Roscoe's is a casual restaurant chain, not a fast-food counter

Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles is a sit-down restaurant where you order at a table, not at a counter. The chain started in Los Angeles in 1986 and now operates multiple locations across California and beyond. You'll be seated by staff, given a menu, and served by a server — the experience is closer to a diner than to a quick-service place, even though the food arrives fairly quickly.

The restaurant is known for large portions and a casual, lively atmosphere. Expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes from arrival to leaving, depending on how busy the location is. Most locations are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, though hours vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Roscoe's serves chicken and waffles as a sit-down meal with table service, not as a grab-and-go option.
  • Portions are large enough that many people share a single entrée or take leftovers home.
  • The menu includes sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and biscuits beyond the signature chicken and waffles.
  • Payment methods and whether the location takes reservations vary by individual restaurant, so call ahead if you have questions.
  • Prices are moderate for a casual restaurant — typically $12 to $20 per entrée before tax and tip.

What's actually on the menu

The signature dish is fried chicken served alongside a waffle, usually with butter and syrup. You choose how many pieces of chicken you want — typically two, three, or four pieces — and the waffle comes on the side. The chicken is seasoned and fried, not breaded in a thick crust.

Beyond the main dish, the menu includes sides you order separately: collard greens, mac and cheese, biscuits, hash browns, and sometimes candied yams depending on the location. You can also order chicken without waffles, waffles without chicken, or sandwiches. Beverages include soft drinks, coffee, and iced tea. Most locations do not serve alcohol, though this varies.

The portions are genuinely large. A single entrée with one side is often enough for two people, especially if you add a shared appetizer or dessert. Many people order one meal and split it.

How much it costs and what payment methods work

Entrées typically range from $12 to $20 before tax, depending on what you order and which location you visit. Sides are usually $3 to $6 each. A meal for one person, including an entrée, one side, and a drink, usually totals $18 to $28 before tax and tip.

Most Roscoe's locations accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Some locations also accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay, but this is not may provide at every restaurant. If you have a strong preference for a specific payment method, call the location ahead of time to confirm they accept it.

Where to find a location and what to expect when you arrive

Roscoe's has locations in California (including Los Angeles, Long Beach, and other cities), and has expanded to a few locations outside California. You can find the current list of open locations on the Roscoe's website or by searching "Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles near me" in a search engine or maps app.

When you arrive, you will be seated by a host or hostess. During busy times — typically breakfast on weekends and lunch on weekdays — there may be a wait. Some locations take reservations, but many do not. If you are going during a peak time and want to avoid waiting, call ahead to ask whether that location takes reservations or can hold a table.

The restaurant is casual, so there is no dress code. Families with children are common, as are groups of friends and solo diners.

Dietary restrictions and menu modifications

If you have a food allergy or dietary restriction, tell your server when you order. The staff can usually tell you which dishes contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten, though they cannot may provide zero cross-contamination in the kitchen. If you have a severe allergy, ask to speak with a manager before ordering.

The menu is not designed around vegetarian or vegan diets — the focus is on fried chicken and waffles. However, you can order sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, or biscuits as a meal if you prefer not to eat meat. Call the location ahead if you want to confirm what vegetarian options are available.

Tips for your visit

Bring cash or a card you know works. While most locations accept cards, having cash as a backup prevents surprises. If you are going during a busy time, arrive early or call ahead to ask about wait times.

The portions are large, so do not feel pressured to finish everything. Roscoe's will pack leftovers in a container for you to take home. If you are sharing a meal with someone, order one entrée and split it, then add sides or appetizers as needed.

Tip your server as you would at any casual restaurant — typically 15 to 20 percent of the bill before tax. If you pay with cash, you can leave the tip on the table or hand it to your server.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Most Roscoe's locations do not take reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy times, there may be a wait. Some newer or larger locations may take reservations — call ahead to ask. If you are part of a large group, calling ahead is a good idea even if reservations are not normally taken, so staff can prepare.

Can I order delivery or takeout?

Many Roscoe's locations offer takeout and delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub, though not all locations participate. Call the restaurant directly or check their website to see if your nearest location offers these services. Takeout quality can vary — the waffles are best eaten fresh, so factor in travel time.

What if I don't like fried chicken?

You can order waffles with sides, or ask about other chicken preparations if available. The menu sometimes includes grilled chicken or chicken sandwiches depending on the location. Call ahead if you want to know what non-fried options are available at your specific restaurant.

Is Roscoe's expensive?

Roscoe's is moderately priced for a casual restaurant. A meal for one person typically costs $18 to $28 before tax and tip. Because portions are large, sharing one entrée between two people can bring the per-person cost down significantly.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

Most restaurants do not allow outside food or drinks. Roscoe's locations typically follow this policy, though individual restaurants may have different rules. If you have a specific need, call the location to ask.