The Rumors Are True - Chicken and Waffles Return to the Bay!
Written: Mar 13 '05 (Updated Mar 13 '05)
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Pros: Chicken and Waffles in Oakland. Hooray!
Cons: Long lines late at night. Hit or miss service.
The Bottom Line: The House of Chicken 'n Waffles in Oakland is quite delicious.
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| megugrrrl's Full Review: The House of Chicken 'n Waffles |
444 Embarcadero at Broadway
Oakland, CA 94607
I had heard the stories shortly after I moved to the Bay Area. Fried chicken and waffles - side by side - like ebony and ivory. However, thanks to Murphy and his stupid laws, The Chicken and Waffle shop in Oakland closed down before I had the opportunity to go. I can't tell you why I hadn't heard of it before (particularly since Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles is in Southern California...) but I'm happy to announce that the doors have re-opened. Sort of. It was going to be a Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, but something I'm not privvy to happened, and it's just The House of Chicken 'n Waffles - but that's just a technicality because, hot damn! the food is great here, with or without Roscoe.
The Chicken
Fried chicken has always scared me, but not at the House of Chicken ('n Waffles). Consistently juicy and flavorful, their chicken is the kind you savor and eat to the bone. It's not overly breaded, and I suspect a pressure cooker at work here, only because the chicken seems to hold an intense flavor and it's so dang juicy!
You can order fried chicken here in different configurations, either like it is, smothered, or in something like an omlette, and of course in a number of combinations other than with waffles, like a biscuit or grits, but if you're going to The House of Chicken 'n' Waffles, maybe you should order chicken and waffles.
Having never prepared fried chicken at home, I almost feel unqualified to sing its praises, but I've also never seared a slice of foie gras (unlike ermitano), but I can tell the difference between yummy and not-so-yummy foie gras. So the chicken here is yummy. Really, really yummy.
The Waffles
Golden-y, waffle-y, eggy, and a touch of cinnamon-y - naturally the old school round ones with the tiny waffle ridges - slightly crunchy along the edges (particularly where the batter squeezed out the sides of the waffle press) and a thin layer of cripsiness everywhere else. The waffles become a little too soft because of the scoops of whipped butter and syrup, but I suspect that's a personal issue.
The waffles are guite delicious here (on par with Ole's), and I'd be happy eating one for breakfast, but I think the star of this place is the chicken. However, you must not just get the chicken, you have to get both chicken and waffle.
The Sides
If you are a big eater, you can get buttery grits, greens, yams, cornbread and a host of other southern soul side staples. But probably the smarter thing to do is order a few when you have a big dining party with you so you can sample. Strong recommends are the grits of perfect consistency, and candied yams. They have corn bread and once or twice a week offer Hot Water Corn Bread, and I keep forgetting to ask what the difference is. If you know, please tell me.
Condiments
The warm syrup is pleasantly spiced, and almost reminds me of Thanksgiving. You'll find one or two little cups of the sweet stuff on your over-sized plate. I like to keep my waffle as crisp as possible so I am a dipper (rather than a pourer), and I'll also dip a piece of chicken into the syrup. You can do whatever you want.
I believe Crystal's Hot Sauce is the only thing that belongs on the chicken here. Well - ok - other than the syrup. While they offer it, Tabasco is too too sour, and would seemingly upset the delicate balance of chicken and waffle perfection on your plate.
The Menu
You wouldn't think the House of Chicken and Waffles would need a menu, but there are a few things other than the chicken and waffles to offer. Plus, there are a bunch of combinations.
The wall behind the counter showcases the menu with paintings of each combination's namesake. You'll see an Isaac holding a plate, and an Angie with her's (Incredible Isaac, Angie's Delight) and twenty or so other people and their dishes. Each person and their dish is numbered and ordered like the menus. The dishes are mostly different chicken pieces (wings, thigh, breast) with different companions (waffle, biscuit, fries) in different amounts (one breast, 1/2 chix, a sandwich).
They're fun to look at, and as you eat, you get to fantasize about who each one is, and how they got to be immortalized by a combination at The House of CnW. One time someone from the wall served us - I can't remember if it was Derrek or Renaldi (as in Derrek's Deal or Renaldi's Request). I wondered if he wanted to be the one holding what Sir Michael or Lil Walter was holding.
The Layout
This is the old Jack London Diner - there's a counter and some booths - but more contemporary than the image you have in your head. The counter is a smooth swoop, with swivel chairs and a modern multi-colored light fixture. It's pleasant - and clean.
Cost
$7.25 for my favorite combination of one breast and one waffle. Not really too expensive, but not really a breakfast bargain either. Complaining doesn't seem right, especially since it's in a prime location, and the food is good. Combinations tend to range between $6-$10. Bowls of sides average $3, a breast on the side is almost $4.
Quirks
- Cash only.
- Open 'til 4AM on weekends. (yeah!)
- Street sweepers nightly at 2AM (maybe 3AM) - mind the signs.
- The door on the corner of Broadway and Embarcadero is the fire exit & people unfamiliar with the place will walk in. If you happen to, don't get mad if the host at the real entrance (20 feet down Embarcadero) doesn't see you.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Friends
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Epinions.com ID:
megugrrrl
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: Oakland
Reviews written: 149
Trusted by: 317 members
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