clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Greek Coffee Waffle at Kapnos
Greek Coffee Waffle at Kapnos
Official

Waffles Gone Wild: D.C. Waffles Topped with Uni, Lobster Bisque, and More

Maple syrup and butter may be delicious, but it isn't creative.

View as Map
Greek Coffee Waffle at Kapnos
| Official

No need to fight over a basic Eggo when restaurants across the city are decking out their waffles with everything from sea urchin to chestnut purée. These pocketed pastries have steadily become more versatile, ditching plain syrup for more interesting varieties, like chai or bourbon syrups, and upgrading bananas or strawberries for gingered grape jelly and chocolate espresso beans. Others give in to the salty side; it’s now common to see savory waffles pop up on dinner menus.

Here are 10 of the most innovative waffles in the city right now.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

In addition to classic sweet, fruit-topped options like the Brussels waffle ($11) and the Liege waffle ($11.50), this Belgian spot also offers more unusual savory creations for brunch. The cornbread and pulled pork waffle ($16.50) is accompanied by avocado, eggs, and sour cream. The lobster waffle ($15) is served with lobster bisque, tomato, and herb salad.

Blue Duck Tavern

Copy Link

Blue Duck Tavern’s version of a Belgian waffle ($15) is full of winter flavors: chestnut purée, spiced apples, candied ginger, and cranberries.

Brasserie Beck

Copy Link

During brunch, this Belgian-influenced brasserie serves a lemon mascarpone stuffed Belgian waffle ($16), topped with gingered grape jelly, clove sugar, Steen’s Cane Syrup, and bourbon barrel aged maple syrup.

Official

Open City

Copy Link

It might not provide a caffeine boost like a cup of tea would, but the chai waffle ($8.75) has those same fragrant spices. It’s drizzled with chai syrup and served with whipped cream.

Official

The Lafayette

Copy Link

Who needs a bagel when there’s a waffle to accompany smoked salmon? The savory dill waffle with smoked salmon, capers, pickled onion, and sour cream is served during brunch.

Official

The Pig

Copy Link

The Pig puts a distinctive twist on the traditional fried chicken and waffle. This brunch offering ($16) changes slightly every week, but always includes some form of chicken, pork, a vegetable, and a house-made fish sauce caramel (a blend of caramelized brown sugar, fresh lime, and fish sauce). Past dishes have featured items like adobo-fried chicken, pork belly, squash butter, and whipped coconut.

Official

Vidalia

Copy Link

Vidalia’s meaty take on a waffle ($14.50) doesn’t err on the side of caution. It’s on the dinner menu and features chicken fried veal sweetbread, lemon, baby bok choy, caper, and bacon fondue.

Wicked Waffle

Copy Link

Of course, the Wicked Waffle’s menu is ripe with wickedly unusual waffles. It’s easy to find something to satisfy any craving, from sweet creations like the tiramisu waffle (only available at the Bethesda location) and the strawberry cheesecake waffle ($6.95) to savory waffle sandwiches like the Peking duck waffle with hoisin and plum sauce ($9.50) and the mango and brie waffle with cilantro and spicy berry jam ($8.50).

Loading comments...

B Too

In addition to classic sweet, fruit-topped options like the Brussels waffle ($11) and the Liege waffle ($11.50), this Belgian spot also offers more unusual savory creations for brunch. The cornbread and pulled pork waffle ($16.50) is accompanied by avocado, eggs, and sour cream. The lobster waffle ($15) is served with lobster bisque, tomato, and herb salad.

Blue Duck Tavern

Blue Duck Tavern’s version of a Belgian waffle ($15) is full of winter flavors: chestnut purée, spiced apples, candied ginger, and cranberries.

Brasserie Beck

During brunch, this Belgian-influenced brasserie serves a lemon mascarpone stuffed Belgian waffle ($16), topped with gingered grape jelly, clove sugar, Steen’s Cane Syrup, and bourbon barrel aged maple syrup.

Official

Open City

It might not provide a caffeine boost like a cup of tea would, but the chai waffle ($8.75) has those same fragrant spices. It’s drizzled with chai syrup and served with whipped cream.

Official

The Lafayette

Who needs a bagel when there’s a waffle to accompany smoked salmon? The savory dill waffle with smoked salmon, capers, pickled onion, and sour cream is served during brunch.

Official

The Pig

The Pig puts a distinctive twist on the traditional fried chicken and waffle. This brunch offering ($16) changes slightly every week, but always includes some form of chicken, pork, a vegetable, and a house-made fish sauce caramel (a blend of caramelized brown sugar, fresh lime, and fish sauce). Past dishes have featured items like adobo-fried chicken, pork belly, squash butter, and whipped coconut.

Official

Vidalia

Vidalia’s meaty take on a waffle ($14.50) doesn’t err on the side of caution. It’s on the dinner menu and features chicken fried veal sweetbread, lemon, baby bok choy, caper, and bacon fondue.

Wicked Waffle

Of course, the Wicked Waffle’s menu is ripe with wickedly unusual waffles. It’s easy to find something to satisfy any craving, from sweet creations like the tiramisu waffle (only available at the Bethesda location) and the strawberry cheesecake waffle ($6.95) to savory waffle sandwiches like the Peking duck waffle with hoisin and plum sauce ($9.50) and the mango and brie waffle with cilantro and spicy berry jam ($8.50).

Related Maps