Is Waffle House Open 24 Hours? Yes, Here Is Why
Yes. Waffle House is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. That includes nights, weekends and big holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The full menu is served at all hours, so you can get a waffle at 3 AM or a burger at 7 AM.
Why does Waffle House never close?
Staying open all the time has been part of the plan since the first restaurant opened on September 5, 1955, in Avondale Estates, Georgia. Founders Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner wanted a place where anyone could get a hot meal and good service at any hour.
The restaurants are small, with a counter, a few booths and an open grill. That makes them easy to run with a small crew through the night. Night shift workers, truck drivers, travelers and late night crowds keep them busy when most places are shut.
Does Waffle House ever close?
Very rarely. A location may close for a short time if a big storm makes it unsafe, if the power or water is out, or if there is not enough staff. In 2020, during the early part of the pandemic, hundreds of locations closed for a while. Most stores went back to 24 hours after that.
The chain is so good at staying open in storms that emergency officials use the Waffle House Index to judge how bad a disaster is.
How many locations are there?
There are about 1,900 restaurants in 25 states, mostly in the South. Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas, Alabama and Texas have the most. The company is still family owned and based in Georgia.
What can you order late at night?
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Classic Waffle | $4.25 to $5.95 |
| Hashbrowns (scattered) | $3.15 to $4.70 |
| All-Star Special | $11.25 to $13.85 |
The All-Star Special is the classic big meal: a waffle, two eggs, hashbrowns or grits, a meat and toast. A Classic Waffle has about 410 calories.
Tips for a late night visit
- Order hashbrowns your way: scattered, smothered with onions, covered with cheese and more.
- Most locations take cards, but cash is handy if you want to tip the grill cook.
- Holiday nights can be busy, so expect a short wait.
See all prices on our Waffle House menu and holiday info in our Thanksgiving and Christmas hours guide. Looking for more late spots? Try our late night fast food guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Waffle House open 24 hours?
Yes. Waffle House is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, holidays included.
Is Waffle House open on Christmas?
Yes. Locations stay open on Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Does Waffle House serve breakfast all day?
Yes. The full menu, breakfast included, is served at all hours.
Does Waffle House ever close?
Rarely. A location may close during a dangerous storm, a power outage or a staff shortage.
How many Waffle House locations are there?
About 1,900 restaurants in 25 states, mostly in the South.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
