Waffle House isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an American tradition. Known for being open 24/7, offering comfort food, and serving up Southern-style breakfasts at any hour of the day or night, Waffle House has built a loyal customer base over the decades. Whether you’re travelling on a road trip, craving hashbrowns after midnight, or simply love a good waffle, this place has become a cultural staple in the United States.
This article covers everything you need to know about Waffle House: history, prices, number of locations, top menu items, customer reviews, and more.
1. What is Waffle House?
Founded in 1955 in Avondale Estates, Georgia, Waffle House was created by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner to offer 24-hour diner service with affordable prices and friendly staff.
It quickly grew into one of the most recognizable restaurant chains in the American South, and now has thousands of locations that operate non-stop—365 days a year.
Key Facts:
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Founded: 1955
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Founders: Joe Rogers Sr. & Tom Forkner
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Headquarters: Norcross, Georgia, USA
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Open 24/7: Yes, including holidays
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Style: American Southern diner
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Famous for: Waffles, hashbrowns, breakfast combos
2. Number of Locations (as of 2025)
As of mid-2025, Waffle House operates approximately:
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2,028 restaurants across 25 U.S. states
Distribution:
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Heavily concentrated in the Southern United States
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Georgia leads with ≈446 locations
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Present in states like Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, and more
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Absent from over 30 states, including California, New York, Washington, and Oregon
Top States by Location Count:
| State | Approx. Locations |
|---|---|
| Georgia | 446 |
| Florida | 192 |
| North Carolina | 185 |
| South Carolina | 178 |
| Alabama | 159 |
| Tennessee | 141 |
| Texas | 130 |
3. Menu & Prices
Waffle House is known for its affordable prices and simple, satisfying meals. Here’s a look at the pricing and popular items:
Breakfast Combos
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| All-Star Special (eggs, meat, toast, waffle, hashbrowns) | $8.50 – $10.50 |
| Breakfast Sandwich | $4.50 – $6.00 |
| Steak & Eggs | $9.00 – $11.50 |
Waffles
| Waffle Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic Waffle | $3.00 – $4.00 |
| Pecan Waffle | $3.50 – $4.50 |
| Toppings (chocolate chips, PB, etc.) | +$0.50 – $1.00 each |
Meat Sides
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bacon | $3.00 |
| Sausage | $3.00 |
| Ham | $3.50 |
Build-Your-Own Hashbrowns
| Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Regular | $2.50 |
| With Toppings (cheese, onions, etc.) | +$0.50 – $1.00 each |
| Fully Loaded (Triple with all toppings) | ~$5.50 |
Sandwiches & Burgers
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Patty Melt | $5.00 – $6.50 |
| Cheeseburger | $4.50 – $6.00 |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | $5.50 – $7.00 |
Drinks & Extras
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee | $2.00 |
| Soft Drinks | $2.00 – $2.50 |
| Toast / Biscuit | $1.50 |
| Grits | $2.00 |
4. Egg Surcharge Controversy
In 2024–2025, Waffle House introduced a $0.50 surcharge per egg due to rising costs caused by the bird flu outbreak. This caused customer backlash:
“It’s not temporary—it’s printed on the menu!” – Reddit user
“The food shrunk while the bill grew.” – Customer complaint
Despite this, the surcharge is still active in 2025 and is affecting how customers view the value they get from their meals.
5. Customer Reviews (2025)
Waffle House reviews vary widely by location. Some diners praise the food and service, while others report poor hygiene and slow service.
Average Ratings:
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ConsumerAffairs: 2.6 / 5
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PissedConsumer: 2.3 / 5
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Google (varies by location): 3.5 – 4.5 / 5
Positive Feedback
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Friendly and fast service (especially during late hours)
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Affordable prices and big portions
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“Feels like home” experience for regulars
Negative Feedback
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Inconsistent food quality (cold hashbrowns, burnt waffles)
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Cleanliness issues at certain locations
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Poor communication (many stores do not answer phones)
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Difficulty with takeout orders or refunds
“Food was fulfilling and timely.” – ConsumerAffairs
“Staff yelled across the dining area. Syrup missing. Tables sticky.” – PissedConsumer
“Can’t even call to place a to-go order anymore!” – Trustpilot
6. Reddit & Community Reactions
Reddit users share a mix of love and frustration:
“Waffle House is a blessing. Made fresh. Feels like home.”
“They ruined the waffles with the new irons—they’re thinner now.”
“Used to love it… now it’s expensive and inconsistent.”
Some loyal fans don’t mind the flaws, saying it’s part of the charm. Others have stopped going due to price hikes and service declines.
7. Summary: Is Waffle House Still Worth It in 2025?
Reasons to Go:
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Reliable food 24/7
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Budget-friendly (especially breakfast)
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Good for road trips, late-night meals, or hangouts
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Iconic American diner culture
Things to Consider:
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Quality varies heavily by location
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Recent egg surcharge and menu price increases
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Some branches lack phone ordering or online support
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Cleanliness and service are hit-or-miss
Final Thoughts
Waffle House remains a beloved American diner chain—not because it’s fancy, but because it’s familiar, affordable, and always open. It’s where people go for quick comfort food, where road trippers stop at midnight, and where Southern hospitality still shines in many locations.
While reviews and experiences differ, one thing remains true: Waffle House is a cultural icon, and for many, no road trip or weekend breakfast is complete without it.
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