Monster Mall At The Historic Howe-waffle House

Seriously, a Monster Mall… Inside a Waffle House?

Okay, you’re going to think I’m pulling your leg. But trust me on this one. There’s a place in Georgia – a real, actual place – that's home to a miniature mall. And it’s all crammed inside a historic Waffle House. Yep, you read that right. It’s called the Monster Mall at the Howe Waffle House, and it's a baffling, brilliant, and utterly bonkers roadside attraction. It was created by a local man, Steve Miller, back in the 1970s. He just… wanted to build a mall. Apparently, the local zoning laws were a little less strict back then. The Waffle House itself, known as the Howe Waffle House, is a legendary institution. It's been serving up fluffy hashbrowns and endless coffee since 1938. It’s been in the same family for over eight decades. This place isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a landmark. So, what is the Monster Mall? It’s essentially a collection of tiny storefronts built within the restaurant. Think miniature versions of shops - a post office, a barbershop, a newsstand, and even a mini-miniature version of a gas station. It’s seriously adorable and strangely compelling. Miller painstakingly crafted each store, using everything from old dolls to tiny furniture. He even built a miniature version of a Coca-Cola vending machine. It took him years to complete. The dedication is truly astonishing. The mall is open for business – sort of. Customers can actually buy things from some of the mini-shops. The post office sells stamps, the barbershop offers tiny haircuts (okay, maybe not real haircuts), and the newsstand stocks miniature newspapers. But the real draw is the spectacle. People come from all over to take photos. It’s a wildly unique experience. You'll find families, tourists, and locals all snapping pictures of this incredible little world. There's a story about how Miller used to actually operate the shops. He’d run the mini-post office and even cut the little mini-barber's hair! Sadly, he passed away in 2017, but his wife, Mary, continues to maintain the mall. Mary is fiercely protective of her husband’s creation. She's the keeper of the miniature kingdom. She’s even added new shops and continues to upkeep all the tiny details. Her love for the project is palpable. Getting there is an adventure in itself. It’s located just off Interstate 20 in Georgia. The Howe Waffle House is a detour, definitely, but it’s worth it. Trust me. You might think this is just a quirky roadside attraction. It is, but it's so much more than that. It’s a testament to one man’s passion and imagination. It’s a pocket of pure, unadulterated weirdness. Interestingly, the mall wasn’t always part of the Waffle House. It started as a separate building. Miller cleverly incorporated it into the restaurant's design. He wanted to bring a little bit of small-town charm to a major highway. There are some genuinely fascinating details you might not expect. The miniature gas pump, for example, actually works – it dispenses tiny drops of oil. And the miniature library has shelves stocked with tiny books. The mall has garnered attention from all over. It’s been featured on television shows and in magazines. It’s become a bit of a local legend, but it’s also a surprise attraction for people visiting Georgia. What’s even stranger is how little things have changed over the years. The Waffle House still smells of coffee and bacon. The mini-shops are still there, meticulously maintained. It’s like stepping into a time capsule. The story of the Monster Mall perfectly captures the spirit of roadside Americana. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most memorable experiences are the ones you least expect. It's proof that anyone, with enough dedication, can create something truly extraordinary. Keep in mind, the Waffle House is a working restaurant. You can order a delicious plate of waffles, grits, and eggs. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a visit to the miniature mall. Visiting the Monster Mall at the Howe Waffle House is an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s bizarre, charming, and utterly captivating. It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder, “Why not?” Don't expect a polished, Disney-esque experience. It’s delightfully chaotic and undeniably authentic. It's a slice of small-town Georgia history wrapped up in a miniature mall. Mary Miller still updates the mall periodically. You might even find a new mini-shop added – perhaps a tiny antique store or a miniature toy shop. It’s a constantly evolving, wonderfully weird little world.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring your camera! Seriously, you’ll want to document this.
• Be prepared for a small crowd – it’s a popular spot.
• Go with an open mind. This place is weird in the best possible way.
• Grab a Waffle House breakfast (obviously!).

Ultimately, the Monster Mall is a celebration of creativity, persistence, and a whole lot of love for a small, historic Waffle House. It's a quirky, unforgettable stop on any Southern road trip. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good miniature mall? It’s a location that begs to be photographed. The juxtaposition of the enormous Waffle House and the incredibly detailed miniature shops is just… incredible. It’s the perfect example of “weird wonderful.” Would you go? I’m already planning my trip!

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