The Waffle Shop, Eggs and Toast for Breakfast Chinese for Lunch and Dinner.
Written: Apr 20 '07
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Pros: Old Time Coffee Shop
Cons: I never tried Chinese food there.
The Bottom Line: Walking into the Waffle Shop is like walking into a familiar eatery where everyone is comfortable, the cliental mixed and the food comes quick and tastes good.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: The Waffle Shop |
My wife and I were in Washington DC and were about to enter Ford's Theater National Historic Site when we decided to stop for breakfast at what was described to us as "the local greasy spoon". That title never bothered me because I've always thought of such places having the best value for breakfasts around as long as they have a clean kitchen. This place proved no different but had some added "charm?".
A Fifties Icon?
This eatery is an example of the fast disappearing coffee shops with U shaped counters having fixed stools in a chrome filled atmosphere with a neon sign outside beckoning customers to enter. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending how one values such a place, some of the stool are broken, the shine of the chrome long gone and the fluorescent fails to spark even a quick flash of energy any longer. Never-the-less a spare chair in there is rare. Actually there are no chairs or tables. Just the U shaped counter stations afford seating.
Though the long deceased neon still remains in big letters spelling "WAFFLE SHOP" dangling white Christmas lights replace the original sign as the string runs across the window seeming like tiny lanterns waving to those outside. The bottom sill of the window is home to hand written menus that have been faded out by the morning sun. Dust hit the limits of how thick it can get on any object in the window area contrasting the clean inside grill area that has so much action that a house-fly cannot wing it out in reconnaissance without being hit by a sausage patty being flipped on the grill or egg shell being tossed into the trash.
The cliental is a comfortable mix like a box of Trix. All colours take their places next to each other on the stools surrounding each U shaped station in this place. Many tourist families wait their turn and then had their children scurry to seats in this first come, first serve, move 'em in move 'em out atmosphere. I saw many local delivery guys wait on line by the "Take Out" sign. That's always a good "sign" to me when the locals are willing to bear with a little wait in crowded confines.
Breakfast Sir?
Our waitress was excellent. She was an older, small of stature black woman who was quick with our cup-a-coffee and big with her conscientious counter service. As busy as things were she kept the place tidy by replacing everything as it was finished. If the ketchup came out and the customer was gone, she didn't leave it on the counter, she placed it underneath on a shelf. If she saw any kind of need she would be on top of it much like the character Radar in "MASH". Her friendly manner was like receiving bright smile from a child at an unexpected moment.
I had two eggs up with bacon and rye toast, grits on the side, $3.50 My wfe had their waffle special $4. All came quickly, fresh and hot. I enjoyed my simple but traditional breakfast. My wife's waffle was crispy outside and fresh tasting in. These aren't big thick ones. They are thinner than one might expect. Even so, my wife loved it. In fact I was surprised that my sometimes hard to please wife was delighted with the place. Who knew! Coffee was good and our gal kept coming over with refills.
Though you can get breakfast all day, the menu takes on a Chinese flavour the rest of the day. We didn't try it so I can't tell you much about that portion of the place.
Last Thoughts
These remains of an era-gone-by still manages to do what it does best, serve good food at a very reasonable price quickly without seeming to be pushing one out the door. The coffee shop has the "charm" I like and the mix of all else that makes what some may consider a dive a five star value.
Word has it that a developer is looking to take down many of the buildings on that side of the street and the place is threatened. There are some trying to rally on the side of the business. I hope it sticks around because I will return for breakfast. With Chinatown not all that far away, I'm not sure about the lunch and dinner.
Ford's Theater Across the street from the Waffle House
The Peterson House Where Lincoln Died. Next door.
Recommended:
Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations The waffles are a bit thin but have a perfect crispness and flavour to them. Perhaps that''s why they named the place as ithey did.
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