Best Waffles In Chicago

Forget about the eggs. It's waffles you have a hankering for. Whether they're soft or crunchy, slathered in butter or dripping with syrup or have a totally savory bent instead, waffles are a surefire way to fill up the next time you dine out during breakfast. The best waffles in the city often go beyond just the basics and offer something just a bit more. Try these five waffles in the Windy City, and your stomach will thank you.

Ann Sather
909 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 348-2378
www.annsather.com

Ann Sather is an institution in Chicago, and not just because it's been around for more than 50 years. The Swedish-inspired cuisine and traditional breakfast items feel like a true homemade meal, whether you're chowing down on the eggs benedict or delighting in the legendary cinnamon rolls. The old-school Swedish waffles aren't to be missed either. Unlike most waffles served nowadays, these are thin and crispy, and come two to a serving. They've been on the menu since the restaurant's inception -- and for good reason. Made with typical waffle ingredients, plus a bit of sour cream and topped with fresh fruit, these waffles hit the spot.

Pauline's
1754 W. Balmoral Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 561-8573
www.paulinesbreakfast.com

Established in 1996, this Andersonville diner serves American comfort food classics. While many of the dishes are traditional -- like the blueberry pancakes -- some offer a wonderful modern twist, like the waffles. Give in to temptation with Pauline's decadent Eli's cheesecake-stuffed waffle. Only $7.95, this hefty but delicious dish is breakfast and dessert all in one.

Nookies Restaurant
1746 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 337-2454
www.nookieschicago.com

Originally established in 1973, Nookies in Old Town is the original of the four family restaurants. The menu here is enormous, but the options when it comes to waffles are simple -- which is just fine, since they're made just right. Grab a traditional, thick Belgian waffle for $6.95. The waffle can also be made with fresh fruit -- strawberries or blueberries -- or topped with pecans, or even made a la mode (with ice cream), for an additional cost.

Related: Best Breakfast Sandwiches in Chicago

Lou Mitchell's
565 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 939-3111
www.loumitchellsrestaurant.com

Lou Mitchell's location at the start of Route 66 isn't the restaurant's only claim to fame. Established in 1923, it's long been been the destination of politicians and entertainers alike. It's known for its doughnut holes and milk dudes, as well as for its breakfast, and that includes its Belgium malted waffles. Get the waffles with pecans, with bacon or with both; either way, you can't go wrong. Whipped cream, fresh fruit and even sour cream can also be added as toppings. Lou Mitchell's also offers a waffle and wings combo.

Jam Restaurant
3057 W. Logan Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 292-6011
www.jamrestaurant.com

Jam is not your typical breakfast place. But even so, it has one of the best waffles in town -- even if it's changing on a daily basis. While the waffle might be sweet, more often than not Chef Jeffrey Mauro is serving up a savory waffle, like chicken and waffles, or something more extravagant, like a Scotch egg waffle. Whatever the waffle choice of the day, you really can't go wrong.

Related: Best Brunch In Chicago

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she's scribbling novels, and TV show reviews and recaps. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.