Over the years I’ve always enjoyed Denny’s restaurants. It was one of the few places I could count on ordering grits for breakfast. Traveling out of town on business, this national chain was a reliable haven for almost any meal time or nearly anytime of the day or night. This time Peg and I were on our way to Tacoma Musical Playhouse. Denny’s was only about a mile away on Sixth Avenue.
Things have change a bit, however. Although it was dinner time, the restaurant seemed a little deserted. There were may three or four tables in use. I already knew what Peg would be ordering, but she checked the menu thoroughly. She changed her mind several times before ordering the meatloaf, which I could have won money on if someone wanted me to place a bet on her choice. Meatloaf and baked potatoes was her constant birthday request as a child. The entrée comes with mashed potatoes, which can be easily substituted. She asked for zucchini squash and was well pleased with the side dish, herbed toasted French bread, perfectly browned hash browns, and the meatloaf itself. For Sunday breakfast she feasted on a meatloaf sandwich on toasted whole grain bread with fresh tomatoes and lettuce. She was extremely happy with both dinner and breakfast.
I ordered the new Super Slam with “all you can eat buttermilk pancakes.” My eggs were over-easy and perfect. My “burnt, burnt, burnt” request for hash browns was not delivered. It’s a very rare restaurant that grants my wish. The hash browns were okay. Actually, Peg’s were darker. The bacon (very thin) and the sausages (tiny) were a long way from what they used to be, but the “Slams” are so affordable it’s hard to complain.
I was surprised with the pancakes. They came with room temperature syrup. I frowned as I poured it over my two buttermilk cakes with a large glob of melting butter on them. I was surprised. The pancakes effectively warmed the syrup and blended well with the butter. I’ve been to many restaurants where the hotcakes aren’t warm enough to melt the butter, so this was a pleasant shocker. Although I could have ordered more pancakes, two were enough. They were good. But they were filling.
I had been staring at a half-page ad of Denny’s coupons for almost a week. It was just sitting on my desk. The coupons did their job. When I went to pay for breakfast I asked if any of the coupons would work for our dinner. I hadn’t bothered to read them. Server Scott looked over the coupons and said, “Yes, you can get 20% off your order.” I saved a little bit on the bill and was able to still give 20% as a tip. Scott suggested I go online and sign up for rewards. I could get 20% off again on my next order AND I can receive a free “slam” during my birthday month. It’s no Pacific Grill or Anthony’s, who also provide a birthday bonus, but a free meal is a free meal. I asked about grits just before we left. “Yes, but only until one in the afternoon.” That’s good enough for me . . . and a return trip. We had a nice meal followed by a fantastic performance at Tacoma Musical Playhouse. What a great combination dinner and night out!
Website: locations.dennys.com/WA/TACOMA/247539?utm_source=yext&utm_medium=local-listing&utm_campaign=yext-listing
Also, 15% discount with your AARP card!
Chuck,
Thanks for reminding me about senior discounts. I rarely ask, but I am guessing that only one discount is applied for each order. I was thrilled at the price for the Super Duper Slam AND the 20% discount.
Thanks for bringing up the discount.
Don
I use to work at Denny’s…alot of the cooks dont use gloves and alot of ppl still go there! I seen food fall on the floor and they still serve it to people.. but people still think goin there is a good place to eat smh
Freddy,
You bring up an interesting point. I’ve created food handling videos for the health department and worked with other from the health department. What drives me crazy is seeing someone wearing gloves and handling food AND money. Training on proper health and cleanliness procedures is the responsibility of management. When I see things dirty and procedures not being done correctly, I do not return. Most other people are the same. Bad health practices almost always catch up with the owner and the managers. People of course need to be award and peek in the kitchen every now and then.
Thanks for your words about gloves and cleanliness.
Don
I am glad that you enjoy your meal! It is hard to please pleople this days! I’ll say is one of the cheapest places to eat! And people usually always conplain! Thank you for the charing your experience!!
Betty,
Thanks for writing.
When I was working in Centralia two days a week I would usually eat at Denny’s one of those two days, the other day I would eat at a local diner. I would order the grits and a Grand Slam at Denny’s and biscuits and gravy at the other café. I enjoyed the food and the people at both places. Local people doing their job.
Thanks for sharing.
Don
I’m a driver and a Denny’s is always close! My fav is the grand slam burger. It’s huge and has everything on it, bacon hash browns fried egg. It’s yummy until I was in Missouri recently and ordered the grand slam burger. It was so greasy I couldn’t eat it. The bottom half of the bun was soaked in grease. So disappointing! I hope the next Denny’s is better!
Lisa,
Thanks for writing. Peg and I were wondering about the non-meat burger Denny’s is now offering. Have you tried it? If so, how was it?
Thanks, again for commenting.
Don
2/25/20 at Denny’s in St. George, SC turned out to be the “perfect storm”. Crowded, only 1 cook, 3 waitresses. People waiting an hour for food. Many patrons with children left without eating due to the long wait. No fault of the cook or the wait staff, just circumstances. Management needs to review scheduling.
Husband and I waited about 45 min. for chicken sandwiches. One was burned. We did not complain as the staff was doing their best.
Patricia,
I appreciate your comments. There is a shortage of workers. My little Sunday morning group got turned away at Chambers Bay Golf Course a while back. The cook was ill and couldn’t come in. There was no one to replace him. So, instead of opening at 8:00 they didn’t open until noon. We certainly didn’t need to be served food prepared by a sick cook.
You are right, the staff couldn’t be blamed. Most workers try to do the best they can for the company. Thanks for sharing.
Don