Claire Thompson
Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles is a popular restaurant chain in Los Angeles, California, with a cult following among locals and tourists alike. Founded in 1975 by Harlem native Herb Hudson, Roscoe's has become synonymous with the unique combination of chicken and waffles, a soul food classic. With multiple locations across LA, including Hollywood, Long Beach, Inglewood, and Pico, Roscoe's has gained a reputation for serving up crispy, succulent chicken and buttery waffles that keep customers coming back for more. However, with mixed reviews, is there one Roscoe's that stands out as the best?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Quality | Mixed reviews, some say it is decent at best, others say it is excellent |
| Popularity | Well-known, considered an institution |
| Locations | Hollywood, Long Beach, Inglewood, Pico, Manchester, La Brea Blvd. |
| Opening Hours | Open late, 4 am on weekends and midnight on weekdays |
| Alternatives | Pann's, Howlin Rays, Honey's Kettle, Fixins at LA Live |
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What You'll Learn
Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles: a famous institution
Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles is a famous institution in Los Angeles, California, with a rich history dating back to 1975. Founded by Harlem native Herb Hudson, Roscoe's set out to bring the unique sweet-salty soul food combination of chicken and waffles to the West Coast. Over the years, it has gained a reputation as a must-visit destination, attracting locals and tourists alike, including celebrities such as former President Barack Obama, who made a pit stop at Roscoe's in 2011. His order, the number 9, was even renamed "The Obama Special."
While opinions vary on the quality of the food, with some praising the crispy chicken and buttery waffles, while others find the chicken dry and the waffles soggy, it is undeniable that Roscoe's has left an indelible mark on LA's culinary scene. The original Hollywood location, which has since been replaced by the La Brea Boulevard spot, was known for its celebrity sightings, adding to its allure.
The chain has expanded to multiple locations, including Manchester, Long Beach, Inglewood, and Pico, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. The Manchester location, for example, is noted for being brighter and less dingy than other spots, while the Pico location, though no longer in operation, holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Love it or hate it, Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles has become an iconic symbol of LA's food culture, a place where people gather to indulge in the unique combination of crispy chicken and buttery waffles, late-night meals, and the possibility of spotting a celebrity. It has earned its place as a famous institution, and whether it's your first or fifteenth visit, Roscoe's continues to be a destination that sparks curiosity and excitement.
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Quality of chicken and waffles
The quality of Roscoe's chicken and waffles has been described as \"decent at best". While some customers have praised the dish, with one person saying that "when it's done well, this is some of the best tender, succulent, crispy, crunchy chicken you can find", others have been less impressed, with some even calling it "cardboard chicken".
The original Hollywood location has been described as "not the best", with one customer saying that they found the breast meat dry and the chicken just okay. However, another customer praised the Hollywood location, saying that it was "fresh, crispy chicken breast and a dense, yet soft, buttery waffle". The Pico location has also received mixed reviews, with one person saying that they enjoyed the food there, while another found the chicken to be dry and overcooked.
The Manchester location has been described as "not as dirty as most" and "brightly lit", but the food has been described as "sub-par". The Long Beach, Inglewood, and new Pico locations have been criticised for serving dry and overcooked chicken.
Some customers have also noted that the waffles can be \"soggy", but that asking for them to be made crunchy improves the experience. Others have praised the waffles, calling them "magical".
Overall, while some customers have enjoyed Roscoe's chicken and waffles, others have been disappointed, with some even suggesting alternative restaurants that serve better-quality food.
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The #13 Carol C Special
While there are many Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles restaurants to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings, there is one dish that stands out as a crowd favourite: The #13 Carol C Special. This signature creation has become synonymous with the Roscoe's experience, leaving a lasting impression on both first-time visitors and longtime patrons.
What sets the Carol C Special apart is the harmonious combination of flavours and textures it presents. The dish is served with a generous drizzle of warm syrup, adding a touch of sweetness that beautifully complements the savoury notes of the chicken. Additionally, a pat of butter slowly melting over the waffles introduces a rich, creamy element that ties the entire dish together. This masterful blend of tastes and sensations is what keeps diners coming back for more.
The portion size of the Carol C Special is another aspect that adds to its appeal. Generously proportioned, it satisfies even the heartiest of appetites. Whether you're looking to fuel up for the day ahead or seeking comfort after a long day, this dish is sure to leave you feeling content and fulfilled. It is a complete meal in itself, providing a satisfying balance of protein and carbohydrates.
Over the years, the #13 Carol C Special has become a staple for regulars and a recommended favourite for newcomers. It embodies the essence of Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, showcasing their commitment to delicious food and generous portions. So, when deciding which Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles to visit, keep an eye out for this signature dish that has won the hearts of many. The Carol C Special is a testament to the restaurant's enduring legacy and a delicious reminder of why Roscoe's remains a beloved culinary institution.
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The Obama Special
Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles is a well-known soul food restaurant in Los Angeles, California, with several locations including Hollywood, Inglewood, Long Beach, and West Pico Boulevard. The restaurant gained even more popularity when then-President Barack Obama ordered the number 9 on the menu: three wings and two waffles, now known as "The Obama Special".
The restaurant is most famous for its chicken and waffles, but it also offers a wide variety of selections for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including grits and eggs, greens, yams, and cornbread. Roscoe's has been described as having a casual atmosphere, with short wait times to be seated and quick service. The prices are also reasonable, and the portions are filling.
Overall, Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, and particularly The Obama Special, comes highly recommended by many customers, including President Obama himself. The restaurant has also been praised for its convenient locations, making it a great spot for breakfast or a late-night dinner after a movie or a night out.
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Alternative restaurants for chicken and waffles
While Roscoe's is a popular choice for chicken and waffles, there are several other restaurants that serve up this classic dish with their own unique twists.
One such restaurant is the Screen Door, located in Portland, Oregon. Screen Door puts a Northwest spin on classic Southern soul food, using local ingredients to create fresh, elevated comfort food. Their chicken and waffles dish features one, two, or three pieces of buttermilk fried chicken breasts on top of a homemade sweet potato waffle, served with a side of syrup.
Early Bird Diner in Indianapolis, Indiana, is another great option, especially if you're looking for a combination of savory and sweet flavors. Their chicken and waffles have been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, with Guy Fieri describing it as a "savory, sweet, crunchy, and salty sensation".
If you're looking for a family-owned restaurant, Maxine's Chicken & Waffles, also in Indianapolis, is a great choice. Founded by the daughters of an impressive home cook, Maxine's brings the soul and comfort of a tight-knit family to its culinary experience.
For those who want to indulge in chicken and waffles at a well-known chain restaurant, there are several options to choose from. IHOP, known for its breakfast foods, offers a version of chicken and waffles that leans more towards the savory side. Each waffle is served with four buttermilk crispy chicken tenders, a knob of butter, and your choice of ranch, honey mustard, or IHOP sauce.
The Cheesecake Factory also has its own take on this dish, with its Fried Chicken & Waffles, although some diners have found the chicken to be a bit lacking in flavor. For a sweeter option, Cracker Barrel's Homestyle Chicken and syrupy sourdough bread is a popular choice, despite the restaurant's syrup only containing 55% maple syrup.
Lastly, if you're in Kansas City, Chick-in-Waffle is a family-owned business that serves up crispy chicken and golden waffles with bold flavors and crazy-good toppings. They also have a children-friendly atmosphere and are set to open another location in Chicago.
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Frequently asked questions
There are conflicting opinions on which Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles location is the best. Some claim that the Hollywood location is the original and therefore the best, while others suggest that the Manchester location is better as it is newer, brighter, and larger.
Reviews of the food at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles are mixed. Some people claim that the chicken is dry and overcooked, while others say that it is tender, succulent, and crispy. Similarly, some people say that the waffles are soggy, while others enjoy them.
Yes, there are several other restaurants that serve chicken and waffles, including Pann's, Howlin' Rays, and Honey's Kettle.
Yes, Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles has been featured in various media outlets, including Business Insider and The Joy of Food. It gained popularity after then-President Barack Obama made a pit stop at the Los Angeles location in 2011, ordering the number 9, which was then renamed "The Obama Special."
