Big Ed's City Market Restaurant

About Us

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.

What We Offer

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.

Why Choose Us

Huge portions that satisfy: Plates so big, 4.6/5 from 3,000+ reviews rave about cleared plates every time.

Authentic NC comfort food: Omelettes, biscuits & gravy, catfish perfected with Southern recipes unchanged for decades.

Downtown Raleigh prime spot: City Market location at 220 Wolfe St—walkable, central, packed with local vibe.

Casual old-school charm: Checkered cloths, NC memorabilia walls—feels like grandma's kitchen with pro cooking.

All-day breakfast mastery: From sunrise platters to lunch catfish, we're your reliable hunger hero anytime.

Proven local legend: Must-stop for Raleigh visitors and natives, fueling the city one massive meal at a time.

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 Big Ed's hours?

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!

Do you take reservations?

No reservations needed or taken—it's first-come, first-served diner style. Lines move fast thanks to our speedy service and huge tables.

Are the portions really that big?

Absolutely—our platters are notoriously oversized. Reviewers clean their plates and still take leftovers. Come hungry!

What's the must-try dish?

The bacon-cheddar omelette and Cathead Biscuits with sausage gravy top the list, but our fried catfish is a close second for lunch.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking and City Market garages are steps away at 220 Wolfe St. It's super walkable from downtown hotels and offices.

Do you offer vegetarian options?

Yes! Veggie omelettes, pancakes, French toast, and salads. Just ask—we'll customize with fresh ingredients.

Can I order online or for takeout?

Takeout is available—call ahead to beat the line. Visit bigedsnc.com for menus and updates.

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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