Walk into any Waffle House and the menu looks simple. It is, but some orders are clearly better than others. After eating our way through the menu more times than we’d like to admit, here is our honest ranking of the best things to order at Waffle House, from “order this tonight” down to “fine, but you can do better.”
Prices below are typical ranges. Waffle House has about 2,000 locations and each one sets its own prices, so your local store may be a little higher or lower. See how we check prices.
Quick List: Our Top 12
| Rank | Item | Typical Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hashbrowns scattered, smothered & covered | $3.75–$4.75 | 300–400 |
| 2 | Pecan Waffle | $5.25–$6.25 | 560 |
| 3 | All-Star Special | $10.30–$13.85 | 1,000–1,100 |
| 4 | Texas Bacon Patty Melt | $9.75–$11.25 | 900+ with hashbrowns |
| 5 | T-Bone Steak & Eggs | $14–$18 | 900–1,000 |
| 6 | Classic Waffle | $4.75–$5.50 | 410 |
| 7 | Chili Bowl | $5.50–$6.25 | varies |
| 8 | Texas Cheesesteak Melt | $9.25–$9.95 | 800+ with hashbrowns |
| 9 | Bacon, Egg & Cheese Omelet | $8–$11 | 650–750 |
| 10 | Grits with cheese | $3–$4 | 200–250 |
| 11 | Angus Hamburger Deluxe | $9.50–$10.25 | varies |
| 12 | Chocolate Chip Waffle | $5.25–$6.25 | 505 |
1. Hashbrowns, Scattered, Smothered & Covered
If you order one thing, make it hashbrowns. They are spread thin on the flat-top and cooked until the edges crunch. “Scattered” means spread out on the grill, “smothered” adds grilled onions and “covered” adds melted cheese. That combo is the most popular order in the restaurant for a reason.
Want to go further? Add “chunked” (ham) or “capped” (mushrooms). Our hashbrowns guide explains all nine toppings and what each one costs.
2. Pecan Waffle
The classic waffle is good. The pecan waffle is better. The pecans go onto the batter in the iron, so they toast while the waffle cooks. It is crispy outside, soft inside and costs less than a dollar more than the plain one. Read our full pecan waffle review.
3. All-Star Special
This is the best value on the menu. You get a waffle, two eggs, bacon or sausage, toast or a biscuit, and hashbrowns or grits. That is a full diner breakfast for around the price of one entrée at most sit-down chains. See our breakdown of the All-Star Special.
4. Texas Bacon Patty Melt
Two thick slices of Texas toast, a grilled beef patty, bacon, cheese and grilled onions. It is greasy in the best way. Ask for your hashbrowns scattered and covered on the side and you have the best late-night meal under about $12. Compare every melt in our Texas melts ranking.
5. T-Bone Steak & Eggs
A T-bone at a 24-hour diner sounds like a gamble, but it works. The steak is cooked on the same grill as everything else, to the doneness you ask for. It is the priciest plate on the menu, and still cheaper than a steakhouse. Details in our steak and eggs guide.
6. Classic Waffle
The one that started it all in 1955. The batter is a little sweet, so a light pour of syrup is plenty. Ask for it “dark” if you like it extra crisp.
7. Chili Bowl
Waffle House chili is thick, beefy and not too spicy. Order it over hashbrowns (“topped”) or on its own with crackers. It is one of the best calorie-per-dollar picks on the board.
8. Texas Cheesesteak Melt
Thin sliced steak, grilled onions and cheese on Texas toast. Not a Philly cheesesteak, but a very good diner version of one.
9. Bacon, Egg & Cheese Omelet
Waffle House omelets are whipped until fluffy, so they come out tall and soft. This one is the safe pick. If you want more flavor, add jalapeños.
10. Grits With Cheese
Grits are a cheap side that many first-timers skip. Get them with cheese and a pat of butter and they turn into real comfort food.
11. Angus Hamburger Deluxe
A quarter-pound Angus patty with lettuce, tomato and onion. Solid, but the Texas melts are more fun.
12. Chocolate Chip Waffle
Good for kids and anyone with a sweet tooth. With syrup on top it is very sweet, so we would rather have the pecan.
What to Skip (or Change)
- Plain toast as your only side. You are at Waffle House. Get hashbrowns or grits.
- Asking for pancakes. They do not have them. Here’s why.
- “All the way” hashbrowns on your first visit. Every topping at once is a lot. Start with smothered and covered, then build up.
Best Order by Situation
| Situation | What to Order |
|---|---|
| First visit | All-Star Special with hashbrowns scattered & covered |
| Late night | Texas Bacon Patty Melt + hashbrowns |
| Tight budget | Classic waffle + coffee |
| Big appetite | T-Bone & Eggs |
| Lighter meal | Two eggs, plain hashbrowns, sliced tomatoes |
| Something sweet | Pecan waffle |
For lighter picks, see our high-protein menu and keto and low-carb guide.
FAQ
What is the most popular thing at Waffle House?
The classic waffle and hashbrowns are the most ordered items. The All-Star Special is the most popular full plate.
What should I order at Waffle House for the first time?
Get the All-Star Special and ask for your hashbrowns scattered, smothered and covered. You will try almost everything Waffle House is known for in one meal.
What is the best cheap item at Waffle House?
A classic waffle or an order of hashbrowns, both usually under $6. See our list of the cheapest things at Waffle House.
Is the steak at Waffle House good?
For the price, yes. The T-bone is cooked to order on the grill and comes with eggs and a side.
Find your closest store with our Waffle House near me page, or browse the full menu with prices.
