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Chicken and waffles may be a Southern comfort food staple, but the dish is certainly beloved across Metro Detroit with a variety of delicious and unique takes. Whether you’re a fan of crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles or you prefer creative twists on the classic, these local spots are serving up some of the best chicken and waffles in the area.
TOAST
203 Pierce Street, Birmingham
23144 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale
Toast is known for its creative breakfast and brunch offerings, and has been a Ferndale staple for over 20 years now. The chicken and waffles dish features perfectly fried marinated chicken served on a light and fluffy malted waffle, served with spicy honey and a dash of house hot sauce for an extra kick. The combination of savory and sweet makes it a standout favorite among brunch enthusiasts. Pair this dish with a side of bacon fried rice, parmesan grits, your choice of breakfast meat, or fresh fruit. As for turning your outing into a boozy brunch, I’d recommend the Toast bellini or a Spanish coffee.
HEAVENLY CHICKEN & WAFFLES
10625 West McNichols Road, Detroit
Heavenly Chicken & Waffles lives up to its name with a heavenly combination of flavors and textures. The Favorite includes juicy fried chicken wings and a Belgian waffle that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, paired with house breakfast potatoes. With melted butter and hot syrup, this dish is a favorite for a reason. The waffle sandwich is also a great go-to, with a fried chicken breast, 2 scrambled eggs, chicken bacon, and cheese wrapped in a golden brown waffle for a delicious handheld option. This spot is perfect for those who crave a classic, no-fuss chicken and waffles experience, as well as those who want this combo with a fun twist.
MA LOU’S FRIED CHICKEN
15 West Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti
Ma Lou’s Fried Chicken offers a soul-satisfying version of chicken and waffles. The chicken tenders and pieces are fried to golden perfection and served atop a crisp, tender waffle, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with maple syrup. Other delicious dishes available include The Hot Chick, with a Nashville hot baste, bacon, pepper jack cheese, and jalapeño ranch, paired with lettuce and tomato, lemon pepper wings, onion petals, and potato salad. Ma Lou’s dedication to quality ingredients and fun twists on traditional Southern cooking techniques make it a must-visit.
FRENCH TOAST BISTRO
40370 Five Mile Road, Plymouth
43225 Ford Road, Canton
French Toast Bistro boasts being a French-inspired Cajun bistro, serving up brunch daily. Offering a gourmet twist on traditional chicken and waffles, French Toast Bistro brings out bacon-braised collared greens and red hot honey to pair with the buttermilk waffle and country-fried chicken. Check out the cornflake-crusted French Toast and crab cake Benedict as well while visiting, and pair your brunch with a baked brie board, grits, or a boozy brunch beverage.
DOWNTOWN CHARLIE’S
236 South Main Street, Clawson
Downtown Charlie’s offers a hearty and satisfyingly sweet take on chicken and waffles. This rendition includes a generous portion of crispy fried chicken paired with a thick, golden waffle, seasonal fruit, and powdered sugar. This dish is a comforting and delicious choice for any brunch lover. Other fun options here include bacon churro bites, breakfast quesadillas, lobster toast, and the Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Sammie, featuring your choice of protein, a folded egg, cheese, maple syrup, and housemade icing in between a grilled cinnamon roll bun. Don’t forget to check out the mimosa and bloody Mary bar that’s available on the weekends too!
AVENUE BRUNCH HOUSE
22075 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn
Avenue Brunch House in Dearborn is a local gem that takes brunch seriously. This casual eatery offers a few different versions of chicken and waffles, all with crispy fried pieces of marinated chicken, house citrus butter, and maple syrup. Select the classic for a Belgian waffle or the Honey Heat version for your chicken to be drizzled in hot honey and sprinkles of red pepper flakes. The Chicken and Donut Waffle stands out as well, with your chicken on top of grilled glazed donuts and sweet cream cheese frosting. Try out any of these with the loaded fries, oatmeal brulee, or beignets on the starter menu.
THE COPPER KETTLE
20658 Hall Road, Clinton Township
The Copper Kettle is another top contender in the chicken and waffles scene. Known for its cozy atmosphere and homestyle cooking, The Copper Kettle serves up an interesting version of the dish. The pecan chicken is paired with a delicious waffle, along with bacon jam and candied bacon pieces. Make sure to also check out the banana split waffle, French toast casserole, and the brunch charcuterie boards with Belgian waffles, churro bites, candied bacon, mixed berries, Nutella, and a maple dipping sauce.
