Waffle, waffle, waffle

Frigid winter mornings have caught me with a one-track mind

By Jackie Fender on February 14, 2019

As I write this now, my socks are soggy, and my toes are cold right down to the core. I was underprepared for this foreign snow and slush that has invaded the South Sound but was desperate to escape my cabin fever. I think I had lost my marbles a weebit. I mentioned waffles just once last week and every day since I've caught myself daydreaming of that satisfying sizzle of batter hitting a piping hot waffle iron. The knowing smell that it has reached that perfect golden-brown exterior with fluffy interior aroma wafting through the air. I felt compelled to compile a list. Maybe it's more for me than you, but just maybe you've been daydreaming about waffles, too. Well, then this one's for you.

Proctor District's Waffle Stop is all about the waffle, all day, every day. What I love about Waffle Stop is they've got your sweet and your savory covered with both Pearl Sugar and Southern waffle styles being represented. Berries, whipped cream, Nutella, bananas, lemon curd and blueberries will satisfy those with a sweet tooth. On the savory side you'll spy traditional breakfast fixins like eggs, taters, Applewood bacon, chicken apple sausage, and of course fried chicken. Waffle-cut fries, waffle sammies and waffle sundaes? I mean, it's like they knew just what I needed in life. 2710 N. Proctor, Tacoma, eatwafflestop.com

Tucked away in Freighthouse Square, La Waffletz & Macaron Station might just be your next big discovery. They specialize in handmade macarons and dessert waffles made fresh for your consumption. Peanut Butter Caramel, Banana Split, Chocolate Dip, and the Perfect Dessert (think classic ice cream sundae style) are all decadent treats that will fuel your Freighthouse journey. 430 E. 25th St., Suite 32, Tacoma, macaronstation.com

The Red Elm Café has everything going for it. Owned by a duo of sisters, the space is warm, family-friendly with spectacular roasted bean concoctions and a sense of community. Naturally, they also have waffles for your consumption. Classic Belgian or savory Bacon and Cheddar will hit the spot. 1114 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, redelmcafe.com

If the chicken and waffle duo is your jam, head to Pacific Southern. They fry up four pieces of fried chicken to crunchy skin, juicy interior perfection and pair them up with a golden-brown waffle. Drizzle a little honey butter and maple syrup and dive in with no regrets. 3832 S. Pine St., Tacoma, pacsouthtacoma.com

Dirty Oscar's Annex elevates their chicken and waffle dish to the next level with a bacon-stuffed waffle. Hubba hubba. Bacon makes everything better. They have another savory waffle dish, the Waffle Rito, which lays that bacon-stuffed waffle down as the foundation for chorizo, scrambled egg, pico, sriracha sour cream, green chile crema, onion and cilantro -- can you say flavor bomb? 2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, dirtyoscarsannex.com

Carr's Restaurant in Lakewood does everything big. Go hungry. They serve up their fresh homemade waffles with butter and syrup -- get one, two, three if you wanna. You can add fresh strawberries and whipped cream or go for their combo with eggs and protein or get the fried chicken and waffles. Their chicken is described as honey stung, golden fried. 11006 Bridgeport Way, Lakewood, carrsrestaurant.net

I worked one summer at NetShed No. 9 and still reminisce about their version of chicken and waffles. They start their waffles in a cast iron skillet then top with crispy fried chicken thighs, chimichurri slaw, slow roasted tomatoes and a house-made spicy syrup. This dish is for the purist -- put on your party pants and dive in with a sense of delectable adventure. Bonus: a skillet of toasty, fresh cinnamon rolls can serve as an appetizer. Commit fully to the journey, I say. 3313 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor

They've got your Belgian waffles, waffle breakfast and a dreamy chicken and waffles at King Solomon's Reef. You can choose your preference of chicken bits, drumstick, breast, wing, thigh, and add butter, syrup or even gravy. Their chicken is brined, breaded and pressure-fried giving it that golden, crisp crunch on the outside and delightfully juicy, meaty interior with a nice char that pairs perfectly with maple syrup, in my opinion. 212 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, kingsolomonsreef.com