All the waffles for National Waffle Day — and every day

In the sage words of Parks & Recreation’s Leslie Knope, the key to life is “friends, waffles and work. Or waffles, friends and work. But work has to come third.”

Together with pancakes and French toast, waffles are beloved as one of America’s favorite breakfast sweets.

With the Belgian waffle reigning supreme in restaurants, morning patrons love them for their syrup-holding squares and fluffy texture begging for multiple toppings like fruit and fried chicken. In honor of National Waflle Day on Aug. 24, here are a few sweet, savory, and downright unique must-try waffles around San Diego County:

Sweet Waffles:

Harrah’s Resort SoCal: Bring out your inner hippie with the psychedelic Unicorn Tye-Dye Waffle, crowned with whipped cream, candy pieces, and sprinkles for a trip you won’t forget. (Available from 7 to 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays at The Café.)
777 S. Resort Drive, Funner, (760) 751-3100, www.harrahssocal.com

Madison on Park: Fans of the Mexican dessert staple will love Waffle Churro Sticks with maple cream cheese sauce, jalapeno-blackberry jam and fresh fruit. (Available from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays).
4622 Park Blvd., University Heights, (619) 269-6566, www.madisononpark.com

Cesarina: Like a fruit-filled farmer’s market display, the Tutti Frutti waffle is a sight to behold. Get a dose of antioxidants and fiber with this healthier twist on the breakfast staple featuring a scoop of organic açai sorbet, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, mangoes and figs.
4161 Voltaire St., Point Loma, (619) 226-6222, www.cesarinarestaurant.com

Mezé Greek Fusion: A collection of beloved Greek staples, the Blueberry Baklava Waffle is a sweet hit topped with baklava crumbles, Greek honey, tahini and blueberries.
345 Sixth Ave., downtown, (619) 550-1600, www.gaslampmeze.com

Giardino’s Neighborhood Cucina: Bringing the famous Italian dessert to the breakfast crowd, the Cannoli Waffle stars Belgian waffles topped with mini cannolis, strawberries, chocolate and a dusting of powdered sugar.
8131 Broadway, Lemon Grove, (619) 825-7112, www.giardinosd.com

Savory Waffles

North Park Breakfast Company: If you feel like mixing savory and sweet, have one person order the Mashed Potato Waffle with spicy sausage, cheese sauce, green onion and two eggs. Pair that with the sweet Orange Thyme Waffle, with whipped mascarpone, oranges and thyme-infused honey.
3131 University Ave., North Park, (619) 269-2118, www.breakfast-company.com

The Rabbit Hole: Take your pick of meaty toppings for these waffles, including the Pulled Pork & Waffles with house-smoked pulled pork, mustard sauce, smoked maple syrup and powdered sugar. There’s also the Sausage & Waffles with andouille, chicken and Louisiana sausage, plus a sunny-side up egg and smoked maple syrup.
3377 Adams Ave., Normal Heights, (619) 255-4653, www.rabbitholesd.com

Pacifica Breeze: Conjure up plenty of Southern vibes with the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Waffle with country sausage gravy and poached eggs, all while enjoying a view of the Pacific ocean and downtown Del Mar.
1555 Camino Del Mar #209, Del Mar, (858) 509-9147, www.pacificadelmar.com/breeze-caf

Miss B’s Coconut Club: Channel the Caribbean with the Jerk Chicken & Waffle, made with fried chicken tossed in jerk seasoning, and drizzled with chipotle mango maple syrup. Pair it with their Jerk Bloody Mary for a spicy duo celebration. 3704 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach, (858) 381-0855, www.missbcoconutclub.com