Home of Chicken and Waffles

I was exploring the Jack London Square farmers' market yesterday (good market!), and a wonderful smell was in the air.  After much exploring, my nose led me to...Home of Chicken and Waffles.  Now, I might be a Yankee & a Jew, but I love soul food like a fella from Mississippi.  As soon as I walked through the door, I knew I was in the right place.

The Home of Chicken and Waffles began as a franchise of the famous Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles.  In 2004, the family decided to spilt from their parents and take the reigns themselves.  This was a smart move.  The strong family ties are evident on the wall- each menu item is named after a family member, their portraits (with the dish) are painted on the wall by a local artist.

The food is soul food at is best.  Although the protein is limited mostly to fried chicken, the array of sides more than makes up for the lack of smothered pork chops.  Truth be told, the fried chicken is so good that you might run the risk of missing it if you had other options!  Some of the best fried chicken I've ever had in fact!  It's crisp, juicy, sweet, and without a hint of greasy.  As for the sides, it's a hit list of soul food champions: grits, mac 'n cheese, yams, greens, peas.  All menu items are accompanied with a suggested side or two.  While you can swap sides for 50 cents, you probably won't feel the need to do so.  Oh, and the waffles?  Heavenly.  

Service at Home of Chicken and Waffles is fantastic.  Personable, fast, and funny.  They make you feel like you're popping by their house for a meal.  Indeed, the diverse clientele all seem equally at home there.  Hipsters sit side by side with families on their way home from church.  Old and young enjoy the sweet sweet chicken.

I believe the join is always open, as hours aren't listed and they tout themselves as the perfect place to go after a night out in downtown Oakland.  I couldn't agree more.