• I ate at a Waffle House in Florida for the first time ever in February.
  • I had a great experience, and found the All-Star Breakfast to be a great value at just over $11.
  • I especially enjoyed my waffle and appreciated the friendly employees at the restaurant.
  • Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

I ate at a Waffle House at the first time this month, and I found the experience as sweet as maple syrup.

First, some context. I grew up in New York, but I’m afraid that’s no excuse for my lack of experience with the iconic Southern chain. I went to school in Virginia, where the boxy, yellow signs aren’t an uncommon sight along the road. My go-to was always IHOP, however.

My friend and I decided to grab a late breakfast while vacationing in Orlando, Florida. We’d broken our fast at an IHOP the day before, so I suggested that we try Waffle House instead.

Here’s my account of my first ever meal at Waffle House:


We arrived at a location nestled amidst a strip mall in Orlando. This restaurant didn't boast the chain's classic, slightly ominous square sign.

Foto: The Waffle House I visited in Orlando. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

My only real perception of the chain was that it's known for remaining open during devastating natural disasters. So I didn't know what to expect.

Foto: An awkward pre-brunch selfie. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

Inside, the restaurant was clean and relatively empty. We'd missed the breakfast crowd. There were only a few customers at the counter and seated throughout the small breakfast joint.

Foto: Inside the Waffle House. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

The employees were friendly as we walked in, and the whole vibe of the place was calm and welcoming.

Foto: The Waffle House was clean and not too crowded. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

I followed my friend's advice and ordered the All-Star Breakfast, a classic combo that features a waffle, buttered toast, grits, two eggs, and a side of bacon.

Foto: The menu revealed some tempting options. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

I also went for the coffee, which our friendly and attentive waitress brought us right away.

Foto: My Waffle House coffee. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

Next, she served us our waffles, so that we'd get them hot and fresh. They came topped with a tiny tub of Waffle House's mysterious "whipped spread."

Foto: The show-stopper. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

The concoction came with a long list of ingredients, but that didn't stop me from smearing it all over my waffle.

Foto: I went a bit nuts with the "whipped spread." Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

Not too heavy and not too thin, the waffle was crispy, golden joy. I finished the whole thing before the rest of my breakfast arrived.

Foto: I took a lot of pictures of my first Waffle House waffle. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

That waffle was a tough act to follow, but the rest of the All-Star team put up a good effort.

Foto: The rest of the breakfast couldn't compete with the waffle. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

In my view, you can't really go wrong with a little bacon.

Foto: The side of bacon I got at Waffle House. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

While the toast wasn't much to write home about, I thought the grits were a nice diversion from my usual Northern eating habits.

Foto: An unflinching, grits-y look at breakfast. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

The late breakfast was filling and satisfying without feeling too heavy. For me, the All-Star Breakfast lived up to its name.

Foto: The meal was quite filling. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

And the price was unbeatable. The whole miniature smorgasbord only cost $11.08 all together.

Foto: The breakfast was a great value. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

A great waffle and excellent service makes for a wholly enjoyable brunch in my view.

Foto: Inside the Waffle House. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider

My experience at Waffle House subverted my expectations. I'd definitely stop by for another waffle if I happen upon one the next time I'm in the South.

Foto: Post-Waffle House selfie. Source: Áine Cain / Business Insider