This North Carolina Breakfast Spot Serves Comfort Plates Locals Refuse To Give Up
Tucked away in Raleigh’s historic City Market, Big Ed’s has been filling bellies and warming hearts since 1958. This beloved breakfast institution draws crowds daily for its authentic Southern cooking that tastes like grandma made it.
Step inside and you’ll find the air thick with the aromas of sizzling country ham, fluffy biscuits fresh from the oven, and hot cakes so famously oversized they nearly cover the plate.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or just passing through, one bite is all it takes to understand why Big Ed’s is a North Carolina tradition folks refuse to give up.
A Raleigh Tradition Since The 1950s
Family-owned Big Ed’s was founded by “Big” Ed Watkins, who grew up farming in Wake County, and its recipes have always reflected those homestyle roots. Founded by “Big” Ed Watkins, who grew up farming tobacco and raising livestock, the restaurant maintains its agricultural roots with tools and antiques decorating the walls.
Locals whisper that the recipes haven’t changed in decades and nobody wants them to! The restaurant moved to its current City Market location in 1989, becoming a downtown landmark where politicians, blue-collar workers, and families all rub elbows at communal tables.
For decades, Raleigh families have celebrated milestones here, turning Big Ed’s into a multigenerational gathering spot.
Where Breakfast Never Ends
Morning cravings hit at 2 PM? No problem! Big Ed’s believes breakfast is a state of mind, not a time of day. Breakfast is served all day, with hotcakes that are famously large and filling.
Regulars know to come hungry, portions here would make a lumberjack blush. Coffee cups are quickly refilled by attentive servers, adding to the welcoming vibe.
The weekend rush creates lines out the door, but nobody minds waiting. The anticipation is part of the experience, with the scent of sizzling bacon providing all the entertainment needed while you wait for your table.
Biscuits That Could Make Your Grandma Jealous
Flour-dusted hands work magic every morning at Big Ed’s, crafting biscuits that rise to heavenly heights. Crisp on the outside, cloud-soft inside, these golden wonders arrive steaming hot at your table – often before you’ve even ordered the rest of your meal.
Smothered in pepper-speckled gravy or split and stuffed with country ham, they’re the undisputed stars of the menu. Locals often joke that there must be a secret ingredient, but the real secret is simply consistency and tradition.
First-timers often make the rookie mistake of filling up on these doughy delights before their main course arrives. Veterans pace themselves accordingly.
The Charm Of City Market
Sunlight streams through tall windows of this brick-walled eatery, illuminating the bustling heart of Raleigh’s historic district. The restaurant’s prime location in City Market puts diners right in the middle of the action, with cobblestone streets and artisan shops just outside.
Ceiling fans spin lazily overhead while servers navigate between closely packed tables with practiced ease. The walls are lined with vintage farm tools, antiques, and photographs celebrating North Carolina’s agricultural heritage.
The space perfectly balances nostalgia with necessity – nothing fancy, just honest comfort that matches the food being served.
Southern Hospitality You Can Taste
“Y’all come back now!” isn’t just a saying at Big Ed’s, it’s a guarantee. Servers remember faces, recall orders from weeks past, and treat first-timers like returning friends. This warmth extends to the kitchen, where cooks season every dish with a dash of Southern soul.
Beyond breakfast, rotating lunch specials keep regulars coming back. Favorites like fried chicken or fish fry days often draw especially big crowds.
The sweet tea flows freely, served in glasses sweating almost as much as you will after cleaning your plate. No fancy frills or pretentious presentation, just honest food served with genuine smiles.