Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but not everyone works a 9-to-5 schedule that allows for a traditional morning meal.
In fact, nearly one in four American employees clock in during nonstandard hours like evenings, nights, or rotating shifts.1
The good news is that an increasing number of fast-food chains are catering to these hungry customers by dishing out tasty breakfast fare around the clock.
1. Jack in the Box
Locations: Over 2,200 restaurants, primarily in the western US
What to order: Loaded Breakfast Sandwich, Jumbo Breakfast Platter, Bacon Breakfast Burrito
Jack in the Box has been a pioneer in the all-day breakfast game, serving morning meals since the 1970s. Their extensive “brunchfast” menu features creative spins on classics like the Brunch Burger. Don’t miss their famous tacos too – over 500 million are sold each year!
2. Sonic Drive-In
Locations: 3,500+ locations across 46 states
What to order: SuperSonic Breakfast Burrito, Cinnabon Cinnasnacks, French Toast Sticks
Known for its retro drive-in style and expansive drink menu, Sonic also impresses with its breakfast selection. The chain’s breakfast hours vary by location but most are slinging morning favorites all day long. Pair your meal with one of their famous slushes or shakes for the ultimate indulgence.
3. Whataburger
Locations: 800+ restaurants across 10 states, primarily in the South
What to order: Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, Breakfast on a Bun, Taquito with Cheese
A beloved Southern chain, Whataburger has a cult following for its big flavors and 24/7 service. Breakfast is served from 11pm-11am, perfect for both early birds and night owls. Their Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit was so popular it inspired a Change.org petition begging the chain to offer it all day.
4. Taco Bell
Locations: 7,000+ restaurants worldwide
What to order: Breakfast Crunchwrap, Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito, Cinnabon Delights
Taco Bell first tested its breakfast menu back in 2014 and it quickly became a hit. Most locations serve breakfast until 11am, but some offer it all day long. The Mexican-inspired morning grub includes the Breakfast Crunchwrap with eggs, cheese and meat, and Cinnabon Delights donut holes.
5. Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s
Locations: 3,800+ locations across the US and globally
What to order: Monster Biscuit, Breakfast Burger, French Toast Dips
While Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are technically two different chains, both are owned by the same company and feature very similar menus. Breakfast is available all day at most of their locations. Go big with the Monster Biscuit stacked with bacon, sausage, egg, and cheese, or try the indulgent Breakfast Burger.
6. Steak ‘n Shake
Locations: 500+ restaurants, primarily in the Midwest and South
What to order: Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, Country Skillet, Homestyle Breakfast Bowl
Known for its steakburgers and milkshakes, Steak ‘n Shake also dishes out hearty breakfast plates and sandwiches 24/7. Enjoy diner-style favorites like biscuits and gravy, skillets, and breakfast bowls. Wash it down with one of their famous hand-dipped milkshakes.
7. Waffle House
Locations: 1,500 locations across 25 states
What to order: All-Star Special, Pecan Waffle, Hash Browns Scattered, Smothered & Covered
With a name like Waffle House, it’s no surprise this Southern chain specializes in breakfast served round-the-clock. Operating since 1955, Waffle House is famous for its diner-style atmosphere and huge menu with countless ways to customize your hash browns. Fun fact: FEMA even uses the “Waffle House Index” to determine the severity of natural disasters based on if the restaurants are open. (ref)
8. Denny’s
Locations: 1,600+ restaurants across the US and globally
What to order: Grand Slam, Moons Over My Hammy, Sizzlin’ Skillet
Denny’s has been a late-night diner staple since 1953, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 24/7. Their extensive breakfast menu spans omelettes, skillets, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches. The Grand Slam is their most iconic plate, packed with eggs, pancakes, bacon and sausage.
9. IHOP
Locations: 1,600+ restaurants across the US and globally
What to order: Original Buttermilk Pancakes, Breakfast Sampler, Colorado Omelette
The International House of Pancakes is synonymous with all-day breakfast, as you might expect from its name. Serving breakfast favorites 24/7 since 1958, IHOP offers an enormous variety of pancakes, waffles, crepes, omelettes, and combo platters. Pro tip: join their Pancake Revolution email club for special offers and a free stack of pancakes on your birthday.
10. White Castle
Locations: 360+ restaurants across 13 states, primarily in the Midwest and New York metro area
What to order: Belgian Waffle Slider, Breakfast Slider, Hash Brown Nibblers
White Castle may be known for its tiny square hamburgers, but the chain also serves up breakfast sliders and sides all day long. Try the Belgian Waffle Slider with sausage or bacon, or the classic Breakfast Slider with egg and cheese. Hash Brown Nibblers make the perfect crunchy side.
Source:
1. https://www.prb.org/resources/a-demographic-profile-of-u-s-workers-around-the-clock/
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
