As someone who grew up in the Northeast, I didn't know what a Waffle House was until I went on a family vacation south. I had no clue that it was such a massively popular place — and was thrilled when I finally got to sit down to enjoy my first Waffle House waffle.
Now, years later, Waffle House is just as popular and the waffles are just as good. But for all of the Waffle House regulars, there are quite a few secrets that most people have never heard before.
After reading some of these, I won't be looking at these restaurants the same again. For example, I had no idea that the Waffle House test kitchen experiments with new breakfast dishes that aren't even on the normal menu — but they're only served at certain locations. I want to try out the new stuff before everyone else does!
Scroll through below for these 10 Waffle House tips and tidbits. Did we leave any Waffle House secrets off the list? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to SHARE with anyone who grew up eating here on a regular basis!
1. Waffle House Is Literally Open Every Day...
Want waffles? You can literally get them any time of day, any day of the year. Major holidays? Yup, them too!
2. ... But That Doesn't Mean They Bury The Keys
Urban legend says that they bury the keys in cement after opening every new location. This is… false. The doors do have locks, though they are very rarely used.
3. Definitely Try The Not-So-Secret "Secret Menu"
It's not quite a secret, but you can request things that aren't on the menu at a lot of locations. TryNerdy.com suggests asking for Apple Cinnamon Waffles or even "the Double — hash browns concealed by a pair of sunny-side-up eggs."
4. FEMA Uses The "Waffle House Index" To Measure Disasters
Waffle House even has plans to stay open during a disaster. One way FEMA measures hurricane damage is whether Waffle House is fully functional, running a limited menu, or gasp closed!
5. They Serve Enough Bacon Each Year To Stretch Around The Globe
Every minute, 341 strips of bacon are served. That's enough bacon to wrap around the equator each year. So don't worry — Waffle House won't run out of bacon.
6. Certain Locations Act As "Test Kitchens" For Potential New Dishes
Currently testing? Blueberry biscuits, Texas biscuits, and hash brown bowls. Only certain locations have these test items, so you have to check their test kitchen website to see if your restaurant is serving up the new stuff!
7. Can't Find A Waffle House? Try Atlanta!
Atlanta has more Waffle Houses than anywhere. Over 130 of them. Might just be time for a road trip to Georgia!
8. If You Haven't Had Enough, Hit The Museum...
The original Waffle House is now a museum in Avondale Estates, GA. Sixty years of waffle memorabilia are on display for those who just can't get enough WH.
9. ... Or Have Them Cater Your Wedding
The Waffle House food truck will come to you, complete with hats for guests to wear. Why not have waffles for your birthday? Or, better yet, for your wedding?
10. Rest Assured You Aren't Alone
Waffle House is serving a literal ton of food every day. So you aren't alone in your love of WH. How else would they have served up 2.5 billion eggs since they opened in 1955?
Are you a Waffle House fanatic? What other Waffle House secrets did we miss? Let us know in the comments and please SHARE with anyone who grew up loving Waffle House!
