Why do foods that you could easily cook at home for free taste so much better at the Waffle House? I sure don't know, but it's true. I'd never heard of the Waffle House before I met my husband but was a fan since the first time he took me to one. For me there's something really soulful about the Waffle House, it's just this old fashioned, honest kind of place that's very American. It reminds me somehow of that famous Edward Hopper painting Nighthawks .The Waffle House is comforting because it never tries to be hip, it's not ironic, and it never changes. It doesn't offer healthy salads, just patty melts, hash browns, eggs and bacon, waffles of course, 24 hours a day...heaven. Now I actually like and really couldn't live without irony, salads and change (hipness, not so much) but I just get happy when I drive by the Waffle House, it's dependable, you know, like an old friend.
One itsy bitsy complaint, they are trying to jump on the good coffee band wagon and claim that their coffee is some special "Arabica" blend. But really they're coffee is the same coffee you got everywhere before Starbucks came along, in other words it's pretty bad despite the fancy newish coffee logo they put on their cups. But that's really ok with me, if their coffee was actually good it might make me worry a 
little that some Gen Xer was running the company and was gonna mess with the perfection that is the Waffle House. 
We ended up there Saturday after getting lost trying to find this pumpkin patch which sadly seems to have gone out of business. Anyway, we were starving when we got there so everything tasted that much better...
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i love waffle house!!! it was the refuge you sought after after studying late in college. my friend and i had the jukebox memorised. i love their grits and toast and they do have salads with good ole iceberg lettuce. lol. we lived in south texas for the past 7 years and not a waffle house in sight. we just moved back to arkansas and i have brainwashed my kids with the awesomeness of waffle house. why not brain wash them with something good. lol.
Posted by: jeanetta | October 21, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Here in the midwest, it's the IHOP we love.
(International House of Pancakes) Open 24hrs..and has waffles too.....*S*
Same ambiance - nice big portions when you're really hungry. I hope none of these chains ever need to close.
Posted by: Sequana | October 21, 2007 at 11:03 AM
IHOP is a fine establishment, but surely does not rise to the level of awesomeness that WH has achieved. Am also dubious of IHOP's claim of being "international"
Posted by: WH Fan | October 21, 2007 at 11:34 AM
I adore coffee shops & diners! They are comforting & unpretensious. Throw in a sassy/friendly waitress, too. But, I've always found the ones I've been to have really great coffee.
Posted by: tammyCA | October 21, 2007 at 04:25 PM
Love the coffee cup and of course all the lovely family photos. Sorry we'll miss you at Fall MArket but see you in Porland!!!!
Posted by: Pam | October 21, 2007 at 06:39 PM
I love the way the waitresses in the WH yell out the order in that old fashioned diner code..."I need two smashed, scattered and smothered!" and how they call everyone Hon whether you are male or female, young or old! I can only eat there occasionally (I need more salads and protein, less carbs and sugar!) but it is an experience when I let myself go. Literally and figuratively! Love those new mugs...might have to steal one someday.
Posted by: Lisa | October 21, 2007 at 07:09 PM
oh, the best comfort food! I love places like this! the weekends are the best time to let yourself go! I call saturday "my free day" anything goes!
I wanted to tell you I wrote a small entry about you today. I made a ruffle dress for my daughter!
Posted by: katie | October 21, 2007 at 07:49 PM
Sounds like a wonderful place. I don't think that we have any waffle houses here in Australia.
Tanya I have tagged you for a meme if you would like to join in.
Posted by: Sarah | October 21, 2007 at 09:13 PM
OMG! I was also in heaven when I first stepped into a Waffle house. It was during a trip to Atlanta....for some weird reason there is no WH beyond Maryland ( if you come N)..I can only see a sign for WH on 95 if we drive 40 minutes south, out of state.
I have to say...for a meal at WH I would save all my points (WW)!!!
Thanks for reminding me of such a great experience....
Posted by: Anary | October 22, 2007 at 07:32 AM
looks like good yummy fun!
Posted by: Laurie | October 22, 2007 at 10:22 AM
Found your blog via Silly little Doe. Great blog you have!
Being on the west coast, this is the first I've ever heard of the Waffle House. We have something like that here on the Oregon coast... The Pig n Pancake (which we lovingly call "The Pig"). I love it and too hope they never change.
Posted by: happy zombie | October 22, 2007 at 10:54 AM
The Waffle houses here in our neck of the woods are nasty! We ate at one when we first moved here (Arizona) and the food was just gross and the service awful.
I too love to eat out and breakfast is my favorite meal to eat out. Despite the fact that I don't appreciate the Waffle House, I have found some great hole in the wall breakfast places!
Posted by: Apples on a Stick | October 22, 2007 at 07:04 PM
I've never been to one...but I will now if I have a chance.
Posted by: amandajean | October 22, 2007 at 08:31 PM
The Waffle House, IHOP, The Pig...whatever is your favorite - get out and eat the diners & dives. It's all Americana and I love it!
Chris
Posted by: Chris Brown | October 23, 2007 at 08:48 AM