Raleigh Breakfast?

[blbst36]

I am looking for a good place to take some out of town friends for breakfast this weekend. I did a search on here, but the last thread was over a year ago. I was hoping to get some more current opinions.

I prefer somewhere in Raleigh, but Knightdale area is also acceptable. I would rather not a chain, but would be more willing if it was a Southern or local chain that they would not experience up north. I have already taken them to Briggs and Courtneys so I don't want to go there.

These are the ones I have in mind now:

- Gypsy Shiny Diner
- Farmer's Market Restaraunt
- Mclean's Ole Time Cafe
- Pam's Farmhouse
- The Flying Biscuit

Thanks in advance!!

[blbst36]

An update - I have since been to Finch's and Pam's. I think out of the 2, Pam's is the best choice. Finch's was ok, but the service was horrible.

[blbst36]

Dive's are ok for them. I have heard of Finch's but get mixed reviews - as I do with ALL other breakfast places. Even though Big Ed's seems to be the overwhelming choice in the thread, I have heard that it is not worth the time and price to go there. That they used to be good, but have gone downhill.

I just may have to take the advice of some friends down here. I don't know about this type of food. I can usually find other cuisines, but not breakfast/brunch

[Suzy Q]

IMHO, Raleigh has a pretty severe lack of great breakfast places. That being said, our usual go-to stops are either Ed's or Pam's. I like the food at both, and the friendly service can't be beat.

[TerryG]

Poole's Diner near the convention center in downtown Raleigh has a good Southern-style brunch on Sunday. Used to be Sat as well but apparently they have cut that out.

[Naco]

I don't like the Farmer's Market Restaurant, either. Not really an accurate rendition of country/Southern cooking, and the food goes down about like a bag of Portland cement.

[panthur]

Of those I have been to Flying Biscuit and Farmer's Market. I agree with others that Farmer's Market food is not really that great. Flying Biscuit is pretty good but can be inconsistent. I have a review with pictures on my website: http://demandy.com/flying-biscuit-cafe/. You should try The Diner which is a good (and new) 24hr diner with patio as well as indoor seating on Glenwood Ave or Big Ed's as another person suggested. I hear Mecca is good for breakfast, and has been there forever. You might want to try that for authentic eats too.

You'll have better luck if you take your friends out for brunch, there are a lot more options for Sunday brunch in Raleigh. I could start naming them but there are too many! I think there is another thread on that.

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Mecca Restaurant
13 E Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Big Ed's City Market Rstrnt
220 Wolfe St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Farmer's Market Cafe
63 Chattahoochee St, Helen, GA 30545

Flying Biscuit Cafe
2016 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27605

The Diner
410 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

[RonboNC]

Aha, so there you are Demandy! Haven't checked out your blog in ages, will try and catch up with where you been eating...

[RonboNC]

Finch's is definitely old school, great for locals but maybe not as good for visitors. How about Big Ed's in City Market? Would give you the option to walk around downtown Raleigh too.

I still like the Farmers Market Restaurant because you can then also stroll over to the FM. And of course definitely stop by Krispy Kreme on Person St before heading home!

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Krispy Kreme
2706 Watson Blvd Ste A, Warner Robins, GA 31093

[rafeco]

If you go to Big Ed's, be sure to order the grilled biscuits.

[sisterbeer]

I forgot to mention, if your friends are into dive joints, Finch's puts out a good breakfast/brunch. It's on Peace Street at the Capital Boulevard overpass.

[sisterbeer]

I'd say skip Gypsy's Shiny Diner and the Farmer's Market Restaurant--as they are both operated by the same entity. It's not that the food at the Shiny Diner is bad, it's that they don't allow butter on the premises. Why, I do not know--but to me, a great breakfast is ruined by margarine. As for the Farmer's Market Restaurant, the food is nowhere as good as it was prior to this group operating it. It's all Sysco frozen stuff now.

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Gypsy's Shiny Diner
1550 Buck Jones Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606

Farmer's Market Cafe
63 Chattahoochee St, Helen, GA 30545