Waffle Lounge was absolutely amazing! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming. The ambiance is beautiful, and the music creates the perfect vibe for a relaxing brunch. The food was outstanding with generous portions at fair prices. I highly recommend the peach cobbler waffles--they were incredible! The lemon pepper wings were seasoned perfectly with just the right amount of spice and were absolutely delicious. The customer service was excellent from start to finish, making the entire experience even better. As a bonus, it's BYOB, which makes it a fun spot to enjoy with friends or family. If you're looking for a brunch spot with great food, amazing service, good vibes, and excellent value, Waffle Lounge is definitely worth a visit. I'll definitely be back! read more

Amazing!!! During a visit to Chicago and my childhood neighborhood, I was pleasantly surprised to find The Waffle Lounge. The owner is bringing excellence and class to this corner of 75th Street. The food selection is amazing, with something for everyone. The waffles are not only topped with wonderful flavors like peach cobbler, but each waffle is made with flavorful batter that complements each topping. I had the waffle flight, so delicious and fluffy; but for those who wanted savory, there were delicious salmon patties and a variety of delicious creamy grits; and if you want to be healthy, there is an assortment of omelets. I loved the coffee presentation. The service was professional and very knowledgeable about the menu. The venue is beautiful. We went on a Sunday morning, and great gospel music added to the ambiance. It is immaculately clean and beautifully decorated. I also liked the option for outdoor dining and very large off-street parking. Overall, a great place for brunch at a great price. I have told everyone about this great Chicago South Side gem and most definitely will go back. read more

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The Waffle Lounge - Visit on July 3, 2026 I visited The Waffle Lounge for the first time with my sisters, and overall, we had a good experience, but there were a few issues that need improvement. When we first arrived, we weren't sure where the entrance was. We initially thought the barn doors were part of the side of the restaurant. A welcome sign above the entrance would make it much easier for first-time visitors to find the door. The outdoor patio was beautifully decorated, so we decided to sit outside since the inside was very busy and crowded. Our waitress was pleasant, friendly, and very helpful throughout our visit. We were served water, but there was no ice. Considering it was an extremely hot day, that was disappointing. The three of us ordered the Cousins Special, which included salmon croquettes. When the cook brought our food outside, she asked whose order it was. There were only two tables seated on the patio, so we let her know the food was ours. Instead of simply setting it down, she began saying she wasn't "going to make the food over" and had an attitude. It seemed like she was worried someone was claiming the wrong order, but her response came across as unprofessional. Thankfully, we did receive our food. We all added the blueberry lemon topping to our waffles, and they were absolutely delicious. They were so flavorful that they didn't even need syrup. The grits were also amazing--they literally melted in your mouth. Unfortunately, while my sister was eating her salmon croquette, she found a hair inside it. Our waitress handled the situation very well. She was apologetic, offered to have the meal remade, remove it from the bill, or provide another option. She did everything she could to make things right. However, I believe a manager or supervisor should have come to our table personally to apologize. Finding hair in food is a serious issue, and management should take the opportunity to show customers that they value their business and want them to return. It shouldn't have been left entirely up to the waitress. Overall, the food was very good, and the waitress provided excellent customer service. However, the attitude displayed by the cook and the lack of management involvement after such an issue left a negative impression. With better customer service from the kitchen staff and stronger management support, this restaurant could provide an even better dining experience. read more

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We visited the waffle lounge on a Sunday. When we first got there, they told us it would be about a 15 minute wait it ended up being about 25 to 30 minutes. Once we were seated, they provided us with water. We looked at the menu. I was really hungry so I was ready to order. I ordered the shrimp and grits as well as the red velvet waffles. The shrimp grits had great flavor was seasoned very well. The Red Velvet waffles were not like I've had before. I can't really explain it, but I did not enjoy the flavor. Overall, I definitely recommend people trying. The waitress was nice. read more

The Waffle Lounge - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My friend suggested this place as I had never heard of it and I'm glad he did. They know what they're doing in that kitchen! I will say they were packed in there.. consistently. I had the grit flight with my fav being the shrimp one. I also tasted the salmon croquettes - they were interesting because of the breading but still good. My friend had the waffle flight and enjoyed the strawberry one. The place is kind of small but it looks like they're building a patio so that's cool. Service was fine - no complaints. read more

The Waffle Lounge - Salmon croquettes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Stopped by The Waffle Lounge and really enjoyed the experience. I ordered The Grandma, which came with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and sausage patties--simple, classic, and done right. Everything was cooked well, the eggs were fluffy, the hash browns had a nice crisp, and the sausage was flavorful. The decor is modern, clean, and inviting, making it a great spot to sit down and enjoy breakfast or brunch. Overall, solid food, great atmosphere, and definitely a place I'd come back to. Highly recommend if you're in the mood for a comforting breakfast in a stylish setting. read more

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This automatically had a plus when I discovered there was an onsite parking lot and plenty street parking. Went on a Sunday afternoon so it was an average wait time. Hostess and owner were very nice and accommodating. Shantal was our server and she was great. Food cones out as it's ready. A recorded or streamed DJ provided nice ambiance. Food just need a tad bit of salt (and I don't add salt to my food like that) and it would've been great. It's only been open month and we need more nice places like this to patronize. They're getting 4 stars just because there are a few timing issues as far as expediting read more

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I went on a Sunday with 4 family members. There was an hour and a half wait but well worth it. We had the grits flight, the waffle flight, the Grandma plate and Grandpa plate. Nobody had one complaint and that's saying a lot for my picky sister. I will be back and back and back. read more

I visited with my mom and son! The service was good. Our waiter was very friendly and knowledgeable. I ordered the croquets that weren't good the grits were like warm and I ordered opinions in my eggs which were cut fat and thrown on top my son had chicken wings which he hated the sauce we were told the bbq sauce was like mild sauce and it wasn't the best thing was the waffles very fluffy melt in your mouth 10/10 on the waffles ! I wanted this place to be great because the decor is really nice and it's a vibe however I wouldn't go back the food was subpar read more

The Waffle Lounge - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food, service and the ambiance was amazing. We celebrated my fiancés birthday and she loved the grandma with the peach cobbler waffles. I had the creole shrimp and for me to not put sugar in them...they were definitely amazing. Our server Jennifer was such a great server. She recommended us the great food. She also brought out a beignet with a sparkler. It really made her day. Thank you so much and we will come back again. read more

The food was good. My favorite were the waffles. The Grit Flight just okay. I will absolutely return to try something new. I had a chance to conversation with the owner, she's really nice. I loved it. And it's cute inside. They do charge the 3% for using a debit card but that's the times we are in now. And there is parking in the lot off the street. read more

The Waffle Lounge - Grit Flight - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Service was slow but I enjoyed the food immensely. The facility was not as welcoming and needs improvements for a larger group. Nevertheless, I do recommend....! read more

I rarely eat ALL my food but it was 10/10! Awesome brunch spot super chill, clean, positive vibes. Great service will definitely be back. Ordered the strawberry waffle and loaded grits. Hibiscus lemonade 10/10 read more

Oh my goodness the place is fabulous! My cousin was in from South Carolina and the family met there after Trinity United Church service today. Check in was quick, our waiter took a little long to come to the table, but baby once she greeted us her service was just as flawless as the food! Me and my niece that the brunch for two (shareable meal) and when I tell you it was delicious, I mean it was awesome! Check out my pics! A cousin let me taste the salmon croquettes which were just "ok" but I was just tasting - wasn't meal and she loved them. The ambience was all of that and more. I plan on revisiting soon to have my meal on the patio because it was simply beautiful out there (and before it gets cold in the Chi). The owner was there and greeted us with warm smiles and friendly conversation. So if you're ever in the mood for something fresh, new, tasty, lots of parking, great location and black owned - definitely check them out! Oh it's byob too read more

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We visited this cute restaurant yesterday and the house-made lemonade was an absolute standout-- I'm still thinking about it seriously, give the maker a raise! The grit flight was a unique, and absolutely delicious definitely a highlight. We had the blueberry lemon waffle fye!!! While the potato could have been served warmer and the steak was just okay, the overall experience was great. I'll definitely be back for more waffles and grits! Shoutout to our waitress for being so nice!!! read more

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I upgraded only because our waitress Chantal was absolutely incredible. The food is simply just okay and a bit overpriced for the quality, and they still cannot seem to figure out how to cook an order so that all dishes come out together and hot. The owner is so nice and attentive but remains way too focused on her social media presence--she still apparently doesn't even know she has a few less than flattering reviews on Yelp--and doesn't respond to the website "contact us" form or her emails. They added tables since my last visit so now when the table next to us sneezed (rudely without covering himself) we caught his spray on our food! Finally, the music remains way too loud for breakfast , but if you only read what your friends say on social media you won't ever change that! My last and final review. I give them another year and it's a wrap. read more

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Amazing ambiance. Server was helpful with the menu. The meat was okay. The problem was the salt in the eggs and grits absolutely crazy amount couldn't eat it without stroking out The grits were buttery soup not of a thick consistency as they should be. Please add fruit, oatmeal, and other HEALTHY alternatives to the menu! read more

I had an amazing meal and listened to some great live music. The hot chicken and waffles were absolutely delicious. I also had cheese grits, eggs and bacon all delicious. read more

The Waffle Lounge - Hot chicken and waffles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Phenomenal food and service. Probably the cleanest restaurant I've been to in a while. It was busy...30 minute wait. It was also a holiday, and we didn't have reservations. It was totally worth the wait. The grit flight was amazing. And the chicken and waffles also. Grits or waffles you can't go wrong--unless you just don't go. read more

The Waffle Lounge - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Tried this new spot for breakfast/brunch. The decor was so cute!! It was much bigger on the inside than it looks, they have 2 sides. They were busy but we got waited on pretty quickly. The staff were really nice and attentive to the guests. The food was ok but presentation was great! I would have liked if they served mimosas though! I'll have to try it at least one more time to give a more thorough review. I would recommend you trying for yourself though, I wasn't disappointed. read more

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I had the Grandpa meal. Omg everything was fantastic, best breakfast I have had in the city hands down. My new spot!!

I gave it a 4 because the service was a bit slow, BUT they turned it around real quick. The wait I a bit and the front door end needs some more organization . Ok enough of that part but the food was good and I'm hard to please!!! I'm coming back with my family next time. read more

The Waffle Lounge - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We took my mom here for brunch to celebrate her birthday. Although we had a reservation we still had to wait a long time to be seated. It worked out though because we were able to eat in the private dining room. The food was decent. The waffles were of course the star of the meal. The cheese grits were pretty tasty too. What made this stand out was the server and how patient and attentive she was throughout the meal. I'm not sure if I'll be back. But if I do I'll make sure to not go on the weekend and see if it's less busy. read more

Went Sunday 7/26 (church day) and it was packed. Three of us and we were walk in. Wait time about 20 to 30 minutes. It's not posted but you can make reservations so I was told. There's an outside area but the servers walked past everyone in the waiting area to take them their food. That was the only negative for me. The food is pricy cause it's fancy, and it's good. Our server was outstanding. Also saw other servers taking care of business. They have a vast assortment of waffles. I got mini traditional no power sugar, with ham (off bone) potatoes and eggs. We all enjoyed our meal. Oh for those interested, it's BYOB and if you want ice, glass and chill bucket they'll provide for $15. read more

Waffle Lounge is definitely worth a visit! The food was delicious, and the service was friendly and attentive. I had the salmon croquettes--they were really good, though a little on the small side. The shrimp creole grits were amazing! We also tried the waffle flight, and it was a fun way to sample different flavors. J One of the best perks is that it's BYOB, so don't forget to bring a bottle. They have a nice patio, but it was a little too warm when we visited, so we chose to sit inside. We're already looking forward to coming back to enjoy the patio with a bottle of Prosecco & Blueberry Lemon waffles! read more

Customer service is good. Very friendly and helpful. Food is great. Love the food choices especially the one that serves up to 4. Waffles and potatoes were awesome. Bottomline I loved everything about the Waffle Lounge. read more

The food was decent, though a bit pricey for what you get and you have to add sides as a la carte. That said, the setup and ambiance were really nice, and the food was well presented. What really stood out was the staff friendly, attentive, and welcoming. The lines can get pretty long so there may be a wait. It's definitely worth going at least once for the variety of waffles they offer, especially their waffle and grits flight, which is a fun option to try multiple flavors in one sitting. read more

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Great way to start my weekend. Had the classic waffle with crispy bacon. Made exactly as I like. Sat at the bar and was in and out in a jiffy. Fast friendly service. I'll be back. read more

The Waffle Lounge - At The Bar - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Is there a long wait, yes. Is there a parking lot, yes. Do they accept reservations, no. Came on a Sunday to meet a friend at 1p, they told us an hour but since we were catching up time went by swiftly. The venue in itself is small, but nice and elegant. Not sure why on this day the bar area was closed, but then I heard our server say there are only two cooks. This will pose plenty of problems now and in the future. Food came out relatively quick, it was ok. I was dying for the peach cobbler waffles but they were very soft and not hot. Eggs were ok and the "thick cut" bacon was not the case. It's weird how the bill is done with all the added fees so they mentioned if you don't pay cash then they divvy up the cost adding add'l money per item. Example $15 corking fee now $15.65, $3 eggs now $3.50, my $14 meal now $14.60 and my $5.50 bacon became $6. I think that's weird. Anyhow, the hostess was nice despite the many complaints, the patrons waiting impatiently, and assisting the large number of people that turned around not wanting to wait 1.5 hours, etc. I say to be safe arrive at 2p, you should be seated quickly...place was basically empty by that time. Also, if you're going to look at my wine bottle then immediately point out that I'll be charged $15, then I'm going to immediately need you to bring over everything that comes with it, I should not have to ask for it. Overall, it was a nice experience, I may go back am interested in the coffee flights. read more

The Waffle Lounge - Peach cobbler waffles w/side of eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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To begin I would just like to say that my review is just based off my overall experience. I tried this place because of people online but I see if you are not an "influencer" your food may come out looking and tasting different. That's why I try places for myself. They redid the place beautifully it looks nice outside and inside. Great patio area for the spring /summertime can open the windows it looks like during that time. My friend and I got there around the time they opened and everyone start trickling in after us. The first thing I order was a hot chocolate when the waiter came over to sit down silverware and water. He informed me he needed to warm up the milk. My friend ordered tea and when he came back with her tea we ordered our meals. I got the grits flight with turkey bacon and my friend order what is called the grandma it comes with a meat, eggs, grits or potatoes, and 2 mini waffles. Unfortunately she did not receive potatoes or grits with her meal. I will say the gentleman gave us a discount for that because we didn't realize until we were almost finished and ready to go. She didn't tell me until we left her eggs were cold because she knew I would sent them back, because she hates sending food back. As far as the flight......I received 1 small chunk of meat that was bland and tough and I don't know how because the gravy was actually good. The flavor in the shrimp and grits and the loaded grits were good. The toppings on the peach cobbler and apple waffles were good but the waffles themselves were flavorless. They need to add some vanilla or cinnamon to the batter. Overall everything was mediocre. I only wanted the hot chocolate because it looked so good on the videos to finally receive it when we asked for the check. So I asked for it to go, without all the extras. read more

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Great food and excellent service! The peach cobbler waffles are my fave! Check them out!

The service was so amazing!!! We love that it matched how incredibly good the food was too. It made the experience that much more superb. We will definitely be back. They are BYOB and we got to meet the beautiful Chef Taylor. The restaurant is gorgeous, clean and fun at the same time. read more

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Owner rude very off putting. I had a disappointing experience here. The owner was rude and unwelcoming, which made the visit uncomfortable--especially early in the morning. I didn't enjoy my food and wanted to return it, but didn't feel comfortable doing so given the interaction. I ended up throwing half of it away. Overall, very off-putting service. very unwelcoming experience. read more

I'm not really good at TikTok and video posts, but I am definitely a bona fide foodie and can give a detailed, long-winded review for worthy cuisines. There are brunch spots, and then there are experiences. Waffle Lounge firmly belongs to the latter. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere sets the tone. The ambiance strikes a thoughtful balance between lively and comfortable, with an energy that feels curated rather than chaotic. It is the kind of place where conversation flows easily, laughter rises naturally, and the staff greets you with a warmth that feels genuine rather than rehearsed. Hospitality here is not an afterthought. It is part of the brand's DNA. What truly distinguishes Waffle Lounge, however, is the food. The waffle flight is a standout concept executed with both imagination and technical finesse. Featuring blueberry, apple, strawberry, and peach cobbler selections, each waffle arrives with its own personality and flavor profile. The blueberry delivers bright, balanced sweetness; the apple offers a comforting, spiced depth; the strawberry brings a fresh, vibrant finish; and the peach cobbler waffle evokes a warm, nostalgic richness that feels almost indulgent. Together, they transform a simple brunch staple into a curated tasting experience. The grits flight is equally compelling and thoughtfully composed. Creamy, buttered grits serve as the foundation, providing a velvety canvas for bold accompaniments. The Creole shrimp introduce a savory, seasoned complexity with just the right touch of spice, while the braised short ribs offer tender, slow-cooked depth that melts effortlessly into each bite. The layering of textures and flavors elevates this Southern classic into something both comforting and refined. Even the classic sides command attention. The thick-cut bacon is expertly prepared with the ideal balance of crispness and smoky richness, and the potatoes are seasoned with precision, each bite delivering warmth and flavor without overpowering the plate. Perhaps most impressive is the value. In a city like Chicago, where dining costs can escalate quickly, Waffle Lounge delivers quality, creativity, and ambiance at prices that remain refreshingly reasonable. Waffle Lounge is not merely a place to eat. It is a well-crafted culinary experience that lingers long after the table is cleared. read more

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Spent more time on aesthetics, then quality and amount of food given. All cutlery, and plating are too small. More suitable for small children. Forgot to take a pic, because food was consumed quickly. read more

Overall, this place was pretty good. I got the red velvet waffles, and they were very filling--I felt full after just two waffles. I went around 12 o'clock and hadn't eaten all day, so that definitely says something. I also tried the strawberry waffle, but I didn't like it as much because it tasted a bit artificial to me. The blueberry waffles were just okay. The breakfast potatoes were fine too, but they could've been crispier. Nothing was bad overall, just a few things that could be better. I'd still say it was a decent experience. Also our server Kayla was so nice and thoughtful. She gave us a great service. read more

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Excellent experience all around. The wait time was short and the staff were bright, courteous and engaging. The dining room was clean; staff were always present clearing tables and spills. The restrooms were well maintained. Although the meals were a bit pricey and the portion sizes was moderate, I'd happily go again. The food was superb! Well seasoned but not salty. Definitely as close to home cooked dishes as you can get. For a first impression on a busy Sunday, they made it easy to boast about sharing my picky mother's birthday. Even the woman who would complain to the Lord about a cool summer day had nothing but praise. Thank you and hope to see you soon! read more

As an experienced foodie and chef who has dined at a multitude of restaurants in Chicago, I have NEVER been treated so rudely by the owner of an establishment. After being seated, we proceeded to wait at LEAST 15 minutes to have a server introduce herself and take our order. Never were we told there was a time limit on sitting at a table. Understandable because the service was SLOW. After the meal the owner decided to sit down at the table UNINVITED and proceeded to tell me that I had been at the table for over two hours and her server needed the table. What about the extra time that we spent waiting to even be acknowledged and then place our order?? No inquiry about whether or not we enjoyed the meal or a thank you for our patronage. Just "get up and leave because I need the table vacated" 30 minutes before closing. I was really looking forward to dining at this Black woman owned and operated restaurant in the future, but I WOULD NOT recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants to enjoy a good dining experience with above average service on the South Side of Chicago. It's sad and unfortunate. read more

Five Stars, No Hesitation If you're looking for a Chicago breakfast spot that feels special before you even walk through the door, let me put you on to Waffle Lounge. After a workout, I decided to treat my sister in law and my cousin to breakfast. We tossed around the usual Chicago breakfast staples, but someone said, "Let's try something new," and just like that we headed to 74th and State. I'd been seeing Waffle Lounge ads online for a few months, so I was already excited to finally check it out. The first thing that hits you is the exterior. Even with the cold cutting our admiration short, it was clear a lot of thought went into the look. From the ample off street parking to the outdoor dining area, the woodgrain walls, and the WL branded doors, the place looks polished and intentional. Real talk, it wouldn't feel out of place at all in Fulton Market. Inside, it somehow gets even better. The decor is beautiful without feeling stuffy, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff was genuinely friendly. For a Saturday morning, being seated within about 15 minutes felt like a win. While we waited for our food, we had time to talk, laugh, and really take in the details the owner put into the space. Simply spectacular. Now let's talk food, because listen. I ordered the braised short ribs and grits, my sister in law went with the blueberry lemon waffles, and my cousin chose the chicken and waffles. The food came out fast and still piping hot. That's always a good sign. I fancy myself a bit of a grits expert. I make it a mission to try them anywhere that does savory additions. I'm telling you straight, aside from some low country shrimp and grits I had in South Carolina, these might be the best grits I've ever had. The beef was tender and perfectly seasoned, the gravy was smooth and rich without being greasy, and the grits were just thick enough to eat with a fork but still creamy. That balance matters. My family stopped talking and just ate. Plates were cleaned. That quiet table moment tells you everything you need to know. To top it all off, the owner, Rami, stopped by our table to thank us for coming. That personal touch sealed the deal for me. Food gets a 5 out of 5. The price point is a definite plus. The vibe, the service, the presentation, all on point. If you haven't tried Waffle Lounge yet, do yourself a favor and go now. You'll leave full, happy, and already planning your return. Stop playing with yourself and get over there. read more

Waffles are good. Wait time was about 1 1/2 hours. We arrived at 1:00pm without a reservation for a party of 5 on Sunday. They don't take reservations for groups under 5, which is crazy to me. The place is small and should take reservations for that reason. The decor is lovely. Hopefully they will consider putting tables outside weather permitting. I will definitely go back and try the other items. read more

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