At one downtown Pittsburgh restaurant, bacon, cheddar, and green onions are baked right into the waffles, then topped with a fried egg and even more bacon. That’s just one of the unusual breakfast combinations at Waffles, INCaffeinated, where the menu goes far beyond syrup and butter.
The restaurant serves everything from pecan waffles topped with fried chicken and maple butter glaze to sweet creations loaded with bananas, peanut butter, berries, and fudge. There’s also a four-part waffle sampler for anyone who can’t settle on just one flavor.
But the food isn’t the only surprise. This brunch spot occupies part of Pittsburgh’s former Kaufmann’s Department Store, a historic building connected to legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Between the unusual menu and the building’s past, there’s plenty more to discover than a typical breakfast stop.
A Famous Address With a Surprising Backstory
Here is the reveal I teased. The restaurant is Waffles, INCaffeinated, and it sits at 456 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, in Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
That address carries a lot of local history. The building once housed part of Kaufmann’s Department Store, a Pittsburgh shopping landmark founded by the Kaufmann brothers in 1871.
Edgar J. Kaufmann later asked Frank Lloyd Wright to design his executive office on the top floor.
Yes, the same Wright famous for Fallingwater.
The waffle shop moved into the lower level in 2018. It brought new energy to a space that many longtime locals remember well.
I loved knowing my breakfast came with a side of city history. It made a simple meal feel like part of a bigger story.
Fifth Avenue stays busy, so plan on walking a bit or using a nearby garage. Downtown parking can be tricky on weekends.
Once inside, though, the first thing you notice is not the history at all. It is a color that practically shouts good morning.
Orange Walls and Big Street Windows
Bright orange walls greeted me like a pot of fresh coffee. Nobody stays sleepy in a room this cheerful.
The space feels casual and modern. It is clean, relaxed, and full of happy chatter on busy mornings.
My favorite seat was near the large front windows. Watching downtown workers, shoppers, and game day fans stroll by turned breakfast into a fun little show.
The dining room is a good size for a city breakfast spot. Still, it is not huge, so large groups may get split between tables.
If you bring a big crew, call ahead and ask about group plans. That small step can save some awkward shuffling at the door.
The restaurant calls its style a boutique dining experience. To me, that meant a little polish without any stiffness.
The music from the kitchen can get lively at times. I kind of enjoyed the energy, but quiet seekers may prefer a weekday visit.
Pretty walls are nice, but the real magic starts with something you cannot see at all.
Grandma’s Sourdough Is the Secret Ingredient
Sourdough waffles were new to me. One bite changed my mind about what a waffle could be.
The batter comes from a grandmother’s recipe, and it gives each waffle a light tang and a crisp edge. It tastes homemade because it truly is.
Everything here is made from scratch. A central kitchen in Beaver, Pennsylvania, prepares around 40 house-made staples, including batters, syrups, and the sausage gravy.
That setup keeps flavors steady across every location. My waffle downtown should taste just like one in the suburbs.
The team believes breakfast deserves better than plain oatmeal and pancakes. I agree, and my plate proved the point.
Dishes are made to order, which matters. Food usually takes about ten minutes, but a big rush can stretch that to around 30.
My advice is simple. Order a coffee, relax, and let the iron do its slow, tasty work.
Now that you know the base, let me show you what they pile on top of it.
Berries, Bananas, and a Dessert-Worthy Lineup
Sweet tooth, meet your new best friend. The sweet side of this menu reads like a dessert cart that woke up early.
The Megaberry is a longtime favorite. Blueberries and raspberries bake into the waffle, then fresh berries in vanilla bean syrup, whipped cream, and berry sauce go on top.
Banana fans should look at the Fosters. It has walnuts inside and out, fresh bananas, vanilla bean ice cream, and a rich foster’s sauce.
The Funky Monkey had me grinning at its name. Chocolate chips fill the waffle, and bananas, peanut butter chiffon, and fudge sauce finish it.
There is also a Straw-Nana Cheesecake Waffle with creamy cheesecake topping, bananas, and strawberries. It is basically dessert wearing a breakfast badge.
Seasonal waffles show up too, so ask your server what is new. Regulars say they are worth trying.
These plates are big and rich. Sharing one sweet waffle and one savory dish is a smart move, and the savory side is where things get wild.
Bacon Baked Right Into the Batter
Remember that bacon surprise from the start? It has a name, and the name is Breakfast Magic.
Crisp bacon, shredded cheddar, and green onions are baked inside the waffle. Then more bacon and cheddar, a fried egg cooked your way, and sour cream land on top.
Every bite felt salty, crunchy, and creamy at once. I did not miss syrup even a little.
The Benny puts eggs Benedict on a waffle. It comes with two poached eggs on a half waffle, ham, hollandaise, and crab.
Crab lovers will enjoy it. Others may want to ask for the crab on the side, and make sure your server writes it down.
The Souther’ Waffle brings heat with chorizo, jalapenos, and cheddar inside. Pico de gallo, cilantro, and a fried egg finish the job.
Savory waffles are a big part of why people talk about this place. Still, one dish earns more chatter than any other, and it deserves its own spotlight.
The Chicken and Waffles Everyone Talks About
Fried chicken on a waffle sounds odd until you try it. Then it just sounds like lunch.
The Chicken and Waffles here starts with a pecan waffle. Thick pieces of boneless breaded chicken sit on top.
A sweet maple butter glaze coats everything. Fresh scallions add a bright, green crunch.
I loved how the nutty waffle balanced the salty chicken. The glaze tied it all together without making it soggy.
This dish gets mentioned constantly by guests, and I understand why. It is hearty enough to fuel a full afternoon of downtown walking.
Hungry eaters can finish it alone. Lighter eaters might box up half for later.
One small tip helped me. Ask for extra napkins right away, because that glaze loves fingers.
Pair it with an unsweetened coffee to cut through the richness. Your taste buds will thank you.
Of course, chicken is not the only heavy hitter in town. A creamy, peppery contender is waiting next.
Sausage Gravy That Sticks Around
Gravy on a waffle is a Pittsburgh-sized comfort meal. The Whole Sausage Gravy Waffle is exactly that.
A full waffle gets smothered in house-made sausage gravy. Green onions go on top for a little freshness.
The gravy is thick, peppery, and made in that central kitchen. It is the kind of dish that sticks to your ribs on a cold morning.
A popular trick is adding scrambled eggs. I tried it, and the eggs made it feel like a complete farmhouse breakfast.
Now, about the home fries. They deserve fan mail.
The mix includes tri-colored potatoes and sweet potatoes with roasted peppers and onions. They come out crispy and slightly sweet.
Guests mention these potatoes almost as often as the waffles. I would order them even with a sweet plate.
Can’t pick just one waffle? Good news, because there is a way to taste four at once.
A Sampler for the Hopelessly Undecided
Decision trouble is real when every menu line sounds good. Thankfully, the Waffle Frolic solves that problem.
This sampler gives you four different quarter-sized waffles on one plate. Each one has its own toppings.
My plate included sausage gravy, strawberry chocolate, banana peanut butter, and bacon with sour cream. It felt like a tasting tour without leaving my chair.
The gravy and strawberry chocolate quarters were my winners. The banana peanut butter was tasty but heavy, so pace yourself.
This is a great pick for first-timers. You learn what you like before committing to a full waffle next time.
It also works well for sharing. Two people can split it and still order a side of home fries.
Kids tend to enjoy it too, since they can pick favorites. Bring some extra forks.
Once you find a flavor you love, you may want total control. That is exactly what comes next.
Become the Chef of Your Own Plate
Picky eaters, this is your moment. The build-your-own option lets you design both waffles and omelets.
Start with the sourdough waffle. Then pick mix-ins that bake inside and toppings that go on top.
I watched a nearby table order blueberries inside and strawberries on top. It looked so good I almost asked for a bite.
Savory builds work too. Cheddar and bacon inside with a fried egg on top is a winning combo.
The omelet builder is just as flexible. You choose cheeses, meats, vegetables, and herbs.
Not a builder? The ready-made omelets are strong.
The Vegetarian Delight has tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, red onions, tarragon, feta, and spicy mayo.
The Caprese Crab and the meat-packed Carnivore are also on the list. The Carnivore is a handy pick for gluten-free diners.
Speaking of special diets, the batter options here go further than most brunch spots.
Batters for Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Low-Carb Diners
Food rules should not keep anyone from waffles. The kitchen clearly agrees.
A vegan waffle batter is available, and it is also gluten-free. It skips dairy and soy too.
Guests who order it often leave happy. I heard nothing but praise for it during my visit.
Low-carb and no-added-sugar batters are also offered. They suit people watching sugar or following keto eating.
Some of these special batters cost a little extra. I think the small upcharge is fair for the choice.
This makes group outings easier. One friend can go vegan while another digs into chicken and waffles.
Always tell your server about serious allergies. Clear communication keeps everyone safe and comfortable.
Beyond waffles, the menu has crêpes, sandwiches, and breakfast tacos. There is also French toast made from Italian bread pressed in a waffle iron.
And something to sip makes every meal better, which brings me to the cups.
Lattes Worth a Second Sip
Coffee is right there in the name, so I had high hopes. The drink menu delivered.
The Signature Latte is the house favorite. Servers often suggest it to first-timers, and it is creamy and sweet.
If you prefer less sugar, ask them to go light. Some guests find the flavored drinks on the sweet side.
A cinnamon bun latte also gets fans. It tastes like a bakery treat in a cup.
Plain coffee fans are covered too. A simple cup pairs nicely with the rich waffles.
Sandwiches make good partners for coffee. The Country Mile has sausage, egg, mushrooms, and American cheese on Italian bread with spicy mayo.
The waffle breakfast sandwich is another fun pick. It swaps bread for a waffle.
Fair warning, the coffee may keep you lingering. That is fine, as long as you know how to beat the crowd, which I cover next.
Timing Tips Before You Grab a Table
Patience is a key ingredient on weekends. Saturday and Sunday mornings can bring waits of 30 to 60 minutes.
Hours run 8 AM to 2 PM Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday stretch to 3 PM.
My best visit was a weekday morning. I sat right down and my food arrived quickly.
Game days get extra busy downtown. Arrive early if you are heading to a Steelers game.
Online ordering for pickup or delivery is available through popular apps. It is a great backup on crowded days.
Call (412) 290-7801 to ask about groups or current hours. The website also lists details for other locations.
The brand started in 2010 in a 20-seat shop in New Brighton. It now has locations around the Pittsburgh region, including Wexford and Upper St. Clair.
From one tiny shop to a downtown landmark building, this place earned its following one crispy square at a time. I left full, happy, and already planning my next order.
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