I’ve known of Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles since I moved to Southern California. The LA based chain is an institution and no chicken and waffles debate is complete without including Roscoe’s in the mix.
I’ve always wanted to try it, but only did for the first time very recently. After hearing so many stories from Mr. K of his fond memories of visits during his high school years, it was pretty exciting to experience it with him, though he was really worried that it may turn out that it wasn’t as good as he remembered, especially having expanded our palates.
We arrived in the early afternoon and of course there was a wait. Luckily, it was only about 20 minutes. Once inside, I was a little surprised by the dark setting, giving you no indication of whether its day or night outside.
While they are most known for their chicken and waffles, the menu actually has quite a few other options as well.
1. SCOE’S (1/4 Chix prepared southern style, 2 waffles, our own private mix)
This was my choice. You get to choose the chicken pieces you prefer, and I chose drumstick and thigh. The large plate arrived, piled with two oversized waffles and crispy fried chicken. Immediately I knew the waffles wouldn’t be good. They were pale and soggy looking and sure enough, they were too soft for my liking. Waffles should definitely be crisped around the edges. There was also a hint of cinnamon to them that I didn’t care for.
The chicken, on the other hand, turned out much better. Crunchy, well-seasoned, and juicy. I often find fried chicken to be too salty, but this was just right. I thoroughly enjoyed my fried chicken pieces.
2. SCOE’S (1/4 Chix smothered with gravy & onions, 2 waffles, our own mix)
Mr. K went for a similar option but with the addition of gravy and onions. He chose breast and thigh meat. I was very curious to see how the breast meat would turn out since it often gets very dry when fried, but his piece was very moist and enjoyable. I also really liked the gravy as a dipping option, though I didn’t see any onions.
Overall, we had a good experience here. While I’m not quite willing to wait hours in line, I am glad I finally got to experience the famed chicken and waffles from Roscoe’s. And though I didn’t care for the waffles, I did like the chicken. You can view the full menu here.
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles
(multiple locations)
1514 North Gower Street | Los Angeles, CA. 90028
TEL. (323) 466-7453
We had Roscoe’s on Valentine’s Day (Pasadena location). I didn’t like the waffle either. Too soft and it had cinnamon which I don’t really like. The chicken, on the other hand was pretty $#%@ good, especially that seasoned crispy skin!
that’s how I felt too. Great chicken, not a fan of the waffles. we barely touched ours. it was fun to visit though
When I went I didn’t love it either, completely agree with your waffle assessment. But glad I ate there just to ‘check’, as it clearly has a lot of die hard fans 🙂
it’s definitely worth experiencing!
I feel like Roscoe’s deserves credit for bringing Chicken & Waffles to the consciousness of Southern Californians. Like, it may not be the best in town anymore, but they’re the reason you see it on so many menus now. (When I went, I also liked the chicken better than the waffle. Great write-up!)
That’s basically how I felt too! You expressed it perfectly. It might not be the best in town, but they are definitely the reason it became so popular and it was definitely worth it for me to experience.
I haven’t been to Roscoe’s in forever! I remember not really being “wowed” by it – soft waffles seem so wrong to me. Why not just eat a pancake if it’s going to be soft?
I feel like getting waffles to be crisp really shouldnt be that difficult. just leave it on the waffle iron longer! haha, but it was still fun to finally try
Yeah the waffles for your dish look so pale? Did it just need an extra two minutes to bake/brown a bit more? I’ve never had fried chicken/waffle combo and I went to college in LA. I liked how Mr K opted for a side of gravy – that’s how I woulda ordered it too. Was the gravy pricey ?
wow, im surprised you’ve never had chicken and waffles! i believe it was about 50 cents more?
Mmmm… Chicken and waffles. 🙂 Bummer the waffles were no good. You should give Bonnie Jean’s a try! I enjoyed their chicken and waffles.
i actually have tried Bonnie Jean’s and I do enjoy their chicken and waffles!