For one day only, the Waffle House Museum is open and free

Scattered, smothered and covered. By now, every Atlantan knows these words are synonymous with Waffle House.

The iconic diner has been a staple of southern culture for generations. Its praises have been sung by culinary legends such as Anthony Bourdain, rapper 2 Chainz, Southern Living magazine and on the AMC show “Halt and Catch Fire.” In addition, the Bitter Southerner published “Waffle House Vistas,” a book celebrating the views from diner windows around the south. The original location is even registered on the Georgia Historical Society list of historic sites. And now, for the first time since 2019, you can visit the franchise’s original restaurant and museum for free at its open house event.

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Pat Warner, the company’s director of public relations and external affairs, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2019 that the founders never expected the chain to become so large, so they didn’t bother.

“They always say they thought they’d open 10 and then go fishing,” Warner said.

The museum is not open to the public on a daily basis, even in pre-pandemic times, so the open house is kind of a big deal. However, if you can’t make the pilgrimage this weekend, private tours are available for groups of 10 or more. Book yours by visiting wafflehouse.com.

Waffle House Museum

Location: Decatur - 2719 E College Ave, Decatur, GA 30030; Website: wafflehouse.com