12 North Carolina Chicken And Waffle Spots Everyone Talks About
North Carolina knows how to do comfort food right, and nothing says comfort quite like crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles drizzled in sweet syrup.
From bustling city diners to hidden coastal gems, the Tar Heel State serves up this iconic dish in ways that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.
1. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles (Durham)
If you want chicken and waffles that’ll make you want to write home about it, this Durham hotspot is your destination. The chicken arrives perfectly seasoned with a crackling crust, while the waffles come out light and airy.
Locals swear by the sweet potato waffle option, which adds an earthy sweetness that complements the savory chicken beautifully. The vibe is cozy, welcoming, and unapologetically Southern.
2. Metro Diner (Raleigh)
Ever walked into a diner and felt like you just stepped into your grandma’s kitchen? That’s Metro Diner for you. Their chicken and waffles combo is legendary among Raleigh breakfast lovers, featuring juicy fried chicken that’s brined to perfection.
The waffles are thick, fluffy, and practically beg for butter and syrup. Portions are generous, so bring your appetite and maybe a friend to share.
3. Beasley’s Chicken & Honey (Raleigh)
Chef Ashley Christensen created a temple to fried chicken here, and the waffle pairing doesn’t disappoint. Beasley’s takes the classic combo upscale without losing any of that down-home soul.
The chicken gets a buttermilk bath before hitting the fryer, resulting in unbelievable tenderness. Drizzle on their signature honey, and you’ve got sweet-and-savory magic happening on your plate that’ll haunt your dreams.
4. Tupelo Honey (Raleigh)
Named after honey itself, this spot knows a thing or two about balancing sweet and savory flavors. Their chicken and waffles feature cage-free chicken that’s hand-breaded and fried to golden perfection.
What sets them apart? The house-made honey butter that melts into every waffle crevice. It’s Southern cooking with a conscience, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible for maximum freshness and flavor.
5. Haberdish (Charlotte)
Charlotte’s Haberdish brings a refined twist to this soul food staple without losing its heart. The chicken is brined for 24 hours, ensuring every bite stays moist under that shatteringly crisp coating.
Their waffles are made from scratch daily, with a hint of vanilla that makes them irresistible. The atmosphere feels like a modern speakeasy meets Southern grandeur, perfect for date night or celebrating something special.
6. Iyla’s Southern Kitchen (Raleigh)
Iyla’s brings authentic soul food to Raleigh with recipes passed down through generations. Their chicken and waffles combo feels like a warm hug from someone who really knows how to cook.
The seasoning blend on the chicken is a closely guarded secret, but one bite tells you it’s something special. Waffles are thick and satisfying, providing the perfect foundation for their house-made syrups that come in several tempting flavors.
7. Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill (North Carolina Coast)
Who says you can’t have chicken and waffles with an ocean view? Uncle Ike’s serves up this classic combo with a laid-back coastal vibe that makes every meal feel like vacation.
Their chicken is seasoned with a hint of Old Bay, giving it that distinctive coastal Carolina flavor. The waffles are fluffy and generous, perfect for fueling up before or after a day at the beach.
8. The Wafflery (Charlotte)
As the name suggests, The Wafflery takes waffles seriously, and their chicken pairing is no exception. They offer multiple waffle varieties, from classic Belgian to creative flavors like bacon cheddar.
The fried chicken is always crispy, always juicy, and always satisfying. It’s a breakfast spot that doubles as brunch heaven, where the coffee flows freely and the portions never disappoint hungry customers looking for morning fuel.
9. Eddie’s Place (Charlotte)
Eddie’s Place proves that sometimes the best food comes from the most unassuming spots. This Charlotte favorite keeps things simple and delicious, focusing on quality ingredients and time-tested cooking methods.
Their chicken arrives hot and crunchy with meat so tender it practically falls off the bone. The waffles are made from a recipe that’s been perfected over years, resulting in consistent excellence that keeps regulars coming back weekly.
10. Midnight Diner (Charlotte)
Craving chicken and waffles at 2 AM? Midnight Diner has your back with late-night service that saves hungry night owls from settling for fast food.
The chicken stays crispy no matter what time you order, and the waffles come out fresh and hot around the clock. It’s become a Charlotte institution for shift workers, college students, and anyone who believes great food shouldn’t have a curfew or closing time.
11. Maple Street Biscuit Company (Charlotte)
While biscuits are their claim to fame, Maple Street’s chicken and waffles deserve equal recognition. They’ve mastered the art of creating crispy chicken with incredible seasoning that makes every bite memorable.
The waffles are light yet sturdy enough to handle generous pours of real maple syrup. The community-focused atmosphere makes dining here feel like breakfast with friends, even if you’re eating alone at the counter.
12. The Mason Jar Tavern & Grill (Holly Springs)
Housed in a charming setting that feels like a modern farmhouse, The Mason Jar elevates chicken and waffles to tavern fare worth traveling for. Their chicken gets a special buttermilk marinade that guarantees juiciness.
Waffles arrive golden and perfectly cooked, with crispy edges and soft centers. The portions are hearty, the service is friendly, and the whole experience feels like discovering a delicious secret in suburban North Carolina.
