When it comes to foods that are so bad they’re fantastic, nothing comes close to chicken and waffles. Fluffy, buttery waffles topped with crispy fried chicken and smothered in sweet maple syrup? We won’t tell your doctor if you don’t tell ours.
Though this comfort food is rumored to straight from the old south, it took the spotlight at the Wells Supper Club in Harlem in the late 1930’s. Since then, chicken and waffles has spread across the country. No matter where you’re traveling, you’re probably not far from somewhere that’ll serve up this delightful dish.
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles
Los Angeles, California
Roscoe’s was started in 1975 by a Harlem native and a regular of Wells Supper Club. With celebrity appearances and talk show mentions, Roscoe’s is the most famous place to get chicken and waffles. In the 40 years they’ve been in business, Roscoe’s now has 7 Los Angeles locations and sells favorites in the frozen section of local grocery stores.
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles
Durham and Greensboro, North Carolina
With national press from Southern Living and The New York Times, you might be surprised that Damion Moore’s business only opened in 2010. This runaway hit restaurant has not only practically perfected the classic dish, but also brings a new spin with exciting menu options like gingerbread, sweet potato, or vegan waffles and the whipped butter shmears, including orange-honeycomb and chocolate-hazelnut varieties.
Nana G’s Chicken & Waffles
Atlanta, Georgia
If you want fried chicken just like how you would imagine a southern grandma would make it, then try Nana G’s food trucks. Nana G just celebrated her 102nd birthday, and her grandson started serving her classic family favorites across Atlanta. What sends Nana G’s over the top is the Maplewood bacon-infused waffles and secret seasonings on the 48-hour fried chicken. They’re often called to cater corporate events, weddings, engagement parties, and special moments.
These are just a few of the great chicken and waffles across the U.S., and we know that there are many other critically acclaimed favorites. Our other top picks include:
- Lo-Lo’s in Phoenix serving surprisingly spot-on soul food for the west
- Lucky J’s in Austin that serves up the traditional dish as a chicken and waffle taco
- Chef Eddie’s in Orlando, whose affordable choices include red velvet waffles or a waffle burger for lunch.
