Waffle House
Waffle House
Hundreds of locations in the US
106 W Terra Lane (Location visited)
O’Fallon, MO
It was my last day in Jefferson City and had to drive to St. Louis to catch my flight back to Canada. Since I was not sure of how light/heavy the traffic would be, I chose to leave relatively early (as early as 6:00 a.m.). I could have had breakfast at the hotel (which was “free”); however, you get what you pay for. Well, it was not bad; it was not good either… Anyway, this post is not about the hotel’s “free” continental breakfast but Waffle House, as the name suggests, a restaurant where waffle is the supposedly the main item. Between Jefferson City and St. Louis I think I saw at least 4 locations. But, every time there was a sign telling me one was coming, I missed that exit (and I was driving on the rightmost lane the whole time!). Fortunately (?), when I was close to St. Louis, traffic was starting to get heavy and, well, finally took the correct exit, hehehehe.
Of course, the question is… Why Waffle House? No particular reason other than because I wanted to try something that I couldn’t find here and, somehow, Waffle House caught my attention. And, then, it begs the question: do I like waffles? The answer would be yes and no – it depends on what is used to make the batter and how they are made (read: the waffle machine).
As I walked in, I was given the option to choose where ever I wanted. I sat and smell something… No, not that sweet aroma of batter being cooked in the machines, or that of fat sizzling on the hot pan/griddles… Instead, it was that of cigarettes… It seems they do not have a no-smoking policy. As a result, I asked to move to another table at the other end of the dining room.
Once again, the question, what do you order in a restaurant called Waffle House? Once again, waffles, of course! But, what else? For an odd reason, I thought they might have chicken and waffles; I was disappointed. Anyway, the menu did not really caught my attention and ended up ordering two slices of sausage to go along and orange juice for drink.
The waffles were the buttermilk version. Though I had the option to add pecans or chocolate chips, I chose to keep it basic. Unfortunately, after eating the first bite I regretted that decision. It was bland and barely crispy. No matter how much butter and syrup (not maple syrup, mind you…) I added, it did not change a thing. Since I was hungry (I was on the road for 2 hours already), I did not say a thing and just ate it. As for the sausage, it was dry without any redeeming quality. Overall, it was a disappointment. Somehow I wished I had gone to White Castle (which I have not been either) instead. Oh, well, next time, I guess…
I was hoping to see Chicken n’ Waffles on your plate when I read Waffle House, but alas, only a sub par Sausage n’ Waffles experience. You sure are taking one for the team with this meal.
awww i’m sorry that meal was not good at all.
Raidar, I wonder if I myself am creating some sort of expectations when I see/go to this places. I mean, it is a chain restaurant at the end of the day! Regardless, come to think about it, chicken and waffles tend to be more of a southern dish than midwest. I should have known…
Pearl, no need to be sorry. Once in a while, I have to have really crappy meals to be able to enjoy and value the other ones.
True enough about the chicken and waffles being southern, it still seems to be the first thing that pops in my head these days though when I think of a waffle houses in the States. One day I’ll head down to Hollywood just so I can step into Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles!
Like you said, I’m not sure what you were expecting from a chain restaurant. It is what it is. No offense, but it’s kind of like writing a review on McDonald’s (or the free continental breakfast at the hotel), you’re not really telling anyone anything they didn’t already know. And as for the chicken and waffles thing, although St. Louis does have some good soul food (southern) restaurants that serve this dish, it makes me doubt your foodie knowledge and experience that you expected this dish at a chain restaurant in St. Louis. You take good photos, however your little copyright/advertisement label placements are a bit tacky.
EcoEric, welcome and thanks for your comments! Foodie? No, no, you got it wrong, I have never considered myself one. I am always learning new things so I appreciate you explain the southern food part in St. Louis. Notice I was not the only one that had the same thoughts/expectations/misconceptions. (Sorry about this, raidar!). But, I guess that’s partially because I do not live in the region, not to mention there are no Waffle House here in Vancouver! About the note on copyright notice, can you be a bit more specific? Or, a suggestion for alternatives? I am always open to suggestions.
Sorry you didn’t like the waffles. The pecan waffles are usually good, nice and crisp. They have good hash browns, you can get them several different ways. Maybe the cook wasn’t that good on the day you went. I’ve been to this particular Waffle House before. It is very close to my house. The waitresses there had very dirty mouths, even dropping f-bombs. That’s the reason we have not returned. Give White Castle a try next time you come this way. They have tiny hamburgers but they have a lot of flavor.
You are very sweet Pearl. @Pearl
Pam, welcome! I have no complains about the waitresses. It was not good; it was not bad. (Actually, come to think about it, I did have a problem because I needed the receipt to claim the breakfast as an expense). As for next time, well, it depends if I am sent to the Mid-West again! Oh, isn’t Pearl a real sweetie?
I’m going to throw myself up here and say that your culinary journey is a continual learning adventure. I, for one, am not expecting some ‘lonely planet’ or ‘michelin guide’ knowledge from your posts and don’t think I would visit as much if there wasn’t the personal side reflected each day.
With that said, I don’t think you need to be an expert on each food subject or region to make a quality blog. Sometimes, in my experience, it makes for a more enjoyable dining experience if you don’t know what you are to ‘expect’.
Did I see chicken n’ waffles when I read your post – no. Was it the first thing that enter my mind when I saw the bright yellow waffle house building – yes. I don’t think that’s wrong. I rarely hear, see, or read about a waffle dish in the states without reference to Roscoe’s original dish. Now this doesn’t mean I believe every waffle house serves chicken, but the thoughts co-mingle every time the subject comes up.
I understand being from the great white that you wouldn’t have much experience with USA eateries, in my honest opinion Waffle House certainly is *NOT* a place worth the critque. I live in the south, and none of the waffle houses here do the chicken and waffles thing either. Next time you come to the USA, be sure and seek out an IHOP (International House of Pancakes) instead. The menu is far superior and the food quality is a lot better. I do not care for waffle house at all and try to avoid it unless nothing else is around.