About Zinneken's Belgian waffles | Glastonbury
Zinneken’s centers its menu on Belgian-style waffles that reviewers praise for texture and balance.
Sweet options with pearl sugar, fruit and whipped cream share space with savory plates like eggs Benedict on a waffle, and house-made sauces such as hollandaise that earn repeat compliments.
The cafe is small and lively; service can run slow when busy, but many guests say the flavor—crisp edges, chewy interiors, strong espresso and a wide tea selection—makes the wait worthwhile for a slow morning or brunch visit.
Location & Contact
- Address331A New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT 06033
- Websitehttps://zinnekenswaffles.com
- Phone(860) 781-8596
- Links Get directions
What to Expect
The menu highlights Liege-style waffles with pearl sugar, sweet combos (Fruit Delight, Strawberry Glamour, Banana Nutella) and decadent builds like Oreo Raspberry Chocolate with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Several reviews note you often won’t need syrup—waffles are sweet and buttery on their own—while savory offerings such as the Zinne-beeny (eggs Benedict on a waffle) and breakfast plates get praise for hollandaise and well-cooked eggs.
Coffee, lattes and specialty flavors (speculoos, pumpkin spice) are also popular, though oat cappuccino was called watery by one reviewer.
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
Brunch: A Modern Twist
Brunch has become a popular dining trend, especially in Connecticut, where weekends often feature this delightful hybrid meal. Combining elements of breakfast and lunch, brunch typically showcases a variety of dishes, from savory omelets to sweet pastries. This leisurely meal allows people to gather and celebrate, often accompanied by drinks like mimosas or bloody marys. The rise of brunch reflects changing social customs, where the lines between meals blur, offering a chance to relax and enjoy time with friends and family in a cozy setting, away from the rush of daily life.
Trends
Menu Highlights
From the Community
Glastonbury’s Zinneken’s Belgian waffles has earned a steady following for waffles that many say taste closer to Belgium than to a diner.
Diners describe a contrast of textures—crisp exterior, chewy interior—often enhanced by pearl sugar and house-made whipped cream.
One fan put it plainly: "No need for syrup," wrote M.D.
Birmingham, after slicing effortlessly through a perfectly textured waffle.
Another reviewer celebrated that bite of candied crunch: "Chewy w/a crunch from the pearled sugar, so buttery good," noted The Terpatraiters, who likened the treats to dessert as much as breakfast.
Sweet combinations such as Fruit Delight, Banana Nutella and Oreo Raspberry Chocolate sit beside savory plates including a popular eggs Benedict on a waffle, and several diners singled out the hollandaise as "spot on." The cafe’s coffee program—lattes, espressos and seasonal flavors—is a frequent complement, though one guest cautioned that oat cappuccino can be on the watery side.
Small, cozy seating and occasional slow service are part of the experience; many say the flavor payoff makes it worth lingering for a relaxed morning.
Why Locals Love It
Customer Reviews
DE
"I stop by on a Tuesday morning after a doctors appointment. I don’t think they were ready for the quick 9:30 AM rush that appeared out of nowhere. It took a while to get my waffle and I think they forgot to bring my mint tea, I had to remind the cashier. Also, the table that I sat at wasn’t clean but again it appeared that they were very busy so I just took a napkin and wiped it myself. The taste was very good. I was afraid that the waffle would be soggy, but it had a great consistency and texture, definitely Belgian style. The strawberries were fresh and not overly ripe."
Livy F
"I really wanted to give this place 5 stars! The waffles were awesome and their tea selection was on point. Unfortunately we also ordered breakfast sandwiches and they were not at all what we ordered. Eggs were sunny side up instead of over medium, and my husband got sausage instead of bacon on his...we didn't bother saying anything because they still tasted good, but I don't know how the order was lost in translation."
Jason Lambert
"The food was great. Hollandaise sauce spot on and eggs cooked perfectly. Maybe a little more seasoning in the eggs and the breakfast potatoes. A little on the pricey side for a complete breakfast, but not unexpected. I will definitely try it again. The batter/waffles were very good by themselves."
Tanisha Dawn
"Food was good but took 45 minutes to be served. They did forewarn us that it would be a 30 minute wait if we ordered anything other than a waffle. But while we watched, they were literally cooking like one egg at a time on a large, empty griddle. Eggs and turkey bacon literally take like 3 to 5 minutes or so to cook so I didn't understand the wait. The few people who were behind us were served and ate all of their food long before ours came out. They only had waffles. Also, while it was packed, there were multiple, empty, dirty tables waiting to be bussed. There was no where to sit as a result. Not sure if they need to hire more people or better organize and manage the business, but serving timelier and bussing those tables fast are the basics...101. And cook more than one item at a time on the grill. What a waste of energy that seemed to be. Again, the food was good, the waffle was delicious, but I wouldn't want to wait that long again or deal with that seating situation again. Will possibly try takeout one day. We paid 50 dollars for two plates and two lattes. That was a little steep for a small breakfast for two. Again, good waffles."
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
The Role of Local Ingredients
Local ingredients have always played a significant role in shaping breakfast in Connecticut. Farmers markets and local farms supply fresh produce and dairy, allowing residents to create hearty breakfasts using seasonal ingredients. For instance, the use of fresh blueberries and strawberries in pancakes or homemade yogurt from local dairies highlights the connection between breakfast and the community. This commitment to fresh, local fare not only supports farmers but also enriches the dining experience, making breakfasts not just a meal but a celebration of regional agriculture.
Ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Liege waffle and a regular Belgian waffle here?
A Liege waffle at Zinneken’s is sweeter and denser because it’s made with pearl sugar that caramelizes and gives tiny crunchy spots. The lighter Belgian-style waffle is airier and crispier. Kids can think: one is chewy and sweet, the other is light and crisp.
Do I need syrup on the waffles?
Many customers say the waffles are already sweet and buttery enough on their own—one reviewer even wrote, "No need for syrup." You can still add syrup if you like extra sweetness, but these waffles often stand alone like a dessert.
What should I expect from the whipped cream waffle?
The whipped cream waffle pairs light creaminess with the waffle’s texture. Reviewers mention that house-made whipped cream is not overly sweet, so it complements the batter instead of overpowering it.
Are there savory waffle options like eggs Benedict?
Yes. The Zinne-beeny (eggs Benedict on a waffle) and breakfast plates are savory options noted by reviewers. They highlight hollandaise and well-cooked eggs, so savory lovers have a waffle-forward meal choice.
How do the coffees and lattes pair with waffles?
Espresso-based drinks and flavored lattes—like speculoos or pumpkin spice—are frequently recommended alongside waffles. The strong coffee flavors cut through the richness of butter and whipped cream, making each bite feel balanced.
Is the vanilla ice cream on Liege waffles a good combo?
Yes. Several menu items pair Liege waffles with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, slightly crisp waffle plus cold ice cream gives a contrast of temperatures and textures kids usually love.
What’s the deal with oat milk drinks?
One reviewer found the oat cappuccino watery, so if you prefer a thicker non-dairy foam you might want to ask how it’s made. For kids who need milk alternatives, mentioning it helps the barista tailor the drink.
How are the eggs and breakfast potatoes seasoned?
Reviews praise eggs—silky or perfectly cooked—and note that potatoes could use a bit more seasoning. Expect well-prepared eggs and home-style potatoes that are flavorful but not overly spiced, suitable for younger palates.
Are there fruity or chocolate waffle options for picky eaters?
Yes. Menu favorites include Fruit Delight, Strawberry Glamour, Banana Nutella and Oreo Raspberry Chocolate with whipped cream. These offer familiar flavors—fruit, chocolate, banana—that are kid-friendly and easy to enjoy.
What pizzas are most popular at Zinneken's Belgian waffles | Glastonbury?
From the menu, people often pick Fruit Delight and Strawberry Glamour, Strawberries, Zinneken’S Breakfast Plate, Cortado, Avocado Toast, Belgian Speculoos Latte. Reviews highlight consistency more than novelty, so these are safe, crowd-pleasing choices.
Breakfast Through the Ages
Breakfast has come a long way since its early origins, where it was simply the act of breaking the night-long fast. In Connecticut, as in many parts of the young United States, breakfast customs began to transform significantly in the 18th century. Early settlers often relied on humble meals of porridge, made from corn or oats, providing both warmth and sustenance as they started their day. These meals reflected the agricultural lifestyle, emphasizing local grains and seasonal produce. As time marched on, the hearty fare began to evolve into more complex dishes, paving the way for the diverse breakfast traditions we cherish today.
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Connecticut's Premier Pizza Destinations
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Zinneken's Belgian waffles | Glastonbury
331A New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT 06033
★4.6
(456 reviews)
Breakfast on the Frontier
Life on the frontier during the 19th century brought unique breakfast practices, particularly in Connecticut's rural areas. Farmers often enjoyed simple yet filling breakfasts that included baked goods, like cornbread or biscuits, and whatever was fresh from their gardens. Cider, a staple in many households, was commonly part of the morning routine, sometimes even more preferred than water. This not only provided hydration but also a sense of warmth to kick off the day. Breakfast was more than a meal; it was a gathering time for families, strengthening bonds before heading out to work.
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The Rise of Coffee Culture
As the 19th century progressed, coffee began to take center stage in breakfast rituals across Connecticut. Following the Revolutionary War, coffee became a symbol of American independence, replacing tea as the drink of choice. By the mid-1800s, it was common to see families sipping steaming cups of coffee alongside their morning meals. The rich aroma and energizing effects of coffee not only invigorated early risers but also fostered connections, as families would gather around the table to enjoy the day’s first meal together. This practice helped to shape a culture of community and conversation that remains a cherished aspect of breakfast.
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