What Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles Is and Where to Find It

Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles is a casual restaurant chain that serves fried chicken paired with waffles as its signature dish. The restaurant started in Los Angeles in 1986 and has expanded to multiple locations across California, with additional locations in other states. Each location operates as a sit-down restaurant with counter seating and tables, and the atmosphere is informal — you order at the counter and food arrives at your table.

The original Roscoe's opened on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood and became known for its late-night hours and popularity with musicians and entertainment industry workers. The restaurant's name comes from founder Herb Hudson's childhood nickname. Today, Roscoe's operates locations in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Inglewood, Anaheim, and Las Vegas, with hours that typically extend into the early morning hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Roscoe's serves fried chicken with waffles as the main dish, with sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and biscuits available.
  • The restaurant operates primarily in California with one location in Las Vegas, and most locations stay open late into the night.
  • Prices range from roughly $10 to $20 per entree depending on the chicken portion size and location.
  • The restaurant accepts cash and card payments, though some locations have had periods where they preferred cash during certain times.
  • Roscoe's does not take reservations — you order at the counter when you arrive, and wait times can be long during peak hours.

The Menu: Chicken, Waffles, and Sides

The core menu centers on fried chicken served with a waffle. You choose your chicken portion — a single piece, three pieces, or five pieces — and each comes with one waffle, a choice of two sides, and a biscuit. The chicken is seasoned and fried, and the waffle is a standard Belgian-style waffle served warm.

Common sides include collard greens, mac and cheese, red beans and rice, candied yams, and hash browns. The biscuit is buttered and served warm. Beyond the chicken-and-waffle combination, Roscoe's also serves chicken sandwiches, wings, and sides ordered separately. The menu is straightforward and does not change significantly between locations.

Beverages include soft drinks, coffee, and iced tea. Roscoe's does not serve alcohol. Prices vary slightly by location and have increased over time, but a three-piece chicken-and-waffle plate typically costs between $12 and $16 before tax.

What to Expect When You Visit

Roscoe's operates on a counter-order system. You walk in, stand in line, read the menu board, and order directly from the counter staff. You pay at the time of ordering, either with cash or card. The staff will give you a number, and you find a seat — either at a counter or at a table — and wait for your food to be called.

Wait times depend on the time of day and day of the week. During off-peak hours (mid-afternoon on a weekday), you might wait 10 to 20 minutes. During peak hours (late evening, weekends, after midnight), waits can exceed 45 minutes or longer. The restaurant does not take reservations, so there is no way to skip the line.

The dining space is casual. Tables are close together, and the noise level is typically high. Restrooms are available for customers. Most locations have limited parking, so arriving by car during busy times can mean circling for a spot.

Hours and Location Details

Roscoe's is known for staying open late. Most locations open in the late morning or early afternoon and stay open until 2:00 a.m. or later. The Hollywood location on Sunset Boulevard, the original restaurant, typically operates from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Hours vary by location and may change seasonally or for special events.

The Long Beach location, Inglewood location, and Anaheim location each have their own hours, which you can confirm by calling ahead or checking the restaurant's website. The Las Vegas location operates with similar late-night hours. If you are planning to visit during an unusual time, calling the specific location is the most reliable way to confirm they are open.

Payment Methods and Pricing

Roscoe's accepts both cash and card payments at the counter. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some locations temporarily preferred or required card payments, but standard practice is to accept both. You should have a payment method ready when you order, as you pay before receiving your food.

A three-piece chicken-and-waffle plate with two sides and a biscuit costs roughly $13 to $16 depending on the location. A five-piece plate costs a few dollars more. Individual sides, wings, or sandwiches cost less. Prices have increased over the years and may continue to change. Tax is added at checkout and varies by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a reservation at Roscoe's?

No. Roscoe's does not take reservations. You arrive, order at the counter, and wait for your food. During busy times, this can mean a wait of 30 minutes to an hour or more. Arriving during off-peak hours (early afternoon on a weekday) typically means shorter waits.

Does Roscoe's deliver or offer takeout?

Most Roscoe's locations offer takeout — you can order at the counter and take your food with you. Some locations may work with third-party delivery services, but this varies. Calling your nearest location is the best way to confirm whether delivery is available in your area.

What if I don't eat chicken?

Roscoe's menu is built around fried chicken, and that is the primary offering. The restaurant does not have a dedicated vegetarian entree. You could order sides separately (mac and cheese, collard greens, waffles), but the restaurant is designed for chicken eaters.

Are there other Roscoe's locations outside California?

Yes, there is a Roscoe's in Las Vegas. Beyond that, the chain has remained primarily in California since its founding. If you are outside these areas, you will not find a Roscoe's location nearby.

Is Roscoe's expensive?

No. A full meal with chicken, waffle, two sides, and a biscuit costs roughly $13 to $16 before tax, which is moderate for a restaurant meal. You are paying for a prepared meal at a sit-down location, not for fine dining or a quick fast-food burger.