Waffle House and Huddle House are both Southern diners born in Georgia, and both are known for hashbrowns, waffles and late nights. People mix them up all the time. But they are not the same restaurant, and they feel different once you sit down. Here is how Waffle House vs Huddle House compares.
Quick Comparison
| Waffle House | Huddle House | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1955, Avondale Estates, Georgia | 1964, Decatur, Georgia |
| Locations | About 2,000 | A little over 200 |
| Where you find it | 25 states, mostly the South | About 21 states, South and Midwest |
| Hours | Open 24/7 | Breakfast all day; hours vary by location |
| Known for | Waffles, hashbrowns, counter seating | Big breakfast platters, larger menu |
| Menu size | Small, focused | Bigger, more variety |
| Pancakes | No | Yes |
| Typical meal price | $8–$14 | Similar to slightly higher |
Locations and hours change, so check each chain’s site for your area.
Menu: Small and Focused vs Big and Varied
Waffle House keeps its menu short on purpose. Waffles, eggs, hashbrowns, grits, Texas melts, burgers and a few steak and chop plates. Almost everything is cooked on one open grill in front of you. The short menu is why orders come out fast.
Huddle House has a larger menu, with stuffed omelets, biscuits and sausage gravy, pancakes and even appetizers like fried pickles and cheesy bacon fries. If your group can’t agree on what they want, Huddle House usually has something for everyone.
Winner: Huddle House for variety. Waffle House for doing a few things very well.
Waffles
Waffle House sells more waffles than almost anyone, and it shows. The batter is slightly sweet, the edges are crisp and you can add pecans, chocolate chips or peanut butter chips. See the full waffle menu.
Huddle House makes round waffles stamped with an “HH” in the center. They are good, but they are one item on a bigger menu, not the main event.
Winner: Waffle House.
Hashbrowns
Both chains offer hashbrowns with toppings, and both let you load them up with cheese and onions. Waffle House has the famous “scattered, smothered and covered” ordering style with nine toppings, explained in our hashbrowns guide.
Winner: Waffle House, mostly for the ordering ritual and the crispy edges.
Prices
Both are budget diners. A full breakfast plate at either one usually lands between about $8 and $14. Huddle House platters tend to be larger, so the price per plate can be a bit higher, but you often get more food. Waffle House prices are in our menu with prices.
Winner: Tie. Waffle House for a cheap small meal, Huddle House for a big plate.
Hours
Waffle House is famous for never closing. Its stores stay open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and even stay open during many storms, which led to the Waffle House Index. Read more in our Waffle House hours guide.
Huddle House uses the motto “Any Meal. Any Time.” and serves breakfast all day, but its hours vary more from one location to the next. Check your local store before a late-night trip.
Winner: Waffle House.
Atmosphere
Waffle House is a counter-and-booth diner where you can watch the cook. It is loud, quick and casual, and the staff call orders out loud. Our Waffle House lingo guide explains what they’re saying.
Huddle House feels more like a traditional family restaurant, with a quieter dining room and a bit more space.
Winner: Depends on you. Fun and fast: Waffle House. Calm and roomy: Huddle House.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Waffle House if you want a great waffle, crispy hashbrowns, a fast meal or food at 3 a.m. anywhere in the South.
- Choose Huddle House if you want pancakes, a bigger menu or a quieter sit-down breakfast.
Also comparing other chains? Read Waffle House vs IHOP and Waffle House vs Denny’s.
FAQ
Is Huddle House the same as Waffle House?
No. They are separate companies. Huddle House was started by John Sparks in Decatur, Georgia. Both started in Georgia and both serve Southern breakfast, but they have different owners, menus and recipes.
Which is older, Waffle House or Huddle House?
Waffle House is older. It opened in 1955. Huddle House opened in 1964.
Does Huddle House have pancakes?
Yes, pancakes are on the Huddle House breakfast menu. Waffle House does not serve them. Here’s why.
Which is cheaper?
Prices are close. Waffle House is usually a little cheaper for single items like a waffle or hashbrowns.
