Best Places For Chicken And Waffles In Minnesota
One of those specialties that finally made its way into Minnesota kitchens over the last few years, this food trend seemed to pop up on every menu in the state for a while. But that doesn't mean it's not an epic brunch, lunch or dinner item on which local chefs have put their own twist. Bringing sweet and savory to a whole new level, chicken and waffles are here to stay. Here are a few local restaurants that are doing it right.
Haute Dish
119 Washington Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 338-8484
www.haute-dish.com
Haute Dish has been putting creative, almost tongue in cheek spins on classic dishes for more than a couple years now. Their spectacular brunch is no exception. The chicken is crispy and savory delicious. The sourdough waffles are thick and chewy. The bacon maple syrup, what can really be said about something so wonderful as that? It's a large plate, so come hungry, and make sure you come early. This is one of the most popular brunches in Minneapolis and when those chicken and waffles are finished, as it says on the menu, they are gone.
Lake & Irving
1513 Lake St. W.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 354-2453
www.lakeandirving.com
The buttermilk fried chicken is wonderful and its served with a fluffy Belgian waffles that is also a standalone treat. What really elevates the chicken and waffles here is the seasonal beer syrup which oozes across the plate like nectar of the gods. Even those who don't like beer will appreciate it. There's also a more traditional Log Cabin syrup, which is a tasty alternative for those who don't like the idea of beer in their breakfast. No matter what you choose, this brunch item is worth traveling for.
The Lowry
2112 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 341-2112
www.thelowryuptown.com
Going against the grain and offering smaller, almost nugget-like pieces of chicken, the Lowry's take on this dish is one that you can take with you and eat anywhere without much hassle. Consider sticking around though as Lowry's Uptown space is a great place to kick back and relax. The boneless chicken is juicy and savory, and the waffles are delicious. If you like to play with your food, making chicken and waffle sandwiches is a great way to enjoy the dish.
Related: Best Boozy Brunches In Minnesota
Smack Shack
603 Washington Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 259-7288
www.smack-shack.com
The dishes that fill the menu at Smack Shack might fool even the most devoted southerner into thinking they were eating below the Mason-Dixon. While this North Loop restaurant is known for lobster, the French Quarter Brunch proves that it isn't just seafood that makes this place something special. The Fulton Malted Waffles might be the best on this list. The chicken here is tender and juicy inside its southern-fried skin.
World Street Kitchen
2743 Lyndale Ave. S. #5
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 424-8855
www.eatwsk.com
The Moroccan fried chicken and cumin butter might make this variation of chicken and waffles the most unique on this list. The waffles too have a different kick to them. But while they might not take the classic route, like that of the famous Roscoe's House in LA, World Street Kitchen is proving that just because local dishes are crossing borders, they don't have to all be the same. The spice, the tender chicken, the secret ingredients making the waffles so incredibly flavorful, all prove that Minnesota's chefs can do great things with established food trends.
Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.
