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 gallery to discover the best waffle places in every state – from old-school waffle houses to restaurants known for their piled-high creations.

We've based our ranking on the enduring popularity of each waffle restaurant in its place of origin and beyond, and on the opinions of our well-traveled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.

Stylish brunch and lunch restaurant Le Peep has four locations in Omaha, and all of them receive top marks for their decadent waffles. The mini chain's much-loved Belgian waffle is served with powdered sugar, whipped butter, and syrup. If you're really hungry, try the Belgian waffle combo – a waffle with two eggs, strips of bacon or sausage links, and crispy potatoes.

Twisted Waffles has an exciting menu of classic chicken and waffles, served with a variety of sauces. It also serves edible waffle bowls filled with scrambled eggs, onions, peppers, and a choice of fillings, including sausage, turkey, and shrimp. The Wafflewich – a Belgian waffle sandwich with a choice of fillings – is also popular. Specialty waffles include the Burst of Berries (with strawberries, fresh cream, and a strawberry drizzle), and the Banana Split, with bananas, warm crushed pineapple, strawberries, whipped cream, cherries, and Graham cracker crumbs.

For chicken and waffles that'll blow you away, you can't beat Dame’s. 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 each dish is cooked and seasoned to perfection.

With two locations in Bozeman, Stuffed Crêpes & Waffles is the place to go for a long list of sweet and savory waffle (and crêpe) options. Favorites include the Brittany, which comes loaded 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. 

Copper Dog Cafe is home to 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.

Small chain Chick-In Waffle serves up seriously creative takes on classic chicken and waffles. Popular options include the Chick-In Queso (crispy buttermilk chicken drenched in queso, jalapeños, and chives, served on a bubble waffle) and the Asian Chili: a waffle topped with crispy chicken, Thai chili sauce, toasted sesame seeds and pickles.

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 chicken and waffles, there's a range of fruit-topped waffles to choose from, too.

There's a long list of waffles to choose from at The Buzz – and diners also praise the vegan options and homey 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), and banana bread (on the other).

Known for its great breakfast, brunch, and coffee offerings, local institution The Perch serves a delicious Belgian waffle with whipped butter and powdered sugar – and if you like, you can add bananas, blueberries, Nutella, or walnuts (customers say blueberries and Nutella is a winning combination). The restaurant also has a popular shaded patio area for alfresco dining.

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 – which offers waffles topped with fruit, nuts, or fried chicken – or choose a seasonal special, you’re guaranteed a freshly made, fluffy-yet-crisp waffle, served with the best ingredients. Regulars say the line is often long; however, for great-value waffles that taste this good, it’s well worth the wait.

The Chic-La-Lou food truck is famous throughout Louisville for its hot crispy chicken and fluffy waffles. Seasonal waffles are 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 truck's Facebook page to find out its location each day.

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 the waffles always taste super fresh and are served piping hot.

Funky food truck Moffle Bar is based in Jersey City and serves Moffles – a mash-up of a classic waffle and the chewy Japanese sweet, mochi. They typically come with syrup, nuts, and even fried chicken, much like regular waffles, and they're described as chewy on the 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.

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 to choose from too, and the joint also 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 Bacon Waffle, which comes with bacon bits on the inside and three slices of bacon on top. Want something sweet? Try the Oreo Waffle, complete with Oreo crumbles, caramel sauce, and cookies ‘n’ cream ice cream.

Tia B’s La Waffleria allows you to build your own waffle creation – you can choose your waffle batter from varieties like blue corn, yellow corn masa, puff pastry, and buckwheat, then pick from a list of savory and sweet toppings. Alternatively, choose from set options like The Elvis (a buttermilk waffle with bacon, peanut butter, and cream) and the Blue Lavender, a blue corn waffle with blueberry sauce, fresh blueberries, and lavender-laced whipped cream. A popular savory option is the Salmon & Lox: a blue corn waffle with dill cream, red onions, arugula, tomato, and smoked salmon.

Customers rave about Wayne's Waffle House thanks to its 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 of which are served with crispy chicken and potatoes.

Atlanta’s South City Kitchen delivers waffles with a touch of sophistication. The restaurant has four locations across the city – not to mention fried chicken that Hall of Fame basketball player Charles Barkley has proclaimed the best in Atlanta. The Springer and Mountain Farms Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Waffle comes with Vermont maple syrup (toasted pecans optional), but if you'd rather skip the chicken, opt for the malted buttermilk waffle.

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. Here, you can take your pick from Belgian, vegan sweet potato, or vegan cornbread waffles. Topped with bacon, powdered sugar, and maple butter – and made with bacon chunks baked into the batter – the bacon waffle is (unsurprisingly!) popular.

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. 

Belgian Thomas DeGeest and his business partner Rossanna Figuera are the brains behind Wafels & Dinges, which began as a food truck but now has five NYC spots. They’re passionate about real Belgian waffles, serving up Liège-style creations that diners say are nothing short of decadent. Another Belgian specialty is brought to the fore here, too: speculoos gingerbread cookies, offered four different ways (including as a spread). If that’s not sweet (or Belgian) enough for you, silky Belgian hot chocolate is also on the menu.

Waffles Cafe's 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 – which comes with banana, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate sauce. There are waffle sandwiches and waffle pizzas on the menu, too.

Diners sing the praises of both the breakfast options and the service at Mad Rooster Cafe. Genius in their simplicity, banana and pecan waffles are a star feature on the menu; think crunchy pecans and sweet sliced banana atop a crispy, squishy waffle, all finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Guests can also spice things up with fiery hand-breaded chicken tenders on a house-made waffle – a dish that's just begging to be slathered in butter and syrup.

According to satisfied customers, 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, served with crispy leeks and Tabasco honey. Sweet waffles include a s'mores creation complete with a torched marshmallow, chocolate ganache, and crumbled Graham crackers.

There are five locations of Capitol Waffle Shop, all of which win rave reviews for their vast array of waffles. Richmond is the original location and customers love its waffles, coffee, and Mimosas. Favorite orders include the chicken and waffles (dusted with Cap'n Crunch cereal and powdered sugar) and the Grandma Waffle, which comes loaded with scrambled eggs, two breaded chicken strips, strawberries, blueberries, and powdered sugar.

Family-run Johnny D’s Waffles specializes in waffles and different 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, which comes topped with cream cheese icing, butter, and powdered sugar. Other customer favorites include the chicken and waffles, featuring breaded chicken tenders and cinnamon sugar. Aside from the Myrtle Beach location, there are two other restaurants – one in North Myrtle Beach, and one in Surfside Beach.

Cute pink waffle truck My Waffle Crush goes to many local events, but you can often 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. If you want something super satisfying, get a ham and cheese waffle 'toastie' (pictured center).

If you’re a fan of eggs Benedict, you’ve got to try the waffle version of the dish served at Seabrook Waffle Company. Combining sweet and savory flavors, a sugary Liège waffle is piled high with ham, crumbled bacon, and a poached egg (though 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, always hits the spot.

Fun 1950s-style diner Dolly's 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.

At the warm and welcoming Early Bird Diner, you can pair crispy pecan fried chicken and sweetly spiced cinnamon waffles – and your meal will be drizzled with both syrup and honey mustard barbecue sauce. Not in the mood for chicken? You can add a cinnamon waffle as an extra to your meal and make your French toast, omelet, or biscuits with cream pepper gravy just that little bit more waffle-y.

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, but those who prefer savory waffles will love the Farm Fusion – topped with mushrooms, onions, red pepper, spinach, tomato, and lemon and thyme–infused goats’ cheese.

Modern Milktooth isn’t like the diners of old. Rather than having a menu as long as both your arms, this ‘fine diner’ has a small and carefully curated selection of dishes. And, like a true trendy eatery, it has sourdough on the menu – sourdough waffles, that is. Don’t expect berry compotes or whipped cream, either; these waffles come with Key lime curd, toasted meringue, and Graham cracker crumbles (though traditionalists will be pleased to hear that they're still served with plenty of maple syrup).

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. However, customers say the plain waffle, simply served with butter and maple syrup, is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Great waffles and heaps of old-fashioned hospitality can be found at Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant and Bakery. This old-school spot sits on Jackson Boulevard, the original starting point for Route 66. Have breakfast here when starting your road trip, and you can pile your Belgian malted waffles high with fruit, cream, nuts, and chicken wings. The restaurant is also known for giving out Milk Duds to customers – although only to women and children. Sorry, fellas!

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, served topped with cheese and chives.

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 of the food; we love this Cinnamonster waffle with vanilla bean ice cream, banana, and Nutella. Meanwhile, the spot's 'hearty waffle' menu includes chicken and waffles with crème fraiche, chicken tenders, and organic maple syrup.

Turn your waffle into a sandwich with one of TIABI’s hybrid Wafflewiches. The Spicy West Coast offering bundles chicken, Spicy TIABI sauce, bacon, avocado, tomato, and melted cheese into a folded waffle – and after eating it, you'll never look at waffles the same way again. Of course, if you’re more of a traditionalist, you’re welcome to order an Unlimited Ice Cream Waffle and load up on toppings from the waffle bar.

Southern-style restaurant His Place Eatery has four highly rated waffle options on its menu. The classic, featuring four crispy chicken wings on a fluffy Belgian waffle, comes with two optional sides (such as mac ‘n’ cheese or coleslaw) – and it's a firm favorite. The red velvet waffle and chicken comes drizzled with a tasty cream cheese glaze, but those with a really sweet tooth will love the likes of the peach cobbler waffle and the churro waffle (which comes with caramel and whipped cream).

Customers say Waffallonia makes the best waffles in Pittsburgh – and they 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.

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, too.

The Burgundian café serves a tantalizing selection of sweet and savory caramelized Liège waffles with interesting toppings. For example, the Bacon di Belgio waffle comes topped with ricotta, fig spread, bacon, and fresh basil, while the sweet Streets of Bruges waffle combines strawberries, banana, cookie butter, Nutella, and whipped cream. Look out for the Burgundian's food truck around town, too.

Wayfarer Coffee Roasters has a short but impressive waffle menu, which receives rave reviews from customers. Here, the 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 famous for its great coffee, too.

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 either plain or flavored with raspberries or blueberries, and it 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.

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.

People love 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 adored by customers.

Sharing is caring at The Dewey Post, where you can order a waffle board for two or four people. Each board is a delightful spread of waffle sticks, Nutella, banana, maple syrup, fresh berries, and a seasonal cheesecake dip – but if you want even more, you can add chicken. If you’re not the sharing kind, order your own plate of plain, blueberry, or chocolate-chip Liège waffles, and keep it all to yourself.

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, but you can also take your pick from blueberries, raspberries, chocolate chips, pecans, and more.

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. Alternatively, if you want something more substantial, try the Waffler, which comes with poached eggs, avocado, bacon, and Hollandaise.

Stowaway was awarded Best Waffles 2024 in local publication Westword’s Best of Denver awards, demonstrating the love it receives from locals. The rotating flavors at the restaurant follow the Colorado seasons, resulting in such culinary wonders as cardamom, plum, and pistachio sourdough waffles with cardamom honey whipped cream. Less adventurous eaters can go with the Str8 Up Waffle, which keeps things simple with salted butter and maple syrup.

Bites & Bowls is the place to head to for brunch in Springdale. As well as coffee, açaí bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, and soups, it serves the best sweet and savory waffles around. Groups love the waffle bar option – a platter of three Belgian waffles cut into 12 pieces, served with strawberries, Nutella, walnuts, syrup, and sprinkles. You can also add bacon for even more deliciousness.

Featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Waffles and Whatnot – which was founded in 2016 by former serviceman Derrick – wins rave reviews for its perfectly fluffy waffles and great service. If it's your first time here, the staff will whip up a special dish so you can taste a bit of everything. There's a host of toppings available, from honey-drenched crispy chicken to banana, Nutella, and ice cream.

Dubbed 'the best waffles in the whole world' by fans, the waffles pressed and served at Corbet’s Cabin are so good, even non-skiers have been known to journey up 10,450 feet to try them. This spot is tucked up and away at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and its tasty creations make the perfect snack. Flavors include the Gateway (with peanut butter and bacon), the Italian (topped with Nutella), and the Cobbler (featuring mixed berry compote and whipped cream).

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 that's loved by locals. Choose either a classic waffle or a cream cheese version, or check out the joint's regular specialties – such as this delicious-looking cherry fennel waffle with lemony pink peppercorn sugar.

Yo’ Mama’s in downtown Birmingham is particularly loved and appreciated for its gluten-free menu, giving everyone the chance to indulge in satisfyingly crunchy chicken wings and waffles – with pockets deep enough to hold rivers of house-made syrup, blueberries, and strawberries. Twice a month, Yo’ Mama’s invites you for brunch, adding options such as bacon, sausage, and peach cobbler to its selection of tasty toppings.

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 from fall to spring, and the Summer Market at Williams Park in summer (and be prepared to wait in line).

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 – and you can also pick from tried-and-tested creations like the Fruit Delight (with strawberries, banana, and chocolate), or the Berries Insanity (with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries). There are savory options available, too; the veggie omelet, with a waffle, three eggs, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and tomatoes, is a winner.

If you can’t get enough of sweet and savory combos, LA’s Gritz N’ Wafflez will show you delicious new possibilities. You can stick with chicken wings or tenders, battered with the house chicken fry recipe – or you can go for beautifully flaky fried catfish, or fried or sautéed shrimp. Alternatively, bring in the sweetness with a mixed berry, cinnamon roll, or peach cobbler waffle, or keep it savory with a Cheddar-herb version.

Waffle and Berry serves up a selection of waffles piled so 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 the Chocolate Chip Banana: a chocolate-chip waffle topped with bananas, ice cream, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and chocolate chips. Another top choice is the Peanut Butter Banana, which comes topped with peanut butter, guava jelly, banana, ice cream, and whipped cream.

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Last updated by Laura Ellis.