Navigating the Menu: The Best of Waffle House vs. The Worst
Waffle House is a cultural institution, a beacon of greasy, satisfying comfort food available 24/7. But for every crispy waffle and perfectly scattered hash brown, there are menu items that simply don't deliver. The restaurant's strength lies in its classic griddle-cooked breakfast fare, while its attempts to branch out into other categories often fall flat. Learning to navigate the menu means understanding where their expertise lies and what dishes are better left for a different restaurant.
Items That Often Miss the Mark
- Chicken and Waffles: Unlike the Southern delicacy that features crispy, fried chicken, Waffle House uses its signature grilled chicken. The result is a mismatched pairing of a fluffy waffle and dry, flavorless chicken, failing to capture the magic of the traditional dish.
- Pecan Pie: The dessert options, especially the pecan pie, are often disappointing. Reviewers note it lacks freshness, with a soggy crust and overly sweet, cloying filling that tastes far from homemade.
- Covered Hash Browns: While the hash browns are a highlight, ordering them just "covered"—with a single slice of unmelted American cheese—is a lazy and unappetizing option. The cheese often sits on top like a piece of plastic, failing to integrate with the potatoes.
- Bert's Chili: The chili is a frequent target of criticism, tasting like it came straight from a can. It contains minimal beef and has an unappealing, gooey texture, making it a poor choice for a hearty, savory meal.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: The grilled chicken itself can be notoriously dry, and when combined with often wilted vegetables, it makes for a sad, uninspired sandwich that lacks the buttery richness Waffle House is known for.
- Coffee: Many patrons report that the coffee can be either too bitter or too watery, sometimes tasting burnt. For a dedicated coffee drinker, it's best to save that part of your meal for a separate stop.
- Grits: According to a patron survey, grits are the most disliked item on the menu. They are often described as bland or undercooked, leaving much to be desired for a Southern staple.
Sticking to What Waffle House Does Best
The best advice is to stick to the menu's strengths: the classic breakfast items cooked on the flat-top grill. The waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, and customized hash browns (scattered, smothered, and covered is the proper way) are where the cooks truly shine. The limited, fresh-made ingredients are consistently used for these items, leading to reliable quality. Ordering the All-Star Special is often a safe bet, as it includes a bit of everything Waffle House does well. For those seeking more substantial fare, the patty melts and burgers are generally a better option than the chicken or pork chops, benefiting from the same greasy griddle expertise that makes the breakfast so beloved.
Comparison: Good vs. Bad Menu Choices
| Hit (What to Order) | Miss (What Not to Order) | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| All-Star Special | Chicken and Waffles | Focuses on breakfast classics, avoids subpar grilled chicken. |
| Pecan Waffle | Peanut Butter Chip Waffle | Nutty, crunchy flavor is superior to the underwhelming peanut butter chips. |
All-the-Way Hash Browns |
Covered Hash Browns | Properly distributed toppings vs. a single slice of cheese. |
| Sausage and Eggs | Pork Chop Dinner | Sausage is a breakfast staple; pork chops are often dry and overcooked. |
| Patty Melt | Grilled Ham and Cheese | A substantial, flavorful melt vs. a basic, boring sandwich. |
Conclusion: The Waffle House Golden Rule
When visiting Waffle House, the golden rule is to stick to the basics. The charm and satisfaction of a Waffle House meal come from its iconic, griddle-cooked breakfast items. The waffles are fresh, the hash browns are customizable, and the eggs are cracked right in front of you. By avoiding the more ambitious, less-frequently-ordered menu items, you can ensure a consistent and delicious diner experience. The key is to order for what the cooks are known for, not what you might expect from a different type of restaurant. After all, you don't go to Waffle House for fine dining, but for reliable and tasty diner food done right. For more specific insight, check out Tasting Table's take on the dishes to avoid.
