Snow or shine: Waffle House open during Tallahassee winter wonderland

Now that Tallahassee has gotten its rare and cozy snow day, there's also a guarantee of a warm waffle from area Waffle Houses, known for their 24/7 service.

While police have advised to stay off icy roads, a handful of brave patrons made their way to one local Waffle House Wednesday morning – bundled up, clutching fresh cups of joe to warm their hands for the walk back home.

The full menu wasn't available but customers could enjoy a bacon, egg and cheese bowl with their hash browns. Tallahassee's Waffle Houses were serving the "Emergency Bowl Menu" as of Wednesday morning.

A Waffle House representative told the Tallahassee Democrat the limited menu is designed to accommodate lower staffing levels and to serve guests quickly. The chain's website shows eight 24-hour locations in the immediate vicinity.

Breakfast also is available at Village Inn restaurants at 3392 Lonnbladh Road and 1225 E. Park Ave.

What's the Waffle House Index?

Coined by Craig Fugate, nicknamed Florida's "Master of Disasters" as its director of emergency management in the early 2000s, the "Waffle House Index" not only is a crisis response signal for first responders, but also an informal and reliable way communities gauge the severity of a disaster. Red, the most severe level in the three-tier code, means the area around the restaurant is deemed unsafe, roads around it blocked and water and electricity unavailable, for example.

This story contains previously reported information. Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.