It really depends on the establishment. I went to one in the Atlanta area that was just disgusting, but then you hit one in a small town in the Florida panhandle and suddenly you get the best harsh browns you have had in your entire life with some eggs and bacon cooked to perfection. Thankfully the Atlanta suburb experience was my only bad experience. Most of the time it was very good with the occasional amazing.

IMHO, small town Waffle House tend to be a safe bet.