Forget Waffle House, These 10 Late-Night Spots Top My List

History of Waffle House

Waffle House was the brainchild of two neighbors in 1955. Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner dreamed up a place open 24 hours daily. This was meant to be a place where friends and family could come and sit, chat, chill, and rewind from the day.

What started as only a dream has now grown to over 1,900 locations. Waffle House continues to be a beloved restaurant where anyone can go at any time of the day and week. While it is undeniably one of the most popular late-night restaurants, these spots now top my list.

Sonic

While Sonic doesn’t stay open 24 hours, many are typically open until 11 or midnight. This can be helpful if you crave a quarter-pound double cheeseburger or a slush float late at night.

Cookout

Cookout is a fast food joint known for tasty hot dogs and burgers. If you have never heard of this restaurant, don’t fret. That’s simply because they are contained in the southeastern states of the United States, such as Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia. Most Cookouts are open until 3 a.m., which makes it convenient to grab a juicy burger after midnight.

Jack in the Box

Known for their cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and spicy chicken sandwiches, Jack in the Box is hard to resist. Some Jack in the Box restaurants are open 24 hours a day. Others close between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. So, check your nearest Jack in the Box for their updated times.

Whataburger

Whataburger has numerous locations that are open 24 hours a day. Sometimes, their dine-in is available all day, while other times, it’s only their drive-through. Either way, hit up your nearest location if you are craving a meal unique to Whataburger, like the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell is a popular fast-food restaurant known for serving Americanized tacos. There is something quite addicting about their taco menu items. Whether you are ordering a crunchy hard taco or a specialty item, Taco Bell is one of those restaurants that’s simply hard to beat.

IHop

If you are craving something that is along the lines of Waffle House, then give IHop a chance. They are open 24/7 and serve savory and delicious breakfasts. Try their fluffy buttermilk pancakes or the hearty breakfast sampler, complete with eggs, smoked bacon, ham, and more.

A&W

A&W is a well-known fast-food chain that began in 1919. The appeal of this restaurant has stayed steadfast through the years. There’s just something appealing about their drive-up system. Sometimes, you don’t want to get out of your car. A&W is also known for serving A&W root beer with frosted mugs.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings, also known as BW3, is popular for several reasons. The wings are customizable in several sauces. These sauces range from very mild to burn your mouth off. It is also a great sit-down restaurant where family and friends can watch local and national sports on several televisions scattered throughout the restaurant. While Buffalo Wild Wings isn’t open 24/7, most are open later into the night.

In-N-Out Burger

While it depends on location, most In-N-Out Burger joints are open until at least 1 a.m. At In-N-Out Burger, you can order several unique and delicious burgers. Some are on the regular menu. However, one of the most popular things about In-N-Out is its secret menu. You can order burgers like their animal style or 4×4 burgers with four beef patties and four cheese slices.

Steak’ n Shake

Steak’ n Shake has several locations open 24 hours a day. However, some places close between 12 and 2 a.m. This restaurant is popular for its rich and creamy milkshakes and its steakburgers that are hard to beat. If you are out and about late one night, look for the closest Steak n’ Shake and grab a steakburger meal and shake to help keep up that energy.

One Last Note

People stay up late for several reasons. Whether you are just out traveling or working late, it is convenient to run into a restaurant that is open 24 hours a day. The late-night restaurants are still worth checking out if they aren’t open 24 hours a day. While Waffle House is a great go-to, you should give one of these late-night spots the next time you are out.