Nestled in the vibrant landscape of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, Big Ed's City Market Restaurant stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional Southern hospitality. Located at 220 Wolfe St, this establishment has become more than just a place to eat; it is a cultural touchstone for locals and visitors alike. Stepping through its doors feels like a journey back in time, where the pace of life slows down and the focus shifts entirely to the quality of the meal and the warmth of the company. The restaurant captures the essence of the historic City Market district, blending its rustic charm with a welcoming atmosphere that invites everyone to pull up a chair and enjoy a hearty, honest meal.
The philosophy at Big Ed's is rooted in the belief that food should be simple, satisfying, and prepared with care. By prioritizing fresh ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques, the kitchen consistently delivers flavors that resonate with the comfort of a home-cooked breakfast or lunch. Whether you are a long-time resident of Raleigh or a traveler passing through the capital city, the restaurant offers a genuine slice of North Carolina life that is hard to replicate. It serves as a gathering spot where stories are shared over steaming plates, and the bustling energy of the city market outside provides a lively backdrop to the dining experience.
What Makes Big Ed's a Local Favorite
Authentic Southern Heritage: The restaurant prides itself on maintaining the culinary traditions that define the region. Every dish is crafted with an appreciation for local history, ensuring that guests experience the true taste of Southern comfort food in its most classic form.
A Historic Setting: Situated within the iconic City Market, the location itself adds a layer of character to every visit. The architecture and the surrounding neighborhood reflect the rich history of Raleigh, providing a unique environment that enhances the overall dining experience.
Community-Centric Atmosphere: Big Ed's is widely recognized for its friendly and unpretentious environment. It is a place where the staff treats guests like family, fostering a sense of community that makes every patron feel welcome from the moment they arrive.
Commitment to Quality: By focusing on consistent preparation and reliable service, the restaurant has built a reputation for excellence. The dedication to maintaining high standards ensures that the food remains a reliable staple for those seeking a wholesome and filling meal.
The appeal of Big Ed's City Market Restaurant lies in its ability to remain grounded while the city around it continues to evolve. In an era where dining trends shift rapidly, there is something profoundly comforting about a place that stays true to its roots. The restaurant does not rely on gimmicks or complex culinary experiments; instead, it relies on the strength of its recipes and the sincerity of its service. This consistency is exactly what keeps people coming back, generation after generation, to enjoy a meal that feels both familiar and special.
For those exploring the historic streets of downtown Raleigh, a stop at 220 Wolfe St is an essential part of the experience. It offers a rare opportunity to connect with the local culture through the universal language of food. Whether you are looking for a place to start your day with a hearty breakfast or seeking a midday break in the middle of a busy schedule, Big Ed's provides a sanctuary of good food and good spirits. It remains a proud fixture of the Raleigh community, inviting all who enter to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a well-prepared meal.
Ultimately, Big Ed's City Market Restaurant is more than just a destination for sustenance; it is a piece of the city's living history. By preserving the spirit of the past while serving the needs of the present, it continues to play a vital role in the social fabric of the area. The combination of its prime location, its dedication to traditional cooking, and its unwavering commitment to hospitality ensures that it will remain a cherished landmark for years to come. When you visit, you are not just a customer; you are part of a long-standing tradition of community and culinary appreciation that defines the heart of North Carolina.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Menus
Photos
Reviews Big Ed's City Market Restaurant
Kate
30-05-2026
Came in for the first time today and left stuffed and satisfied! The food was delicious, decor was super cute and rustic and the staff were all super warm and welcoming, definitely would love to return. I’d recommend the Farmer Joes bowl, the gravy was so good! More
Emily Bronson
30-05-2026
Such a great place! Homey, cozy and great food! (And the pancakes are huge!)
Price per person
USD 10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
2 people, 3-4 people
Seating type
Indoor dining area
Amir Mot
30-05-2026
Delicious!
Portions are generous.
Service is welcoming and friendly.
Food is excellent!
The vibe is good.
Thank you!
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
USD 20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Rylan Gordon
30-05-2026
Big Ed’s serves a great southern breakfast with incredibly friendly service. First off, the hot cakes are MASSIVE! I ordered 2 and only finished one, but it was delicious. The portion sizes in general are large, for an affordable price. The … More
TIM Weeks
30-05-2026
Two egg, bacon,grits,fatback,toast...all very tasty and nice portions service was great...very accommodating...place was packed but food delivered promptly and hot.... More
Mrs. Andrea Billings-Utley
30-05-2026
Got the food everything was what we ordered, but the grits were cold and the food was also it was like they waited till all the food got prepared then brought it out as a cook. You don’t do that whatever you have ready first go ahead and … More
Majd Kharman
30-05-2026
I came here about three times during my stay in Raleigh.
The food is excellent. It has a lot of variety but if you want something simple, you can too. … More
Emily Bronson
30-05-2026
Such a great place! Homey, cozy and great food! (And the pancakes are huge!)
Price per person…
More
Marco Espinoza
30-05-2026
The venue's aesthetics, coupled with its ambiance and service, alongside the exceptional food quality and generous portions, secured its position as our initial dining choice upon our arrival for vacation. My family thoroughly enjoyed the … More
Amir Mot
30-05-2026
Delicious!
Portions are generous. … More
Kristen R
30-05-2026
It’s tucked into a cute part of Raleigh with a cozy, country-style atmosphere. The vibe felt laid-back and rustic. They serve a classic, no-frills country breakfast. The service was excellent, and our food came out quickly. I ordered the biscuit, gravy, and egg bowl, it was good, just a solid, basic breakfast. More
Jake Neurer
30-05-2026
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.
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reservation
Reservations not required
Noise level
Moderate noise
Group size
1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free street parking
Adam Healy
30-05-2026
This is a great place to get a filling and delicious meal. The service was excellent. Big Ed’s has a cool local vibe, full of quirky and charming decorations and signs. The portions are generous and the prices are great. I was just visiting … More
lc
30-05-2026
What a lovely restaurant! Food and service were great! Prices were also good! If in the area again, this is a must stop. More
Jesus Nandi
30-05-2026
The food was phenomenal. One of the best meals I have had in the area. Me and my wife were visiting from out of town, and at first, we were a little overwhelmed by the amount of people in line. However, the Host sat us within 5 minutes and … More
Zack
30-05-2026
Great experience. I was served at Big Ed’s by Patrick who kept my coffee cup full and made sure I had anything else I needed. I went with a single hotcake with sausage and added a scrabbled egg. The hotcake was fantastic and done well. I’m always nervous about “Big Food” since normally you lose out on flavor in favor of the size. This hotcake hit on both though! The sausage and egg were also great. I got there rather early on a week day, but I’ve seen this place quite busy on weekends in the past. Overall very much worth a visit, and if you like mugs, they sell theirs in house.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
USD 10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommendation for vegetarians
Not sure
Georgina Tyburski
30-05-2026
Great spot for a meal! 🍳🥞🍔 Something for everyone, with basic fresh food. My breakfast of eggs and French toast was good, eggs just right. Others had burgers, though the burger and fries were a bit too salty for my taste. 🧂 The service was super friendly! 😊 Atmosphere was okay; not a fan of things hanging overhead (felt a bit dirty), but it fits the country style. Forgot to snap photos this time! 📸 #Food #Breakfast #Burgers #Service #Atmosphere
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Reservation
Reservations not required
Group size
2 people
CKC Legacy
30-05-2026
Shout out to Cathy for amazing customer service!!! From start to finish she was awesome to me and my three friends! I couldn't even get a picture of all the food because we started eating it when it came to the table! We will be back again! 🙌🏾 Pictured is the banana pudding!
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
USD 10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Group size
5-8 people
A Graham
30-05-2026
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!
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
USD 10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free street parking
Parking
Limited free street parking available nearby. We've almost always been able to find a spot but it can get full.
Raven A
30-05-2026
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!
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
USD 10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking
Matt Robie
30-05-2026
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.
Price per person
USD 10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
3-4 people
Wait time
No wait
Vinetta Keller
30-05-2026
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
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reviews Big Ed's City Market Restaurant