9 North Carolina Breakfast Spots Everyone Raves About (And They’re Worth Every Bite)
North Carolina knows how to do breakfast right, and I’m not just saying that because I once ate my weight in biscuits in Asheville.
From crispy chicken and waffles to fluffy pancakes that could double as pillows, the Tar Heel State serves up morning meals that’ll make you want to hit snooze just so you can dream about them longer.
Whether you’re craving Southern comfort food or something a bit more adventurous, these breakfast spots have earned their stellar reputations one delicious plate at a time.
1. Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant (Raleigh)
Walking into Big Ed’s feels like stepping into your grandma’s kitchen—if your grandma happened to serve half of downtown Raleigh every morning. This place has been dishing out Southern breakfast classics since 1958, and they’ve perfected the art of the hearty morning meal.
Country ham takes center stage here, and it’s saltier than a sailor’s vocabulary but absolutely divine. Pair it with eggs cooked exactly how you like them, fluffy biscuits that practically melt on your tongue, and grits so creamy they should be illegal.
The atmosphere screams old-school charm with its no-frills décor and friendly staff who treat regulars like family. Cash only, so hit the ATM before you go. Trust me, the lines out the door aren’t just for show—this breakfast is legendary for good reason.
2. Biscuit Head (Asheville)
Biscuit Head takes the humble biscuit and elevates it to rock star status, complete with a jam bar that’ll make your inner child squeal with joy. I’m talking about a buffet of house-made jams, jellies, and spreads that would make even the pickiest eater weak in the knees.
Their “cat head” biscuits are massive—seriously, they’re named after their size resemblance to a cat’s head. Fluffy, buttery, and begging to be smothered in whatever concoction you create from their jam bar. The menu features creative twists on Southern favorites, from fried chicken biscuits to sweet potato pancakes.
Expect a wait on weekends because word spreads faster than butter on hot biscuits. The funky, eclectic vibe perfectly captures Asheville’s quirky spirit while serving up breakfast that’s worth every minute you spend in line.
3. Eddie’s Place (Charlotte)
Eddie’s Place proves that sometimes the best breakfast spots are the ones that don’t try too hard to be fancy. This Charlotte gem has been serving up no-nonsense morning meals since 1987, and they’ve built a loyal following by simply doing breakfast really, really well.
Pancakes here are fluffy enough to use as stress balls, and their omelets come stuffed with more fillings than you can shake a fork at. The portions are generous—bordering on ridiculous—so come hungry or prepare to take home enough leftovers for tomorrow’s breakfast too.
Service is quick and friendly, with servers who remember your name and your usual order after just a couple visits. The prices won’t break the bank either, which explains why locals keep coming back. It’s comfort food without the pretense, exactly what breakfast should be.
4. Elmo’s Diner (Durham)
Elmo’s Diner has been a Durham institution since 1991, serving breakfast with a side of nostalgia and a whole lot of flavor. The retro vibe here isn’t just for show—it sets the stage for classic diner fare done with serious skill and attention to detail.
Their banana pancakes are legendary, and I once watched someone order a second stack because one simply wasn’t enough. The eggs Benedict gets rave reviews, and their home fries are seasoned so perfectly you might forget you ordered them as a side dish.
Weekend brunch gets packed, but the energetic atmosphere makes the wait feel more like a party than a chore. The staff keeps coffee cups full and spirits high. Whether you’re a Duke student fueling up for exams or a local looking for weekend brunch, Elmo’s delivers every single time.
5. Early Girl Eatery (Asheville)
Early Girl Eatery takes farm-to-table seriously, sourcing ingredients from local farms and turning them into breakfast magic that tastes like sunshine on a plate. This Asheville favorite has perfected the balance between healthy and indulgent, proving you can have both without compromise.
Their shrimp and grits will change your life—I’m not exaggerating. Fresh, plump shrimp swimming in a savory sauce over stone-ground grits that have the perfect creamy texture. The vegetarian options are equally impressive, with seasonal vegetables taking center stage in creative and delicious ways.
Everything feels fresh and thoughtfully prepared, from the house-made biscuits to the locally roasted coffee. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a staff that genuinely seems happy to be there. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger over that second cup of coffee.
6. Sunny Point Café (West Asheville)
Sunny Point Café lives up to its name with a bright, cheerful atmosphere that makes every morning feel like the start of something wonderful. This West Asheville gem has mastered the art of breakfast with a creative twist, offering dishes that surprise and delight in equal measure.
Their huevos rancheros pack a flavorful punch, while the French toast gets dolled up with seasonal toppings that change throughout the year. Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty to love here, with options that never feel like an afterthought. Everything is made from scratch, and you can taste the difference in every bite.
The outdoor patio is perfect for leisurely weekend brunches when the weather cooperates. Service is attentive without being overbearing, and the vibe is relaxed and welcoming. Fair warning: this place is popular, so expect a wait during peak hours.
7. Breadmen’s Restaurant (Chapel Hill)
Breadmen’s Restaurant has been feeding hungry Chapel Hill residents and UNC students since 1974, and they’ve spent those decades perfecting the art of the breakfast sandwich. As the name suggests, bread is their specialty, and boy, do they know how to work with it.
Everything here is made from scratch, from the bread that forms the foundation of their famous sandwiches to the pastries that tempt you from the display case. Their breakfast sandwiches are legendary—packed with eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat, all nestled between slices of fresh-baked bread that’s still warm from the oven.
The atmosphere is casual and comfortable, perfect for grabbing a quick bite before class or settling in with the newspaper and a cup of coffee. Prices are student-friendly, which explains the loyal following that spans generations of Tar Heels.
8. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles (Durham)
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles proves that some flavor combinations are simply meant to be together—like peanut butter and jelly, or me and breakfast food. This Durham hotspot has taken the classic Southern dish and given it a gourmet makeover that’ll have you questioning why you ever ate anything else.
The chicken is fried to crispy perfection with a seasoned coating that adds just the right amount of kick. Paired with fluffy, golden waffles and drizzled with maple syrup, it’s a sweet and savory symphony that hits all the right notes. They also offer creative variations and sides that complement the main attraction beautifully.
The modern, hip atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd from college students to families to food enthusiasts making a pilgrimage for the perfect chicken and waffles. Service is friendly and efficient, even during busy weekend brunches.
9. Baker’s Kitchen (New Bern)
Baker’s Kitchen combines the best of a bakery and breakfast café into one delicious package that’ll make you want to move to New Bern just for easier access. The aroma of fresh-baked goods hits you the moment you walk through the door, and your willpower doesn’t stand a chance.
Their pastries are works of art—flaky croissants, sticky buns that live up to their name, and muffins so moist they practically melt in your mouth. The breakfast menu features both sweet and savory options, all made with the same attention to quality that goes into their baked goods.
The café has a cozy, welcoming vibe that makes it perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet morning with a good book. Everything is made in-house with quality ingredients, and you can taste the care in every bite. It’s breakfast and dessert rolled into one perfect morning experience.