Hold Up with Dulcé Sloan & Josh Johnson from The Daily Show revisits the debate between diners and Waffle Houses. They discuss the extensive menu options of diners vs the focused offerings of Waffle House. The hosts share their enjoyable experiences at Waffle House and debunk the misconception of fights. They compare the atmosphere and customer experiences between the two, highlighting Waffle House's contributions to disaster preparedness. The hosts touch on bulletproof glass, chicken comparison, and their personal preferences between the two establishments. They end with a lively discussion about the pros and cons of diners and Waffle Houses.
Waffle House offers affordability, late-night availability, and serves as a refuge during natural disasters.
Diners provide a diverse range of dishes, a sophisticated atmosphere, and a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
Deep dives
Waffle House vs. Diners: The Great Breakfast Debate
In this lively podcast episode, hosts Dulce and Josh engage in a passionate debate about the merits of Waffle House versus traditional diners. Dulce champions Waffle House, highlighting its affordability, late-night availability, and its ability to soak up liquor after a night of drinking. She also mentions how Waffle House is known for employing ex-convicts and its importance during natural disasters based on the Waffle House index used by FEMA. On the other hand, Josh defends regular diners, praising their extensive menus, the variety of options they offer, and the skill required to handle such a diverse range of dishes. He also points out that diners provide a more sophisticated atmosphere compared to the more chaotic ambiance of a Waffle House. The hosts playfully spar about the quality of food, service, and the overall experience at each dining establishment.
The Allure of Waffle House
The hosts delve deeper into the allure of Waffle House, discussing the ritual of indulging in their signature dishes like scattered, smothered, and covered hash browns. Dulce shares her personal preference for the all-star breakfast, emphasizing the affordability and consistency of Waffle House menu items. They also touch on the unique experience of being in a Waffle House, including the tolerance for extended stays and the resilience of the Waffle House employees in serving customers, even during overnight shifts. Despite occasional fights and unusual characters, Dulce makes the case that Waffle House provides a comfortable and familiar environment for diners.
The Appeal of Traditional Diners
Josh passionately defends traditional diners, highlighting their extensive menus that offer a wide variety of options such as steak, pasta, burgers, and breakfast items. He argues that diners provide a more sophisticated experience compared to the simplicity of Waffle House. Josh acknowledges the chaotic atmosphere and occasional fights that can occur in diners but makes the case that these only add to the charm and character of the dining experience. He appreciates the skill and care that goes into preparing the diverse range of dishes offered by diners and the ability to customize orders. Josh believes that diners offer a sense of nostalgia and comfort that cannot be replicated by Waffle House.
The Battle Continues: Waffle House Holds its Ground
In the final segment, the hosts continue their debate, with Dulce highlighting the practicality of Waffle House during late-night hours and its consistency across locations. She also playfully mocks the excessive variety of options at diners, questioning the quality of dishes that are rarely ordered. Josh counters with the argument that diners offer unique and specialized dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes. He also emphasizes the talented cooks and chefs who may be working at diners and the sense of adventure and choice diners provide to customers. While both hosts express their personal preferences, they engage in a lighthearted conversation that showcases their love for breakfast food and the distinct appeal of both Waffle House and traditional diners.
"Waffle House knows their lane. They have figured out what they are doing. Diners have chapter books for menus. You mean to tell me that you have a turkey dinner, a lobster bisque, but also disco fries? What is happening here?” - Dulcé Sloan
“So when I see that chapter book laid out in front of me, I'm like, "Wow, I really have options in life. Am I going to get pasta with a burger? Maybe. I'm crazy like that. I can get wild like that because I'm at a diner right now. I'm not limited to the limited thinking of a Waffle House.” - Josh Johnson
We’re revisiting diners vs. waffle houses this week on Hold Up with Daily Show correspondent Dulcé Sloan and writer Josh Johnson.