Exploring The Many Roscoe's Chicken And Waffles Locations

Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles is an American soul food restaurant chain that was founded by Herb Hudson in 1975. The chain currently operates seven locations in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including Hollywood and Long Beach. The unique combination of fried chicken and waffles has made Roscoe's a beloved soul food institution in LA, attracting notable customers such as President Barack Obama and Stevie Wonder. The success of Roscoe's has even inspired similar dishes on brunch menus across America.

Locations

Roscoe's House of Chicken 'N Waffles is an American soul food restaurant chain with seven locations in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The original restaurant was opened in Long Beach, California, in 1975 by Harlem native Herb Hudson. Hudson aimed to bring the sweet-and-salty soul food combination of chicken and waffles to the beach crowds of the West Coast. Over the years, Roscoe's has expanded to several other locations in the Los Angeles area, including Hollywood, where Stevie Wonder dined in 1977. Another notable location is on Manchester, which is newer and less dingy than some of the other restaurants.

The Los Angeles Times has referred to Roscoe's as "such an L.A. institution that people don't even question the strange combo anymore," and The New York Times calls it a "beloved soul food chain." In 2011, President Barack Obama visited a Roscoe's location while on the campaign trail in Los Angeles. He ordered the "Number 9 — Country Boy," which consists of three fried chicken wings and the choice of French fries, potato salad, or a waffle. After Obama's visit, Roscoe's renamed that particular menu item the "Obama's Special."

While Roscoe's has a strong presence in Los Angeles, there is also evidence of its influence in other parts of the country. The chain once planned to enter the Chicago market and took legal action against a "Rosscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles" that had opened in the city. Additionally, the original inspiration for Roscoe's came from Wells Famous Home of Chicken and Waffles in Harlem, New York, where Hudson first ate the dish.

History

Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles is an American soul food restaurant chain with seven locations in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The restaurant was founded by Harlem native Herb Hudson in 1975, with the original location in Long Beach, California, remaining open. Hudson aimed to bring the sweet-salty soul food combination of chicken and waffles to the beach crowds of the West Coast.

The idea of combining fried chicken and waffles into a single meal originated in Harlem, New York, during the Harlem Renaissance era. Jazz patrons leaving clubs in the early morning faced a limited range of dining options, as it was too late for dinner and too early for breakfast. Joseph T. Wells, a marketing-savvy entrepreneur, recognised the demand for a dinner-breakfast hybrid and created the fried chicken and waffles combination. In 1938, Wells opened his eponymous restaurant and live music venue, known as "Wells Supper Club" or simply "Wells," solidifying Harlem's reputation as the native habitat for this unique culinary pairing.

While the dish originated in Harlem, it spread to other regions, including the American South, where it became a breakfast favourite among notable southerners such as Thomas Jefferson in the early 1800s. Enslaved African Americans gained expertise in preparing this dish as they were the principal cooks for wealthy southerners. However, by the early 1900s, the dish's popularity waned, creating an opportunity for Wells to popularise his enduring creation.

Hudson was introduced to the dish at Wells Famous Home of Chicken and Waffles in Harlem, New York, before opening his own restaurant in Los Angeles. Over the years, Roscoe's has gained a loyal following, with celebrities like Stevie Wonder and President Barack Obama dining at its locations. The restaurant has left an indelible mark on Los Angeles' culinary landscape, with the Los Angeles Times referring to it as "such an L.A. institution that people don't even question the strange combo anymore." Roscoe's has become synonymous with the chicken and waffles combination, solidifying its place in the hearts and taste buds of Angelenos and visitors alike.

Menu

Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles is an American soul food restaurant chain with seven locations in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The menu features a combination of fried chicken and waffles, with some locations offering catering packages that include a choice of side dish.

One of the signature dishes is the Roscoe's chicken tenders, which are served with lettuce, tomatoes, and a choice of potato salad or French fries. The menu also offers a variety of sides, such as half romaine/half iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, celery, bell peppers, carrots, radishes, corn, red beans, cucumber, boiled eggs, and shredded cheese. Waffles are sold separately.

The original location in Long Beach, California, remains open, and the restaurant chain has become a beloved soul food institution in Los Angeles, even attracting celebrities like President Barack Obama during his 2011 campaign trail in Los Angeles.

While the restaurant chain has faced some challenges, including a trademark infringement lawsuit and bankruptcy filing, it continues to operate and serve its unique combination of chicken and waffles to customers in the Los Angeles area.

Reviews

One review from The Joy of Food blog describes Roscoe's as a "factory of regret", recalling many years of consuming the restaurant's food "under all-too-blotto conditions". However, the same review also acknowledges that when the food is done well, it is "tender, succulent, crispy, [and] crunchy". The review goes on to praise the chicken and waffles combination as a "perfect pair", but notes that the quality of the chicken can sometimes be inconsistent, ranging from "fresh and crispy" to "wooden and cardboard-like". The reviewer also mentions that the waffle is typically decent and is elevated by the addition of melting butter.

Another review from the same blog, this time about a different Roscoe's location, expresses mixed feelings. While acknowledging that the concept of the restaurant is great, the reviewer states that they prefer the chicken at other establishments.

A review on the Resy blog highlights the enduring popularity of Roscoe's, noting that the restaurant chain has "staying power" and has successfully changed public opinion about the combination of fried chicken and waffles. The review also mentions that customers are drawn to the various ways that fried chicken and waffles can be paired and eaten, such as separately with maple syrup and hot sauce, or folded together like a taco.

Notable celebrities have also been known to frequent Roscoe's, including President Barack Obama, who visited a location in 2011 and ordered the "Number 9 — Country Boy", which he customised by choosing a waffle as his side. Roscoe's subsequently renamed this menu item the "Obama's Special".

Competitors

Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles is a well-known soul food restaurant chain based in Hollywood, California, with seven locations in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Founded in 1975 by Herb Hudson, a Harlem native, it has become a beloved institution, attracting celebrities, media attention, and even visits from President Barack Obama. With its unique combination of fried chicken and waffles, Roscoe's has carved out a distinct niche in the competitive world of dining.

However, Roscoe's doesn't operate in a vacuum, and there are several competitors vying for the attention of diners seeking delicious soul food or unique culinary experiences. While each of these competitors has its own unique selling points, they all overlap with Roscoe's in terms of cuisine, location, or target market.

• Harold and Belle's: This restaurant, located in Los Angeles, is known for its Creole and Southern soul food. With a menu featuring dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and fried chicken, it offers a similar soul-satisfying dining experience to Roscoe's. Harold and Belle's have built a strong reputation over the years, with many considering it an LA institution, much like Roscoe's.
• The Waffle: With multiple locations across Los Angeles, The Waffle is a direct competitor to Roscoe's in the breakfast and brunch category. While they offer a wide variety of waffle-based dishes, they also serve classic breakfast fare like pancakes, French toast, and omelets. The Waffle may not have the same soul food focus as Roscoe's, but it certainly attracts diners looking for a sweet and savory breakfast experience.
• Chicken + Chicken: This Korean-style fried chicken joint, located in Los Angeles, offers a different take on fried chicken. With a focus on spicy, crispy chicken and a variety of flavorful sides, Chicken + Chicken caters to diners seeking a unique and trendy chicken experience. While it may not serve waffles, this restaurant attracts a similar demographic to Roscoe's, especially those seeking bold and memorable flavors.
• The Chicken Shack: With multiple locations across California, The Chicken Shack is a fast-casual restaurant specializing in fried chicken sandwiches. Their menu also includes chicken tenders, salads, and a variety of sides. The Chicken Shack targets a similar customer base as Roscoe's, particularly those seeking convenient, affordable, and delicious chicken options. Their focus on portability and customization appeals to diners who want a quick bite without compromising on taste.

These competitors, and others like them, keep the culinary landscape in Los Angeles dynamic and exciting. Each restaurant brings its own twist to the dining experience, ensuring that diners have a diverse range of options to choose from, whether they're craving soul food, unique combinations, or simply a delicious meal.

Frequently asked questions