Exploring Roscoe's Chicken And Waffles In La: A Guide

Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles is a famed Los Angeles institution, serving soul food in an authentic setting. The restaurant chain was founded by Harlem native Herb Hudson in 1975 and has since become a timeless SoCal classic, with celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Shaq, and even former U.S. President Obama visiting. There are currently seven locations in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including Hollywood, Inglewood, and Long Beach, with the original location in Long Beach still open.

Celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Shaq, and Barack Obama have visited Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles

Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles is a well-known soul food restaurant chain with seven locations in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The restaurant was founded by Herb Hudson in 1975 and has since become an LA institution, famous for its unique combination of fried chicken and waffles. Over the years, Roscoe's has attracted a diverse range of celebrities, including musicians, comedians, and even presidents.

One of the most notable celebrity diners at Roscoe's is Snoop Dogg. The iconic rapper has been known to enjoy the restaurant's soul food offerings and has helped spread the word about Roscoe's to his fans and the wider public. Another famous athlete who has visited Roscoe's is Shaquille O'Neal, also known as Shaq. With his larger-than-life personality and love for food, Shaq's visit to Roscoe's created a buzz among fans and diners alike.

Perhaps the most prestigious visitor to Roscoe's was President Barack Obama. In 2011, while on the campaign trail in Los Angeles, Obama stopped by Roscoe's and ordered the "Number 9 — Country Boy," which consisted of three fried chicken wings and a choice of side, including a waffle. Obama's visit brought national attention to the restaurant and solidified its status as a celebrity hotspot.

Other celebrities who have been spotted at Roscoe's include Jerry Seinfeld, Stevie Wonder, and Natalie Cole. Roscoe's has also been mentioned in various songs and films, including Ludacris' "Call Up The Homies" and the 2005 film "Be Cool," further adding to its cultural significance. Today, Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles remains a timeless LA classic, beloved by locals, tourists, and celebrities alike.

The original location on Pico is now closed, replaced by a location on La Brea Blvd

Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles was first established in Long Beach in 1975 and has since become a Southern California classic, with a total of seven locations across the region. The original location on Pico Boulevard, which was a regular stop for celebrities, tourists, and politicians, including former President Barack Obama, has closed. This closure brings an end to a 30-year run, with the owner, Herb Hudson, citing the need for a bigger and more comfortable space as the reason for the move. The new flagship store is located on La Brea Boulevard in Mid-City, Los Angeles, just a few blocks away from the previous Pico location.

The Pico location held a lot of significance, with its celebrity status and even a feature on Issa Rae's HBO show, Insecure. The new La Brea location aims to continue the legacy of Roscoe's, offering a unique combination of fried chicken and waffles, which has become a timeless favourite among many. Roscoe's has attracted celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Shaq, and President Obama, who enjoyed the classic "Leg or Thigh and Waffle" option or Obama's Special, which includes three wings and the diner's choice of two waffles, potato salad, or French fries.

While the Pico location held a special place in the history of Roscoe's, the new La Brea site offers a fresh and spacious environment to enjoy the iconic chicken and waffles. The Mid-City flagship store, which opened in October 2021, provides a more modern setting for diners, with the comfort and convenience of additional space. The new location maintains the same spirit and energy that made the original Roscoe's a success, now with an updated atmosphere.

The La Brea location continues to uphold the tradition of serving delicious food with a variety of menu options. Diners can explore beyond the classic chicken and waffles, indulging in offerings like Roscoe’s Original Waffle Tenders, which include waffle-battered tenders with coleslaw and a choice of sides, or The Oscar, featuring fried chicken, buttery grits, a biscuit, and a fried egg. The new location also likely offers the same late-night dining options that Roscoe's is known for, accommodating the post-midnight crowd with their hunger pangs.

The transition from the original Pico location to the new La Brea address reflects the evolution of Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. While the Pico site held a cherished place in the hearts of many, the La Brea Boulevard store promises to carry on the legacy of this Southern California institution, offering its famous chicken and waffles to a new generation of diners. The new location embraces the challenge of maintaining the high standards set by its predecessor while creating new memories and culinary experiences for its patrons.

The food is hyped but some say it's dry and overpriced

Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles is an LA staple, with multiple locations across the city. However, the original location on Pico is no longer there, replaced by a new spot on La Brea Boulevard. With that being said, the food has received mixed reviews, with some people saying it's decent at best and others claiming that it's dry and overpriced.

One common complaint is that the chicken is dry, especially the white meat. One customer even went as far as to say that the "succulent chicken breast" they ordered was "dried out and with the most flavorless coating". The waffles have also been described as bland and limp, comparable to cheap freezer waffles. In addition to the food quality, some people have also taken issue with the portion sizes and pricing. A typical plate costs around $20, and drinks are also said to be pricey. For some, this price doesn't seem justifiable for the amount and quality of food they received.

On the other hand, some people still believe Roscoe's is worth trying, even if just for the experience. The restaurant is known for being open late, which can be a draw for those looking for a late-night bite. Additionally, Roscoe's used to be a hotspot for celebrity sightings, adding to its allure. However, some customers have noted that the quality may have declined post-pandemic, leaving them disappointed and unlikely to return.

Overall, while Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles may be an iconic LA institution, it seems that the hype might outweigh the reality for some diners. While some may argue that it's a classic example of overhyped food in LA, others maintain that it's worth trying at least once, even if just to form your own opinion.

Alternatives to Roscoe's include Fixins at LA Live and Pann's

Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles is a well-known restaurant in Los Angeles, with several locations across the city. While it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, some people have expressed disappointment with the food quality and service at certain outlets. For those seeking alternatives, Fixins at LA Live and Pann's are two great options to consider.

Fixins Soul Kitchen is a full-service soul food restaurant located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles at the LA Live complex. It offers a range of authentic soul food in a hip and energetic atmosphere. The restaurant boasts a maximum capacity of 271 guests and features a full bar, semi-private seating, and outdoor dining. Fixins aims to celebrate the rich heritage and culture of African Americans through its delicious cuisine and impeccable service. While they don't serve chicken and waffles, they are known for their fried chicken plates and unique dining experience.

Pann's Restaurant, located at 6710 La Tijera Blvd in Los Angeles, is another excellent alternative to Roscoe's. Pann's has received praise for its chicken and waffles, with some considering it superior to Roscoe's. The restaurant offers outdoor seating and takeout options, accommodating various dining preferences. Pann's has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, as evidenced by its popularity for Sunday morning dining.

Both Fixins at LA Live and Pann's provide unique dining experiences that can be great alternatives to Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. While Roscoe's holds a special place in LA's culinary scene, it's always worth exploring the diverse range of restaurants that the city has to offer. Fixins and Pann's not only offer delicious food but also showcase the cultural significance and vibrant energy that embody the heart of Los Angeles.

The restaurant serves unusual but genius combos like fried chicken with waffles and maple syrup

Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles is a Los Angeles staple, with a total of seven locations across Southern California. The restaurant first opened in Long Beach in 1975 and has since become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

One of the most famous locations was on Pico Boulevard in central LA, which was a regular stop for celebrities, tourists, and politicians. Former US President Barack Obama even made an unscheduled visit in 2011, which inspired the creation of Obama's Special—a dish featuring three wings and the diner's choice of two waffles, potato salad, or French fries. The Pico location has since closed, but Roscoe's has a new flagship location on La Brea and Washington, as well as several other spots across LA.

While some people rave about the food at Roscoe's, others have been disappointed, feeling that the hype does not live up to the reality. Some have criticised the chicken as being dry and the service as lacking, especially at the Manchester location. However, with its long history and celebrity endorsements, Roscoe's remains an iconic part of LA's culinary scene, and many believe it is worth trying for yourself.

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