For years, Roscoe’s House of Chicken’ N’ Waffles has been the most notorious restaurant to serve this interesting combo. Unfortunately for Louisianans, Roscoe’s is almost 2,000 miles away in Los Angeles, California.

Chicken 'n' Waffles from Russell's Marina Grill in New Orleans. Photo by Jenny Sklar.

I had never had the opportunity to indulge in this odd and alluring delicacy until I discovered Russell’s Chicken and Waffles at Russell’s Marina Grill in Lakeview. This popular breakfast joint is not exactly where you would expect to find this famous dish, but don’t be dissuaded by their more traditional reputation. They serve up an awesome rendition of fried chicken and waffles with a spectacular maple-Dijon dipping sauce.

Unlike Roscoe’s, Russell’s serves their waffles with white meat chicken tenders. Though dark meat on the bone often is more moist and flavorful than white meat, Russell’s cooks up some really delicious (and juicy) chicken fingers that are great on their own and even better on a waffle. They have a nice, crispy fried batter, that is salty enough to achieve the kettle corn-esque salty-sweet dynamic, but not so savory that it clashes with the syrup. The texture of the crispy fried chicken really complements the fluffy waffle, but the best part of the dish is the sauce. The maple syrup inspired sweet and salty dipping sauce has a hint of Dijon mustard and horseradish hiding behind the maple flavor. Together, it is a phenomenal dish and a super filling breakfast.