On the hunt for the best waffles in Los Angeles? The abundance of breakfast food in this sleepless city demands to be tasted. Plus, the sanctity of brunch in Southern California provides plenty of excuses to indulge in superb waffles.
Whether you crave a sweet or savory meal, waffles will satisfy your hunger. These honeycomb-shaped goods scattered with powdered sugar or topped with colorful berries won’t hurt your Instagram feed, either. From Belgian waffles served with fruit and whipped cream to chicken and waffles drenched with maple syrup, there are more than a few ways to enjoy this breakfast favorite.
The best waffles in Los Angeles are crammed with tasty flares, like waffles infused with blueberry lemon. Open your notes app, or take out a pen and paper to make an official Los Angeles waffle bucket list to try with friends on a lazy Sunday. Skip the frozen boxed waffles and check out our list of the best waffles in the City of Angels.
The Waffle
This classic diner with warm yellow and orange interiors wins the top spot for the best waffles in Los Angeles. Its decadent menu items, including Chef Tina Lagana’s tres leches and red velvet waffle specials, arrive topped with strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate chips, powdered sugar and even ice cream.
Located on the first floor of the Comerica Bank office tower in Hollywood, The Waffle takes American comfort food to another level. For an off-the-menu item, ask about the chicken and waffle sandwich infused with bacon.
Shaky Alibi
Come here for the fresh-pressed waffles and stay for the brick walls thick with vines and outdoor seating. Shaky Alibi’s popularity revolves around their use of caramelized Belgian pearl sugar. Go for a classic if that’s what you’re in the mood for, but make sure to return for a waffle sundae dripping with ice cream, whipped cream and a caramel or chocolate drizzle.
Poppy + Rose
Often awarded Los Angeles accolades like “best breakfast” and “best chicken and waffles,” Poppy + Rose deserves a Sunday stop. Adjacent to floral warehouses, Poppy + Rose dwells in a dizzying aroma of fresh flowers and unparalleled plates full of chicken and waffles. The buttermilk-brined chicken comes atop a butter vanilla Belgian waffle, and if that isn’t lavish enough for you, dip your food in a side of smoked honey butter. For a snack prior to your waffle feast, order the sumptuous biscuits and gravy to share with your friends.
Critic Tory Davis raved about the tenderness of the chicken: “The chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a bone-in and boneless piece that boast a craggy, crunchy coating with plenty of pepper. Even the white meat is decadently moist with zero excess oil. The chicken perches atop the waffle and is sprinkled with sliced scallions that appear decorative until you add one to your bite, and suddenly the richness is tempered by the sharp green note. A little dip of each bite into the real maple syrup and suddenly the fantasy balance between savory, sweet and sharp is a genuine reality.”
Bru’s Wiffle
Bru’s Wiffle takes the prize when it comes to a large and diverse menu. Order Dwight’s Special for some of the best chicken and waffles in Los Angeles, Waco for a wacky amount of savory toppings, The King for a peanut butter, bacon and banana combo or the Banana Pecan Waffle for a sweet classic.
Locals will defend this waffle joint to the death. A line wraps around the block at all times due to the small size of the joint, so you may want to consider teaching your stomach patience or getting takeout.
Fred 62
What would Los Angeles do without a hipster diner to serve up plates of simple and reliable waffles? Hungover from your Saturday night out? Craving during the night? Fred 62 is open 24 hours, and breakfast is served throughout the day.
Fred offers a classic waffle served with maple syrup, but the dessert menu hosts the Bossa Nova Waffle Sundae. This Belgian waffle doused with dulce de leche vanilla bean and whipped cream will make your teeth buzz with the sugar overload.
Happy Days Café
Happy Days Café opened its doors in 2015, and it has become the place to go for churro waffles. Featuring an indulgent pastry case and ice cream bin, the café gives off a boho chic vibe and serves their churro waffles on a stick and in a silver pail. Be sure to try the other churro-inspired desserts, like the churro doughnut stuffed with Nutella.
& Waffles
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Need we say more? Founded by father Edward and run by his two sons Raffi and Serge, & Waffles has a nice crunch to their menu items, but all the fluff that follows tastes like a sugary cloud. Try the Boysenberry Nutella Waffle for a rich and fruity breakfast.
DK’s Donuts & Bakery
Lee and Kong Tao founded this diner in 1981 after making the trek from Cambodia. Open 24 hours, DK’s Donuts & Bakery is now managed by daughter Mayly and older brother Sean. Flagging down hungry Angelinos with a pink candy-stripe sign, beautiful pastry cases and colorful interior, DK’s Donuts is famous for ube (purple yam) flavors and waffle/doughnut combinations.
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