Louisiana Fried Chicken and Waffles (Logan Heights)

mmm-yoso!!! the food blog with a rotating subject matter (as in style of food) as well as rotating bloggers.  Kirk is, again, busy today. Ed (from Yuma) is, reiteratively, busy (in Yuma).  Cathy is, once more, writing a post. 

It was one of those days when I was driving and The Mister was randomly saying 'left', 'right', 'take this exit' or straight' and somehow we ended up here.The end building of the new mall anchored by a drive thru Starbucks on National Avenue between 28th and 29th street, just East of the 5 freeway.

I had been craving the whole 'Chicken and Waffle' experience, since our visit to Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles in 2013, wondering about other iterations. So, we stopped.The fairly simple menu made our decision of what to share on this first visit pretty easy.We were here around 9:15 in the morning, at opening and everything was fresh. We had to wait for the waffle to be made while we watched a batch of chicken being placed in the steam trays and a pot of gumbo being brought out from the back.The freshly made waffle had a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.  It was not as sweet as a breakfast waffle (and it shouldn't be; maple syrup is a condiment here).The spicy crust on the fried chicken was perfect: crisp, not greasy, just enough spice all while leaving the dark meat tender and juicy.  The thigh and waffle plate ($7) is a perfect size for a meal. {Side note: they make their own Louisiana Hot Sauce here; grab one or two to have with your meal: it is great}Our return visit had us curious about the "Fantastic Fish Sandwich" (combo,$7.25, includes fries and a drink). There was a choice of catfish, snapper or tilapia as the fish. Catfish it was! Wonderful cornmeal breading, seasoned and fried, topped with a house made remoulade and some raw onions, on a very nice, fresh French roll (crispy crusted exterior). This time, we ordered a small side of collard greens ($1.50).  These were so good.  The recipe/flavors of vinegar and smoked ham complimented the greens, which stood out in flavor.  I watched as the Young Lady working here carefully drained the greens and packed them into the small container, which amazingly holds a lot.Returning to the third photo...on our first visit, we ordered a quart of Gumbo ($8.99).  This was the best Gumbo I think I've ever had (we lived in the South for five years).

There was rice in the bottom of the container, topped with this wonderful Creole stew that had the flavors of the mirepoix of celery, green pepper and onion combined with not an overpowering of filé/sassafras powder which melded with the chicken and sausage in such a delightful, hearty way.  This Gumbo was a meal in itself, and would be perfect on a rainy day.That first visit, so early in the morning and uncrowded, had the gentlemen behind the counter offering us a sample of the fresh made peach cobbler.  We were so full, and took it home for a snack later that day.  The crust was still crispy (a good sign) and the peach filling was not too sweet at all.  

This is a great place and I'm so glad we have it here in San Diego.  Looking back, I see that Mary visited here early last December.  She liked the fish here, too.

Louisiana Fried Chicken and Waffles 2850 National Avenue San Diego 92113 Website (there is music on the site) (619) 233-0670 Mon-Th 9-9, Fri-Sat 9-10 Sun 10-7 

Comments

[ChristineT]

Wow, waffles and spicy crunchy fried chicken? Amazing gumbo? Where can I sign up?

[caninecologne]

Another place to try. There is another one near Leocynn's Lumpia and Kababayan by the way.

[Kirk]

It's always nice to find great little places like this!

[Soo H]

Mmm.... Fried chicken. :-) How does the spice level compare with Popeye's fried chicken?

[Cathy]

You'd enjoy it, Christine. Let me know if you are visiting.
It's great, cc-the view on West National Ave right in front is of the Coronado Bridge, where I thought we were heading. But, if I'm near Kababayan, I'm stopping there...fried chicken skins without the fuss!
It was a great find, Kirk. Southern Comfort Food done expertly.
It's a different batter than Popeye's, Soo...crispier and not as 'light'.Also, Popeye's pieces are a bit smaller. Eating the chicken skin plain, the spice flavors were really complimentary and only slightly spicy-hot; dipping in the hot sauce just brought it all together.