Let's do it, folks. THIS CHICKEN IS....... They have the best and freshest chicken hands down in Ansonia. It's seasoned right, and it's fried to PERFECTION. I freaking love it. The customer service is phenomenal. Zabi, I hope I spelled your name right he allowed me to sample the lemonades, which are very tasty. I can't comment on any of the other foods they offer because I only eat the chicken. But another gentleman, Travis, who kindly paid for my order today, said all the food is bussin. So stop playing and go check them out. You won't regret it
Overview
Walking into a spot known for Southern Chicken And Waffle feels like stepping into a comfort-food sweet spot, and the diner at 64 Division St, Derby, CT 06418, United States delivers that feeling fast. The aroma of seasoned fried chicken hits first, followed by the buttery scent of waffles coming straight off the iron. I’ve eaten chicken and waffles across the South and up the East Coast, and this place leans into the tradition without turning it into a gimmick.
From personal experience, the balance between savory and sweet is what separates a good plate from a forgettable one. Here, the kitchen uses a real-deal method: chicken brined overnight, dredged in a seasoned flour blend, then fried to order so the crust stays crisp. According to culinary research shared by the Southern Foodways Alliance, brining poultry can improve moisture retention by up to 10 percent, which explains why the meat stays juicy even under a crunchy exterior. The waffles follow a similar care-first process, mixed in small batches and cooked until golden, not pale and not overdone. The result is what I’d call crispy-on-the-outside chicken paired with soft-and-fluffy waffles that soak up syrup without falling apart.
The menu goes beyond the signature plate, but it never strays too far from its roots. You’ll see classic diner staples like eggs, grits, and home fries, along with Southern-inspired sides such as collard greens and mac and cheese. During one visit, I watched a cook adjust seasoning mid-shift after tasting a fresh batch of batter, which says a lot about consistency and care. That kind of hands-on approach reflects professional kitchen standards taught by organizations like the Culinary Institute of America, where tasting and adjusting is considered a non-negotiable practice.
Reviews from locals often highlight portion size and value, and that tracks with what I’ve seen firsthand. Plates come out generous without being sloppy, and the chicken-to-waffle ratio actually makes sense. A regular I chatted with mentioned bringing out-of-town family here because it’s familiar yet memorable, which is often the hardest balance for diners to strike. In Derby, where food options are growing but still tight-knit, that reputation matters.
What also stands out is how approachable the space feels. The staff knows the menu well and can explain differences between spice levels or suggest add-ons like gravy or hot honey. Research from the National Restaurant Association shows that knowledgeable servers can increase guest satisfaction significantly, especially in casual dining settings. You feel that here, not in a scripted way, but through real conversations at the counter.
There are some limitations worth noting. Like many small diners, peak weekend hours can mean a short wait, and seating isn’t huge. However, the turnover is steady, and the kitchen moves efficiently. I’ve never seen a plate rushed, which tells me quality isn’t sacrificed for speed.
Overall, this restaurant fits naturally into Derby’s food scene while holding onto a Southern identity that feels earned. The flavors are bold without being overwhelming, the menu stays focused, and the execution reflects real culinary know-how rather than trend chasing. If you’re judging by taste, technique, and the kind of care that comes from experience, this spot stands as a solid example of how a diner can do Southern comfort food right.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Halal food âś“ Late-night food âś“ Quick biteDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ CasualCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ GroupsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
I've passed this place several times and decided to go in. I ordered the waffle and chicken tenders, the waffle was cooked perfectly. Thick Belgian waffle with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The tenders were seasoned and delicious. This was to go and I was very impressed with the containers, large portions of honey mustard and hot sauce, along with many syrup packs and a sturdy individually wrapped fork. It was all placed in a nice blue paper bag with handles with the company logo on it. Presentation matters to me whether it's take out or eat in. I've had chicken and waffles at restaurants and it wasn't this good. There is seating inside, but I wasn’t impressed with the look of the place inside, however, the staff were friendly and pretty quick service. I would go back.
Absolutely fire flames. It’s been a dog’s age since I had fried chicken this good. The bone-in pieces, the tenders, you can’t go wrong. Very flavorful breading and seasoning. Perfect crisp every time. Pairs nicely with their array of tasty dipping sauces. Just discovered this place about a month ago on the way home from work and I’ve been back 5 times. I think it’s that great. The waffles are great too. Thoroughly enjoyed the lamb over rice as well. Just as great as the street meat I get in the city. Add on a house made lemonade in a variety of flavors, they’re the perfect blend of tart, sweet and of course refreshing. There’s much more I’d like to try on the menu but so far, everything has been A-1 quality. Keep up the great work.
Not a fancy place but the food is consistently good. I order online and the guys behind the counter have gotten to know me and will hand my order over as soon as I walk in even when theyre super busy. My husband's favorite is the fried catfish with Mac h cheese on the side and I love their Philly cheese steaks.
The gyros were amazing! They were full of meat and extremely satisfying! I didn't like how they prioritized DoorDashers over walk-ins, but the food made up for it. If you get a chance, please enjoy their restroom signs!
I been back and forth for work in the Shelton area for a month now and really upset I didn’t try this place sooner. I got done pretty late with packing and wanted food so decided to give it a try. I went in and it was around 11:30pm not only was my chicken fresh hot and crispy. My waffle was the perfect fluff in the middle with a crispy golden outside. It was very tasty I didn’t even needed syrup. Tried the kiwi lemonade and it was excellent. I hate I didn’t try sooner that was I could of got it a few more times.
Chicken n Waffles was delicious. The best part about them is that they stay open til 3a. . I was visiting someone at the hospital down the street and this place was the only thing open late night. I notice they get so much business but I understand it...lol. I literally stayed there for about 2 hours just taking my time and enjoying the food while chatting on my phone. I'll definitely be back when I'm in the area again..
Absolutely the bomb.com. This has to be one of the best semi fast food restaurants around please please please if somebody could franchise down in Florida South Florida southwest Florida. Go try them out southern chicken and waffles is bon appétit Magnifique. I had a Philly steak and cheese. We had the chicken wings and waffles. We also had fried chicken breast. They have every kind of lemonade, passionfruit, lemonade, strawberry lemonade, blueberry lemonade, mango lemonade, raspberry lemonade, kiwi, lemonade you’re in lemonade, heaven when you go to this place so if you like lemonade like I do perfect spot.