Top Waffles In Connecticut

The Daily Meal Staff|June 27, 2014 7:00 am EST

A waffle is to a pancake what an omelet is to scrambled eggs. An intricately constructed base for syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, fruit compote, Nutella or even fried chicken, the waffle is a work of art as much as it is a practical foundation to build a meal upon. Waffles can be simple – and even eaten by hand like some giant soft cookie – but it is what is in the batter and what is served on top that makes them more than a snack – but a meal. Listed below are just some of the places that make the top waffles in Connecticut.

The Sloppy Waffle
2551 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06111
(860) 436-6893
www.thesloppywaffle.com

At the aptly named Sloppy Waffle, patrons who come late in the day need not settle for a breakfast waffle, but can tuck into the Southern favorite of Chicken and Waffles and then binge upon the Chocolate Lover's Waffle or a Belgian Waffle for dessert. There are healthier alternatives on the menu – well, as healthier as anything that includes "waffle" can be – and there is a gluten-free waffle for those who have such concerns. The menu is everything a waffle house (upper or lower case) fan would expect – with the added and thoroughly unexpected bonus of an oddly fine cup of coffee and far better quality than anyone walking in the door of this establishment would expect.

Scarpelli's Restaurant
865 Migeon Ave.
Torrington, CT 06790
(860) 482-7977
www.scarpellisclassiccatering.com

Scarpelli's is an old-style family establishment and has been in the same family since it opened nearly 80 years ago. Although its main focus is pizza and other Italian dishes, it is more dinner than restaurant, and as such does a particularly good job with breakfast. Long a popular breakfast spot, Scarpelli's makes a good, basic, fluffy and firm waffle – which can be had with syrup or whipped cream, and for 99 cents extra, fresh blueberries or strawberries. Waffles are only served until 11 a.m. (11:45 on weekends).

Gold Roc Diner
61 Kane St.
West Hartford, CT 06119
(860) 236-9366
www.facebook.com/Gold-Roc-Diner

Waffles are something that should be available not just for breakfast, but for any meal, and at any time – even the wee hours of the morning. For those in the Hartford area or traveling along I-84 or Route 44 in Hartford who have a late-night craving for a waffle, the Gold Roc Diner is the place to go. Open 24 hours a day, this big, well-lit, 1950s décor old school diner serves breakfast around the clock – and that includes its big, thick waffles. Many of the waitresses, like the diner itself, have a period charm or unique accent, and are as nice as the comfort food they serve. The Gold Roc makes great milkshakes, which go wonderfully with the waffles (or anything else), and the staff is very attentive about the food, and is especially good at topping off the bottomless cup of coffee that goes so well with a big waffle. The Gold Roc does not have a website or even an official Facebook page – but it does not need one. It has both a loyal local clientele and a steady flow of new customers who take advantage of the easy on-off access from the interstate (and the 24-hour service).

Wafflebar
65 Hartford Ave.
Old Lyme, CT 06371
(850) 816-2378
www.facebook.com/Wafflebar

The Wafflebar at Soundview Beach in Old Lyme is hailed by many fans as making "the best damn waffle" they have ever eaten. The Independence Waffle, which comes with blueberries, strawberries and whipped cream, is meant to evoke the American flag. The Wafflebar waffles are made in an old-fashioned cast iron griddle and are prepared with a unique batter that gives them the taste and texture reminiscent of a fine brioche. Many toppings are available, from Nutella to Greek yogurt, and a special concoction called "speculoos" which is liquefied cookie dough. There is also a lovely if heavy variant with bananas and salted caramel.

The Breakfast Nook
448 Washington Ave.
North Haven, CT 06473
(203) 234-3961
www.breakfastnookct.com/index.html

"Granny's Glazed Belgian" waffle at The Breakfast Nook is a big, thick, fluffy Belgian waffle topped with pan-seared sliced Granny Smith apples – which have been glazed with brown sugar and cinnamon raisin sauce. The apple mixture is served over a pile of whipped cream. At $7.49, it is a bargain, and a treat. There are regular Belgian and other waffles on the menu, along with many other breakfast treats – from burritos to pancakes – but none are as spectacular as Granny's Glazed Belgian waffle.

Mark G. McLaughlin is a professional and prolific writer with a proven publishing record in a wide variety of fields. An historian, novelist, freelance journalist, ghost-writer, book reviewer, magazine editor, web and magazine columnist, Mark has more than 30 years of experience. His work can be found at Examiner.com.