The Best Chicken And Waffles In The U.S.
If you're a fan of sweet and savory, chicken and waffles are the ultimate dish for breakfast, brunch, and beyond. Between the velvety waffle, sweet syrup, and crispy fried chicken, this beloved example of comfort cuisine has Southern roots. That said, it has since expanded to all 50 states, and is now one of the most popular brunch dishes on a menu. In addition to being delicious, chicken and waffles are also incredibly hearty and satisfying, making them a solid choice for those looking to truly indulge in decadence.
That said, since its popularity has risen, several restaurants across the country have attempted to recreate this crispy classic. However, grade-A poultry, fluffy waffles, and high-quality syrup are all musts when it comes to creating this recipe with success. To help you find the restaurants that have mastered the art of this bold breakfast, we've rounded up where to find the best chicken and waffles in the U.S.
Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles - Los Angeles
Founded in 1975 by soul food maven and Harlem native Herb Hudson, Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles has been a Los Angeles staple ever since. Roscoe's original Hollywood location has been acquiring high-profile acclaim since the start and has served some of the biggest celebrities and public figures from early Motown days until now among the likes of Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Snoop Dogg, and even Barack Obama. The restaurant's wild success has allowed it to expand to eight Los Angeles locations since, serving some of the best chicken and waffles in every corner of the City of Angels.
All this success is no surprise considering Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles offers delicious, fluffy waffles with crispy, delicious fried chicken and a variety of authentic southern toppings. Whether you prefer a simple, classic chicken and waffles with syrup, or something more adventurous such as the chicken smothered in gravy and onions, or the waffle battered tenders, Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles has something delicious on the menu for every pallet and preference.
Screen Door - Portland, Oregon
Screen Door restaurant is bringing elevated Southern comfort food to Portland, Oregon. With a menu that puts a Northwest, local ingredient-conscious, fresh twist on classic southern soul food, Screen Door has been serving incredible meals since 2006 and offers locations in both the East Side and Pearl District neighborhoods.
The chicken and waffles are one of their most popular dishes and for good reason. Screen Door serves one, two, or three pieces of delectable buttermilk fried chicken breasts on top of the homemade sweet potato waffle with a side of syrup, creating the ultimate combination of sweet, salty, and savory in the dish. Screen Door's chicken and waffles are available at both locations during both brunch and dinner, so guests can enjoy this staple dish any time the restaurant is open. Patrons are encouraged to try one of Screen Door's nine house-made sauces with your chicken for the ultimate chicken and waffles experience!
Early Bird Diner - Charleston, South Carolina
Located in Charleston, South Carolina, Early Bird Diner is serving up some of the best fried chicken and waffles in the country along with a wealth of other incredible Southern diner food. Early Bird Diner goes above and beyond your classic chicken and waffles, proudly serving the signature pecan fried chicken on top of a cinnamon waffle, topped off with a honey mustard barbecue sauce and syrup. Luckily, the diner serves breakfast from open until closed, so guests can enjoy this unique chicken and waffles dish at any time of day.
Early Bird Diner's chicken and waffles are so delicious it was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Guy Fieri himself described the chicken and waffles as, "The savory, sweet, crunchy and salty sensations from the chicken and waffles seem so wrong, but are just so right." The combination of the expansive menu, authentic Southern flavors, and, of course, the famous chicken and waffles makes Early Bird Diner a must-try for any chicken and waffles lover.
Maxine's Chicken & Waffles - Indianapolis
Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Maxine's Chicken & Waffles is a family-owned and operated restaurant that strives to serve a taste of love in every bite. Founded by the daughters of impressive hospital and home cook Maxine herself, this incredible restaurant brings all the soul and comfort of a tight-knit, home-cooking family and elevates it to an incredible yet still accessible culinary experience.
Maxine's Chicken & Waffles offers the namesake dish in a few different ways — the breakfast menu features a classic chicken and Belgian-style waffle, served with either chicken tenders or chicken wings and peach butter. The restaurant also makes an incredible chicken and waffles sandwich, where the boneless chicken breast is served between two miniature, yet still light and fluffy sweet maple waffles. Maxine's also offers a chicken and waffles meal on the lunch menu, which comes complete with the chicken tenders plus signature waffles, and two sides ranging from greens, mac and cheese, fried green tomatoes, and many other classic Southern side dishes.
Steuben's Uptown - Denver, Colorado
Steuben's diner has been bringing classic diner comfort food, late night hours, craft cocktails, stylish retro decor, and of course incredible chicken and waffles to the people of Denver, Colorado since 2006. Built in what was once a classic car garage, the layout and the design of the restaurant are now reminiscent of an old 1960s diner, boasting red and white interior decor, yet with all of the comfort and high-quality recipes and ingredients of a modern cafe.
Although the menu is expansive and impressive, Steuben's is consistently recognized for its incredible crispy yet moist and juicy fried chicken, so naturally, the chicken and waffles are unmatched in flavor. Steuben's offers a signature bone-in, buttermilk brined fried chicken over a delicious sweet and fluffy Belgian waffle, all topped with the incredible homemade chicken gravy. With every component of the dish made entirely from scratch, it is no wonder Steuben's chicken and waffles are some of the best in the nation.
Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Greensboro, North Carolina
Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, Dame's Chicken & Waffles pays homage to the Harlem Renaissance origins of the now American classic chicken and waffles dish. The interior of the restaurant is filled with images, art, and jazz sounds from the Harlem Renaissance, paying homage to cultural, artistic, and of course culinary Black excellence of the time. While Dame's Chicken & Waffles does an incredible job of honoring the history of chicken and waffles, the restaurant is also working to create a whole new phenomenon of chicken and waffle pairings through the extensive menu and wild combinations.
Dame's offers everything from the classic chicken and waffles to truly innovative combinations — guests can choose from a variety of "schmears" or flavored butter to accompany their chicken and waffles, with flavors including strawberry cream, maple pecan, orange honeycomb, vanilla almond, and many more. The spot also offers four types of waffles: classic, sweet potato, gingerbread, and vegan. Guests can choose their own combination of chicken, waffle, and schmear, or choose from one of Dame's incredible signature chicken and waffle dishes.
Hash House a Go Go - Las Vegas
Serving what is described as "twisted farm food and crafted cocktails," Hash House A Go Go is serving up some of the country's best chicken and waffles in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hash House A Go Go works to bring midwestern classics to a wider audience, yet still maintaining the home-cooked, big portioned, made with love energy of the region.
The most popular meal, the sage chicken and waffles, has won over the hearts of patrons and critics alike, making it a must-try for those in the Las Vegas area. The visually stunning and full-of-flavor dish starts with farm fresh free range chicken breast coated in cornstarch, fresh sage, corn flakes, and house spices, allowing the chicken to be completely crispy and crunchy on the outside while being delectably juicy and deeply flavorful on the inside. This chicken combined with the delicious stacked Belgian waffles, smoked bacon, market tomatoes, and rosemary garden makes for a wildly creative, flavorful, and unique chicken and waffles dish.
24 Diner - Austin, Texas
24 Diner, located in Austin, Texas, works to bring the classic 1950s diner experience of coming in to meet, share food, a drink, and a laugh with all the best modern style and unique funky energy of the rapidly growing city of Austin. In this same way, 24 Diner takes classic, hearty diner food and puts a chef-inspired, locally sourced, high-quality ingredient spin on some of our favorite diner dishes.
One of the most popular menu items, the chicken and waffles, offers the ultimate classic combination. The homemade yeast-raised Belgian waffles are uniquely tangy and bright and are complimented perfectly by the marinated boneless, skinless fried chicken breast and thighs. Add in the brown sugar butter, maple syrup, and honey, and 24 Diner has created a perfect chicken and waffles dish. With breakfast served all day long, guests are able to enjoy their take on this classic dish any time of day or night!
Hattie B's Hot Chicken - Nashville, Tennessee
Hattie B's Hot Chicken is a Nashville staple that has become one of the most iconic and popular restaurants in the city. With four locations scattered across Nashville and locations now in Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Dallas, the no-bone chicken tenders and waffles create a decadent combo that has the perfect amount of crunch. The Belgian-style waffles are served with honey butter, which adds an extra hint of sweetness. The final topping is, of course, maple syrup.
If you're looking to indulge in something slightly lighter, you can even request that your chicken tenders be grilled. However, the fried tenders are the classic and most craving-curing way to go. Some solid side dishes available at Hattie B's include fried pickles, baked beans, and creamy coleslaw. If you save room for dessert, the banana pudding is a local favorite that always manages to hit the spot.
Tigerlily - Berkeley, California
Though Tigerlily went under new ownership in 2019, this charming restaurant is still known for having some of the best chicken and waffles in Northern California. While you might not expect to find top-notch chicken and waffles at an upscale Indian restaurant, Tigerlily manages to pull it off. That said, there definitely is an Indian twist that sets these chicken and waffles apart from the competition.
The use of tikka masala sauce makes this dish extra flavorful, evoking both sweet and savory undertones that complement one another. The buttermilk marinade gives this recipe a traditional taste that is loved, while the tikka masala puts a unique spin on this Southern fare. In addition to the waffle, it is also served with turmeric mashed potatoes and braised greens, adding to the Indian-inspired tastes and textures. Some other menu highlights include the curried deviled eggs and the citrus soy-glazed Brussel sprouts.
Soco - Brooklyn, New York
Located in Brooklyn, Soco is a Southern fusion restaurant that brings a true taste of the South to the concrete jungle. Though it is considered to be a restaurant, it is also a part-cocktail bar, making it a great place to stop by for drinks and small bites after work. However, when it comes to ordering the chicken and waffles, you better arrive hungry. The portions are large and hearty, making Soco Restaurant a great place to get your fried food fix.
The organic chicken is fried to perfection in buttermilk batter, and its high-quality allows for everything from the taste to the texture to be on point. That said, the waffle is what allows this dish to truly shine. Rather than a standard waffle, Soco uses a red velvet batter to enhance not only the appearance and style of the dish but also offers a more rich and more decadent bite. The space is very industrial yet relaxed, and the setting is very sultry and inviting, especially at night.
The Guenther House - San Antonio, Texas
Between the cobblestone exterior and vibrant history, The Guenther House is an elegant and timeless restaurant that takes you back in time with Southern cuisine. This restored home also has a museum, allowing you to soak up some culture after your meal. You can also snag some San Antonio River Mill mix to-go so that you can make some of these tasty treats from the comfort of your own home.
Regardless of if you're visiting for breakfast or lunch, the chicken and sweet cream waffle will cure your craving for something savory and sweet unlike any other. This Southern sweet cream Belgian waffle caters to your sweet tooth without overpowering it, and the crispy chicken tenders feature premium meat that is cooked to perfection. However, the Grade A maple syrup is what tops this dish off and takes it to the next level. Since breakfast is served all day, you can even enjoy this beloved dish in the early afternoon.
Atlanta Breakfast Club - Atlanta, Georgia
When it comes to breakfast, Atlanta Breakfast Club has special expertise. This beloved breakfast spot is conveniently located in Midtown and serves up Southern fare that is made with care and consideration. The crispy fried chicken and waffles are served sandwich-style, making it easy to pick up and eat with your hands. The all-natural chicken breast is juicy and full, fried to prime crispiness. The soft Belgian waffle is stacked on either side of the chicken breast, and the entire dish is coated in warm syrup.
If you're craving something even sweeter, the peach cobbler french toast features a shortbread crumble, vanilla butter, and powdered sugar. However, if strictly savory is more your style, the gulf shrimp and grits will hit the spot. In addition to large gulf shrimp, this dish also features chicken sausage and spicy smoked jalapeño gravy over smooth and creamy grits that melt in your mouth.
Five Bar - Birmingham, Alabama
Located in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, Five Bar is famous for its lively and fun jazz brunch. Though the Birmingham location is one of the more popular, Five Bar also has restaurants in Mobile and Tuscaloosa, Alabama as well as Athens, Georgia. Despite being so loved by locals and visitors alike, Five Bar, as the name suggests, only serves five brunch items. However, this small and simple menu still succeeds in scoring big.
The use of local ingredients plays a part in taking these five menu items to the next level. That said, the chicken and waffles are a must-order. The honey nut waffle has a solid amount of sweetness, while the whipped butter spreads easily across the melt-in-your-mouth waffle. The pure maple syrup is also incredibly real and fresh tasting, with no sense of artificiality or too much sweetness. You can also pair your chicken and waffles with a mimosa made with fresh-squeezed orange juice or a make-your-own Bloody Mary.
Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles - Phoenix, Arizona
Between the soul food that is made from scratch and the spacious patio, Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles offers a cozy atmosphere that matches the comfort food. Though Lo-Lo's has since expanded into other states like Nevada and Texas, Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles was born out in Arizona. The original location is in Phoenix and is by far the most popular and beloved of the franchise.
There is even a Lo-Lo's at the Phoenix Airport, proving just how much of an effect this soul food hotspot has had on the community. The chicken and waffles are known for being a local favorite, featuring melt-in-your-mouth waffles and juicy fried chicken that harmoniously blend savory and sweet. Best of all, there are multiple different sizes and varieties of chicken and waffles to choose from, including ones that are smothered with gravy and onions or served plain with decadent maple syrup.