Waffles Opening Second Location in Lakeview Nov. 15

Last May, Waffles owner Alex Hernandez told Eater he was looking to open a second location of his popular South Loop spot and he's finally found a location. The first two spaces he found fell through, but now he is planning on opening another Waffles at 3617 N. Broadway on Nov. 15.

Hernandez said the space, which used to be Signature Pizza, is currently in the demolition stage and they're going to start the new build-out for what will be a 120-seat restaurant that will include an attached all-day 20-seat cafe. That will have a full coffee bar with Intelligentsia Coffee, fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies, milkshakes and more. The coffeeshop will also have a separate entrance and be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Hernandez said they're still coming up with a name for the cafe.

Waffles on the North Side will be larger than the current location at 1400 S. Michigan. Hernandez said that while guests like the modern feel, many think the space is a little cold. For the new restaurant, they're going to add more color and warm woods to brighten it up.

For the menu, Hernandez and chef Pablo Harrison have been working on perfecting mini waffle sandwiches, both sweet and savory, like a red velvet waffle egg sandwich or a jalapeño waffle with short rib. All in all, they'll have around six or seven mini waffle sandwiches. They're also working on waffle wraps that will be like a breakfast burrito. "We're working on new techniques to create a pita bread-like texture," Hernandez said.

In addition to the current food offerings, Waffles will serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, cupcakes, muffins, cookies, scones and mini apple pies. They'll also bring their 12 varieties of hot chocolate north as well as their hot chocolate flights. Hernandez said he plans to add a BYO component and is working on the licensing. "The old space was BYOB so it may be easier," he said.
· Waffles Looking to Expand North to Lakeview [~EChi~]