• Big Ed's, 220 Wolfe St., (919) 836-9909. A must-visit for presidential candidates and reg'lar folks alike, Big Ed's signature breakfasts are the Southern standards: homemade biscuits, grits with red-eye gravy, etc. Come Saturday mornings for live Dixieland jazz. Closed Sunday. No credit cards.
 • Farmer's Market Restaurant, 1240 Farmer's Market Dr., (919) 833-7973. Solid, hearty food with fresh ingredients from the state Farmer's Market right next door. Serves breakfast and lunch. Closed Sunday.
 • Roast Grill, 7 South West St., (919) 832-8292. If you're looking for a hot dog and a bottle of Coke, this is the place in downtown Raleigh. If you're looking for ketchup, though, you may just be asked to leave. Run by a family of Greek immigrants in a tiny room added to the front of their house since 1940.
 • Krispy Kreme, 543 North Person St., (919) 833-3682. For now, the only one of the popular Winston-Salem-based doughnut maker in the Triangle is a landmark that nearby residents use to give directions. Look for the "Hot Doughnuts Now" sign for a little round piece of glazed heaven.
 • BBQ, There are several excellent choices for eastern-style barbecue in the Raleigh area. One of the local favorites is Ole Time Barbecue.
 • The Irregardless Cafe, 901 W. Morgan St., (919) 833-8898. A Raleigh institution since the 1970s, the Irregardless offers an eclectic menu including creative vegetarian options. Jazz music every night and dancing on Saturday nights.
 • Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern, 300 Hillsborough St., (919) 829-3663. Enjoy gourmet fare in the restored Dodd-Hinsdale House, built in 1879 in the Second Empire Victorian style.
 • Armadillo Grill 439 Glenwood Ave, (919) 546-0555. "A taste as big as Texas!" Awesome tacos (etc), although not very traditional Mexican food. Great atmosphere and cheap (plus free refills on drinks and chips)!
 • Third Place 1811 Glenwood Ave, (919) 834-6566.  
 • Lilly's Pizza 1813 Glenwood Ave, (919) 833-0226.  
 • Mellow Mushroom 601 W Peace St, (919) 832-3499.  
 • Mojoe's Burger Joint 620 Glenwood Ave, (919) 832-6799.
 • The Village Draft House 428 Daniels St, (919) 833-1373. $3 wings on Sundays. They're the best ever.
 • The Village Deli 500 Daniels S, (919) 828-1428. Soups and sandwiches. Really awesome chili!