Chicken and Waffles Florence SC: A Local's Guide to the Best Spots
Ready to find your new favorite chicken and waffles plate in Florence? View Notch8's menu and order online today.
Chicken and waffles Florence SC fans have plenty of local options. Notch8 Carolina Kitchen at 600 A Pamplico Highway offers the area's only full-service Southern comfort dining experience with expert fried chicken and made-from-scratch waffles. Other local spots like Wholly Smokin BBQ downtown, Tootsie's Everything Waffle in Quinby. And First of the Month Eatery on W Palmetto St each serve their own take on the dish.
Chicken And Waffles Florence Sc: What Makes Chicken and Waffles a Southern Classic?
Chicken and waffles is a Southern staple because it pairs two iconic comfort foods on one plate: salty, crunchy fried chicken with soft, sweet waffles. The contrast of textures and flavors , crispy skin against fluffy batter. Savory meat against sweet syrup , has made it a beloved dish across the Carolinas for generations.
The Sweet and Savory Balance
A great plate of chicken and waffles gets the balance right on every level. The chicken must be fried until the crust shatters when you bite into it, while the meat inside stays tender and juicy. The waffle needs to be light and airy with deep pockets that catch melted butter and warm syrup.
At Notch8 Carolina Kitchen, the kitchen crew pays close attention to both halves of the plate. The fried chicken gets a seasoned breading with just enough spice to complement the sweet waffle. The waffle batter is whipped to stay fluffy, never heavy or dense. When you cut through the whole stack with a fork, you get crunch, fluff, and sweetness in a single bite.
A Dish Rooted in Southern Tradition
Chicken and waffles has roots that stretch back generations in African American and Southern cooking. What started as a late-night supper in Harlem jazz clubs and a Sunday dinner staple below the Mason-Dixon line has grown into a menu favorite across Florence and the Pee Dee region. The dish works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner , and local chefs have embraced its versatility.
Notch8 serves chicken and waffles as part of a broad menu that covers breakfast plates, Southern lunch classics, and hearty dinner options. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM, making it easy to satisfy the craving whether it hits midweek or on the weekend.
Where Can You Find the Best Chicken and Waffles in Florence, SC?
Florence has several strong options for chicken and waffles. Notch8 Carolina Kitchen leads the pack for full-service Southern comfort dining. Wholly Smokin BBQ serves a popular plate downtown for $13.95. Tootsie's Everything Waffle in Quinby specializes in creative waffle toppings. First of the Month Eatery on W Palmetto St has a 4.9-star rating. Each brings something different to the table.
Local Spots Worth Your Time
Here is how the top contenders stack up for chicken and waffles in Florence:
- Wholly Smokin BBQ & Ribs , 150 S Dargan St, downtown Florence. Known for bold barbecue flavors, they serve chicken and waffles for $13.95 with table service in a central location.
- Tootsie's Everything Waffle , Quinby, SC. A waffle specialist with a 4.6-star rating. Counter service with creative topping combinations.
- First of the Month Eatery , W Palmetto St, Florence. Brunch favorite with a 4.9-star rating from over 1,300 reviews. Known for generous portions and classic Southern brunch items.
- IHOP , 2699 David H Mcleod Blvd. The national chain offers a consistent, budget-friendly option with crispy chicken strips and buttermilk waffle quarters.
- Notch8 Carolina Kitchen , 600 A Pamplico Highway, Florence. Full-service Southern comfort restaurant with the area's most diverse menu, fresh ingredients, and warm hospitality.
| Restaurant | Price Range | Service Type | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wholly Smokin BBQ | $13.95 | Table Service | N/A | Downtown lunch |
| Tootsie's Everything Waffle | Mid-range | Counter Service | 4.6 Stars | Waffle variety |
| First of the Month Eatery | Mid-range | Table Service | 4.9 Stars | Weekend brunch |
| IHOP | Budget | Table Service | Chain | Late-night dining |
| Notch8 Carolina Kitchen | Moderate | Full Table Service | Local Favorite | Southern comfort dining |
Full-Service vs. Counter Service: What's Right for You?
When you are deciding where to go, think about the kind of experience you want:
- Full table service , Best for families, date nights, and anyone who wants to sit back and enjoy the meal without waiting in line. Notch8 Carolina Kitchen and Wholly Smokin BBQ both offer sit-down dining with servers who take care of you from start to finish.
- Counter service , Faster and often cheaper, but you miss the warm hospitality that makes Southern dining special. Tootsie's Everything Waffle and Julia Belle's use this model.
- Chain dining , Predictable and consistent, but lacks the local character and made-from-scratch quality that Florence food lovers appreciate.
Notch8 Carolina Kitchen stands out as the only full-service option in Florence that combines Southern comfort food with table service. The restaurant seats families, couples, and solo diners in a warm setting at 600 A Pamplico Highway. No tray carriers, no buzzers , just real plates and real hospitality.
Why Is Notch8 Carolina Kitchen the Top Choice for Southern Comfort Food?
Notch8 Carolina Kitchen is Florence's premier full-service Southern comfort restaurant because it combines table-service dining with an extensive made-from-scratch menu. Fresh ingredients, and a commitment to hospitality that smaller counter-service spots and national chains cannot match.
A Dining Experience Built Around You
Most Southern food spots in Florence use a counter-service model. You place your order, grab a buzzer, and carry your own tray to a table. Notch8 takes a different approach. When you walk through the door at 600 A Pamplico Highway, a server greets you, shows you to your seat, and handles the rest.
This matters for several types of diners:
- Seniors who want a relaxed meal without navigating a counter line
- Families with young children who need help managing the table
- Working adults on a lunch break who want efficient, attentive service
- Anyone celebrating a special occasion who deserves the full experience
The kitchen team takes pride in fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Every plate of fried chicken is cooked to order, with a seasoned breading that stays crunchy even after it touches the waffle. The waffles are made from a light, fluffy batter that soaks up butter without turning soggy. This attention to detail is what sets Notch8 apart from BBQ-only spots and chain restaurants.
More Than Just Chicken and Waffles
While some local spots focus on one specialty, Notch8 offers a full menu that covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes chicken and waffles alongside country fried steak, ribs, fresh vegetables, homemade desserts, and classic Southern sides. This range makes it easy to bring the whole family , even the picky eaters will find something they love.
For diners who prefer to eat at home, Notch8 makes ordering simple through the Toast Tab platform. You can place an order online through notch8kitchen.com for takeout or curbside pickup. The online menu shows current pricing and availability, so you know exactly what to expect before you arrive.
Expert Catering for Events of Every Size
Beyond the dining room, Notch8 runs one of the most active catering operations in the Pee Dee region. The catering team manages more than 800 events each year, from office lunches to wedding rehearsals and large social gatherings. Director Jayne L. Murray brings over 15 years of food service experience to every event.
Key catering details to know:
- Delivery available for orders of 10 plates or more
- 24-hour notice required for most catering items to guarantee fresh preparation
- Custom cakes need 48-hour advance notice
- Final head counts are due seven days before the event
- 10-person minimum on most catering menu items
Whether you need a Southern breakfast spread for a morning meeting or a full dinner buffet for a family reunion. The catering team builds a menu that fits your guest count and budget.
What Goes Into a Great Plate of Chicken and Waffles?
A great plate of chicken and waffles comes down to three things: perfectly fried chicken with a shatter-crisp crust. A light and fluffy waffle with deep syrup-catching pockets, and fresh butter and syrup that tie it all together. Each element has to be done right for the dish to work.
The Chicken: Crunch That Lasts
The best fried chicken for this dish has a crust that stays crunchy even when it sits next to a warm, steaming waffle. At Notch8, the kitchen uses a seasoned breading that adds a layer of spice without overpowering the natural flavor of the chicken. The oil temperature is carefully controlled so the crust turns deep golden brown while the meat stays tender and juicy inside.
What to look for in a great chicken and waffles plate:
- Crust that snaps when you bite through it, does not peel off in a sheet
- Meat that stays moist all the way to the bone
- Seasoning that penetrates the chicken, not just the breading
- Freshly fried, not held under a heat lamp
The Waffle: Fluffy With Deep Pockets
A waffle for this dish needs to be light on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside. Deep pockets are essential , they catch the melted butter, warm syrup, and any juices from the chicken. At Notch8, the batter is mixed to stay airy and never turns out heavy or dense, which keeps the whole plate from feeling too rich.
The Finish: Butter and Syrup
Real butter melted into a hot waffle and thick syrup drizzled over the whole plate. This is the final touch that makes chicken and waffles a complete experience. The heat from the chicken and waffle softens the butter, and the syrup ties the salty and sweet elements together. It is a simple combination, but each part has to be executed with care.
How to Order Chicken and Waffles in Florence: Takeout, Delivery, and Catering
Getting chicken and waffles from Notch8 Carolina Kitchen is easy whether you dine in. Order takeout through Toast Tab, use curbside pickup, or book catering for a group event. Online ordering through notch8kitchen.com shows the full menu with current pricing.
Online Ordering Through Toast Tab
Skip the line by using Notch8's online ordering system, powered by Toast Tab. The platform lets you browse the full menu, customize your order with sides and extras, and pay from your phone. Your food is prepared fresh and ready when you arrive at 600 A Pamplico Highway.
Curbside pickup is available for those who want maximum convenience. Just pull into a designated spot, call the restaurant, and a staff member brings your order to your car. This is a popular option for parents with kids in the car and workers on a tight lunch break.
Catering for Groups and Events
If you are feeding a crowd, Notch8's catering service delivers Southern comfort food directly to your event. The catering team has experience managing everything from small office lunches to church socials and large family gatherings. Delivery is available for orders of 10 plates or more.
To start planning your event, call 843.507.9919 or view the catering menu online. The team will help you choose the right menu items, confirm the head count, and schedule delivery for your event date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find chicken and waffles in Florence, SC?
Several local spots serve chicken and waffles. Notch8 Carolina Kitchen at 600 A Pamplico Highway offers full-service Southern comfort dining with made-to-order fried chicken and waffles. Wholly Smokin BBQ at 150 S Dargan St serves a popular plate for $13.95. Tootsie's Everything Waffle in Quinby and First of the Month Eatery on W Palmetto St are also local favorites.
Does IHOP in Florence have chicken and waffles?
Yes, the IHOP at 2699 David H Mcleod Blvd serves chicken and waffles featuring crispy breaded chicken strips paired with buttermilk waffle quarters. It is a consistent option for diners who want the familiar national chain experience.
Who has the best chicken and waffles in Florence, SC?
Local favorites include Wholly Smokin BBQ, First of the Month Eatery, and Tootsie's Everything Waffle. For a full-service dining experience with the area's broadest Southern comfort menu, Notch8 Carolina Kitchen offers table service, fresh ingredients, and warm hospitality at 600 A Pamplico Highway. View the menu online for current offerings.
Is chicken and waffles a popular dish in Florence, SC?
Yes, chicken and waffles is a well-loved Southern staple in the Pee Dee region. The dish appears on brunch and lunch menus across Florence, from downtown diners to full-service restaurants. Its popularity continues to grow as more local spots put their own spin on the classic sweet-and-savory combination.
Can I get chicken and waffles for catering or large events in Florence?
Yes, Notch8 Carolina Kitchen offers catering for chicken and waffles and other Southern comfort dishes. Catering is available for orders of 10 or more plates with 24-hour advance notice. Call 843.507.9919 or visit the catering menu online to start planning your event.
Ready to Find Your New Favorite Chicken and Waffles Plate in Florence?
The Pee Dee region has no shortage of great chicken and waffles options. Whether you are craving the full-service comfort of Notch8 Carolina Kitchen, the downtown convenience of Wholly Smokin BBQ. Or the waffle creativity at Tootsie's, Florence delivers on this Southern classic every time.
At Notch8 Carolina Kitchen, we serve our chicken and waffles fresh every day at 600 A Pamplico Highway. Our full-service dining room is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Come sit down, let us take care of you, and taste the difference that fresh ingredients and real Southern hospitality make.
Ready to eat? Order online for takeout or curbside pickup or browse our full menu to plan your visit. Call us at 843.507.9919 for catering inquiries.