What should I order at Big Ed's City Market Restaurant?
Big Ed's City Market Restaurant
Hotcake
Repeatedly recommended for its huge size, thick and fluffy texture, and strong flavor despite being a big portion.
Biscuits And Gravy
Specifically called a must-try and described as one of the best versions the reviewers have had, especially because the biscuits pair so well with the gravy.
Catfish
Praised for being cooked to perfection and very memorable; one reviewer said they cleared the whole plate and remembered the flavor all day.
Chicken Fried Chicken Biscuit
Highlighted as an especially strong recommendation, with one reviewer saying they haven't had a better chicken biscuit anywhere and praising the seasoned biscuit and gravy pairing.
Bacon & Cheddar Omelette
Recommended for being stellar, with thick-cut quality bacon, well-cooked eggs, and a satisfying pairing with breakfast potatoes.
Farmer Joes Bowl
Mentioned positively for its flavorful gravy, with the reviewer specifically recommending it after trying it for the first time.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7 AM to 2 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM to 2 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM to 2 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM to 2 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM to 2 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM to 2 PM |
About Big Ed's City Market Restaurant
Southern breakfast & lunch plates in a laid-back cafe with funky antiques hanging from the ceiling.
Amenities & services
From the business
- Identifies as veteran-owned
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Big Ed's City Market Restaurant known for?
It is best known for big Southern breakfast plates, especially pancakes and biscuits with gravy, plus classics like chicken fried chicken, corned beef hash, and red eye gravy. Reviewers often mention that the portions are huge and the food comes out quickly, which makes it a popular downtown Raleigh breakfast stop.
What dishes are most recommended at Big Ed's City Market Restaurant?
Reviewers repeatedly recommend the hotcakes or pancakes, biscuits and gravy, chicken fried chicken, and the corned beef hash. Other specific favorites mentioned are the bacon and cheddar omelette, fried catfish with eggs and grits, and the Farmer Joes bowl, with several people calling the gravy and biscuits standouts.
What is the atmosphere like at Big Ed's City Market Restaurant?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and old-school, with a busy diner feel, checkered tablecloths, antiques, and wall decor that gives it a historic local look. It suits groups, families, tourists, and solo diners, though reviewers note it can be noisy and crowded during peak times.
Is Big Ed's City Market Restaurant a good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is about $10 to $20, and reviewers generally say the portions make the pricing feel fair for downtown Raleigh. Dishes like the $12.50 bacon and cheddar omelette and the $8.50 hotcake are described as filling, with several reviews saying the meals are worth the wait and the cost.
When is the best time to visit Big Ed's City Market Restaurant?
Weekends can bring a serious crowd and a wait, so reviewers suggest coming earlier in the day if you want to get seated faster. People who arrived on a weekday morning said service moved quickly, while weekend visits were described as busier but still worth it for the hotcakes, biscuits, and coffee.
Is parking available at Big Ed's City Market Restaurant?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking is available.
Is Big Ed's City Market Restaurant kid-friendly?
Yes, Big Ed's City Market Restaurant is good for kids.
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