Couples are flocking to White Castle and Waffle House for Valentine’s Day: ‘A beacon of love’

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Nine in 10 Americans believe we’re in a cost of living crisis. Then there’s the specter of mass layoffs or an AI financial crash.

So this Valentine's Day, why not take your squeeze out to a fast food restaurant?

You may be surprised to find you’re in good company. For years, White Castle and Waffle House have served sit-down Valentine's Day meals at many locations — and are even taking reservations.

Tablecloths are laid, festive decorations such as balloons and paper hearts are hung, and staff bring meals to your table. Guests often dress up fancy, and sometimes there’s a special menu.

Many dining chains do Valentine’s Day specials, like McDonalds’s new offer of caviar with your McNuggets. But White Castle and Waffle House — long known, and often the butt of jokes, as ultra-budget options — appear unique in offering the full sit-down experience.

open image in gallery Waffle House has been making an occasion of Valentine’s Day for 18 years, while White Castle (pictured here) has been doing it for more than 30 ( Getty )

"I have zero complaints," says Dan C., a 41-year-old grocery store manager in Minnesota's Twin Cities, who took his girlfriend to White Castle on Feb. 14 in 2024 (he declined to give his last name due to privacy concerns).

He’d proposed the idea every year for a decade, and finally ...