There’s an awesome new trend in Orange County cuisine and it’s got everything to do with waffles. Not just for breakfast, these hot cakes with craters are taking over lunch, dinner and dessert. The waffle chain everyone’s getting familiar with is Bruxie, but there are plenty more mouthwatering waffles out there you need to try. Lucky for you we put them all on this hand-dandy list for you.
Waffles Inc.
201 E 4th St, Ste 126
Santa Ana, CA 92701
wafflesinc-dtsa.com
In the mood for a waffle burger, waffle taco or waffle gyro? Then Waffles Inc, is the right place for you to chow down on your next waffle creation. The waffles are light and fresh, the menu is fairly simple – but very diverse and unique – and the atmosphere at the 4th Street Market in Downtown Santa Ana makes it even more fun. Why is the waffle blue, you ask? That would be the squid ink.
Money Business Café
301 E Amerige Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
monkeybusinesscafe.org
Monkey Business Café has an extensive menu but the highlight is definitely the waffle dishes. There’s the breakfast waffle sandwich, berries-n-crème waffles, nutty monkey waffle or a yelp favorite, a waffle dawg – a frank with delicious melted fillings all wrapped by a waffle! The restaurant is A-OK in our book too because it has a Workforce Development Program to help provide at-risk youth and young adults work experience, employability skills, and living skills. Great food and a great addition to the local community.
Mrs. Bea’s Louisiana Chicken and Waffles
1299 S Harbor Blvd
La Habra, CA 90631
mrsbeas.com
Feels like a home cooked meal and tastes like one too! Mrs. Bea’s is traditional southern cooking and when you’re here, you’re treated like family. If you want to switch it up a bit, try one of her 10 different infused waffles like the corn bread or cake batter. If you’re in the mood for Louisiana Creole Soul food and the best Louisiana fried chicken around, then head over to Mrs. Bea’s.
Thirstea Corner
4501 E Carson St, Ste 109
Long Beach, CA 90808
What better snack with your boba tea than waffle-style sandwiches? Light, airy and flakey like a croissant, these waffles will have you coming back for more. Yelp reviewers especially loved the Chicken Jalapeño waffle sandwich and the dessert waffle – which has no description on the menu but comes piled with ice cream, Nutella, bananas, berries and a sweet drizzle! This place is technically in L.A. County in Long Beach but it’s worth the extra few miles outside of Orange County.
Qrious Palate
955 E Anaheim St
Long Beach, CA 90813
qriouspalate.com
Another Long Beach must visit is Qrious Palate. Breakfast, lunch and dinner they’re bringing specialty waffles your way. Their list of homemade waffle sandwiches is extensive and if you’re not sure where to start, a crowd favorite is the Charbroiled Bulgogi. They’ve also got spicy syrup and tons more condiments to make your meal one of a kind and some amazing French fries (regular or waffle cut!) like the buffalo chicken, BBQ ranch and chili cheese.
The Iron Press
Anaheim & Costa Mesa locations
theironpress.com
Along with waffles, The Iron Press also serves up loads of specialty local and imported beers. The menu has a selection of waffle sandwiches, non-waffle concoctions, tots, IPR Irish nachos, wings, amazing deserts and tons of dipping sauces to choose from. They’re all about using the freshest ingredients and creating a fun and interactive dining experience. You can find them at the SoCo Mix in Costa Mesa or the Anaheim Packing District.
Food Trucks
Waffle-icious
Waffle-icious has an even more specific expertise than the other waffle connoisseurs on our list – Liege waffles. Named after a city in Belgium, these tasty treats are sold by street vendors and are the most popular waffles in Belgium. Made with imported Belgian peal sugar, these bad boys are get the prefect crunch and are simply irresistible. Go savory, sweet or find the perfect mix of the two with a crowd favorite – the Monte Cristo Waffle Sandwich. If you ever need to know where to find them, just check out the schedule on their website!
WaffNRoll
WaffNRoll does one thing and they do it right – the waffle sandwich. They’ve got tons of meaty sandwiches to choose from like fried chicken, raised short rib, pulled pork, and tandoori chicken. Or maybe you need to satisfy your sweet tooth with lemon curd & berry or banana & nutella. Back to back savory and sweet? That works too. You can’t go wrong with these crispy, buttery, fluffy confections.
All of the employees at the First Team Real Estate home office can attest to the deliciousness of the WaffNRoll Truck. This year for Employee Appreciation day at our home office our lunch was catered by the WaffNRoll truck and it was a blast! Warning: These waffles sandwiches are in high demand and will sell out! If you’re following the truck to an event, be sure to get your order in before they’re all gone.
What’s your favorite local waffle maker? Leave a comment and weigh in on the best speciality waffles in Orange County!
