Waffle House's Best-Selling Breakfast Item Isn't Actually The Waffles

It's hard to not know Waffle House for its waffles. When the business was founded in 1955, those were the single most profitable item on the menu, which is why they took center stage for the diner chain's name. But profitability and popularity are two different questions, as Waffle House's best-selling breakfast item is actually eggs.

According to Waffle House statistics, the chain has served nearly 5.1 billion orders of eggs in its 70 years and counting of business. And waffles aren't even in second place, an honor that instead goes to 2.9 billion orders of hash browns. Waffles come in third with 2.3 billion served, as 1.6 billion bacon strips and 1.5 billion orders of grits round out Waffle House's top 5 dishes.

There's no doubt that Americans like eggs for breakfast, but their standout popularity on the Waffle House menu may not necessarily have everything to do with their taste. Eggs are a side dish on the Waffle House menu, whereas waffles are a main dish. It's easy to add a side of eggs to whatever your main plate is, if it didn't already come with them. Waffles are more food and therefore a more intentional choice, one that fewer customers make.

It may not just be easy sides that explain why Waffle House has sold so many eggs. Many of the best things to order for your first time at Waffle House (or any time) either come with eggs automatically or incorporate them in the main dish. This includes some variants of its popular Hashbrown Bowls, as well as a classic steak and eggs. Waffle House was historically a major seller of T-bone steak, and many were likely served with eggs as a matter of course.

Don't let eggs' prominence dissuade you from the star, though. Anthony Bourdain was a big fan of Waffle House waffles, and a convert at that. The acclaimed chef first visited a Waffle House in 2015 for "Parts Unknown," and was deeply skeptical of the waffles. But Sean Brock, Bourdain's food guide for the episode and a James Beard Award-winning chef himself, insisted he try one. Slathered in butter and swimming in syrup, Bourdain finally saw the light with his Pecan Waffle, and remained a Waffle House fan for the rest of his life. Whether you're partial to the eggs, waffles, both, or even neither, one thing to know before you go is that the modern Waffle House is open 24/7, with a catch: some locations are now takeout or delivery only during late night hours, so your 2 a.m. breakfast may be to-go.