Chicken and Waffles

In a culture where we are always on a time crunch, for many people breakfast has become an afterthought. The Breakfast Klub has been a popular niche restaurant since 2001, but sadly it was this Houston native’s first time trying the place. I didn’t know what I was about to get into, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw plaques lining the entranceway with various articles and reviews raving about the Houston staple. I took a look around and discovered that its hole-in-the-wall appearance was a façade. The interior of the restaurant was modern and inviting with its red brick accent wall and dark wood furnishings.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted high above as the dull roar of conversation weaved through the din of clinking silverware and jazzy music gave the joint a comforting coziness. I was surprised at how busy the place was for a mid-morning weekday because the line wrapped around to the door.

The Breakfast Klub offers an extensive selection of breakfast classics with a Southern twist. They also serve lunch in addition to their breakfast menu after 11 a.m. to add to the gluttony. The restaurant has to dishes that boast their claim to fame: katfish and grits and wings and waffles. I know chicken and waffles are huge practically everywhere, but I had never tried them. Now was the perfect time to sample the sweet and salty fare, and a double white raspberry mocha would wash it down.

The crowd was an eclectic mix of people – young and old, professional and quirky, groups and solos. The walls were adorned with vibrant and colorful quilted wall hangings. After some research, I found out that The Breakfast Klub features an “Artist of the Month” and that their art changes monthly with works from local Houston artists who are often under the radar. This month, their featured artist was Phyllis J. Harris who is a quilt artist for S.P.I.E. Arts and the founder of Quilted Wall Hangings by Phyllis

J. Harris.  I was very pleased at the fact that the restaurant was passionate in supporting the local arts.

The owner of the restaurant, Marcus Davis, knows the value of quality service. He brought food directly to patrons, worked the cashier and shook hands with people at every table as he ran to and from the kitchen. In the hustle and bustle of the restaurant, it was quite the spectacle to see him stack three plates on one arm while cracking jokes, all without breaking a sweat.

My food arrived quickly, but one glance at my plate and you would think that it took an hour to construct. One giant, golden brown Belgian-style pecan waffle topped with strawberries and whipped cream surrounded by six perfectly crisp chicken wings. It didn’t matter that I was bare faced or that I was dressed like a hobo because the fragrance of the wings and waffles was so intoxicating. I was a woman on a mission to eat. As I prepared my first bite, I cut one piece of wing and one piece of waffle with a drizzle of syrup. Nothing could have prepared me for the symphonic marriage of flavors. The chicken was succulent and savory to the bone with a light, crunchy batter. The waffle was fluffy with a nice crunch from the pecans, and the syrup brought both of these powerful components together into one mouth-watering combination.

The explosive flavors were so surprising and enjoyable that the dish never became cloying. A few minutes after my food came out, my white raspberry mocha latte arrived. As I took my first cautious sip, I was relieved to discover that the latte was not sickly sweet as I had expected. On the contrary, the latte had the essence of raspberry and white chocolate but without that syrupy overtone that most flavored lattes have. Secretly thankful that I was alone with my decadent meal, I tucked in to one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had. With my jeans unbuttoned.

The Breakfast Klub is a truly unique restaurant that serves delicious food with a distinctly Houstonian flair. The patrons are a reflection of the diverse and lively population, the décor illustrates the eclectic Houston art scene and the food tastes like Southern home cooking down to the bone. For the most important meal of the day, I would highly recommend taking the time to try out The Breakfast Klub. A word of advice: wear stretchy pants and get there early. They close early in the day.

Photography by Jason Woods soularenaissance.com

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