Waffle House Lunch Menu – Full Menu, Prices & All-Day Options
The waffle house lunch menu offers far more variety than many people realize, extending well beyond the breakfast-centric reputation that defines Waffle House’s brand identity. Whether you’re looking for hearty sandwiches, grilled proteins, or customizable combo meals, the lunch menu at waffle house delivers comfort food at unbeatable prices, available at virtually any hour of the day.
What makes Waffle House’s waffle house menu lunch truly unique is that lunch items aren’t limited to traditional midday hours. The restaurant’s all-day, all-items approach means you can order a burger and hash browns at 8 AM, eggs and waffles at 2 PM, or a steak at midnight. This flexibility transforms how you think about casual dining, making Waffle House a reliable choice whenever hunger strikes, regardless of the time.
This comprehensive guide covers everything about the waffle house lunch menu—from classic burgers and sandwiches to grilled proteins and innovative hashbrown bowls, complete with pricing, location variations, and strategies for ordering the best lunch value. Understanding the full scope of lunch offerings helps you make informed choices and discover menu items you might have overlooked.
Does Waffle House Serve Lunch All Day?
Yes, Waffle House serves its complete lunch menu twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week at the vast majority of their locations. This all-day lunch availability is one of the chain’s defining characteristics and a key reason customers return repeatedly.
Understanding the All-Day Menu Concept
Waffle House operates with a unified menu where breakfast, lunch, and dinner items coexist seamlessly on the same offerings. This means the lunch waffle house menu isn’t restricted to 11 AM to 2 PM or any other traditional lunch timeframe. Instead, you access the same burgers, sandwiches, grilled plates, and specialty items whether you visit at noon, midnight, or 3 AM.
The restaurant doesn’t switch menus at different times of day. Kitchen staff maintains the same setup, equipment, and ingredient inventory throughout twenty-four-hour operation, ensuring every menu item is available at all hours. This operational consistency distinguishes Waffle House from competitors who restrict certain items to specific meal periods.
The lunch breakfast waffle house menu Overlap
The beauty of Waffle House’s approach is that breakfast and lunch items intermingle throughout the day. You could order eggs and waffles (breakfast) alongside someone ordering a burger and fries (lunch), and both are equally valid choices at any hour.
This lunch breakfast waffle house menu integration means shift workers fueling up before night shifts can enjoy traditional lunch items. College students studying at 2 AM can grab a burger. Business travelers can order a grilled chicken plate at breakfast time. The flexibility accommodates every scheduling need and preference.
The lunch dinner waffle house menu Connection
Similarly, lunch items transition seamlessly into dinner service. The waffle house lunch dinner menu concept means that items ordered at noon—burgers, steak plates, grilled chicken—remain the same items available at 6 PM and midnight. Many customers use “lunch” and “dinner” as interchangeable terms at Waffle House because the same menu serves both traditional meal times.
Why All-Day Availability Matters
The dinner lunch waffle house menu unified approach removes scheduling constraints. You’re never forced to choose breakfast because it’s 9 AM, or skip lunch items because it’s 10 PM. This flexibility has made Waffle House essential for various customer segments:
- Shift Workers — People working night shifts grab lunch items at midnight
- Travelers — Those driving through can order lunch at any hour
- Students — Late-night study sessions are fueled by lunch items ordered at 2 AM
- Families — Parents with varying schedules can bring children to Waffle House knowing the complete menu is available
This revolutionary approach to restaurant hours and menu availability has influenced the casual dining industry and remains one of Waffle House’s greatest strengths.
Waffle House Full Lunch Menu
Burgers & Sandwiches
Waffle House’s sandwich and burger selection provides satisfying options for those seeking handheld meals or classic combinations. Each item is flame-grilled to order with extensive customization options.
Classic Hamburger — A simple, high-quality hamburger made with fresh ground beef, grilled to your specifications. Dressed with your choice of toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mustard, ketchup, mayo), it’s the foundation for numerous variations. Typical pricing ranges from $7.99 to $9.49 depending on location.
Cheeseburger — Adding melted cheese transforms the basic burger into something more substantial and rich. American, cheddar, or Swiss cheese options are typically available. Priced around $8.49 to $10.49, this burger appeals to those wanting additional protein and richness.
Bacon Cheeseburger — Layering crispy bacon with melted cheese creates a premium burger experience. The bacon adds smoky flavor and textural contrast that elevates the basic cheeseburger. Pricing typically ranges from $9.49 to $11.49.
Texas Bacon Cheeseburger — Waffle House’s signature burger variation features bacon, cheese, sautéed peppers, and onions. The combination of sweet peppers, sharp cheese, and smoky bacon creates a flavor profile more complex than standard burgers. Priced between $10.49 and $12.49, this burger justifies its premium pricing through superior ingredients and preparation.
Texas Cheesesteak Melt — Rather than a traditional burger, this waffle house full lunch menu item layers seasoned steak (not ground beef), grilled peppers, onions, and melted cheese on toasted bread. The result is more refined than a basic burger, with better texture and more sophisticated flavor. Typical pricing ranges from $10.99 to $12.99.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich — A leaner alternative to beef, the grilled chicken breast arrives on toasted bread with your choice of toppings. Plain, dressed, or with special sauces, this sandwich appeals to health-conscious diners or those wanting lighter protein. Priced between $8.99 and $10.99, it offers excellent value for quality poultry.
Philly Cheesesteak Melt — Similar to the Texas Cheesesteak but with different seasoning and preparation, this sandwich layers thinly sliced steak with melted cheese and peppers. Variations include the addition of mushrooms or different cheese types. Typical pricing is $10.49 to $12.49.
Reuben-Style Sandwich — Some Waffle House locations feature Reuben variations with corned beef or pastrami, sauerkraut, and special sauce. Check your location for availability, as this isn’t universally offered. Pricing typically ranges from $10.99 to $12.99.
These waffle house menu lunch items represent the sandwich foundation, with extensive customization available. Request additions or substitutions freely—the kitchen accommodates modifications enthusiastically.
Lunch Plates & Entrées
Full plates featuring protein-based entrées provide complete meals with sides, beverages, and the satisfaction of sit-down dining.
Grilled Chicken Plate — A flame-grilled chicken breast served with your choice of hash browns or toast and a beverage. Season the chicken plainly or request marinades and sauces for added flavor. Typical pricing ranges from $11.49 to $13.49. This protein-focused plate appeals to those seeking substantial lunch without heavy sides.
T-Bone Steak Plate — The premium lunch waffle house menu option, a thick-cut T-bone grilled to your exact specifications. Served with hash browns or toast and a beverage, this steak dinner delivers restaurant-quality protein at casual-dining prices. Typical pricing ranges from $15.49 to $17.99, justifying the premium through quality and portion size.
Sirloin Steak Plate — A more budget-friendly steak option, the sirloin provides excellent flavor and quality at lower cost than the T-bone. Grilled simply or with your preferred seasonings, served with sides and beverage. Typical pricing ranges from $12.99 to $14.99.
Country Ham Plate — Smoked and grilled country ham served with sides represents a Southern classic. The distinctive salty, smoky flavor pairs beautifully with hash browns or toast. Priced between $10.99 and $12.99, this speciality appeals to regional preferences and tradition.
Chicken & Steak Combination — Some locations offer combination plates featuring both chicken and steak proteins, providing variety and maximum satisfaction. Pricing typically ranges from $14.49 to $16.49 depending on portion sizes.
Grilled Fish — Seasonal availability varies, but some Waffle House locations offer grilled fish plates, particularly in coastal or regional areas. Check your specific location for availability and current pricing.
These lunch waffle house menu plates deliver the satisfaction of complete meals with included beverages, making them excellent values for those seeking substantial lunch experiences.
Hashbrown Bowls & Combo Meals
Innovative hashbrown bowls have become increasingly popular for lunch, offering creative combinations served over crispy hash browns with toppings and melted cheese.
Classic Chicken Hashbrown Bowl — Grilled chicken pieces served over a bed of crispy hash browns, topped with melted cheese, sautéed peppers, and onions. This combination creates a deconstructed meal with distinct flavors and textures. Typical pricing ranges from $12.49 to $14.49. The bowl format appeals to those wanting multiple components in one dish without traditional sandwich or plate structure.
Steak Hashbrown Bowl — Seasoned steak pieces layered over crispy hash browns with cheese, peppers, and onions create a hearty, satisfying lunch. The tender steak and crispy hash brown base complement each other perfectly. Priced between $13.49 and $15.49, this bowl delivers substantial protein and carbohydrate satisfaction.
Cheesesteak Hashbrown Bowl — Ground beef mixed with melted cheese and served over hash browns with peppers and onions. The melted cheese binds ingredients together, creating cohesion without traditional bread. Priced around $12.99 to $14.99, this bowl appeals to those loving classic cheesesteak flavors in bowl format.
All-Meat Hashbrown Bowl — For carnivores, multiple meat options (bacon, sausage, ham) layered over hash browns with cheese creates a protein powerhouse. Typical pricing ranges from $14.49 to $16.49, justified by premium ingredient quantity.
Vegetable Hashbrown Bowl — While less common, some locations accommodate vegetarian preferences by creating hashbrown bowls with peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melted cheese. Discuss availability and pricing with your server.
These waffle house full lunch menu items represent modern comfort food innovation while maintaining Waffle House’s core identity of value and customization. The bowl format appeals to those seeking something between traditional plates and sandwiches.
Waffle House Lunch Menu With Prices
Understanding typical pricing helps budget for Waffle House lunch experiences and identify the best value options.
Budget-Friendly Lunch Items
Under $10 — Simple burgers without premium toppings, basic sandwiches, and single-protein items typically cost under $10. A plain hamburger, basic grilled cheese (if available), or simple chicken sandwich falls into this budget-conscious category.
$10-$12 — Most standard lunch items—cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, simple steak plates, and basic hashbrown bowls—fall in this mid-range. This price point represents excellent value for complete meals including beverages.
Mid-Range Lunch Pricing
$12-$15 — Premium items like Texas Bacon Cheeseburgers, cheesesteak melts, grilled chicken plates, and upgraded hashbrown bowls typically cost in this range. These items feature more ingredients, larger portions, or premium proteins justifying slightly higher pricing.
Premium Lunch Options
$15+ — Steak plates, particularly the T-bone option, premium combination meals, and specialty items command higher prices. Even at premium pricing, Waffle House steak plates cost significantly less than steakhouse dining, providing exceptional value.
The waffle house lunch menu with prices Consistency
Most waffle house lunch menu prices remain consistent across regions, with variations typically no more than $1-2 between locations. Urban areas may charge slightly more than rural locations, and high-cost-of-living regions may exceed typical pricing by 10-15%.
Beverage Pricing
Most lunch plates include a beverage. Soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water are typically included or available at standard drink prices ($1.99-$2.99). This inclusion in plate pricing increases value compared to ordering items separately.
Total Lunch Experience Cost
For a typical solo diner ordering a waffle house lunch menu with prices entrée with beverage, expect to spend:
- Budget lunch: $8-11
- Standard lunch: $11-16
- Premium lunch: $16-22
For families of four:
- Budget approach (sharing or split meals): $35-45
- Standard approach (individual meals): $50-70
- Premium approach (steak plates for everyone): $65-90
These price points make Waffle House exceptional value for sit-down casual dining.
Lunch & Dinner Menu at Waffle House
The integration between lunch dinner waffle house menu items creates a seamless dining experience where the distinction between meal times becomes less relevant.
Items Ordered Equally at Both Times
Burgers and Sandwiches — These items appear equally on midday and evening tables. Whether ordered at noon or 7 PM, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and specialty sandwiches remain popular selections.
Grilled Proteins — Steak and chicken plates transition seamlessly between lunch and dinner. A sirloin steak ordered at 12:30 PM is identical to one ordered at 6:30 PM.
Hashbrown Bowls — These creative combinations appeal to both lunch and dinner customers equally. The time of day doesn’t affect their popularity or appropriateness.
Comfort Food Appeal — Whether framed as lunch or dinner, items like country ham plates, cheesesteak melts, and loaded hashbrown bowls maintain consistent appeal across meal times.
The waffle house lunch dinner menu Advantage
This unified approach means never feeling restricted by meal times. You can order what sounds appealing regardless of when you’re dining. Late-afternoon workers can enjoy traditional lunch items before evening shifts. Dinner guests can order lunch favorites if they appeal more than dinner-specific items (though Waffle House doesn’t really distinguish items by meal time anyway).
Customization Works Identically
The lunch dinner waffle house menu customization flexibility applies equally throughout the day. Request burgers without buns, substitute sides, add extra cheese, or build custom plates identically whether it’s 11 AM or 11 PM.
Waffle House Lunch Hours
Typical Lunch Hours Explanation
While Waffle House operates twenty-four hours at most locations, traditional lunch hours (roughly 11 AM to 2 PM) see peak lunch traffic. This timing aligns with work breaks, school lunch periods, and standard eating schedules.
However, the waffle house menu lunch hours concept is somewhat misleading because lunch items are available outside traditional lunch times. Many customers enjoy lunch items during non-traditional hours—breakfast time, late afternoon, or evening.
Why Hours Vary by Location
Most Waffle House locations maintain consistent 24/7 operation. However, some variations exist:
Holiday Hours — Some locations modify hours on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day, though Waffle House’s track record of staying open during most circumstances is excellent.
Special Locations — Airport, shopping mall, or specialized venue locations may operate on different schedules. A Waffle House inside an airport might close during airport closure hours.
Temporary Closures — Severe weather, emergency maintenance, or unusual circumstances occasionally force temporary closures, but these are exceptions rather than rules.
Verifying Your Local Hours
For guaranteed accurate waffle house menu lunch hours, call your specific location or check their listing on Google Maps, which displays current hours and any temporary changes. Most Waffle House locations readily provide their hours through any of these methods.
Waffle House Lunch Menu Near Me
Why “Near Me” Searches Matter
Mobile users frequently search for waffle house lunch menu with prices near me when seeking immediate dining options. Understanding local availability, pricing, and menu variations helps inform these search decisions.
Location-Based Pricing Variations
The waffle house lunch menu with prices near me results vary based on geographic location. Urban Waffle House restaurants in major cities typically charge 10-15% more than suburban or rural locations. A cheeseburger costing $9.49 in a small Southern town might cost $10.99 in Manhattan or San Francisco.
Cost-of-living differences significantly influence pricing. Expensive metropolitan areas naturally command premium prices compared to modest-cost regions. However, even with regional variations, Waffle House maintains relatively consistent pricing nationally, ensuring predictability.
Local Menu Item Variations
While core items appear at every Waffle House, some locations feature regional specialties or local favorites. A coastal Waffle House might offer fresh fish plates not available inland. A Southern location might emphasize country ham specialties. These local variations reflect regional preferences and ingredient availability.
Finding Your Specific Location’s Menu
Google Maps — Search “Waffle House near me” and select your desired location to view their menu, hours, and customer reviews.
Official Waffle House Website — Use their location finder to identify nearby restaurants and view location-specific information.
Delivery Apps — DoorDash, Uber Eats, and similar apps display menus for your specific local Waffle House, showing exactly what’s available in your area.
Direct Call — The most reliable method for current pricing and availability is calling your specific location directly. Staff provide immediate, accurate information about their menu and pricing.
Waffle House Lunch Menu by Location
While core offerings remain consistent across all Waffle House restaurants, understanding location-specific variations helps set realistic expectations.
Waffle House Lunch Menu in Louisiana
Louisiana’s Waffle House locations serve a region with strong culinary traditions and specific preferences. The waffle house lunch menu in louisiana maintains all standard offerings while potentially featuring regional specialties.
Regional Considerations — Louisiana restaurants might emphasize items aligned with local tastes, such as spicier preparations or regional proteins. However, the base lunch waffle house menu remains identical to every other location.
Pricing in Louisiana — Waffle House locations in New Orleans and other urban areas may charge slightly more than rural Louisiana locations. Generally, Louisiana pricing falls within standard national ranges, slightly influenced by regional cost-of-living variations.
Availability of Specialties — Some Louisiana locations may feature Cajun-inspired seasonings or preparations as local variations, though these wouldn’t replace standard menu items.
Waffle House Norwich Lunch Menu
Norwich, Connecticut’s Waffle House location operates with the same waffle house norwich lunch menu as every other location. The complete burger selection, steak plates, hashbrown bowls, and all standard items are available.
Local Consistency — Customers in Norwich access identical menu items and pricing structure as those in Georgia, California, or any other state. Waffle House’s commitment to consistency means predictable offerings across locations.
Community Integration — The Norwich location serves its local community with the same commitment to value and quality as every other restaurant in the chain. Regular customers know exactly what to expect when ordering.
Waffle House St Albans Lunch Menu
Similarly, the waffle house st albans lunch menu maintains the same core offerings as all other locations. Whether in St Albans, Vermont, or any other community, customers access the complete lunch selection.
Menu Predictability — This consistency is one of Waffle House’s greatest strengths. Traveling customers or those relocating can rely on familiar menu items regardless of location. A customer’s favorite burger tastes the same in every restaurant.
Local Pricing Variations — While menu items remain consistent, slight pricing variations reflect local factors. St Albans’ pricing likely reflects Vermont’s cost-of-living, but changes would be modest compared to national averages.
General Location Consistency Principle
Across all locations—Louisiana, Connecticut, Vermont, or any other state—the lunch waffle house menu core offerings remain identical. You can confidently order the same items you’ve enjoyed at other locations, knowing quality and preparation methods remain consistent across the chain.
Best Lunch Items to Order at Waffle House
Understanding which items offer the best value and most satisfaction helps you maximize your Waffle House lunch experience.
Best Overall Value
The All-Star Lunch Equivalent — While Waffle House doesn’t officially call a “lunch all-star,” ordering a Texas Bacon Cheeseburger with hash browns or fries provides exceptional value and satisfaction. The combination of premium burger quality, included sides, and beverage delivers substantial meal for reasonable pricing.
Simple Steak Plates — A sirloin steak plate with hash browns and toast offers premium protein quality at mid-range pricing. The complete meal experience—protein, sides, beverage—provides excellent value compared to steakhouse dining.
Most Popular Items
Texas Bacon Cheeseburger — Consistently the most popular burger selection, the Texas Bacon Cheeseburger appears on numerous customer reviews and recommendations. The combination of bacon, cheese, peppers, and onions appeals broadly.
Cheesesteak Melt — The gourmet preparation, tender steak, and melted cheese combination makes this sandwich memorable and satisfying. Customers who try it often reorder it repeatedly.
Steak Hashbrown Bowl — For those seeking something beyond traditional plates and sandwiches, the steak hashbrown bowl delivers innovation while maintaining comfort food appeal.
Hidden Gems Worth Trying
Grilled Chicken Plate — Often overlooked in favor of beef options, the grilled chicken plate provides lean protein, customizable seasoning, and substantial satisfaction at lower price points than steak.
Country Ham Specialty — Regional and traditional customers favor country ham plates for their distinctive flavor and nostalgic appeal. Those unfamiliar with this Southern specialty should try it for cultural dining experience.
Customized Bowls — Rather than ordering preset hashbrown bowl combinations, work with your server to create custom bowls featuring your preferred proteins, toppings, and seasonings. The kitchen excels at creative customization.
Best Budget Options
Plain Hamburger with Sides — A simple hamburger with fries or hash browns and a beverage provides complete meal satisfaction under $10. This represents the best pure value option.
Grilled Cheese Substitute — While not official menu, requesting a simple grilled cheese (if your location accommodates) provides budget-friendly protein and satisfaction.
Best for Premium Experience
T-Bone Steak Plate — The finest protein option available, the T-bone delivers steakhouse quality at casual-dining prices. Those seeking luxury lunch experiences at reasonable cost should prioritize this option.
Philly Cheesesteak — For those wanting something more refined than basic hamburgers, this sandwich provides gourmet preparation and premium ingredients.
FAQs About the Waffle House Lunch Menu
What time does Waffle House serve lunch?
Waffle House serves lunch items twenty-four hours a day at most locations. While traditional lunch hours are typically 11 AM to 2 PM, you can order lunch items at any time—breakfast, afternoon, evening, or late night. The all-day menu approach means no time restrictions on lunch selections.
Is the lunch menu available all day?
Yes, the complete lunch menu is available all day at Waffle House. Burgers, sandwiches, steak plates, and hashbrown bowls are accessible at any hour. You can order these items at 7 AM, 3 PM, or 11 PM with equal availability.
Does Waffle House have a separate lunch menu?
No, Waffle House doesn’t maintain a separate printed lunch menu. Instead, lunch items are integrated into their unified all-day menu alongside breakfast and dinner selections. This means no restrictions on what you can order based on time of day.
Are lunch prices the same everywhere?
Lunch prices are generally consistent nationally, with minor regional variations based on local cost-of-living factors. Urban areas typically charge 5-15% more than rural locations. Coastal and high-expense regions charge more than modest-cost areas. However, Waffle House maintains corporate pricing controls ensuring no excessive variations between locations.
Can I order breakfast for lunch?
Absolutely. You can order eggs, waffles, pancakes, or any breakfast item at lunchtime. Similarly, you can order lunch items like burgers and steak plates for breakfast. Waffle House’s unified menu removes restrictions on what can be ordered at any time.
What’s the most popular lunch item?
The Texas Bacon Cheeseburger consistently ranks as the most popular lunch selection. The combination of premium burger quality, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions appeals broadly to diverse customer preferences.
Are there vegetarian lunch options?
While Waffle House’s menu emphasizes meat-based items, vegetarian options exist. Request a grilled cheese sandwich, vegetable-heavy hashbrown bowls, or egg-based plates. Discuss vegetarian preferences with your server for creative custom options.
Can I customize lunch items?
Yes, extensive customization is encouraged. Request burger additions or substitutions, specify how proteins should be prepared, choose sides according to preference, or create entirely custom meals. The kitchen accommodates modifications enthusiastically.
How long does lunch typically take?
Most lunch items are prepared and served within 10-15 minutes of ordering. Waffle House’s efficient grill operation and streamlined preparation make it ideal for those wanting quick lunch service without waiting extended periods.
Are there lunch specials or deals?
Waffle House doesn’t typically advertise traditional specials or daily lunch deals. However, the everyday pricing is already so affordable that dedicated specials aren’t necessary. Consistent low prices provide daily value without time-limited promotions.
Conclusion
The waffle house lunch menu offers comprehensive options extending far beyond simple burgers and sandwiches. From Texas Bacon Cheeseburgers to premium steak plates, innovative hashbrown bowls to gourmet melts, the lunch menu at waffle house delivers variety, customization, and exceptional value.
What makes the waffle house menu lunch truly special is availability throughout the day. You’re never restricted to traditional lunch hours or limited by time-of-day constraints. Order a burger at 8 AM, a steak at 3 PM, or a cheesesteak at midnight—the complete menu is available whenever appetite strikes.
Key Takeaways:
- Lunch items are available twenty-four hours a day at virtually all locations
- Pricing ranges from under $10 for simple items to $20+ for premium steak plates
- The unified menu means breakfast and dinner items are equally available at lunchtime
- Customization options are extensive, allowing you to create ideal meals
- Regional variations are minimal—you’ll find consistent offerings nationwide
- Waffle House provides exceptional lunch value compared to casual dining competitors
When Ordering Lunch at Waffle House:
- Don’t limit yourself to meal time—order lunch items whenever you want
- Try the Texas Bacon Cheeseburger if you haven’t experienced this popular item
- Consider steak plates for premium protein at reasonable prices
- Explore hashbrown bowls for creative alternatives to traditional plate meals
- Request customizations freely—the kitchen excels at modifications
- Call ahead to confirm your local restaurant’s current pricing and availability
The waffle house lunch menu represents American casual dining at its finest—affordable, diverse, and available whenever you need it. Whether seeking budget-friendly hamburgers, premium steak experiences, or creative customized combinations, Waffle House delivers satisfying lunch meals that keep customers returning for reliable quality and exceptional value.