Big Ed's City Market Restaurant
Big Ed's City Market Restaurant
Massive portions of classic NC comfort food at the City Market. No frills, all flavor, your downtown Raleigh breakfast tradition since day one.
Tucked into the heart of Raleigh's City Market at 220 Wolfe Street, Big Ed's City Market Restaurant is where Southern hospitality meets stick-to-your-ribs breakfast bliss. Step inside and you're transported to a time when diners were the pulse of the community, checkered tablecloths, walls plastered with North Carolina memorabilia, old trinkets telling stories of Tar Heel pride, and the sizzle of griddles firing up the day's first feast.
Big Ed's isn't fancy, and that's the point. We're the no-frills spot where locals and travelers alike line up for plates piled high with fluffy biscuits smothered in sausage gravy, bacon-cheddar omelettes that ooze perfection, crispy catfish that haunts your dreams, and platters so generous you'll be bragging about 'em for weeks. With a stellar 4.6-star rating from over 3,000 devotees, we've earned our rep as Downtown Raleigh's breakfast king. Founded on the belief that good food doesn't need a filter, just fresh ingredients and a whole lotta love. Whether you're fueling up for a Red Hat game or kicking off a business day, Big Ed's delivers that authentic NC comfort only a true diner can. Come hungry, leave happy, Raleigh's best-kept morning secret ain't so secret anymore.
Kickstart your day with Big Ed's legendary all-day breakfast lineup that screams Southern soul. Dive into fluffy three-egg omelettes stuffed with bacon, cheddar, and farm-fresh fixings, or tackle our infamous Cathead Biscuits, massive, golden, and slathered in creamy sausage gravy that’ll make you forget your name. Hearty platters come loaded with crispy hashbrowns, smoked bacon, sausage patties, and grits cooked low and slow.
Brunch crowd? We've got fluffy pancakes stacked sky-high, French toast dripping with buttery goodness, and Southern fried chicken that pairs perfectly with sweet tea. Lunch transitions seamlessly to fried catfish fillets cooked to flaky perfection, shrimp and grits that comfort like a hug, and burgers juicy enough to convert any salad lover. Portions? Generously oversized, expect doggy bags and satisfied sighs. All served in our casual City Market vibe with bottomless coffee to keep the Raleigh energy flowing. Breakfast, brunch, or lunch: Big Ed's does it bigger, better, bolder.
Take a look at our space and what we have to offer
Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers
We're open daily from 6 AM to 2 PM, perfect for early birds and late brunchers in Downtown Raleigh. Arrive early on weekends for the best seats!
No reservations needed or taken, it's first-come, first-served diner style. Lines move fast thanks to our speedy service and huge tables.
Absolutely, our platters are notoriously oversized. Reviewers clean their plates and still take leftovers. Come hungry!
The bacon-cheddar omelette and Cathead Biscuits with sausage gravy top the list, but our fried catfish is a close second for lunch.
Street parking and City Market garages are steps away at 220 Wolfe St. It's super walkable from downtown hotels and offices.
Yes! Veggie omelettes, pancakes, French toast, and salads. Just ask, we'll customize with fresh ingredients.
Takeout is available, call ahead to beat the line. Visit bigedsnc.com for menus and updates.
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