The first waffle iron was patented in 1869, changing the taste – and texture – of American breakfasts forever. Ever since then, waffles have continued to grow in popularity, becoming one of the country's favorite foods. Whether you prefer yours piled high with berries for breakfast or topped with crispy fried chicken and drizzled with honey, we've found the top-rated eateries for waffles across the US.
Click or scroll through our roundup of the best waffles in every state, from old-school waffle houses to restaurants known for piled-high sweet and savory selections.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
The waffles at Foxy’s Waffle Bar and Sugar Den have been described by customers as the best thing to eat on Dauphin Island, period. They're served in a basket, with bite-size pieces and a huge range of sweet toppings. Nutella, strawberries, and caramel is said to be a winning combination, or take your pick from blueberries, raspberries, chocolate chips, pecans, and more.
Featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Waffles and Whatnot wins rave reviews for its perfectly fluffy waffles and great service. If it's your first time there, the staff will whip up a special dish so you can taste a bit of everything. Founded in 2016 by former serviceman Derrick, the restaurant offers waffles with a healthier twist, such as gourmet apple cinnamon mix. There's also a host of toppings available, from honey-drenched crispy chicken to banana, Nutella, and ice cream.
Cute pink waffle truck My Waffle Crush goes to many local events, but you can usually find it at Gilbert Farmers Market on Saturdays. It serves the freshest Liège waffles with an endless list of toppings, including cinnamon sugar, Nutella, Biscoff, fresh fruit, and homemade cream, or made into a ham and cheese 'toastie.'
Bites & Bowls is the place to head to for brunch in Springdale. As well as coffee, açaí bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, and soup, it serves the best sweet and savory waffles around, according to customers. Groups love the waffle bar option, consisting of three Belgian waffles cut into 12 pieces, served with strawberries, Nutella, walnuts, syrup, and sprinkles. You can also add bacon.
More Than Waffles has been feeding Encino locals delicious waffles since 1975. It specializes in Gaufres – thick, light, and airy waffles popular in Belgium. The menu has around 20 toppings options, all of which come highly recommended. For the best of both worlds, try the Baconutella, with bacon baked into the batter and Nutella on top. Or, if you want something more substantial, try the Waffler, with poached eggs, avocado, bacon, and hollandaise.
Waffle Brothers is the place to go in Cherry Creek, Denver, for a wide range of both sweet and savory waffles. Popular toppings include the Allie Cat, with strawberries, caramel, and nuts, and the B.A.R.T, which features bacon, avocado, tomato, egg, and ranch dressing. There's a second location in Uptown.
Chic waffle café Zinneken's serves a menu of indulgent Belgian waffles, which diners praise for being perfectly soft and chewy. There's a wide range of toppings to choose from, or pick from tried and tested combinations such as Fruit Delight, with strawberries, banana, and chocolate, or Berries Insanity, with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. There are savory options available, too; the veggie omelet with waffle, three eggs, mushroom, onions, peppers, and tomato is a winner.
A must-visit if you’re traveling anywhere near Wilmington, Wheelys Farmstand Café is a cute covered farmstand and café serving a small menu of seven waffle varieties, coffees, and cold drinks. Highlights include the Rise & Shiner with eggs, bacon, and cheese, and the Red, White & Blue with mixed berries and whipped cream. Customers rate the friendly service, and say the waffles are fresh and flavorful.
Sylvia’s Waffles claims to be the only place in Tampa Bay serving Belgian waffles that are actually made by a Belgian. There's a wide range of savory and sweet toppings available, ranging from fresh berries and whipped cream, to pulled pork and syrup. Find them at St. Pete's Saturday Morning Market (and be prepared to wait in line).
Highlights at Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles include the Bananas Foster Chicken & Waffles (a deep-fried cinnamon waffle topped with caramel, bananas, powdered sugar, and whipped cream) and Nana’s Peach Cobbler Chicken & Waffles (topped with cream cheese, cobbler sauce, powdered sugar, and cinnamon). As well as its famous chicken and waffles, there's a range of fruit topped waffles to choose from too.
Waffle and Berry serves up a selection of waffles so piled high and pretty, they wouldn't look out of place in an art gallery. Order yours topped with brightly colored fresh fruits, or go for a classic combination like Chocolate Chip Banana: a chocolate chip waffle topped with bananas, ice cream, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and chocolate chips. Another top choice is Peanut Butter Banana, which comes topped with peanut butter, guava jelly, banana, ice cream, and whipped cream.
Waffle Me Up wins rave reviews for its golden fried chicken and waffles, served with white gravy and bacon, and for a dish called Waffle Me Strawberry, which comes piled high with Nutella, sliced strawberries, strawberry sauce, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. There's a host of other sweet and savory options as well, plus it serves great coffee.
The Churro Waffle's signature dish, drizzled in caramel sauce, topped with sea salt caramel ice cream, and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, keeps customers coming back for more. There are plenty of other delightful waffle dishes on the menu but we especially like the sound of the chorizo waffle with chorizo, onion, cilantro, jalapeños, eggs any style, and tomatillo sauce. A top sweet choice is the Oreo Waffle, with Oreo crumbles, caramel sauce, and cookies ‘n’ cream ice cream.
Southern-style restaurant His Place Eatery has four highly rated waffle options on the menu. The classic, with four crispy chicken wings on a fluffy Belgian waffle, comes with an optional two sides (such as mac ‘n’ cheese or coleslaw), and is a firm favorite. The red velvet waffle and chicken comes drizzled with a tasty cream cheese glaze, while those with a really sweet tooth will love the peach cobbler waffle and the churro waffle, which comes with caramel and whipped cream.
People absolutely rave about the chicken and waffles at funky 1990s hip hop–themed brunch spot Eggs and Jam. They say the chicken is juicy and perfectly fried, and the waffles crisp, soft, and almost marshmallow-like. Look out for the rotating specials – the M.C. Waffle, an Oreo waffle with chocolate syrup, chocolate whipped cream, and crumbled Oreos, is loved by customers.
The Cardboard Corner Cafe is all about fun, with heaps of board games to keep diners amused, plus an extensive waffle menu. Popular choices include the s'mores waffles, topped with chocolate chips, Nutella, Graham cracker crumbs, and toasted marshmallows, and a cornbread waffle topped with pulled pork, slaw, BBQ sauce, pickles, and crispy onions.
Chic-La-Lou food truck is famous throughout Louisville for its hot crispy chicken and fluffy waffles. There is a variety of seasonal waffles available too, including the Shorty – a waffle coated in cookie butter spread, drizzled with white chocolate, and topped with berries and whipped cream. Check the Facebook page to find out its location each day.
Twisted Waffles has an exciting menu of classic chicken and waffles, served with a variety of sauces including smoky honey mustard. It also serves edible waffle bowls, filled with scrambled eggs, onion, peppers, and a choice of fillings including sausage, turkey, and shrimp. The 'wafflewich' – a Belgian waffle sandwich with your choice of fillings – is also popular. Specialty waffles include Burst of Berries with strawberries, fresh cream, and strawberry drizzle, and Banana Split, with bananas, warm crushed pineapple, strawberries, whipped cream, cherries, and Graham cracker crumbs.
Cozy café Mama D’s is highly rated as the perfect spot for breakfast in Boothbay Harbor. A diner favorite, the Belgian Waffle is available plain or flavored with raspberries or blueberries, and comes loaded with fruit, nuts, syrup, and whipped cream. Customers say it's a charming and friendly place, and love that there's a porch for outdoor dining.
Connie's Chicken and Waffles has a few locations, which all get glowing reviews. Customers can choose from original buttermilk, Oreo, Cap'n Crunch cereal, chocolate chip, red velvet, or blueberry waffles, served with chicken breast tenders or crispy shrimp. Satisfied customers say they always taste super fresh and are served piping hot.
Curio Coffee serves a small but perfectly executed menu of espresso beverages, brewed coffee, and Liège Belgian waffles. It's a cozy, stylish, friendly joint, which locals love. Choose either a classic waffle or the cream cheese version, or check out regular specialties such as this cherry fennel waffle with lemon pink peppercorn sugar, pictured.
Customers rave about Wayne's Waffle House thanks to the deliciously light and fluffy waffles, huge portions, and friendly service. The classic buttermilk waffle is a winner, while other tasty varieties include peaches and cream, Oreo vanilla, and cherry cheesecake – all served with crispy chicken and potatoes.
There's a long list of waffles to choose from at The Buzz, and diners praise the vegan options and homely atmosphere. Flavors include chocolate raspberry pie, chocolate chip, blueberry, and butter beer. There's also the option to go half-and-half, like this delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate on one side, banana bread on the other.
Sugar's Place in Jackson is easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking for, but this small diner is the place to go for the best chicken and waffles around. Sweet, salty, soft, and crunchy, the tenders are well seasoned with crisp breading, while the waffles are perfectly fluffy. Customers also rave about the speedy service.
Small chain Chick-In Waffle serves up seriously creative takes on the classic chicken and waffles dish loved by so many. Popular options include crispy buttermilk chicken drenched in queso, jalapeños, and chives on a bubble waffle, garlicky chicken parm, and crispy chicken drenched in Thai chili sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds and pickles.
With two locations in Bozeman, Stuffed Crêpes & Waffles is the place to go for a long list of sweet and savory waffle options (which can also be served in a crêpe). Favorites include the Brittany, with strawberries, bananas, whipped cream, and Nutella or cream cheese, and the Florina – a savory treat with a cracked egg, shredded ham, Swiss cheese, spinach, roasted red bell peppers, and pesto.
Stylish brunch and lunch restaurant Le Peep has four locations in Omaha, and receives top marks for its decadent waffles. Its much-loved Belgian waffle is served with powdered sugar, whipped butter, and syrup. You could also go all out with the Belgian waffle combo – a waffle with two eggs, strips of bacon or sausage links, and crispy potatoes.
Waffles Cafe customers praise its light and fluffy waffles, which taste even better thanks to the restaurant's warm and welcoming atmosphere. The family-owned restaurant serves breakfast waffles with eggs, bacon, and sausage, alongside sweet options like the Banana Split with banana, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate sauce. There are waffle sandwiches and waffle pizzas on the menu, too.
Wayfarer Coffee Roasters has a short but impressive waffle menu, which receives rave reviews from customers. Fluffy Liège waffles come with toppings including powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, maple syrup, bacon, ham and cheese, and strawberry. You can also buy them by the dozen, or as a box of mini waffles. The joint is also famous for its great coffee.
Funky food truck Moffle Bar is based in Jersey City and serves 'moffles' – a waffle mashed-up with the chewy Japanese sweet, mochi. They typically come with syrup, nuts, and even fried chicken, much like regular waffles, and are described as chewy inside with a crispy exterior. The Fruity Pebbles option (pictured), topped with crumbled up breakfast cereal, is a customer favorite. The truck tours local markets and festivals, so check the Facebook page for its next location.
Tia B’s La Waffleria allows you to build your own, choosing from waffle batter including blue corn, yellow corn masa, puff pastry, and buckwheat, before you pick from a list of savory and sweet toppings. Or choose from set options like The Elvis – a buttermilk waffle with bacon, peanut butter, and cream – and the Blue Lavender, which is a blue corn waffle with blueberry sauce, fresh blueberries, and lavender-laced whipped cream. A popular savory option is Salmon & Lox – a blue corn waffle with dill cream, red onions, arugula, tomato, and smoked salmon.
Beans & Leaves on Staten Island is loved by customers for its friendly staff, great coffee, and delicious Belgian waffles. You can’t go wrong with a classic red velvet or apple pie waffle, to which you can add an array of toppings. Those with a big appetite will love the Hungry Man Waffle – potato, eggs, and bacon cooked into a waffle, and served topped with cheese and chives.
For chicken and waffles that will blow you away, Dame’s is the place. With locations in Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Greensboro, the mini chain is loved for the fact you can customize your dish to your exact liking, choosing from a list of waffle types, flavored butters, toppings, drizzles, and sides. Customers say every element of the dish is seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Copper Dog Cafe is the place to go for the best waffles in North Dakota. Its inventive flavors include Biscuits & Gravy (a biscuit waffle topped with sausage gravy), Fly Ball (a pepperoni and cheese pizza waffle with pizza sauce), and American Pie (a waffle topped with cooked apples, Graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, caramel, and whipped cream). Customers also love the warm, friendly atmosphere.
Those lucky enough to have a Wally Waffle nearby (there are restaurants in Akron, Tallmadge, and Montrose) could be forgiven for feeling a little smug. Because, whether you order from the permanent menu – offering waffles topped with fruit, nuts, or fried chicken – or choose a seasonal special, you’re guaranteed a freshly made, fluffy yet nicely crisp waffle, served with the best ingredients. Regulars say the line is often long but, for good-value waffles that taste this good, it’s well worth the wait.
Customers say eating at cool brunch spot Waffle Champion is an absolute joy. The waffle sandwiches, served in a cone for easy eating, are said to be out of this world. Flavors include the Florentine, with scrambled eggs, garlic spinach, mushrooms, tomato, and goats' cheese, and the classic chicken and waffles, with crispy leeks and Tabasco honey. Sweet waffles include s'mores, with torched marshmallow, chocolate ganache, and crumbled Graham crackers.
The Waffle Window in Portland is famed for using local and seasonal ingredients, and customers say it's a must-visit. A popular choice is the banana and Nutella waffle, while those who prefer savory waffles will love Farm Fusion – mushrooms, onion, red pepper, spinach, tomato, and lemon and thyme–infused goats’ cheese.
Customers say Waffallonia makes the best waffles in Pittsburgh, and can't get enough of its soft, chewy Liège waffles with crunchy pearl sugar. You can customize your order with toppings such as whipped cream, fresh berries, and Belgian chocolate sauce, or check out the menu of set options. The Charleroi, with Nutella, banana slices, strawberries, and whipped cream, is a customer favorite.
The Burgundian café serves a tantalizing selection of sweet and savory chewy, caramelized Liège waffles with interesting toppings. For example, Bacon di Belgio comes topped with ricotta, fig spread, bacon, and fresh basil, while the sweet Streets of Bruges combines strawberries, banana, cookie butter, Nutella, and whipped cream. Look out for its food truck around town as well.
Family-run Johnny D’s Waffles specializes in waffles and takes on eggs Benedict, and customers say you'll be blown away by the food and service. The joint is famous for its red velvet waffle, drizzled with cream cheese icing, and topped with butter and powdered sugar. Other customer favorites include the chicken and waffles, with breaded chicken tenders and cinnamon sugar. It has two other restaurants, in North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach.
Hip and trendy brunch and lunch spot Harriet & Oak is loved by customers for its great coffee, fun atmosphere, and friendly service. The Elvis-inspired waffle – a chocolate chip waffle topped with peanut butter, maple syrup, and bananas is a firm favorite – but customers say the plain waffle, simply served with butter and maple syrup, is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Known for its great breakfast, brunch, and coffee offering, local institution The Perch serves a delicious Belgian waffle with whipped butter and powdered sugar as it is, or you can add bananas, blueberries, Nutella, or walnuts (customers say blueberries and Nutella is a winning combination). It also has a popular, shaded patio area for al fresco dining.
If you’re a fan of eggs Benedict, you’ve got to try the waffle version at Seabrook Waffle Company. Combining sweet and savory, a sugary Liège waffle is piled high with ham, crumbled bacon, and a poached egg. You can swap the ham and bacon for a sausage patty if you like. There are sweet options available, too – the strawberry shortcake waffle, topped with strawberries and whipped cream, hits the spot.
It may just be a hole-in-the-wall joint but Bruges Belgian Bistro is famous for its crisp Liège waffles and authentic Belgian frites. The staff take pride in the presentation – we love this Cinnamonster waffle with vanilla bean ice cream, banana, and Nutella. It's 'hearty waffle' menu includes chicken and waffles with crème fraiche, chicken tenders, and organic maple syrup.
At Sneakers Bistro, the Chicken-N-Waffles (crispy fried chicken on a Belgian waffle with a fried egg, sausage gravy, and maple syrup) is a popular order, as is the healthier Power Waffle (a quinoa oat waffle with blueberries, vanilla yogurt, butter, and syrup). If you're feeling particularly hungry, you can add a maple sausage or home fries.
There are five locations of Capitol Waffle Shop, all winning rave reviews for the vast array of waffles. Richmond is the original location and customers love the waffles, coffee, and Mimosas. Favorite orders include the chicken and waffles, dusted with Captain crunch cereal and powdered sugar, and the Grandma Waffle, which comes loaded with scrambled egg, two breaded chicken strips, strawberries, blueberries, and powdered sugar.
A lovely local joint run by a friendly team, Bebop Waffle Shop in west Seattle has around 10 stellar waffle options, plus a couple of waffle toast sandwiches. Choose from Belgian, vegan sweet potato, or vegan cornbread waffles. The bacon waffle is unsurprisingly popular, made with bacon chunks baked into the batter for sweet and salty waffles that are then topped with bacon, powdered sugar, and maple butter.
Fun 1950s-style Dolly's Diner is known to serve the best breakfast in town, offering American classics like fluffy omelets, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and home fries. But it's the sweet and savory waffles that keep customers coming back for more. They can be topped with strawberries, cream, and pecans, or served alongside eggs, sausage, bacon, or chicken tenders. Customers say they’re wonderfully crispy and light.
Gourmet food truck Press Waffles now has a permanent base in Milwaukee, but can still be found at the local markets, too. Its specialty is Belgian Liège waffles made from brioche dough, served with sweet and savory toppings like goats' cheese and bacon, or blueberry compote and Nutella. Customers say the lemon curd is a must-try.
Dubbed 'the best waffles in the whole world' by keen fans, those pressed and served at Corbet’s Cabin are so good, even non-skiers have been known to journey up 10,450 feet (3km) to try them. This spot is tucked up and away at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and the tasty creations make the perfect snack, whether you're visiting après-ski or not. Flavors include the Gateway (peanut butter and bacon), Italian (Nutella), and Cobbler (mixed berry compote and whipped cream).