Imagine a light, fluffy waffle covered in whipped butter and hot maple syrup, topped with pieces of greasy, Southern-fried chicken. The perfect meal—for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And this chicken and waffles trend that is making a comeback with specialty rchicken and waffle restaurants across the country. 

The combo concept was born circa 1930 in Harlem, New York when Wells’ Restaurant served celebrities late into the night. Since those wee morning hours didn't quite qualify as dinner time, nor did they fall into breakfast time, Wells’ made it easy by serving dishes from both meals.

While Wells’ is long gone, the tradition continues today with the irresistible chicken and waffles due gracing menus from coast to coast.

LA-staple Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles is first on the list. Based in Los Angeles, the eatery has managed to attract the media because of its food and celebrity following. For example, Snoop Dogg has taken both David Beckham and Larry King to Roscoe’s.  While the restaurant specializes in waffles and chicken, they also are well-known for their cornbread, greens, macaroni and cheese and red beans and rice.

The next stop is Gladys Knight and Ron Winans’ Chicken & Waffles in Atlanta and Lithonia, Georgia, which serves up similar menu items. However, this spot is also a restaurant with out-of-the-ordinary special events. This month, the Lithonia location hosts a Waffle Eating Contest on March 13, where customers have only fifteen minutes to eat as many waffles as they can. Yikes.

Then there is Maxine’s Chicken and Waffles, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, named after Maxine Redmon Bunnell who began her cooking journey at the age of 8. It's easy to eat deliciously cheap—diners can get a ‘Waffle and Wing’ on the five for $5.

Last up is Boston’s Hen House Wings ‘N Waffles, where “night owl delivery is available,” if you find yourself waking up with a 3AM craving for butter and grease. The Hen House has the most customization options.  Three different kinds of butter, (homemade whipped, honey whipped, and Cajun) and three types of syrup (straight maple, clove honey, and maple BBQ).

But if you want to have your own Chicken and Waffle Night (or morning) at home, you have a few tasty alternatives.

To make crispy, golden chicken, Williams-Sonoma’s Ad Hoc Fried Chicken Kit delivers. The lemon herb brine and pepper coating are similar to what award-winning chef, Thomas Keller serves every Monday on Fried Chicken Night at his Napa Valley eatery, ad hoc. Good luck scoring a resy.

For indulgent, fluffy waffles, try Barefoot Contessa Ina’s Favorite Pancake & Waffle Mix, which is made with malt and vanilla for extra flavor.

 -Kelly McLendon