Original Waffle Shop

Experience the Original! The Original Waffle Shop has been a State College breakfast tradition since 1972, with two local restaurants and a dedication to creating tasty food for the whole family. People from around the world visit The Original Waffle Shop every year for their handcrafted waffles made with love. The amazing team and caring staff as well as their fresh and carefully selected ingredients combine for a delicious and friendly experience you don’t want to miss!

The Original Waffle Shop is a local favorite and a visitor must-see. Their menu features sixteen varieties of the original golden waffles and buttermilk pancakes that made them famous, served fresh every day. They also boast a robust breakfast menu, complete with your favorite dishes and combos like fresh-made omelets, crispy bacon, and French toast, and a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads for lunch.

For visitors, it may just be a meal, but for The Original Waffle Shop, it's a never-ending march toward perfection. Every morning their team painstakingly makes everything fresh with love and passion for what they do. Unlike many restaurants, their employees are long-time members of the breakfast business and have honed their craft to perfection. Enjoy your one-of-a-kind experience in Happy Valley and start your day off right at The Original Waffle Shop! 

The Original Waffle Shop began in the imagination of young John Dimakopoulos over 60 years ago. While working as a sailor in the Greek Merchant Marines, he knew that someday he would run his own restaurant. In 1960 he set out on his adventure, anticipating the freedom and opportunities that America could bring. After a few years in New York City, he moved to beautiful State College to continue his dream.

By 1972, John was ready to open the doors of his downtown State College restaurant. As a careful entrepreneur, John saw a chance to evolve his business and by 1978 he came up with his breakfast-through-lunch concept. As the success of the concept grew, so did the demand for fresh, quality meals. Over the next few decades, John added a location on North Atherton Street and one in Bellefonte. In 1998, driven by a desire to continue growing, to continue serving his customers,  John opened the West College location. The new restaurant has become a familiar landmark in the Happy Valley region. In 2004 John made the decision to concentrate his efforts on the beloved North Atherton and West College Avenue locations. Today, the Original Waffle Shop continues to provide excellent service and fresh ingredients to locall at its two locations.

Their West College Avenue restaurant is located on THE street of Penn State University, beautifully landscaped with easy in-and-out entrances and ample parking. The Original Waffle Shop is nestled at the intersection of Blue Course Drive and West College Avenue, just minutes from the University and steps away from the walkable State College downtown. 

The North Atherton location is situated in the hustle and bustle of the business sector of State College. Visit the Original Waffle Shop before your big shopping trip or on the way to work. Their brand-new renovations and decor get you in a good mood for the rest of your day, and offer a nice atmosphere to rejuvenate for lunch. Meet here for the true Original Experience!