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& Waffles
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
& Waffles
7.9
Family-run North Hollywood expansion bringing celebrity-endorsed Belgian waffles and chicken to Downtown Long Beach in 2025. Brothers Raffi and Serge Damadyan follow their father's restaurant legacy, offering dishes like the Carlitos Churro Waffle and Cajun fried chicken, with celebrity photos adorning the walls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings & Waffles, Cajun Country Skillet, Carlitos Churro Waffle
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Celebrity-frequented concept recommended by Gabriel Iglesias with family restaurant DNA
Who should go: Families wanting hearty Belgian waffles with any meal option
When to visit: Opens 6am daily for early breakfast crowd
What to order: Cajun chicken and waffles, churro waffle, waffle cheeseburger
Insider tip: Comedian Gabriel Iglesias personally recommended Long Beach location to owners
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Pine Ave and nearby streets, metered during business hours. Public garage at 115 Pine Ave ($2/hr)
Dress code: Casual - t-shirts and jeans perfectly fine, it's a relaxed brunch spot
Noise level: Lively but conversational - family-friendly atmosphere with moderate background chatter
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, they don't take reservations so arrive early
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple waffle combinations without meat, plus veggie sides
Vegan options: Limited - can substitute plant-based options but menu is Belgian waffle-focused
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free waffles, cross-contamination risk in waffle kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 2nd or 3rd date - it's a fun, laid-back spot but the celebrity photos and family vibe make it more playful than romantic
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they're walk-in only. Weekday mornings and early lunches are your best bet. Weekends 9am-1pm expect 20-30 minute waits
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - it's a family-run concept with sweet waffle options kids love. High chairs available, kids menu, and tolerant of noise
Best For
Better for: Creative waffle combinations you won't find elsewhere (churro waffles, waffle burgers), all-day breakfast, and hearty portions that satisfy big appetites without breaking the bank
Skip if: You want traditional fine dining brunch with mimosas and avocado toast, need gluten-free options, or prefer a quieter/more intimate setting
& Waffles
8.2
This family-owned Los Angeles favorite expanded to Long Beach in 2024, bringing celebrity-approved chicken and waffles to downtown. The concept is simple but effective: order breakfast your way, then add waffles to any dish, from benedicts to cheeseburgers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings & Waffles, Waffle Combo, Cajun Country Skillet
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Celebrity-frequented LA concept where waffles can accompany any dish
Who should go: Waffle enthusiasts and families seeking generous portions
When to visit: Opens 6am daily for early birds
What to order: Chicken wings & waffles, waffle combo, Cajun skillet
Insider tip: Comedian Gabriel Iglesias recommended Long Beach location
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Pine Ave and nearby blocks, metered until 8pm weekdays. Public lot at 3rd & Pine ($2/hour). Weekend mornings easiest.
Dress code: Come as you are - casual comfort food spot where athletic wear and jeans are the norm
Noise level: Lively breakfast buzz - can easily chat but not ideal for quiet conversations
Weekend wait: 15-30 min peak brunch hours (9am-1pm), minimal wait after 2pm
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly, typically seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie skillets, egg dishes, and waffle combinations available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some dishes but primarily egg/dairy-focused menu
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF options - waffle-centric concept makes it challenging
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates or post-hookup breakfast. The family-friendly, diner vibe lacks romance but works if you both love comfort food and keeping things low-key.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations. Weekday mornings and post-2pm weekends are your best bet for minimal wait. Arrive before 9am on weekends to beat the brunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - high chairs available, kids menu, and the customizable waffle concept lets picky eaters build their own meals. Noise level means you won't worry about disturbing others.
Best For
Better for: Best for generous portions and waffle customization flexibility - you can add their signature waffles to literally any dish. More playful and casual than traditional brunch spots, with better value for families (large portions feed multiple people).
Skip if: You want refined brunch ambiance, artisanal ingredients, or health-conscious options. If you're gluten-free or seeking elevated Southern cuisine, head to Salt & Straw Breakfast or downtown's fine dining breakfast spots instead.