Brownstone Pancake Factory

Round up the kids and tell them to bring their appetites. Hit one of these NJ spots in honor of National Waffle Day on August 24. There are savory picks, sweet treats and everything in between.

BERGEN COUNTY

Brownstone Pancake Factory
860 River Rd., Edgewater
717 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood Cliffs
201-945-4800

This Bergen county staple is a breakfast lover’s dream and even has Guy Fieri’s seal of approval a la Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Even though pancakes are their claim to fame, their waffles are nothing to sneer at. Go for the blueberries and cream, made with an addictively delicious blueberry compote made in house; the Fried Oreos and Cake Waffle Tower, which is stacked with a slice of Oreo cake and topped with vanilla ice cream, fried Oreos and chocolate sauce drizzle, or the Ultimate Unicorn Tower, loaded with red velvet cake, cotton candy and lollipops!

BURLINGTON COUNTY

The Pop Shop
729 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, 856-869-0111
1 S. Main St., Medford, 609-975-6888

This cafe and creamery is inspired by ’50s-style soda fountain shops. Pop a coin in the jukebox, take in the retro decor and chow down on something sweet, like the peaches and cream waffle with vanilla ice cream and homemade NJ peach jam (Collingswood location) or for savory flair, try the Waffle Mania dish, boasting a Belgian waffle, two eggs, two pieces of Martin’s applewood smoked bacon and two sausage links.

ESSEX COUNTY

Bruno’s Chicken & Waffles
907 South Orange Ave., East Orange
973-677-2010
This place has way more than just chicken and waffles. You can get yours fresh off the griddle with salmon cakes, grilled chicken, eggs or ice cream. Pair it with other Southern-inspired treats like grits, fried whiting (that’s a fish!), fried chicken wings, biscuits, peach cobbler or BBQ ribs.

Kay Lee, Brownstone Pancake Factory

Grid Iron Waffle Shop
12 South Orange Ave., South Orange
973-821-5264
If you couldn’t tell by the name, this place’s specialty is waffles, specifically authentic Belgian-style ones, making it the perfect pit stop for National Waffle Day. Stick with the light and fluffy Brussels style with toppings of your choice, or try the real-deal Liège, made with pearl sugar that gives it a famous unique sweetness. If you’re going the savory route, stuff a brioche waffle with bacon, brie and basil or sample the open-faced smoked salmon and cream cheese—or take on the southern classic sausage sandwiched in a biscuit waffle smothered in sausage gravy and an egg sunny-side-up.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

LePeep Restaurant

561 US Hwy 1, Edison

732-819-7666

Sink your teeth into one of Lepeep’s summer specials before the kiddos head back to school with the Cinnamon Roll Waffles. Served warm on a bed of cream cheese frosting and topped with a sprinkling of powdered sugar… mmm! Or go for a twist and try the Gooey Buns: An English muffin broiled with brown sugar, cinnamon and almonds, served with cream cheese and Mom’s Sassy apples.

OCEAN COUNTY

Shut Up and Eat
804 Main St., Toms River
732-349-4544
If you thought your kids were indecisive when they couldn’t choose between a burger and hot dog, wait until they get a load of this waffle menu. This spot boasts 80+ waffle choices split into morning and afternoon sections, including flavors like pear, walnut and blueberries, pastrami and swiss, pumpkin almond and the Kielbasa, maple syrup, bacon and sauerkraut waffles. The little ones will also go gaga for the waffle sliders.

SOMERSET COUNTY

4 Brothers Breakfasts
41 Mountain Blvd., Ste. E1, Warren
908-834-8889
Open Thursday through Sunday only, this farm-to-table menu is complete with Jersey produce and Southern classics like fried catfish, cornbread, biscuits and shrimp and grits. But the six chicken and waffle combos are what make this spot a standout. Go for the Stirling Road Classic, an original waffle topped with a crispy breast and leg, or toss it up with the Mt. Bethel carrot cake waffle, the Mountain Blvd. sweet potato waffle or the Washington Rock red velvet.

MULTIPLE COUNTIES

Turning Point
12 NJ locations

The kids’ menu here is no joke, complete with items like volcano french toast chock-full of strawberries and whipped cream and creamy white cheddar mac and cheese. It’s strong on the waffle front, too, thanks to the S’mores number with chocolate chips, marshmallows, crushed graham crackers and chocolate syrup. For the grown-ups, go healthy-ish with the Tropical Crunch, loaded with bananas, strawberries, mango and granola with a side of strawberry reduction, or go for the cheat meal-worthy salted caramel, which comes with bacon, vanilla mascarpone, brown sugar walnut crumble,  caramel and sea salt.

Want to whip some up on your own for National Waffle Day? Scour the WaffleWaffle online store for Belgian-style liege waffles you can serve up at home.