Mecca: The Oldest and Best Breakfast in Town
Mecca Restaurant is known to many locals as the quintessential lunch spot and the oldest family-run restaurant in Raleigh (and probably in NC). I’m guessing there are many like me, though, that didn’t know until recently (or at all) that they also serve breakfast.
I never knew about Mecca’s breakfast because I was never downtown early in the morning during the week. After noticing the sign about two years ago indicating they were going to be open on Saturdays, I made the trip to try it out, and it surpassed expectations.
When Nicholas John Dombalis opened Mecca in 1930, it was open seven days a week. The current proprietor, Paul Dombalis, stated that it was closed on Sundays before he was born. The restaurant began opening on Saturdays, after a 40 year absence. Might we see more opening hours from the Mecca? Only time will tell.
Mecca isn’t just the oldest joint for breakfast in town, it’s one of the best. The biscuits are nothing short of delicious, and made from scratch. Over the past few years as the breakfast crowd has increased (due in no small part to being open on Saturdays), there have been a few additions to the menu, including hash browns and biscuits and gravy.
If find yourself wishing you could enjoy such a delicious breakfast but not downtown in the wee hours, stop by on Saturday. Breakfast is served 7:30-11:30 Monday through Friday, and 7:30-2:00 on Saturdays.
Bring cash though–they don’t accept credit cards.
13 East Martin Street
(919) 832-5714
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04/01/2010
My dad went to NC State in the late 70’s and raves about this place that he used to eat at every morning. I feel like I disappoint him every time he comes to Raleigh and asks if I have eaten at Mecca. I will definitely be going one Saturday morning to fulfill my legacy.
04/02/2010
I would say it is a great place to go to. And, I had breakfast there and would recommend it…all that despite the fact that the menu is limited and definitely not for those who are more healthy minded eaters. In my view, not the best breakfast around, but the history and atmosphere make it a place to visit and support.
04/07/2010
I always think of it as a breakfast place. Good to know they have yummy lunch, too!
04/09/2010
You’ve gotta try the Meat Loaf (Tuesdays only) and the Lasagna (Thursdays only), both are TO DIE FOR, along with maybe the best burger in town.
Plus, the Mecca is celebrating their 80th Anniversary very soon (May 1st, if I’m not mistaken) and are planning a major celebration to honor the occasion. Go support this Raleigh icon, you’ll not be sorry!
04/09/2010
80th Anniversary of The Mecca is Friday, April 30th. Check out the invitation on Facebook. 1930’s prices, entertainment for all and more!!!
04/09/2010
The Mecca actually serves breakfast, lunch and dinner! They are open until 7pm every night Mon-Sat and have great dinner options as well. They always greet you warmly. They are service with a smile!
04/13/2010
I feel like I’m coming home every time I walk over the mosaic entrance tile. The NC Supreme Court still finds their way upstairs. Thanks for posting this, I know Paul appreciates it.
12/18/2010
My former husband, Raleigh attorney Howard Twiggs, who died in March, had his first law office across the street from the Mecca in 1960, and he was a fixture at breakfast at this restaurant, where he kept up with the politics of the day.
06/07/2011
My wife and I were musing at dinner last night about the “oldest” restaurant in Raleigh. Amedeo’s came to mind. Googled this morning. Mecca is a great place, but it is only middle aged. We had an excellent meal, as usual, in Beaufort last night at Clawsons on Front street. It has been there since 1905. Really wonder WHAT restaurant owns the title of OLDEST (continuous) service in NC.
06/07/2011
^I think the oldest restaurant in the state would be Salem Tavern in Winston-Salem. George Washington stopped there on his 1791 southern tour.