Heading to Denny’s for that classic American diner experience? Before you order, you might want some insider info on what’s worth your money. Not everything on their extensive menu deserves a spot on your plate.
I’ve rounded up customer favorites and flops based on actual reviews, so you can make smarter choices on your next Denny’s visit.
1. AVOID: Fit Fare® Veggie Sizzlin’ Skillet
Sounds healthy, tastes disappointing. Many customers report bland, soggy vegetables drowning in grease despite the “fit fare” label.
The egg whites often arrive overcooked while the potatoes remain undercooked. Save your healthy eating intentions for a restaurant that can actually deliver on the promise.
2. AVOID: Chopped Steak
Hard pass on this menu trap! Customers consistently complain about dry, flavorless meat that resembles a hockey puck more than dinner.
The gravy can’t save this dish from its fundamental flaws. For the same price, you could get a much better burger.
3. AVOID: Slow-Cooked Pot Roast
Mystery meat alert! Reviewers frequently mention receiving tough, stringy pot roast that clearly wasn’t slow-cooked enough.
The portion sizes vary wildly from visit to visit. Some customers report receiving mostly gravy with just a few meat scraps. Not worth the heartburn or disappointment!
4. AVOID: Chicken Fried Chicken
Crispy on the menu, soggy in reality. The breading often slides right off the chicken breast, creating a sad, mushy mess.
Numerous customers report receiving undercooked chicken centers – a serious food safety concern! The gravy tends to be overly salty and gloppy!
5. AVOID: T-Bone Steak
Gambling with your dinner money! Customers regularly complain this steak arrives overcooked, undercooked, or just plain tough.
For a diner chain, the $16+ price tag feels especially painful when you’re served a thin, gristly cut. The seasoning is often heavy-handed.
6. AVOID: Cali Club Sandwich
Instagram vs. reality failure! The menu photo shows a towering sandwich, but customers often receive a flat, sad version with wilted lettuce and barely-there avocado.
The turkey is typically processed and the bacon comes either burnt or rubbery. Many report the bread arriving soggy from sitting under a heat lamp too long.
7. AVOID: Lemon Glazed Blueberry Pancake Breakfast
Artificial flavor overload! The lemon glaze tastes chemical-like according to multiple reviewers, overpowering any natural blueberry goodness.
The pancakes themselves often arrive gummy in the middle and burnt around the edges. Many customers report receiving pancakes with just 3-4 lonely blueberries!
8. WIN: The Grand Slam Breakfast
Denny’s iconic breakfast never disappoints! The customizable four-item combo lets you build your perfect morning meal.
Fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, perfectly cooked eggs your way, and hash browns that hit the spot. The portion size justifies the price.
9. WIN: Country Fried Steak & Eggs
Comfort food champion! The breaded steak comes crispy on the outside, tender inside, and smothered in peppery country gravy that’s actually homemade-tasting.
This hearty plate satisfies even the biggest appetite. A hangover cure worth getting out of bed for!
10. WIN: Loaded Nacho Tots
Party in your mouth! These crispy tater tots come absolutely smothered in melty cheese, seasoned beef, fresh pico de gallo, and jalapeños.
The portion is massive – perfect for sharing, though you might not want to! The contrast between crunchy tots and gooey toppings creates an addictive texture experience.
11. WIN: Bourbon Chicken Sizzlin’ Skillet
Sizzle and satisfaction guaranteed! The bourbon sauce hits the perfect sweet-savory balance without being overpowering.
Tender chicken chunks, fire-roasted bell peppers, and perfectly seasoned potatoes continue cooking on the hot skillet right at your table. The portion size is generous!
12. WIN: Bacon Avocado Cheeseburger
Burger perfection achieved! The patty comes properly cooked to order – a rarity in chain restaurants – and the toppings are always fresh.
Creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create the ultimate flavor trifecta. The brioche bun actually holds together until the last bite.
13. WIN: Build Your Own Pancake Breakfast
Breakfast freedom! Create your ideal morning stack with mix-ins like chocolate chips, blueberries, or banana – all cooked right into the batter, not just sprinkled on top.
The pancakes arrive fluffy and perfectly golden every time. Add your choice of protein and sides for a completely customized meal.
14. WIN: Moons Over My Hammy
Silly name, serious sandwich! This grilled sourdough masterpiece packs ham, scrambled eggs, and two types of melted cheese into every bite.
The bread gets perfectly crisp without being burnt. Served with hash browns that are consistently crispy on the outside and soft inside.
15. WIN: Loaded Breakfast Sandwich
Morning hunger destroyer! This massive sandwich stacks prime rib steak, hash browns, bacon, an egg, and two cheeses between grilled sourdough slices.
Every layer adds a different texture and flavor that works perfectly together. The sandwich comes with extra hash browns on the side.
16. WIN: Double Berry Banana Pancake Breakfast
Fruity pancake heaven! Fresh strawberries, plump blueberries, and sweet banana slices come generously distributed throughout the fluffy pancakes.
The fruit is actually fresh – not the frozen, syrupy mess other chains serve. Add whipped cream on top!
17. WIN: Super Bird Turkey Sandwich
Thanksgiving between bread! This hot sandwich delivers juicy turkey, melted Swiss cheese, and crispy bacon on grilled sourdough that’s buttered to perfection.
Unlike other menu items, the portion size has remained consistently generous over the years. The sandwich comes with well-seasoned french fries.