I will second and third a visit to Big Ed’s. Had breakfast twice over the holidays and it’s still the greatest. I’d go along with everyone’s recomendations and add a little trip to Chapel Hill to the Acme–a little upscale for roadfood but one of the best,creative new-southern style places. It’s bit more than half an lour up the road. Have a good trip–Raleigh is a friendly place.
Beomonde is excellent and not to far from arena.