Behold. Perfection in warm beverage transportation. Ergonomically curved with no superfluous lines, handle pleasingly chunky yet not overly thick nor laden with doodads or unnecessary ornamentation. Graphic…leaving a little to be desired, still better than a green double-tailed mermaid and as a bonus inspiring pleasant memories of fragrant pecan waffles. Overall thickness ensuring beverage remains warm throughout the drinking experience. Lip slightly curved out for full contact/spillage minimization. This is the perfect coffee mug.
Occasionally you’ll find a similar make and model in smaller diners across the United States, but Waffle House’s* ubiquity on a recent road trip to Georgia ensured the one I snagged would be from their counters. You can’t legitimately buy one; I asked at several franchises and got puzzled looks or outright ‘No’s. Being too much of a wuss to actually steal one (heaven forfend), I politely asked our enthusiastically chatty server outside Atlanta if I could ‘take one home’. She said “Well, you can’t buy ‘em but if it goes missing I won’t notice!” accompanied by a wink. Unfortunately a manager was pacing around behind our seats, making me and my 4th-form chums sweat like rank amateurs. The second he was distracted I popped it into a bag smooth as ice. I left a very generous tip and one totally awesome mug richer, and my coffee’s tasted all the better since.
*In case you’re unfamiliar, Waffle Houses are sort of like IHOPs of the south. The differences are many; Waffle Houses are smaller and have an open kitchen, and Waffle House, as the name implies, does not serve pancakes. NO PANCAKES AT WAFFLE HOUSE. Though IHOP does have waffles. Huh. Both are noted in their respective domains for offering relatively cheap, fast breakfast foods at all hours of the night, and are common hangouts for late hour/early morning regroupings. This link takes you to the Waffle House Museum, possibly the only spot you might be able to legitimately purchase Waffle House gear.
