Saturday, August 24 is National Waffle Day, a richly deserved honor for a breakfast treat that’s as prestigious as it is delicious! When you celebrate the big day with an order of waffles at one of these eateries, you’ll be armed with some Waffle Fun Facts:
- Precursors to waffles existed over 4,000 years ago.
- The waffle’s familiar grid pattern emerged in the 15th century.
- Waffles started appearing in America in the early 17th century, brought here by Dutch immigrants.
- Thomas Jefferson helped make waffles more popular after he returned from France with a souvenir waffle iron in 1789!
- Cornelius Swartwout of Troy, New York patented an easy-to-use waffle iron on August 24, 1869, paving the way for National Waffle Day.
- Leggo my Eggo! Frozen Eggo waffles were introduced in the early ’50s by the Dorsa brothers of San Jose, California.
ZUZU’S PETALS / 801 E 3RD ST.
Photo courtesy of Zuzu’s Petals
This cute and cozy spot near the corner of 3rd Street and Alamitos Avenue, named after George Bailey’s daughter Zuzu in the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is doing very well with its breakfast and lunch menus of contemporary American cuisine. Co-owner Evan Papadakis raved about the Waffles Suzette, created by executive chef Jessie Franco: “It’s extraordinary — an explosion of flavor! It’s served with caramelized banana and our house hazelnut butter drizzled on top, along with strawberry jam and pure maple syrup.”
Zuzu’s Petals is open every day from 8 AM to 3 PM. For more menu details and to order online, click here.
ARIZE BISTRO / 306 ELM AVE.
Photo courtesy of Arize Bistro
Arize Bistro in the East Village is popular for American classic breakfast and lunch dishes, and for Asian infused dishes such as Chicken Satay and Thai-Chinese Style Fried Rice. Arize serves a delicious Belgian Waffle (deeper and thicker than a traditional waffle) — but it’s the Crispy Chicken Waffle Sammich that gets the “must try” accolade! Available with the original or the spicy recipe, the dish features tender and juicy seasoned chicken which is battered, deep fried to perfection, and served on top of a Belgian waffle, along with red skin potatoes and two sauces.
Arize Bistro is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 AM to 2 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 3 PM. Closed Tuesday. Click here to see the full menu, order online or to schedule a private event.
ROSCOE’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES / 730 E BROADWAY
Photo courtesy of Fun With Kids In L.A. via Yelp
Roscoe’s has been doing its part to raise the waffle to icon status ever since Harlem native Herb Hudson founded the soul food restaurant chain in Hollywood during the mid-’70s! Soul food staples such as candy yams and red beans are served, but it’s the waffle combos that get the major attention. You can get waffles as a side dish for your omelet or chicken tenders. The Herb’s Specials — 1/2 chickens prepared “southern style” or smothered with gravy and onions — are accompanied by the legendary waffles as well. NOTE: At Roscoes, the live music is just as tasty as the food!
Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles is open Sunday through Thursday, 8 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday, 8 AM to Midnight. For full menus, delivery orders, and to purchase Roscoe’s merchandise, click here.
THE BREAKFAST BAR / 70 ATLANTIC AVE.
Photo courtesy of The Breakfast Bar
If you haven’t yet tried The Breakfast Bar, stop in for a Belgian Waffle topped with fresh berries. It’ll be your gateway dish in a place known as one of the best around for homemade, family-style food and a huge, colorful adult beverage selection. “Our waffle is unique because of our old family recipe,” said general manager Alberto Nunez. “It’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. And, it only takes three minutes to make!”
The Breakfast Bar is open Monday through Thursday, 6 AM to 2 PM, and Friday through Sunday, 6 AM to 3 PM. To check out the spectacular food and drink menus, order online, and buy gift cards, click here.
OMELETTE INN CAFE / 318 PINE AVE.
Photo courtesy of Steve R. via Yelp
The Omelette Inn Cafe has been a Downtown mainstay for decades, and for a great reason; The food is superb! The omelet menu alone is so awesome, you’ll have the good problem of being unable to decide on one. The sandwich, salad, and griddle menus are equally nice. “Many, many customers have told us over the years how much they loved our waffles with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup,” said general manager Alma.
The Omelette Inn Cafe is open Monday through Thursday, 7 AM to 2 PM, and Friday through Sunday, 7 AM to 3 PM. To peruse the awesome menu, click here!
POTHOLDER CAFE / 301 W. BROADWAY
Photo courtesy of Philburch via Instagram
Looking for a gluten-free waffle option? Try the Potholder Cafe! You can get one there, topped with bananas, blueberries, and strawberries. The Potholder also serves Chicken & Waffles — buttermilk chicken tenders accompanied by a bacon waffle and maple syrup. The big news here is the weekly WAFFLE WEDNESDAYS! Get an old fashion-style waffle with two eggs any style and your choice of bacon or sausage.
The Potholder Cafe is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 1 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 2 PM. Check out the full menu here and see why The Potholder has been a Long Beach favorite for decades!