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Waffle House is a legendary, 24-hour food chain that holds a special place in the hearts of many. It’s not just a regular eatery; it’s a source of superfan adoration. And if your love for this chain knows no bounds, whether through merchandise or perhaps even a stint working at Waffle House like Lana del Rey, it’s time to embark on a journey to Decatur, Georgia.
There, you’ll discover the Waffle House Museum, located in Avondale Estates at the site where the very first Waffle House establishment once stood. Delving into the in-depth story of this diner is like taking a stroll down a memory lane that is truly iconic. However, unlike the countless other locations across the country that are reliable stops along the way, this museum comes with its own set of challenges. The waitlist to enter stretches for a remarkable six months.
Plan ahead meticulously, and you’ll be rewarded with a meticulously recreated version of the original restaurant that Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner opened on Labor Day almost seven decades ago. Stepping through the doors is like taking a trip back in time, as every detail has been carefully preserved to mirror the era it represents, from the chrome-trimmed counters to the classic menu boards.
| Photo courtesy of Waffle House
This place is also brimming with over 60 years’ worth of the restaurant’s fascinating memorabilia, offering a captivating glimpse into the storied past of the chain. Among the exhibits are old mugs, vintage menus, and uniforms from different decades, each piece telling a part of the Waffle House narrative. Visitors can witness how the menu has evolved over the years, with some items standing the test of time while others have come and gone.
One of the museum’s most renowned features is its reconstruction of the diner’s bar and grill area from the early days. Although it doesn’t function as a functioning Waffle House, guests can still sit at the counter just as the customers did back in the 1950s or even don a Waffle House hat and pretend to be part of the crew.
The exhibit floor goes beyond just the physical artifacts, presenting multimedia elements that bring the Waffle House story to life. The museum delves into the renowned “Waffle House Index,” which is used by FEMA to gauge the severity of storms, and visitors can also listen to recordings of the founders to learn about the origin and growth of the chain. A jukebox filled with classic tunes adds to the nostalgic ambience, providing the perfect soundtrack for the museum experience.
Located at 2719 E. College Ave., the Waffle House Museum is free to visit, but due to its popularity, visits are by appointment only. This year, the museum will hold an open house on September 7 and December 7 from 11 am to 2 pm. However, private tours are already fully booked for the remainder of 2024. Those eager to visit in 2025 can start scheduling tours as early as December of this year through the Waffle House Museum website.
Okla Jones
is an Atlanta-based journalist who writes about food, fine arts, and entertainment. His work also appears in ESSENCE
, Creative Loafing Atlanta
, and Consequence of Sound
. Follow him on Instagram at
@coolhandoak
