Big Ed's City Market Restaurant

About Us

Tucked into the heart of Raleigh's bustling City Market at 220 Wolfe Street, Big Ed's City Market Restaurant is where Southern tradition meets down-home hunger. For over four decades, we've been slingin' the kind of breakfasts that stick to your ribs and warm your soul. Step inside and you're hit with the sizzle of bacon, the rich aroma of fresh biscuits slathered in gravy, and walls decked out in checkered tablecloths, old trinkets, and North Carolina memorabilia that tell stories of our state's proud heritage.

No fancy frills here—just real, honest Southern cooking served in platters big enough to share (or not). Our bacon & cheddar omelette overflows with crispy strips and melted cheese, while fluffy pancakes stack high like the NC skyline. Locals know it as the ultimate brunch spot; travelers call it their best discovery in Raleigh. With a stellar 4.6-star rating from over 3,000 fans, Big Ed's isn't just a restaurant—it's a Raleigh institution. Pull up a stool, grab a coffee, and let Big Ed feed you like family. Your stomach will thank you.

What We Offer

Kick off your day with Big Ed's legendary breakfast and brunch spread, crafted for hearty appetites. Dive into Southern classics like country-fried steak smothered in creamy gravy, fluffy buttermilk biscuits that melt in your mouth, and omelettes stuffed with local cheddar, crispy bacon, and farm-fresh eggs. Our massive pancake platters come drowning in maple syrup, perfect for sharing—or devouring solo.

Craving more? Savor NC-style lunches with perfectly fried catfish fillets, golden cornbread, and collards simmered low and slow. Every dish bursts with flavor from scratch-made recipes passed down through generations. Dine in our casual, memorabilia-packed dining room or grab takeout for Downtown Raleigh adventures. Open daily, serving breakfast all day because at Big Ed's, comfort food never goes out of style. Come hungry—leave stuffed and smiling.

Why Choose Us

4.6/5 stars from 3,000+ reviews—Raleigh's top-rated Southern breakfast spot.

Huge portions at diner prices: Hearty platters that satisfy without breaking the bank.

40+ years as a City Market staple, loved by locals and visitors alike.

Authentic NC comfort food: Fresh biscuits, fried catfish, and omelettes made daily from scratch.

Casual, no-frills vibe with checkered tables and walls of NC history and trinkets.

Downtown Raleigh convenience—perfect fuel for your City Market adventures.

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

⭐ Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️

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"Wonderful Southern breakfast right in Downtown Raleigh. No frills place with checkered tablecloths and old trinkets and NC memorabilia scattered all over the walls. The bacon & cheddar omelette served with breakfast potatoes was stellar ($12.50)- neither side was overcooked and their bacon is quality and thick cut. Breakfast potatoes were darn near small french fries, which is always welcomed. Additional rye toast and bottomless coffee as well. I was able to convince my fiance to split a hotcake the size of the plate! ($8.50). Split-worthy indeed. It was thick and fluffy as a hotcake should be. Was completely satisfied with our breakfast and the prices were actually pretty adequate, especially being in downtown. The hotcake is a little steep, but understandable for how filling it is. Highly recommend Big Ed's for a solid breakfast."

— Jake Neurer

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"If you are a local or traveling to Raleigh do yourself a favor and stop in! The food was so good that the plate was cleared completely off!! The catfish was cooked to perfection and left a lasting taste and memory all day unto the night. Our waitress Kathy was the best hands down when we go again we would request her by name. She made us feel right at home and it was not an act she genuinely loves the customers she treated every table like they were family. Please tell me you’re still reading this review because you’re on your way to the restaurant! The surrounding downtown area is suited perfectly for all people! There is a place for your dog, your kids, or jump on a scooter! You won’t regret coming to Big Ed’s! If I could rate higher than 5 stars it would be 10/10"

— Vinetta Keller

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"Big Ed’s City Market is a must-stop for a classic North Carolina breakfast. The vibe is casual and old-school, the portions are huge, and everything feels like real comfort food. I got a hearty plate with eggs and sides, and the biscuits were the kind you come back for—soft inside, a little crisp outside, and perfect with gravy. Service was friendly and kept things moving even when it was busy. If you’re in Raleigh and want a filling, no-frills breakfast with great flavor, this place delivers."

— Matt Robie

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"I'm visiting North Carolina and my boyfriend suggested Big Ed's for the country style breakfast. He easily found street parking nearby. It is first come first serve, but the line went very quickly. We maybe waited five minutes for a table. The service here is 10/10. Our waitress was the sweetest, but honestly everyone was nice. Southern hospitality at its finest! I also loved the decor. It definitely falls in line with a good ole country southern restaurant. The food was pretty good. I enjoyed the spicy sausage on my breakfast biscuit. The biscuit itself was a bit dense, but still buttery. The eggs were cooked to perfection. I had a few bites of my cheese grits and they were cooked well. I like my grits thicker, but that's a personal preference and I had to add a good amount of salt. Overall, I enjoyed my time here and i definitely would return!"

— Raven A

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"We absolutely love Big Ed's!! Wonderful southern breakfast restaurant with everything you could want! The food is always fantastic and we come whenever we're in town. This place can draw a serious crowd during peak times on weekends so be prepared for a bit of a wait if that is when you visit. But it's well worth it. Service is always kind and attentive. Ask about the hotcake challenge where you can win a T-shirt for eating 3 hotcakes in 45 minutes. Would highly recommend!"

— A Graham

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your hours and do you serve breakfast all day?

We're open daily from early morning through lunch. Yes, breakfast is served all day—pancakes, omelettes, and biscuits anytime your craving hits!

Do you offer takeout or delivery?

Absolutely! Call ahead for quick takeout from 220 Wolfe St, or order delivery through popular Raleigh apps. Perfect for enjoying our platters at home.

Are your portions really as big as the reviews say?

Bigger! Our platters are designed for serious appetites—omelettes overflow, pancakes stack high. Bring a friend to share, or come hungry solo.

Is there parking near Big Ed's City Market Restaurant?

Convenient street parking and City Market garages nearby. Downtown Raleigh spot—arrive early on weekends for the best spots.

Do you accommodate large groups or dietary needs?

We welcome groups—call ahead for our communal tables. Most dishes are customizable; ask about gluten-free or veggie options.

What's the must-try dish for first-timers?

The bacon & cheddar omelette or country-fried steak with biscuits and gravy. Paired with sweet tea, it's pure NC magic.

Big Ed's: Hearty Southern Breakfast in Downtown Raleigh

About Us

What We Offer

Why Choose Us

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What Our Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions

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Big Ed's: Hearty Southern Breakfast in Downtown Raleigh

About Us

What We Offer

Why Choose Us

Gallery

What Our Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Hours of Operation

Get In Touch

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