Simple Simon Waffles: A Charleston Breakfast Tradition

What Simple Simon Waffles Are and Where to Find Them

Simple Simon is a breakfast spot in Charleston that serves waffles as its main draw—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and topped with everything from fresh fruit to savory options. The restaurant has built its reputation on doing one thing well: waffles that feel homemade rather than mass-produced. You'll find it in a casual, walk-in setting where the line moves steadily and the kitchen stays visible, so you can watch your waffle being made.

The location sits in a neighborhood that's become known for breakfast destinations, which means parking can be tight on weekend mornings. Most people arrive between 8 and 10 a.m., when the wait is longest. Weekday mornings tend to move faster, and arriving after 10 a.m. on any day usually means no wait at all.

Key Takeaways

• Simple Simon specializes in waffles made to order, with a range of toppings from fruit and whipped cream to savory cheese and bacon options.
• The restaurant operates on a walk-in, order-at-counter model, so you pay when you order rather than at the end of the meal.
• Weekend mornings draw crowds, particularly between 8 and 10 a.m., so arriving early or going on a weekday avoids the longest waits.
• The menu keeps things simple—waffles are the focus, with a short list of sides and drinks that complement rather than compete.

The Waffle Menu and Popular Combinations

Simple Simon offers both sweet and savory waffles, and the kitchen will customize most combinations if you ask. The sweet side includes classics like waffles topped with berries and whipped cream, chocolate and banana, or cinnamon sugar with maple syrup. Many people order a plain waffle and add toppings separately, which gives you control over how much syrup or cream you want.

On the savory side, you can get waffles topped with cheese, bacon, or sausage—some people order these as a base and add an egg on top. A few regulars treat the waffle as a vehicle for breakfast sandwiches, ordering it plain and using it instead of toast. The kitchen is generally flexible about modifications, so if you have a combination in mind, ask whether they can make it.

What to Expect When You Arrive

You'll walk in, look at the menu board, and order at the counter. Payment happens before your food is made, so have your card or cash ready. The staff will call your name or a number when your waffle is ready—usually within 5 to 10 minutes depending on how busy they are. There's limited seating inside, so many people take their order to go or eat standing at a high counter.

If you're dining in, arrive knowing that tables turn over quickly during peak hours. The atmosphere is casual and fast-paced rather than leisurely, which suits the breakfast crowd. On quieter mornings, you can linger without feeling rushed.

Pricing and What to Budget

A single waffle typically costs between $8 and $12 depending on toppings and whether you add protein. A waffle with multiple toppings or add-ons like bacon or sausage will be on the higher end. Sides like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or an extra protein usually cost $2 to $4 more. Drinks—coffee, juice, smoothies—run $3 to $6.

Most people spend $12 to $18 for a complete breakfast for one person. The restaurant doesn't take reservations, so you're paying per order at the counter rather than running a tab.

Why Simple Simon Fits Charleston's Breakfast Culture

Charleston has a strong breakfast tradition rooted in Low Country cooking and the city's history as a port where early morning meals were substantial and social. Simple Simon taps into that by keeping things straightforward—quality ingredients, a focused menu, and the kind of food that tastes like someone made it for you rather than a chain produced it. The waffle itself, crispy and golden, connects to both Southern tradition and the casual, modern breakfast scene that's grown in the city over the past decade.

The restaurant also reflects how Charleston's food culture has shifted toward neighborhood spots over destination restaurants. You're not traveling across the city for a special occasion; you're stopping by your local breakfast place on the way to work or on a Saturday morning with friends.

Best Times to Visit and How to Plan Your Trip

If you want to avoid waiting, go on a weekday morning between 10 a.m. and noon, or arrive right when they open. Saturday and Sunday mornings are busiest, especially between 8 and 10 a.m., when families and groups tend to gather. If you're visiting Charleston and want to experience Simple Simon without a long wait, build it into a weekday breakfast plan rather than a weekend one.

Bring cash if you can—some small Charleston breakfast spots move faster with cash payments, though Simple Simon takes cards. If you're ordering for a group, let each person order separately rather than trying to place one large order, since the counter moves faster that way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order waffles to go?

Yes. Simple Simon packages waffles in containers that keep them reasonably warm for a short trip. If you're taking them more than 10 minutes away, they'll have cooled somewhat, but the flavor stays good. Toppings travel better if packed separately.

Do they have options for dietary restrictions?

The kitchen can make waffles without certain toppings, and they work with common requests like no dairy or no gluten if you ask. Call ahead or ask the counter staff what's possible—they're usually willing to work with you, but options depend on what's in the kitchen that day.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking is available but can be tight during peak breakfast hours. Some nearby lots charge a small fee. Arriving early or going on a weekday makes parking easier. If parking is a concern, consider visiting on a less busy morning.

What's the difference between Simple Simon and other Charleston breakfast spots?

Simple Simon focuses specifically on waffles, whereas many other Charleston breakfast places offer a broader menu of eggs, pancakes, and sandwiches. If waffles are what you want, Simple Simon's specialization means they've refined that one item. Other spots offer more variety if you're undecided.

Do they take reservations?

No. Simple Simon operates on a walk-in, order-at-counter basis. You can't call ahead to hold a table or reserve your order, so plan to arrive and wait if necessary, or choose a quieter time of day.