Denny's Wairau Park — Restaurant in Kaipātiki

The neon sign, a beacon in the night, A promise whispered, bathed in hazy light. Denny's stands waiting, twenty-four hours wide, Where hunger's whispers can no longer hide. Through sliding doors, a world both strange and known, Where vinyl booths in checkered patterns' sown. The scent of coffee, thick and dark and deep, Mingling with bacon, secrets that they keep. The weary traveler, the graveyard shift's release, The friends who linger, finding comfort, finding peace. A melting pot of stories, softly told, In greasy spoons, where memories unfold. The waitress smiles, a seasoned, knowing grace, Her order pad poised, etched upon her face. "What can I get you, hon?" a gentle, worn refrain, A comforting ritual, again and yet again. The Grand Slam rises, a breakfast king's decree, Two pancakes golden, eggs how you want them, see. Bacon and sausage, a salty, savory pair, A morning mountain, banishing despair. The Moons Over My Hammy, a cheesy, melty dream, A sandwich sunrise, a culinary gleam. Swiss and American, embracing ham so mild, A simple pleasure, loved by every child (and grown-up too). The burgers beckon, late-night cravings call, With endless toppings, standing proud and tall. From classic patties to the Bourbon Bacon's zest, A satisfying answer to hunger's restless quest. The milkshakes spinning, thick and cold and slow, A sweet indulgence, watching the world below. Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry's soft blush, A sugary comfort in the late-night hush. The coffee flowing, bottomless and free, A dark elixir, fueling you and me. Through conversations whispered, laughter light and low, The endless coffee helps the moments grow. The sticky syrup, in its plastic jar, A sweet companion, near and not so far. Drizzled on pancakes, a golden, sugary sheen, A simple pleasure, a familiar scene. From early risers to those who've danced till dawn, Denny's embraces everyone that's drawn To its warm welcome, its unpretentious air, A haven open, showing that it cares. No fancy frills, no culinary artifice, Just honest food that satisfies the kiss Of hunger's pangs, in any hour's keep, While the world outside continues in its sleep. So thank you, Denny's, for your steadfast light, A beacon burning brightly through the night. A place of comfort, where all are welcome in, Where simple pleasures always...

Unfortunately this Denny’s is not great, first of all the restaurant is dirty, and smelled as if it hadn’t been cleaned since the 70s. I enquired about swapping pancakes for vegetables (which I completely understood that they couldn’t) so I ordered the vegetables from the sides menu and queried what the vegetables were. When they came out there was an interesting looking white sauce which I assume to be their take on a béchamel. This was never stated on the menu nor by the waitress when I asked before ordering. I asked the waitress what it was, and who I assume was the manager at the time, came over and I again asked what it was. They told me “that’s just how they make it” I told them we were never told it came with the sauce (as I can’t have it and would not have ordered it had I known) I stated that this information was not on the menu, and as it is an allergen, it should be, so they begrudgingly got me a new plate. When taking the previous plate back they all huddled in the front and started making comments about me ordering something I can’t have when we were never told about it. They were laughing and looking at us making it painstakingly obvious they were talking about me. The sausages were precooked, which is fine, except they were not at an acceptable temperature all the way through. The gravy on the mashed potatoes tasted as if it had meat product in it, which again was not specified, and if it didn’t, then it was just a strange tasting gritty sauce. I felt extremely disrespected and uncomfortable to the point I had to leave to avoid further upset. I will never return here and don’t recommend this restaurant to anyone. You could go literally anywhere else, for cheaper, and have a far greater experience. It was so bad, I want to give it a zero, but since that’s not possible, I give it a 1...

Food is barely average quality & rip-off (have previously sent meal back for stinking after clearly rancid &/or cooked in filthy oil). Staff beyond poor. Last night manager & manager in training made racist comments & mocking our group like pair of mean high school bullies. Tried to charge us 50c for an extra empty cup & tell us it’s standard although never done before or elsewhere (and we had ex-hospitality amongst us). Deliberately charged us for beverage that already part of a breakfast meal & claimed standard when never previously charged and even admitted that noted as $0.00 automatically on receipt but on their own admission, they manually added another beverage on to order. Very unpleasant experience. An hour before closing, same manager has previously switched off coffee machines saying no hot drinks available. (Have also witnessed same manager previously raising her voice at two people who didn’t realise the reduced closing hours in a most bizarrely hostile tone, which completely unnecessary and odd given role in a hospitality industry.) When tried to politely raise concerns at the time, was gaslit and entirely futile. No insight or customer-service let alone barely basic people-skills or common courtesy. (We’ve previously been scowled at for asking for own cutlery!) Have tried to give so many chances to extend understanding and patience but honestly, will not be returning. And we only went because it was open & convenient location after a weekly group community gathering but that was the last straw. Whatever is causing the staff to conduct themselves that way needs to be addressed as unacceptable to treat fellow human...