Originally published 7/20/11 | Drawn as I am by the sounds of live music, I decided this cougar should make her way downtown this month as the options abound for live music and food. The Sea Bird Jazz Lounge, formally known as the “Cotton Club”, had a blues band playing Friday night, and coupled with Roscoe’s famous chicken and waffles I knew I was in for a treat.
I know you have all heard the jokes and/or comments made by folks who have never tasted southern fried chicken and waffles together on the same plate, but I am a fan. I agree that it may not be a very logical combination, but it is truly a tasty one nonetheless. Being that I have been to Roscoe’s before and love the food and I also love the blues, I felt my bias would probably make for a very short article. I asked a few friends along knowing they had never been, thus balancing out my review. I figured that if they didn’t like the food they may like the music or the other way around, but I was confident they would like both.
The place was packed, as always, with couples, families and large groups. The hostess was not very friendly this evening but once seated our waiter more than made up for it. He laughed and joked as he took our order, then dashed away and presto! We had our food. Quick service! Of course we had to have the fried chicken and waffles with lots of butter and maple syrup. However, you can order the chicken with grits, red beans and rice, macaroni & cheese or biscuits if you wish. Sometimes I order the grits but I can feel the strange looks coming my way when I cover them in maple syrup so I don’t do it very often. Apparently, folks from the south prefer their grits with butter. Who knew?
We also ordered our slice of sweet potato pie right off the bat (hint: because if you don’t they are liable to run out, and there is nothing worse than looking forward to pie and the waiter saying he just gave away the last slice -sigh! It does go fast, so be warned).
My friends not only loved the food but one actually had to post her comments, all good of course, and photos to Facebook right at the table. High praise I must say in this, our technological age. The fried chicken was crispy and the waffles were just the right amount of sweet and the pie – Yummm, I do enjoy the pie. Perhaps my only complaint this evening, however, was that the piecrust was a little too tough and not very flaky, but the filling was tasty. This place is definitely not for the diet-conscious or light eater as the portions are large and the calories abound, so pace yourself.
Our meal complete, we left the dining room and made our way over across the way to the lounge. We then finished our evening off with a glass of wine, listening to the sounds of a soulful blues singer, a lively band, and a pesky waitress that we tried to ignore. As some very colorful characters dressed to the nines in their stylish hats and beaded dresses caught our attention we sat back and enjoyed the music.
If you haven’t made it yet, you need to get on over and try this downtown icon with its hearty food at reasonable prices and great music. It’s definitely worth the trip as another option for “soul food” in Long Beach.
Enjoy and Bon Appetit!
Roscoe’s House of Chicken N’ Waffles – Menu
730 E. Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-437-8355
Cuisine: The name says it all
Mon-Thu, Sun 8 am – 11 pm
Fri-Sat 8 am – 2:30 am
Price: $$ Parking: Lot Credit Cards: YES