This week at AFRO Table, we’re celebrating the rich history and irresistible flavor of chicken and waffles with our feature on its Harlem roots and the best Black-owned restaurants serving it up today. We’re also throwing it back to our look inside Lexington Market, where Black businesses continue to keep Baltimore’s food culture thriving. Plus, enjoy Carla Hall’s sweet and spicy Hot Honey Sauce recipe and watch her in action in this fun video. With National Waffle Day this Sunday, it’s the perfect time to honor one of our community’s most iconic dishes.

From Harlem to Roscoe’s: The History of Chicken & Waffles and Where to Find the Best Today

Chicken and waffles is more than just a brunch favorite—it’s a cultural icon that tells the story of African American foodways, creativity, and resilience. This sweet and savory pairing has traveled from West African traditions and Southern kitchens to Harlem’s jazz clubs and L.A.’s soul food landmarks, becoming a beloved dish across the country.

The Origins

The roots of chicken and waffles stretch back centuries. Waffles first arrived in America with Dutch settlers in the 1600s, while fried chicken reflected both West African seasoning traditions and Scottish frying methods. In the South, fried chicken was often reserved for Sunday suppers and celebrations, while waffles—topped with butter, syrup, or molasses—were a breakfast treat.

The two came together in a meaningful way during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1930s. At Wells Supper Club, a hotspot for musicians and night owls, the dish became a compromise meal: fried chicken satisfied late-night cravings, while waffles hinted at breakfast on the horizon. For jazz performers leaving the stage after midnight, chicken and waffles hit the sweet spot.

In the 1970s, the dish gained national fame when Harlem native Herb Hudson opened Roscoe’s House of Chicken ’n Waffles in Los Angeles. With celebrity endorsements and soul food nostalgia, Roscoe’s transformed the dish from a Harlem favorite into an American icon.

Where to Find the Best Chicken & Waffles Today

While chicken and waffles is now a brunch staple nationwide, Black-owned restaurants continue to preserve its soul and elevate its flavors. Here are some of the best places to enjoy it across six major cities:

Baltimore

• Papi Cuisine – Upscale with a modern twist, serving crispy chicken over golden waffles.

• Snooty Foxx – Brunch favorite with perfectly seasoned fried chicken and fluffy waffles.

• Next Phaze Café – Southern comfort with live music and a beloved chicken & waffles plate.

Washington, D.C.

• Milk & Honey Café – Famous across the DMV for hearty brunch portions and decadent chicken & waffles.

• HalfSmoke – Creative comfort food spot known for its playful yet flavorful take on the dish.

• Creole on 14th – A New Orleans twist on the classic pairing, served with soulful flair.

Atlanta

• Busy Bee Café – Since 1947, a legendary soul food institution where the fried chicken is unmatched.

• Milk & Honey (Atlanta) – Sister spot to the D.C. original, with chicken & waffles as a standout.

• Old Lady Gang – Kandi Burruss’s restaurant serving up Southern-style chicken and waffles with love.

• The Breakfast Boys – A trendy brunch hub known for bold flavors and creative plating.

New York City

• Cheryl’s Global Soul (Brooklyn) – Soul food with global inspiration; the chicken & waffles remain a star.

• Melba’s (Harlem) – Melba Wilson’s award-winning version is one of Harlem’s proudest food traditions.

• Sweet Chick (co-owned by Nas) – Chicken and waffles are the signature dish, offered in inventive variations.

Chicago

• Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles – Specializes in countless chicken and waffle combinations.

• Luella’s Southern Kitchen – Elevated Southern dining with a fan-favorite chicken & waffle plate.

• Batter & Berries – Brunch hotspot with colorful, creative takes on the classic.

Los Angeles

• Roscoe’s House of Chicken ’n Waffles – The iconic institution that helped make the dish world-famous.

• Bludso’s BBQ – Known for barbecue but equally celebrated for its fried chicken and waffle brunch.

• Honey’s Kettle Fried Chicken – Golden, crispy fried chicken paired with buttery waffles.

• Post & Beam – A modern soul food restaurant, fresh and locally sourced, with chicken & waffles done right.

A Dish That Bridges Generations

From Harlem’s jazz era to modern brunch tables, chicken and waffles continues to tell a story of migration, music, and memory. Black chefs and restaurateurs keep the tradition alive while infusing it with their own creativity, ensuring this soul food classic remains both nostalgic and innovative.

So whether you’re in Baltimore or Los Angeles, Harlem or Atlanta, one thing is certain: chicken and waffles will always be a dish that nourishes both stomach and spirit.