction is worth a place in your schedule for, if nothing else, how much it will help your wallet.

It’s hard to beat the deal when you can get two eggs any style, grits or hash browns, bacon, sausage or fatback, and a biscuit or toast for under $3 and enjoy every bite.

Think about that – a measly cupcake from the newly opened Sugarland will cost you more than a whole meal at this place.

The lunch options are large and just as satisfying, from fried chicken and barbecue to fish or meatloaf. Not to mention they come with an extensive “veggie” bar: two types of beans, rice, mashed potatoes, French fries, awesome hush puppies, collard greens, fried okra, green beans, cole slaw, cabbage and more. And the bar is all-you-can-eat (UNC dining halls will cost at least $2 more for any meal and they’re supposed to be affordable).

The food has a down home, southern taste to it.

“It’s like your mother cooked it,” said Kim, the owner of the restaurant. Although she is from Korea, her sister, who has lived in the U.S. for a long time, taught her how to cook all the items on the Junction’s menu. She taught her well.

Also quite interesting, Kim taught herself Spanish after listening to her customers point at different dishes. She now fires the foreign language out with ease when she notices someone has trouble speaking English.

The place is packed, especially around noontime, with workers on break. Kim said that 80 percent of customers come nearly every day. And that’s what makes her eatery so special.

Besides the penny prices, people go back to the Junction because they love it. Kim stressed that she does not spend any money on advertising and that her business relies simply on word of mouth and devotees returning each day.

Though usually only for breakfast on Saturdays, The Biscuit is definitely a devotee.

Country Junction is worth it.