Water Street Waffle Company in New London, CT
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If you’re looking for food with authentic southern flavors in Connecticut, you absolutely need to go to Water Street Waffle Company in downtown New London. If I’m going to go out for breakfast or brunch, this is one of my go-to spots. While I’m usually a breakfast sandwich girly, this spot has a chokehold on me when it comes to brunch.
About Water Street Waffle Company
You’re probably wondering how a restaurant in New London, Connecticut could possibly have authentic southern flavors. It’s because the owners are from Texas. They opened their first location in historic downtown Belton, Texas. Their goal has always been to create a warm, family-friendly spot that serves fresh, made-from-scratch breakfast.
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So, how did they end up opening a location in Connecticut? The owners moved up to Connecticut to be closer to their son and grandchildren. They decided to open another Water Street Waffle Company location in Connecticut.
By the time the owners moved to Connecticut, they had two locations in Texas. Both were in historic locations, as that was something that is important to them. They want to help preserve historic areas and having a business in a historic district helps those areas survive. When they were looking for historic places in Connecticut, downtown New London fit the bill.
I was able to chat with the owners Bobbi and Jeff when I went to a creator event at the restaurant. I loved hearing their story, and I was absolutely blown away by the food. I’m telling you, their fried chicken is some of the best I have ever had. It is one of the main reasons I go back again and again, in addition to their hospitality and the great vibes.
You can get a glimpse of the creator event I attended at Water Street Waffle Company below:
Getting To The New London Location
The restaurant is located in downtown New London on Bank Street. It’s truly located in the heart of downtown. It’s easily accessible from the train station. If you drive, there’s plenty of parking in downtown New London, whether you’re looking for free street parking or paid lots.
The large paid lots are located on Eugene O’Neill Drive. There are kiosks to pay, or you can use the Flowbird app. There are walkways from the lots that will take you to Bank Street. It’s a very short walk if you park in parking lot two, which is right behind the building Water Street Waffle Company is located in.
The Food
I want to start by saying that everything I’ve had here is delicious, from appetizers to main dishes. I don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. Everything I’ve had has not only been delicious, but also plated beautifully. It’s clear how much pride they take in what they do.
The waffles here are Liege waffles. If you have no idea what that is, don’t feel bad. I had no idea what they were when I first went.
Liege waffles are made with a yeast-based brioche dough studded with pearl sugar that caramelizes as the waffle cooks. Texture-wise, they’re buttery and chewy on the inside, while being crispy and crunchy on the outside with caramelized pearl sugar. The caramelized pearl sugar is similar to crème brûlée.
Below are some of the dishes I have had over multiple visits to Water Street Waffle Company.
While everything I mentioned above is savory, they also have plenty of sweet items on the menu as well. The first time I went, I sampled three of the sweet waffle flavors by ordering the waffle bites. I tried the plain, chai glaze, and cinnamon. If you can’t decide which flavor you want, I definitely recommend doing the waffle bites.
They also do monthly specials, so be on the lookout for those. The monthly specials will typically include both sweet and savory dishes. There are also seasonal specials!
The Interior Vibes
When I entered this spot for the first time, I immediately loved the vibes. I could tell you about them, but I’d rather show you and let the photos speak for themselves.
Is This Restaurant Worth Going To?
Absolutely, no question about it. The food is great, the owners and staff are welcoming, and the interior is cozy and nostalgic. Honestly, I wish I would have gone sooner. If I could afford it, I’d be dining here multiple times a week just for the hand-battered, boneless fried chicken thigh alone. Give this spot a try the next time you’re in New London.
