Denny's Restaurant Dartmouth — Restaurant in Dartmouth

We were excited to finally have a chance to try Dennys. We don't have a lot of disposable income so taking the whole family out is a rare treat. We were happy to see all the options for the children's menu. Both children are autistic so it was exciting to see side options that they would both eat and the server was very accommodating to the need to have the side and main on seperate dishes.

That's about where the good points end though.

The menu was extensive, but as far as we are concerned the images in the dinners part of the menu border on false advertising; showing full plates, loaded with veggies, sides, and sauces with large helpings of meat. We even saw loaded plates full of fries with large burgers and meaty sandwiches going past us leaving the kitchen so we decided to share a plate as neither of us are big eaters. We ordered the chicken fried chicken with gravy, seasonal veggies and Mashed potatoes. What we got were two small greasy slabs of chicken (they honestly looked like breaded chicken burgers you would get in a $10 bag from walmart) five pieces of wet cold broccoli and about a tablespoon of gray flavorless potato sludge that was somehow liquid and chunky at the same time. Extremely disappointing considering the plates we saw being carried past us from the sandwich and burger menus and the picture in the menu that made it seem like we would at least be getting something resembling a meal. I was so surprised I couldn't even stop myself from blurting out "is this serious?" When the food was put down, but the waitress either didn't care or didn't hear me because she just walked away. It honestly felt like we would have got more food (and flavor) from a $3 TV dinner.

It was also very busy and they seemed intent on cramming everyone into half of the restaurant while the other half remained completely empty, so it was loud and crowded. We could barely hear eachother let alone the wait staff while we were ordering - so I'm not sure if they didn't hear me ask for water for the whole tale or if they just didn't want to give it to us.

Milkshake was...

What can I say, this was our second visit to Denny’s, and either the first time I was really hungry or the second time I just ordered wrong. We ordered the strawberry crêpes, and my overall level of satisfaction was mid. The diced strawberries on my crêpe were far from fresh, and while I know they are not in season, and that they were most likely, imported berries, they were not red, hardly pink, mostly white and dry. I did bring this to the attention of the person doing table checks as more of an fyi, for others ordering after me, but moments later my server returned to ask if I wanted anything else. I had eaten my dish but my partners sat on the table, mostly untouched, I had planned to order something else anyway simply because I wasn’t full. At bill time it was to my surprise that they had removed one of the strawberry crêpe entrées, which was a bonus. I also had the chicken strips as a follow up to my crêpes and they were tasty and I think a good choice. Overall, though I find the portion size on the shredded hashbrowns to be way too small and while it seems like you’re getting a lot for your money, the sausage links you get to are so short, but if you put them together end to end they probably equal one sausage. Having said that, the menu is so extensive and maybe I was extra honey hungry that day or the value of that particular meal just wasn’t there. My first experience gave me more satisfaction, not that the second was bad at all, I think I need to return for one more visit to make a final assessment. Give yourself lots of time :-) because there’s so much to look at on the menu and you will have a hard time, deciding what to have which is not a bad thing. To summarize the staff was welcoming. I didn’t feel rushed my dissatisfaction with my meal was met with an open mind. The interior of the restaurant is kind of fun and has a neat vibe. I could see why it would be a weekly stopping place for a family wishing to get out and spend some time together. Thanks for...

Denny's Disaster: Tiny Sides, Deafening Diners

Overall: 1 star (barely passable for a quick milkshake)

Let's be honest, my trip to Denny's tonight was a far cry from a delightful diner experience.

Food: 1.5 stars (mostly misses)

The only saving graces were the decent-sized chicken pieces (thank goodness for those) and the good kids' portions. But that's where the compliments end. The "plate lickin' chicken" lives up to its name in the worst way possible - the sides were laughably small. For nearly $24, I got a measly 5 pieces of broccoli and a dollop of mashed potatoes. The menu pictures are like a cruel joke compared to the reality.

Service: 2 stars (not terrible, just forgetful)

The server was friendly enough, but somehow managed to forget the water we specifically requested. Not a huge deal, but adds to the overall feeling of neglect.

Atmosphere: 0 stars (sensory overload nightmare)

If you have any sensory issues, be warned: this Denny's was incredibly loud. It was more like a chaotic cafeteria than a relaxing diner. Forget about having a conversation without yelling.

Recommendation:

This Denny's location is a hard pass for anyone seeking a decent meal in a peaceful environment. There are far better options for your money and your sanity elsewhere.

Tips:

Maybe this location is okay for grabbing a quick milkshake and some chicken for the kids on the go (but double-check portion sizes on everything else!). Do yourself a favor and avoid this Denny's altogether if you have sensory sensitivities. There's nothing relaxing about this place.

This review might be harsh, but hopefully it saves you from a similar...