Waffle House Blues: A Song, A Story, and a Slice of Nostalgia
Check out this rockin’ video by award-winning blues musician—and my good friend in name only—Morgan Davis. His song, Waffle House Blues, from the Painkiller album, is an amusing coincidence given my own family’s history with waffles.
For twenty years, my dad, Morgan "Bud" Davis, owned a world-famous waffle shop in La Jolla, California. John’s Waffle Shop was more than a breakfast spot—it was a beloved institution with a history stretching back 50 years. As chronicled in this San Diego Union-Tribune article, it stood as a charming relic in an ever-changing, upscale neighborhood.
Unfortunately, time and rising rents caught up with it. Despite its loyal following and legendary golden-brown waffles, John’s Waffle Shop eventually had to close.
I still miss those crispy waffles, the hot coffee, and the one-of-a-kind atmosphere that defied the rush of modernity for half a century. And just like Morgan sings in Waffle House Blues, those who loved eating there “don’t feel so nice” about its disappearance either.
Want to hear more from Morgan Davis? Check out his music at www.morgandavis.com.
Peace, Morgan! :)
Historical Trivia
Here are a few photos from this Union Tribune article about Felix Tobias, chef at John’s Waffle Shop.
