Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles is a soul food staple

A southern staple in downtown Phoenix, Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles is home to the famous southern fried chicken, fluffy buttermilk waffles, and soul food favorites. The heart and soul behind Lo-Lo’s magic comes from the owner, Larry “Lo-Lo” White, who learned his tricks bussing tables in his grandmother’s soul food restaurant, Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café.

“The type of food we serve here at Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles is like grandma’s house; it’s comfort food. It’s food that makes you happy: it hugs you, it makes you all warm inside, it’s delicious southern home cooking,” White said.

Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles has a fun and lively ambiance that compliments the history of what makes southern food so magnifying. From the brick walls to the knick-knacks, jazz memorabilia, and Black artwork, it’s a dine-in spot that truly feeds your soul. And for White, it all comes down to one simple ingredient.

“The secret to our fried chicken is love.”

“The chicken represents savory, spicy, salty. And the waffle represents sweet. And you put those two combinations together, you can’t go wrong.”

Garrie Ester, a junior at Arizona State University, recommended the restaurant that he discovered from his grandmother.

“It’s definitely worth it,” Ester said. “The chicken is seasoned very well, and the waffles definitely fill you up, especially with the syrup.”

The restaurant serves up large portions of food and drinks making it easy to fill up and take home leftovers, something Chef Mark Tarbell said was even better than the first time.

“I actually ordered big meals, and I took a lot of it home,” Tarbell said, “And the next morning I had it cold, and I’m almost gonna say it was better. It was so good.”