Waffle House Near You In 2026: How Many, Which States and How to Find the Nearest One
By Abdul Aleem · Updated October 2026 · An independent guide, not affiliated with Waffle House
Short answer: Waffle House says it runs more than 1,900 restaurants in 25 U.S. states. Independent trackers count closer to 2,100 as of September 2026. Every location is in the United States, and Georgia has the most.
If you are planning a road trip, wondering whether there is a Waffle House in your state, or just want the nearest one at 2 a.m., this guide gives you the latest numbers, a state-by-state breakdown and simple steps to find a restaurant near you. We compared the company’s own figures with several location databases, and we explain where they differ so you know what to trust.
Waffle House Locations at a Glance
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Official location count | More than 1,900 (company figure) |
| Independent count | About 2,111 as of September 30, 2026 (ScrapeHero) |
| States with a restaurant | 25 |
| Countries | 1 (United States only) |
| State with the most | Georgia (about 458 per the latest count) |
| City with the most | Atlanta, about 19 restaurants |
| Founded | 1955, Avondale Estates, Georgia |
| Headquarters | Norcross, Georgia |
How Many Waffle House Locations Are There?
The company’s own “Our Story” description says it has more than 1,900 locations. Third-party trackers that scan business listings usually report higher figures. One earlier count found 2,038 restaurants in August 2025, and a September 2026 report counted 2,111.
Why do the numbers differ? Company figures are often rounded and updated slowly, while location databases count every listing they can find, and new restaurants open (and a few close) throughout the year. For a quick answer, “about 2,000 restaurants” is a fair summary.
What Countries Have a Waffle House?
Only one: the United States. Waffle House operates exclusively in the U.S., with restaurants concentrated in the South, plus some in the Midwest and Southwest. There are no company-owned Waffle House restaurants in Canada, the UK, Japan or anywhere else. Independent diners elsewhere that use a similar name are not part of the chain.
What States Have a Waffle House?
Waffle House has restaurants in 25 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
States with no Waffle House include California, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Michigan and most of the Northeast and Northwest.
Waffle House locations by state (top 10)
The latest full state breakdown we found is from the 2024–2025 period, so the numbers below are approximate and have grown slightly since. Georgia’s September 2026 count is about 458.
| Rank | State | Approx. locations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia | 433+ |
| 2 | Florida | 185 |
| 3 | North Carolina | 183 |
| 4 | South Carolina | 171 |
| 5 | Alabama | 153 |
| 6 | Tennessee | 134 |
| 7 | Texas | 121 |
| 8 | Louisiana | 99 |
| 9 | Mississippi | 88 |
| 10 | Ohio | 80 |
What State Is Waffle House Most Popular In?
Georgia, by a wide margin. The chain started there, and the state has roughly one in five of all Waffle House restaurants. Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama follow. Atlanta, Marietta and Pensacola are among the cities with the highest number of restaurants.
Waffle House Locations by Popular Search
Waffle House in Texas
Texas is one of the biggest markets outside the Southeast, with well over 100 restaurants, mostly around the major metro areas and along highways.
Waffle House in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has only a small number of restaurants (about ten in the latest state breakdown we found), mostly in the southern part of the state. If you are searching for a Waffle House in PA, check the official locator for the exact addresses.
Waffle House in New York and NYC
There is no Waffle House in New York State, and none in New York City. Some independent restaurants use names like “Brooklyn Waffle House,” but they are not part of the chain.
Waffle House in California and Los Angeles
The chain has no restaurants in California, including Los Angeles. The nearest ones are in Arizona.
Waffle House in Pensacola
Pensacola, Florida, has one of the highest concentrations of any city, with around 16 restaurants in the most recent city ranking we found.
How to Find the Closest Waffle House
The fastest way to find a Waffle House near you:
- Use the official locator. The Waffle House location finder shows a map and a list of restaurants near you.
- Search in a map app. Type “Waffle House near me” into Google Maps or Apple Maps to see the closest restaurant and live directions.
- Check the details. Look at the hours, phone number and recent reviews before you drive, especially after midnight or during bad weather.
- Call ahead if needed. Each restaurant has its own phone number, and the staff can tell you about current wait times or whether a location is open.
Is Waffle House Open 24 Hours?
Most Waffle House restaurants are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, which is a big part of their reputation. A few locations can have different hours, and restaurants sometimes close temporarily for storms, power outages or repairs, so check the listing for the exact restaurant before you go.
Waffle House Order Online, To Go and Delivery
Many locations offer takeout, so you can order Waffle House to go. Online ordering and delivery are available at many restaurants through the official website and delivery apps, but availability and prices can vary by location. Menu prices on delivery apps can also be higher than in the restaurant. See our menu and price guide for typical items and costs.
New Waffle House Locations
The chain keeps opening restaurants, mostly in states where it is already established and along busy highways. Because openings change often, the best sources for new Waffle House locations are your local news and the official locator, which lists restaurants as they open.
What Is So Special About Waffle House?
- Always open. Nearly every restaurant serves customers 24 hours a day, which makes it a go-to for travelers, shift workers and late-night crowds.
- A consistent menu. You get the same core items, from waffles to hashbrowns, at almost every location. Browse our Waffle House menu categories to see what is on offer.
- The Waffle House Index. Emergency planners, including FEMA, have used whether a local Waffle House is open as an informal gauge of how badly a storm has hit an area.
- Its own language. Regulars order hashbrowns “scattered, smothered and covered.” See our hashbrowns guide.
- Music and culture. The chain famously features jukeboxes and has even released music through its own record label.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Waffle House locations are there in the US? The company says more than 1,900, while independent trackers count about 2,100 as of September 2026.
What countries have a Waffle House? Only the United States.
What states have a Waffle House? Twenty-five states, mainly in the South and Midwest. Georgia has the most.
What state is Waffle House most popular in? Georgia, followed by Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama.
Is there a Waffle House in New York, California or Nevada? No. These states have no company restaurants.
Are all Waffle Houses open 24 hours? Most are, but hours can vary and temporary closures happen. Check the specific location.
Can I order Waffle House online? Many locations support online ordering or delivery, but availability varies. Use the official site or your delivery app to see what your nearest restaurant offers.
Where can I see a Waffle House map? Use the official location finder or search “Waffle House near me” in your map app.
How We Compiled This Guide
We compared the company’s own description (more than 1,900 locations in 25 states) with independent location reports, including ScrapeHero (September 30, 2026) and state-by-state breakdowns published by USA Today and VinePair. Where sources disagree, we explain why and give a range. State counts are approximate and change as restaurants open or close. For exact addresses and hours, always use the official locator.
Disclaimer: This site is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Waffle House. Location counts, hours and services change often and vary by restaurant.