Rate-A-Restaurant, #165 in a series

Restaurant: The Waffle

Location: 6255 W. Sunset Blvd. (Hollywood)

Type of restaurant: Breakfast



They stipulated: It's called "The Waffle" for a reason. Sweet waffles. Savory waffles. All kinds of waffles. But if you're not in a waffle mood, there's plenty more on the menu -- even pancakes, the blood enemy of waffles everywhere.



We stipulated: For a weekend breakfast outing, we decided to try something new. We liked chef Scooter Kanfer-Cartmill's (above, we sneak a shot of her back at the restaurant) old Melrose spot, House, and decided it was time to trek down Sunset for a few waffles.



What we ordered: Maria got the baked-in smoked Applewood bacon waffle ($8, above), I got the Cornmeal jalapeno waffles with fried chicken/sawmill gravy and collard greens ($10, below).



High point: There was something comforting about the hipper-Waffle-House vibe of the place, and the friendly staff. We hit the Waffle when things weren't too busy, and received plenty of attention. (This is quite in contrast to some of the reviews on Chowhound.) Plus, I just love the idea of a menu with such a wild list of waffles.

Low point: I'm just not sure I'm in the mood to eat collard greens at 9 in the morning. Also, parking really is terrible; we lucked out and found street parking -- but the meters in the area are only for an hour. Keep an eye on your watch, or risk the wrath of parking officers.

Overall impression: Not for diet-minded, you gotta love waffles with bacon built in, or jalapeno waffles with chicken on top. (Quite a change from Roscoe's, although Roscoe's shouldn't be running scared just yet. And by the way, Honey Kettle's chicken-and-pancakes still has every one beat.) Maria also liked the "L" shape of the restaurant, which made the place feel a little less crowded. And again, despite (or perhaps because of) what you've read, the service is decent.

Chance we will go back: Very likely. There's plenty more to try -- starting with the sticky bun waffle.

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