Waffle House Favorites Lunch and Dinner Menu Guide to Prices, Secret Orders and Value

You know Waffle House for its 24-hour breakfast and those legendary scattered, smothered, and covered hash browns. But what happens when you walk in at 3 p.m. craving something heartier—a burger, a steak, or one of those famous Texas melts? You scan the menu board and suddenly realize there’s an entire lunch and dinner universe hiding in plain sight, and you have no idea where to start.

The problem is real. Most online guides focus exclusively on breakfast, leaving diners confused about what to order for lunch or dinner. You see options like “Texas Cheesesteak Melt” and “Patty Melt” but wonder: Are they actually good? How much do they cost in 2026? Can you customize them like you can with breakfast items? And most importantly, are they worth your money compared to competitors like Denny’s or local diners?

This comprehensive guide solves that problem. We’ve analyzed the entire Waffle House lunch and dinner menu, gathered real prices, decoded the nutrition facts, and uncovered the secret ordering Tips that loyal customers have used for decades. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular looking to branch out, you’ll leave here knowing exactly what to order—and what to avoid.

Why Waffle House Lunch and Dinner Deserve Your Attention

Before diving into specific items, let’s address the elephant in the room: Is Waffle House actually good for lunch and dinner? The answer, according to countless online reviews and customer rankings, is a resounding yes .

Waffle House has been named one of the top diner chains in America by real customers, praised for its affordability, consistency, and that unmistakable open-grill atmosphere . Unlike fast-food chains where food sits under heat lamps, everything on the lunch and dinner menu is cooked to order on that same flat-top grill that handles eggs and hash browns all morning.

What makes the lunch and dinner menu special?

• 24/7 Availability: You can order a Texas Cheesesteak Melt at 3 a.m. just as easily as at 3 p.m.
• The Same Grill, Different Magic: The grill that perfectly sears your eggs also creates an incredible crust on burgers and steak
• Surprisingly High-Quality Ingredients: Waffle House uses 100% Angus beef for their burgers and thin-sliced chuck for their cheesesteaks
• Customization Culture: Just like with hash browns, you can modify almost any lunch or dinner item to your liking

Waffle House Lunch and Dinner Menu Overview

The lunch and dinner offerings at Waffle House fall into several distinct categories. Here’s a quick roadmap of what you’ll find:

Category	Description	Price Range	Best For
Texas Melts	Grilled sandwiches on thick Texas toast	$6.50	Hearty appetites, sandwich lovers
Lunch & Dinner Hash Brown Bowls	Loaded bowls with proteins, cheese, and hash browns	$8.85 – $10.30	One-bowl meals, maximum flavor
Angus Burgers	100% Angus beef patties with classic toppings	$6.50 – $8.50	Burger purists, value seekers
Steak Dinners	T-Bone, sirloin, or pork chop plates	$10.05 – $15.15	Full meals, special occasions
Sandwiches	Classic options like grilled chicken and BLT	$5.95 – $6.50	Quick lunches, lighter appetites
Sides	Fries, salads, chili, and more	$2.85 – $4.20	Completing your meal

Waffle House Texas Melts The Crown Jewel of the Lunch Menu

If there’s one category that defines Waffle House lunch and dinner, it’s the Texas Melts. These aren’t your average sandwiches. They’re built on thick-cut Texas toast, grilled with butter until golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. The result is a textural experience that keeps customers coming back decade after decade .

Full Texas Melts Menu with Prices (2026)

Item	Price (Avg)	Calories (Est.)	Description
Texas Cheesesteak Melt	$6.50	645 Cal	Thin-sliced chuck cheesesteak, grilled onions, melted American cheese on Texas toast
Texas Patty Melt	$6.50	735 Cal	Seasoned beef patty, grilled onions, melted cheese on Texas toast
Texas Chicken Melt	$6.50	655 Cal	Grilled chicken breast, cheese, optional onions on Texas toast
Texas Sausage Melt	$6.50	775 Cal	Hearty sausage patty, cheese, grilled onions
Texas Bacon Cheesesteak Melt	~$7.50	~700 Cal	Cheesesteak melt with added bacon

Why Southerners Swear by Texas Melts

According to longtime customers, Texas Melts are “perhaps the most delectable category on the menu” . The star isn’t just the filling—it’s the bread. That thick, buttery Texas toast gets grilled to perfection, creating a crispy exterior that holds up against hearty fillings without getting soggy.

Pro Tip: Order your Texas Melt “open-faced” if you want to cut carbs, or ask for extra cheese for about $0.50 .

The Texas Cheesesteak Melt Deep Dive

The Texas Cheesesteak Melt deserves special attention because it’s arguably the most popular lunch item on the menu . Here’s what you’re getting:

• The Meat: Thin-sliced chuck cheesesteak, grilled on the flat-top with seasonings
• The Onions: Grilled until caramelized and sweet
• The Cheese: Two slices of melted American cheese that bind everything together
• The Bread: Thick Texas toast, buttered and grilled until golden

Price: $6.50 (average, may vary by location)
Calories: 645
Customization Options: Add bacon (+$1.50 to $2.00), jalapeños (+$0.50), mushrooms (+$0.50), or swap cheese types

Lunch and Dinner Hash Brown Bowls: A Meal in One

If you love the idea of hash browns as a base for a complete meal, the lunch and dinner hash brown bowls are about to become your new obsession. These take the famous Waffle House hash browns and turn them into a hearty entree.

Lunch Melt Hash Brown Bowl

This bowl has gained a cult following for good reason. It combines double hash browns, two slices of melted American cheese, grilled onions, and your choice of protein—all topped with a fluffy biscuit covered in signature sausage gravy .

Price: $8.85
Calories: 635 (base)
Macronutrient Breakdown:

• Fat: 35.3%
• Protein: 24.5%
• Carbohydrates: 40.2%

Nutrition Facts (Base Bowl):

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	635	—
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	11g	55%
Cholesterol	115mg	38%
Sodium	1920mg	80%
Total Carbohydrate	64g	21%
Dietary Fiber	7g	28%
Protein	39g	—

Sodium Alert: At 1,920mg, this bowl provides nearly a full day’s recommended sodium intake. Consider sharing or customizing to reduce salt .

Protein Options and Add-Ons

One of the best features of the lunch hash brown bowls is the ability to customize your protein and toppings .

Protein Choice	Price	Calorie Impact
Grilled Chicken	Included (no extra)	+10 calories
Bacon	+$2.00	+90 calories
Hickory Smoked Ham	+$0.50	Varies
Extra Eggs (2)	+$1.00	+180 calories

Topping Options ($0.50 each):

• Grilled Tomatoes
• Jalapeños
• Grilled Mushrooms
• Bert’s Chili™
• Country Sausage Gravy

Other Hash Brown Bowl Options

While the Lunch Melt bowl is a standout, Waffle House also offers several other lunch-oriented hash brown bowls :

Item	Price	Key Ingredients
Cheesesteak Melt Hash Brown Bowl	$9.20	Cheesesteak, cheese, onions
Chicken Melt Hash Brown Bowl	$9.20	Grilled chicken, cheese
Build Your Own Bowl	Base + toppings	Complete control

Waffle House Angus Burgers Better Than Fast Food

Waffle House doesn’t just slap a frozen patty on the grill. They use 100% Angus beef, and you can taste the difference . The burgers are cooked on that same well-seasoned flat-top that handles everything else, giving them a crust you just can’t get from a fast-food chain.

Burger Menu with Prices

Item	Price (Avg)	Description
Classic Hamburger	~$5.50	Angus beef patty with pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato
Classic Cheeseburger	~$6.00	Same as above with American cheese
Bacon Cheeseburger	~$7.00	Classic cheeseburger with crispy bacon strips
Double Angus Cheeseburger	~$8.50	Two Angus patties, double the cheese

What Customers Say: “Hard to beat for the price” is a common refrain among burger fans . While not gourmet, these burgers deliver consistent quality at a fraction of what you’d pay at a sit-down restaurant.

Customization Options:

• Add bacon: +$1.50 to $2.00
• Extra cheese: +$0.50
• Add jalapeños or mushrooms: +$0.50 each
• Ask for “well-done” for extra char

Waffle House Steak Dinners Menu Yes, Really

One of the best-kept secrets of the Waffle House lunch and dinner menu is the steak options. Are they going to compete with a high-end steakhouse? No. But for the price and convenience, they’re surprisingly solid .

Steak Dinner Options

Item	Price (Avg)	Calories (Est.)	Includes
T-Bone Steak Dinner	$10.05	300 (steak only)	T-Bone steak, hash browns, side salad, toast
Delmonico Steak & Eggs	$15.15	690	Delmonico steak, eggs, toast, hash browns or tomatoes
Sirloin Steak Dinner	~$12.00	Varies	Sirloin steak, hash browns, eggs
Pork Chop Dinner	$5.95	290	Two grilled pork chops, hash browns, eggs

What to Expect from Waffle House Steak

The T-Bone dinner has been described as “not a fine-dining steakhouse” but “for the price and convenience, it’s a fantastic deal” . The steak is cooked on the flat-top grill, which gives it a nice sear. Just be aware that it can be somewhat fatty—that’s part of the charm of a T-Bone.

Pro Tip: Ask for your steak “medium rare” if you want it pink inside. The cooks are used to breakfast crowds, so be specific about your doneness.

The Delmonico Option: If you’re celebrating something or just want to treat yourself, the Delmonico Steak & Eggs is a popular choice among reviewers . At $15.15, it’s the premium option on the lunch and dinner menu, but customers say it’s worth it for the tenderness and flavor.

Waffle Sandwiches and Other Lunch Favorites

Beyond the melts and burgers, Waffle House offers a solid selection of classic sandwiches.

Sandwich Menu

Item	Price (Avg)	Description
Grilled Chicken Sandwich	~$5.95	Grilled chicken breast with lettuce, tomato, mayo on a bun
BLT Sandwich	~$5.95	Crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato on toast
Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich	~$6.50	Thin-sliced steak, grilled onions, peppers, cheese on hoagie roll
Grilled Cheese	~$3.00	Simple, buttery, perfect

Note: The Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich is a solid alternative to the Texas Cheesesteak Melt if you prefer a softer hoagie roll over Texas toast .

Waffle House Bert’s Chili A Cult Classic

No discussion of Waffle House lunch and dinner would be complete without mentioning Bert’s Chili™. Named after an early company partner, this hearty, meaty chili has achieved legendary status among regulars .

Ways to Enjoy Bert’s Chili:

• In a Bowl: Served with crackers ($3.50-$4.50)
• “Topped”: On your hash browns or burger
• On a Hot Dog: Ask for a chili dog (off-menu)
• On a Burger: Create your own chili cheeseburger

Customer Verdict: It’s “thick, meaty chili that’s great on its own or as a topping” . If you’re a chili fan, don’t skip this.

Sides and Extras to Complete Your Meal

No lunch or dinner is complete without the perfect side. Here’s what Waffle House offers beyond the famous hash browns.

Side Item	Price Range	Notes
French Fries	$2.85 – $3.50	Classic crinkle-cut style
Side Salad	$3.00 – $4.00	Basic but fresh, with choice of dressing
Bowl of Grits	$3.15	Creamy Southern classic
Toast	$1.50 – $2.50	White, wheat, or raisin
Bacon (side)	$4.20	3-4 strips, crispy or chewy
Sausage (side)	$3.95	Patties or links

Waffle House Beverages What to Drink with Your Meal

Waffle House keeps the drink menu simple, but there are a few standouts.

Beverage	Price (Avg)	Notes
Coffee	$2.65 (large)	Classic diner coffee, endless refills
Sweet Tea	$2.65	ALICE’S ICED TEA™, a Southern staple
Unsweet Tea	$2.65	For the purists
Soft Drinks	$2.65	Coca-Cola products
Simply Orange	$2.90	Bottled, not fresh-squeezed
Milkshakes	Varies	Available at select locations

Secret Menu Tips for Lunch and Dinner

One of the most exciting aspects of Waffle House is the unofficial secret menu—items that loyal customers have crafted over decades .

The Waffle Melt

This isn’t on any menu board, but if you ask nicely, the kitchen will make any sandwich using waffles instead of bread . The most popular version is a bacon, egg, and cheese Waffle Melt, but you can apply this to any lunch item.

How to Order: “Can I get a Texas Cheesesteak Melt with waffles instead of Texas toast?” Be prepared for potential confusion, but many locations will accommodate.

The Heart Attack (Off-Menu)

For the truly hungry, this legendary off-menu item combines hash browns, cheese, and a beef patty grilled between two slices of Texas toast. One side is smothered in chili, the other in gravy .

Estimated Calories: 1,200-1,400. Not for the faint of heart.

Double-Dipped Bacon

Ask for your bacon “double-dipped” or “cooked twice” to get it extra crispy—almost like bacon candy .

The Arnold Palmer

A simple mix of sweet tea and lemonade. Not officially on the menu, but any server will make it for you .

Nutrition Information and Dietary Considerations

For those watching their intake, here’s what you need to know about Waffle House lunch and dinner items.

Calorie and Nutrition Overview

Item	Calories	Sodium	Protein
Texas Cheesesteak Melt	645	1,280mg	27g
Lunch Melt Hash Brown Bowl	635	1,920mg	39g
Bacon Cheeseburger	~700	~1,500mg	~35g
T-Bone Steak (only)	300	Varies	~50g

Healthier Choices

If you’re looking for lighter options:

1. Grilled Chicken Sandwich (without mayo) – ~400 calories
2. Side Salad with grilled chicken – Custom order
3. Bert’s Chili (cup) – ~250 calories, high protein
4. Skip the bread – Order any melt or burger open-faced

Allergen Information

Waffle House uses shared cooking equipment, meaning cross-contact is possible . Common allergens present include:

• Wheat/Gluten: All bread products, Texas toast, buns
• Dairy: Cheese, butter
• Soy: Cooking oils, some breads
• Eggs: Present in many items (though lunch-focused items often don’t include eggs)

Gluten-Free? Waffle House does not offer gluten-free bread. Your best bet is to order grilled meats and salads, but be aware of cross-contact on the shared grill.

Waffle House vs. Other Diners Menu

How does Waffle House stack up against other diner chains for lunch and dinner? Let’s compare.

Price Comparison

Restaurant	Typical Burger Price	Steak Dinner Price	Value Rating
Waffle House	$5.50 – $7.00	$10.05 – $15.15	Excellent
Denny’s	$8.00 – $10.00	$14.00 – $18.00	Good
IHOP	$9.00 – $11.00	$15.00 – $20.00	Fair
Huddle House	$7.00 – $9.00	$12.00 – $16.00	Good

What Competitors Do Better

• Huddle House: “Has a bigger lunch and dinner menu” according to one Redditor, with more homestyle options like country fried steak
• Denny’s: More variety in skillets and bowls
• Local Diners: Unique atmosphere and potentially higher-quality ingredients

Where Waffle House Wins

• Price: Consistently the most affordable option
• Speed: Open kitchen means food comes out fast
• Hours: 24/7 availability beats everyone
• Consistency: A Texas Cheesesteak Melt tastes the same in Florida as it does in Pennsylvania

Regional Variations and What to Expect Near You

Waffle House prices and offerings can vary by location. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Price Fluctuations: A meal in Orlando or Austin may cost $0.50 to $1.00 more than in rural areas
• Franchise Differences: Individual owners can run limited-time promotions
• Seasonal Specials: Some regions test new items, especially in the South

Pro Tip: When searching for “Waffle House lunch menu near me,” use Google Maps to find your closest location and check recent photos uploaded by customers—they often show current prices .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Waffle House serve lunch and dinner all day?

Yes. Just like breakfast, the full lunch and dinner menu is available 24/7 at most locations .

What is the most popular lunch item at Waffle House?

The Texas Cheesesteak Melt consistently ranks as the fan favorite . It’s followed closely by the various hash brown bowls.

Are Waffle House burgers any good?

Yes, they use 100% Angus beef and cook to order. Customers rate them as excellent value for the price .

Can I customize my lunch order like I can with breakfast?

Absolutely. You can add or remove ingredients, ask for extra cheese, or request items like jalapeños and mushrooms for a small upcharge .

Does Waffle House have a secret lunch menu?

While not official, items like the Waffle Melt (sandwich with waffles instead of bread) and Double-Dipped Bacon are popular Tips that many locations will accommodate .

What’s the healthiest lunch option?

The grilled chicken sandwich (without mayo) or a side salad with grilled chicken are your best bets. You can also order any melt open-faced to cut carbs.

Does Waffle House offer online ordering for lunch?

Select locations offer online ordering through the official website or third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats .

Why do prices vary by location?

Waffle House locations adjust prices based on local food supply costs, labor costs, state taxes, and city demand .

Conclusion

The Waffle House lunch and dinner menu is one of the best-kept secrets in American dining. While millions flock to the chain for breakfast, those in the know understand that the Texas Melts, hash brown bowls, and Angus burgers offer incredible value and satisfaction any time of day.

In 2026, as restaurant prices continue to climb, Waffle House remains a bastion of affordability without sacrificing the made-to-order quality that made it famous. A Texas Cheesesteak Melt for $6.50? A T-Bone dinner for $10? These aren’t just deals—they’re downright steals in today’s economy.

Whether you’re a first-timer ordering the classic Cheesesteak Melt or a seasoned regular asking for a Waffle Melt off the secret menu, the lunch and dinner offerings at Waffle House deliver exactly what you want: hot food, cooked fresh, served fast, and priced right.

So the next time you pass that yellow sign at 2 p.m.—or 2 a.m.—don’t assume breakfast is your only option. Dive into the lunch and dinner menu with confidence, knowing exactly what to order, how to customize it, and why this humble diner chain has earned its place as a true American icon.

Your Move: Try the Texas Cheesesteak Melt with added jalapeños, order a side of Bert’s Chili for dipping, and thank us later. That’s the Waffle House lunch experience at its finest.