New York and waffles go back a long ways. On August 24, 1869, the first United States patent for a waffle iron was issued to Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York. In honor of this, National Waffle Day is observed each year on August 24th. Lots of eateries in Manhattan and Brooklyn are serving up creative waffle dishes, which include everything from Korean-inspired varieties to waffles with a chocolate tahini sauce. Read on for our picks for the best ways to celebrate National Waffle Day.
Best Waffles NYC: Tribeca
Nestled around the cross-sections of the chic areas of TriBeCa, SoHo, and the West Village, Harold's serves up elevated takes on Southern classics. Its chicken and waffle dish includes the sweet flavor of honey hot sauce and maple syrup. 2 Renwick St., 212-390-08484, haroldsmeatandthree.com
Best Waffles NYC: Fort Greene
Located in the heart of Brooklyn's Fort Greene area, Miss Ada is a local restaurant that redefines Mediterranean cuisine. Israeli-born chef and owner Tomer Blechman provides a twist on modern Mediterranean dishes through the use of ethnic spices paired with local and seasonal ingredients. Celebrate National Waffle Day with Blechman’s Ricotta Waffle, which is topped with a decadent chocolate tahini sauce. 184 Dekalb Ave., Brooklyn, 917-909-1023, missadanyc.com
Best Waffles NYC: Tribeca
Noted Tribeca anchors the neighborhood’s ‘Tribeca casual’ genre as a cafe and coffee lounge by day—and a cocktail-forward eatery after dark. The establishment’s New American menu has a Korean twist. Indulge in the Savory Waffle dish, which features tender slow cooked pork belly, Kabocha squash puree, and maple syrup. 112 Hudson St., 646-398-7807, notedtribeca.com
Best Waffles NYC: Dumbo
Located on the waterfront, Sugarcane has joined Dumbo, Brooklyn's exciting culinary scene. It offers globally inspired small plates that are created in one of three bustling kitchens—a traditional kitchen, an open-fire grill, and a raw bar. Its duck and waffle dish features crispy leg confit, duck egg, and mustard maple. Be sure to catch the Sunday brunch, which features live music from New York jazz band the Hudson Horns. 55 Water St., Ste. 1A, Brooklyn, 718-473-9555, sugarcanerawbargrill.com