You'll find true Southern comfort and hospitality when dining at Big Ed's City Market Restaurant. The vinyl red and white check table cloths take me back to my childhood and remind me of a Southern summer barbecue. Or maybe it's the delicious food and nice staff, which make me feel right at home in my Grandma's country kitchen. Whatever it is, I keep coming back to Big Ed's City Market Restaurant.

IMG_3355Don't let the line out the door fool you into going somewhere else. The line moves quickly and Ed might even seat you. While you're waiting, just look up. This 170 seat restaurant displays historical antiques and memorabilia from all over North Carolina. Each time I take a group to Big Ed's City Market Restaurant they are fascinated by the number of eclectic things hanging from the ceiling and on the walls. You'll surely pass the wait by playing your favorite childhood game of "I spy."

IMG_3354Try to take your eyes off the ceiling once you sit down. It might be hard, but your friendly waitress carrying cathead biscuits and heading your way will definitely deter your gaze. These buttery biscuits are some of my favorite in Raleigh; always fluffy with a golden brown outside.

IMG_3351Your waitress, most likely in a Southern accent, will ask you if you're ready to order. One of the most famous items on the menu at Big Ed's City Market Restaurant is the hot cake. For a reasonable $3.99, I promise you'll be full after eating just one. The hot cakes are made from scratch using Big Ed's homemade batter. The hot cakes, which are the size of my car's hubcap, are always sweet and fluffy. There's also a hot cake eating contest, which I might have to try sometime. If you can eat three hot cakes without sharing, you'll win a Big Ed's t-shirt.

IMG_3352My favorite breakfast item on the menu is the Western omelet with ham, sausage, peppers, onions, tomatoes and cheese. The ingredients are always farm fresh and the sausage is from local producer Nahunta. The omelet comes with fresh seasonal fruit, which is a nice addition to the meal.

IMG_3353Don't miss a breakfast from Big Ed's City Market Restaurant in downtown Raleigh. This down-home country breakfast will take you back to your Southern roots or introduce you to a new culture. Yes, I'm talking about country ham and brains being served as options for Big Ed's country breakfast. No matter what you order, you'll leave happy and wanting to come back.

Written by local Foodie, Kristen. Follow her foodie adventures on Twitter!