As the waiter welcomed the customers into the lit-up waiting area of Walnut Creek’s Home of Chicken and Waffles, the to-be diners carried with them a smile, a wandering eye and a sense of satisfaction – and all at 1 a.m.

Legitimate food options tend to diminish as the night progresses – but for this small restaurant in Walnut Creek, it is just the opposite.

For a dining experience that leaves you fulfilled with even more than a full stomach, this comfort-food diner is the only one of it’s caliber for it’s hours of operation, or at least out of those in Walnut Creek, and surrounding areas. It is the Roscoe’s of northern California, if you will.

Built to reminisce an upscale ’60s-themed diner, a full bar with specialty cocktails are now available for patrons until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and till closing during the rest of the week.

The bar, which compliments the menu of hearty comfort fare, gets the diners closer to the cooks; and the feel of Southern hospitality is more than present – not just in the food, but in the service as well – making for a very comfortable dining experience, despite the time of night. Four TV’s are also available for diners to watch, spread out in front of the bar stools.

One of the waiters, Josh Phillips, really makes the best out of his late night shifts, by giving earnest advice, pouring stiff drinks, and jokingly assisting customers with his favorite menu options.

Every dish is named after a member of the owner’s family, who gaze down on patrons from vibrant portraits on the bright yellow back wall that lines the booths on the right side of the restaurant.

As if a warm meal late at night wasn’t enough, Motown grooves and funky beats fill the dining room, and continue to play into the night. Couple that with the home style sides such as grits, greens, and mac ‘n’ cheese and you have the perfect recipe to complement the tender and crispy chicken.

The restaurant is now approaching the third anniversary of opening, and they are still going strong. Their sister location in Oakland – in a literal sense, as the owners are from the same family – is approaching their 10th anniversary of opening, which is a milestone in and of itself.

After striking up a conversation with one of the managers, she voiced that as long as the customers are in by four a.m. they will be served a meal, which is a true testament to their late-night service.

So if you are looking for a warm meal late into the night, make the short jaunt to Walnut Creek, because the drive is more than worth it for the quality of food, all options considered.