Waffle Champion

Waffle Champion in Midtown's 1212 N Walker building serves sweet and savory craft waffle sandwiches in a deconstructed-waffle setting. Diners choose a classic buttermilk or Belgian Liège waffle as the base for combinations like buttermilk fried chicken with Tabasco honey, the Monte Cristo with smoked ham and gruyère, or the Blueberry Sunrise with berry-thyme compote, lemon curd and goat cheese. Owner Todd Woodruff, who trained in the kitchens of Boulevard Steakhouse and Cheever's, started Waffle Champion as a mobile eatery in June 2011 before opening the permanent Midtown storefront. The menu also includes waffle fries, breakfast skillets, cold-pressed juice, local coffee, milkshakes, bloodies and mimosas. The restaurant is open Monday through Sunday 7am to 2pm, with counter service, pet-friendly outdoor seating and quick turnaround. It holds a 4.6-star rating across 855 reviews.