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Whoa, whoa, whoa! Who knew a simple little Hollywood diner, The Waffle, would somehow become the most controversial restaurant in Los Angeles right now? First there was the barrage of "meh" to "terrible" reviews from the Chowhounders, most of whom complained about overpriced entrees and slow, forgetful service (definitely my #1 pet peeve when it comes to restaurants). Then Lesley at EaterLA revealed that bad reviews might have been coming from "a Hollywood contingency who have nothing but disdain for TV and film producer/ex-agent and manager and Waffle co-owner Gavin Polone? He spoke out against the WGA and then opened a Hollywood restaurant during the writer's strike."
Now the backlash has whipped itself right around to the Chowhounders again: over on Metromix, executive chef Scooter Kanfer-Cartmill has called the Chowhound boards "a despicable entity," and that free speech on the internet has devolved into petty slander. Wow! What a lot of kerfuffle over waffles, people. I mean, I know people have strong feelings about bacon, but there's a limit.
Caroline on Crack checked it out for LAist a few weeks back and delivered a fairly positive review: "overall, the experience was pleasant. Wasn't too happy about my food but maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. I did enjoy my chocolate malt and the service was great. I loved going when things were kinda slow." Since the place is literally a block from my job, I'm heading over today to check it out for the first time with LAist editor Zach. Maybe controversy is a good thing?
Photo by Caroline on Crack for LAist
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Well at least Caroline gave a price range in her review.
(sorry Carrie, I coudn't resist)
oh hahahahaEATABOWLOFDICKSHahahaha!!!
Is that what you had for lunch? Ewww... I guess Chowhound was right.
NO JEEZ. We just got back. I had hash browns with corned beef, onions, and cheese. Zach had the vegan BLT and Wee Mac on the side (mac n' cheese, but kiddie portion). Julie had the classic Waffle. It was all delicious! Service was good, great lunch spot. It was packed, too.
Although my Bloody Mary was pretty weak, but you know me and alcohol.
I thought the waffles were a little too crispy (no chewy centers here) for my tastes and for all the people working, service could've been better.
That said, it was a pleasant place and everyone's food at least *looked* good and, really, in Hollywood isn't that all we want out of things?
uh...no, I'm gonna have to disagree with you misterjt. everybody *glares* at me when I walk around in Hollywood "looking good," or worse, dirty old men hit on me (and there are a lot of DIRTY people in the neighborhood), so I'm going to say "looking good" is not really a priority around here.
next time I leave the office I'm wearing a garbage bag.
p.s. sorry I'm being such a bitch to everybody lately, but I'm just getting FED UP with all the glibness around here. can't anybody give me any SUBSTANCE????
I usually have my diner style meals at the 101 up the street on Franklyn but decided to try The Waffle since it's closer to work. My first time as a guest there wasn't the best, the food was a little bit colder than it should have been, but it was ok overall. I just ate there on Tuesday, I arrived at 1pm and ordered promptly, our food came out at 2, I ordered Boca burgers, they don't require much cooking. Something about the fries were off, when we complained to the waitress, she said she had to "fight for your burgers." It was upsetting that the kitchen staff and wait staff live in different worlds. I politely let the manager know what happened, she covered the cost of our meal.
My complaint isn't just the service, but the food quality is not good for the price and the attitudes of the staff aren't what they should be.
I hope they improve, they have lots of potential.
The place has a lot potential and as of today's experience, it was great for me.
The mac n' cheese was not the greatest (but I've never had good mac and cheese in the Hollywood area, i.e. Eat on Sunset, Lucky Devils), but the un-BLT was worth ordering again and the fries tasted so fine that I didn't even feel the need for ketchup (which I usually do).
The Waffle is there to stay folks.
"oh hahahahaEATABOWLOFDICKSHahahaha!!!"
I'd have to know how much they cost first. :)
The un-BLT is ridiculously tasty. So is the vegan cobb salad. (!!!!!!)
I really like it. Good prices and I get filled up!
Off topic but...Since when did Fred 62 start playing music you can hear on Kroq? Are they under knew ownership? The waitesses arn't cracked out as they used to be either. What happend to Fred's?
I have yet to find a diner in LA I like as much as the Pot Holder.
Oh and Zach, the mac n cheese at The Kitchen rocks.
CaliKing, I have no idea what happened to that place. But that sounds distressing. I don't frequent it much anymore.
Thanks ezfinn, I'll try The Kitchen's mac n'cheese out.
And glad you agree panasonicyouth!
Waffles and mimosas, its felt like Sunday brunch on a workday!
Dear Carrie, Zach & Julie
How could you go to lunch @the Waffle while I'm out of town???? So mean!!!!!!
Lindsay
PS The Mach & Cheese at The Kitchen is really good, agreed.
Based on the posts I've seen removed from Chowhound, it seems to me Scooter ought to be more pissed that her PR firm isn't good enough to shill there without getting caught.
They let Zach order off of the kiddie menu?
caliking01- iono but I drove by a few weeks ago and they closed down fred 62s for FILMING!!!!
i bought myself a pie and ate it to make myself feel better.
My coworkers and I went the first week it opened - we were less than thrilled with the service and food. The waffles were cold and overly cooked - the woman that waited on us even said "oh yeah, I thought they looked a little dark when I brought them over." This is the same woman that let us sit for 30 mins while she had her own lunch at the counter - and yes we did give her the angry glare until she finished her meal.
We were just really disappointed with the whole experience. But she was kind enough to offer a take out box for the burnt waffle on my plate - it was really thoughtful...