For many eaters, waffles are about as American as a food gets. But Belgian waffles, the kind featured in recent years at more great breakfast restaurants across the country, are a relatively new phenomenon. They debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City, and were greeted with gusto. Today, restaurants across the nation take pains to concoct gourmet versions of Belgian and other types of waffles — with delicious results. These restaurants from all corners of the U.S. have been lauded in reviews and voted local favorites for creating unique waffles.
HoustonYou know about chicken and waffles, but do you know about Fryders? Those are sliders made from waffle fries. How about a sweet waffle sandwich made with Nutella or strawberry Irish creme brulee? Every single one of those delicious-sounding items and more are available at the Waffle Bus, which Houstonians know lives up to the well-earned hype.
Waffle Window
David P./YelpPortland, OregonAptly named, the Waffle Window features a walk-up window serving a wide variety of waffles including Walkin’ Waffles, which are wrapped and ready to be eaten on the move. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind waffle creation, including a granola and fruit waffle, a spicy bacon cheddar jalapeño waffle, or a seasonal offering, such as the Pear Nutella. Waffle Window also features waffle sundaes. The chain has three Portland locations.
West Oakland, CaliforniaBrown Sugar Kitchen chef Tanya Holland’s buttermilk fried chicken and cornmeal are among Oprah’s favorite things, but skip the at-home recipe and head straight to Oakland for this combo. Come back another time for oyster po’ boys, catfish, jerk chicken, egg tarts, beignets, and a host of sides and pies.
Griffon Gastropub
Darren P./YelpNiagara Falls, New YorkThe Griffon’s chicken and waffle sandwich is what put this pub on the map for amazing waffles. A sliced Belgian chive waffle is paired with a traditional Southern buttermilk-battered piece of fried chicken. It’s served with jalapeño coleslaw, thick-cut apple wood-smoked bacon, cheddar, and spicy maple mayonnaise.
Ada L./YelpLos AngelesBru’s Wiffle has no shortage of tasty varieties of waffles, but the Waco may be the way to go. Covered with grilled or crispy chicken, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheddar, mozzarella, jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa, the Waco is just what it sounds like — a waffle taco. Bru’s also flaunts a complete list of dessert waffles, including banana pecan, banana split, and churro waffles. Chicken and waffle specialties and waffle scrambles round out the affordable menu. Bru’s has locations in Marina Del Rey and Santa Monica.
Bert H./YelpRomeoville, IllinoisA Carrot Cake Waffle sets this restaurant apart from the rest. Shredded carrots, chopped walnuts, raisins, and cream cheese make for a complete breakfast at Tasty Waffle. Other sweet-style waffles on the extensive waffle menu include Caramel Apple, Black Cherry Bliss, Raisin Walnut, and many more.
Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle Shop
Zoey N./YelpVirginia Beach, VirginiaFeatured on Food Network’s “The Best Of” for its pancakes, Pocahontas Pancakes is also a destination for waffle lovers. Try blueberry, cherry, apple, “succulent” chocolate chip, banana, or pecan waffle. It also has a gluten-free waffle.
Mariann F./YelpIndianapolisMaxine’s claim to fame is a plate of three jumbo chicken wings and its signature waffle. Or opt for the Waffle Sliders, featuring buttermilk fried chicken. More traditional offerings include Dusty’s Waffles, a signature waffle served with peach butter and whipped cream.
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Atypical Waffle Co.
Loni N./YelpSan DiegoUnlike other waffle joints that serve omelets, sandwiches, and other fare, Atypical Waffle serves strictly waffles. From a fresh and light waffle topped simply with homemade whipped cream and berries ($7) to the Number Seven topped with bacon baked in brown sugar, avocado, and goat cheese ($8.50), there is no question waffles are the specialty.
CiCi H./YelpGrapevine, TexasWaffle Way features Belgian waffles — “a local favorite” — including pecan and banana pecan varieties, as well as a Chicken Waffle entree, a waffle served with “chicken fried chicken” for less than $8. Customers can also make their own, with a choice of fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate chips, then add a side of bacon, ham, or sausage.
Chicago Waffles
Philip T./YelpChicagoConnoisseurs in the mood for something hearty will want to give Chicago Waffles‘ Cheddar and Short Rib Waffle a try. A cheddar waffle served with braised short ribs and topped with two eggs, cheddar cheese, and chives, it’s bound to satisfy any appetite. Or try a take on the soul food classic, chicken and waffles — except this version features bacon, chicken tenders, and spicy syrup. Waffle lovers can also enjoy a “flight” of waffles, which includes red velvet, chocolate, liege, and green tea mini waffles topped with blackberries, strawberries, bananas, and hazelnut chocolate ($16).
Maria B./YelpBellflower, CaliforniaThe Nest has no shortage of options for those hankering for all manner of breakfast food, but when it comes to waffles, there’s a singular, fabulous offering: the Bacon Waffle, a Belgian-style waffle with bacon pieces in the batter, served with homemade bacon whiskey syrup. Who needs more?
Omelettes and Waffles Restaurant
Sara G./YelpHoustonThis home-style diner does waffles right, according to customer reviews. Patrons call the waffles “soft yet crunchy” and “phenomenal” on Yelp and urge newbies not to let the hole-in-the-wall ambiance distract from delicious plates of traditional, fruit-topped, syrup-drowned waffles.
Nakia S./YelpBrooklyn, New YorkTom’s is known for hearty, Belgian-style waffles, including cranberry, pumpkin walnut, sweet potato and banana cinnamon walnuts. Tom’s also serves waffle sundaes made with ice cream, whipped cream, and fruit.
Scott L./YelpSan AntonioThe Guenther House, packed with mill history and Southern charm, is more than just a traditional breakfast spot. But the waffles will definitely not disappoint. To stick with tradition, the Guenther House features a Southern Sweet Cream Waffle smothered in strawberries and whipped cream. Its waffle mix is available for purchase in the restaurant gift shop and online.
Connie’s Chicken & Waffles
La P./YelpBaltimoreIf you can’t get enough of the chicken and waffles combo, Connie’s Chicken & Waffles needs to be on your radar. Buttermilk waffles, red velvet waffles, Oreo waffles, and others are paired with chicken wings and tenders at Connie’s (which has four locations, all but one closed temporarily). A family-run joint, the restaurant made the Food Network’s list of the best waffle spots in each state.
Jacqueline C./YelpLos AngelesFamous for its Red Velvet Waffle, The Waffle has quickly become a Hollywood tradition since opening in 2008. Its other signature waffles include smoked salmon, hash brown, cornmeal jalapeño, and strawberry cheesecake. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
Waffle Champion
Kayla H./YelpOklahoma CityWith its craft waffle sandwiches, Waffle Champion soars to the top of the waffle category. If chorizo and spicy crema sounds amazing, imagine it on a choice of classic buttermilk, Belgian-style liege waffle or waffle fries. Other sandwich options are bacon, egg, and cheddar and Buffalo chicken.
My Waffle Crush
Diane N./YelpPhoenixA waffle food truck found in and around Phoenix, My Waffle Crush serves waffles topped with just about anything — cinnamon sugar, Nutella, Biscoff, fresh fruit, homemade cream, or ice cream — or stuffed with chocolate. With all that, who needs syrup? Walk away with the Nana (Nutella, bananas, and whipped cream) or maybe the Berry (Biscoff, strawberries, and whipped cream) for about $9, or create your own from the waffle up.
The Waffle Experience
Natasha C./YelpSacramento, CaliforniaUnique toppings combined with creative waffle flavors are the hallmark of the Waffle Experience. The Jimmy’s a Greek, for example, starts with a fresh herb waffle piled high with a cage-free egg, feta, kalamata olives, savory onion jam, dolmades, arugula, tomatoes, basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, and a balsamic drizzle. It’s like a salad on a waffle. Or maybe try the Pig Latin, with spicy carnitas, fontina, sautéed peppers, cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, and chipotle aioli on a jalapeño-infused herb waffle. Two hands are required. Still hungry? Try the Bananarama for dessert.
Wafels & Dinges
Faria I./YelpNew YorkNew Yorkers eager for a waffle fix are used to scouting for the nearest canary yellow Wafels & Dinges truck on the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn, though there are also storefront locations, and recently Pennsylvanians have joined the hunt. The curious name marries the Dutch words for waffles (wafel) and, loosely, toppings (dinges). Among the mobile waffle-maker’s more interesting offerings have been BBQ Pulled Pork and Smoked Salmon waffles. The Throwdown Wafel featuring whipped cream and their Spekuloos Spread is the product of a duel involving celebrity Chef Bobby Flay. Or walk away with just a taste — grab a Mini Wafelini.
Nana G’s Chik-N-Waffles
Milla M./YelpAtlantaNana G’s tasty waffle recipe has been around a long time — more than 75 years. Today Atlantans can spot a restaurant food truck for a chance to try her legendary maplewood smoked bacon-infused Belgian waffles, served simply with syrup and powdered sugar, or topped with “top-secret” 48-hour fried chicken or bananas (with or without Nutella and peanut butter).
Belgian Waffle Works
Rod C./YelpLake Arrowhead, CaliforniaPatrons of Belgian Waffle Works can get a waffle with a view. This eatery, overlooking Lake Arrowhead, boasts a Belgian S’more waffle complete with chocolate ice cream, marshmallow, chocolate sauce, and graham cracker crumbs. On the savory side of things, how about the Benedict Belgian? Customers can substitute gluten-free waffles for any of the combinations.
Off the Waffle
Hannah G./YelpPortland, Oregon
Like any good waffle joint, Off the Houston offers traditional liege waffles, which are normally served without syrup or butter, and for just $3.50. If traditional doesn’t cut it, choose from a variety of sweet, savory, and “in between” waffle options that top out at $15, with many plates in the $6.50 to $11 range. Specialty waffle highlights include Goat in Headlights, topped with goat cheese, avocado, basil, and two sunny-side-up eggs, and the Wiffle, topped with Nutella, organic banana, and powdered sugar.
Emily Lugg is a freelance writer and writing tutor in the Writing Center at Ohio Wesleyan University. Always looking for the best investment for her family at the cheapest price, Emily uses research and consumer reviews as her sharpest tools for the savviest shopping.
