Denny's — Restaurant in Austin

Denny's really stepped up their game. Last time I was at this particular location was about 4 years ago, and it was just okay. It was not well lit, it was a little bit grungy, and the atmosphere was a bit depressing. The menus were old, a little greasy, and there was a counter that was somewhat uncomfortable. The food was just okay, nothing wrong with it, but it was not delicious. Back then, I still would've chosen this restaurant because it was very late, and there weren't many options in the area at the time. Denny's restaurants have always been a go-to place for late nights, and breakfast for me, but if there were any options then, I probably would've taken it instead. But this time, I was surprised at how great the interior was, it looked like they completely remodeled the interior. The counter was gone, and booths were installed. The place was brightly lit, but not too bright. There was music playing, but not too loud. The service was very good, with lively, attentive servers that seemed happy, with smiling faces and great attitude. But the food! The food was great! I had an American Slam even though it was 9:00 at night, because I always order breakfast at Denny's. I also ordered coffee and ice water. The coffee was very good, rich and robust! It was hot and fresh, and was on par with just about any coffee house, convenience store, and much better than any gas station. The water even tasted great! I was worried that it would taste like old tap water, but it was actually very good, every bit as good as bottled water, if not better! My order came in just under 10 minutes (although there weren't many customers seated at the time I ordered) and the first thing I noticed was the ample amount of hash browns on the plate, cooked perfectly! The eggs were scrambled fluffy and light, with plenty of cheese on them. Two link sausages, and two bacon straps came with my order, and even they were cooked perfectly, well-browned, not salty, but crisp, hot and not greasy. Overall, the plate was loaded with good food, that was hot, delicious, and filling! The only thing that didn't impress me was the toast. Not much butter on the two sliced, and the bread wasn't toasted. Not real butter, and not much of it. I recommend substituting English Muffin and a side of butter, it that interests you. Not a big deal though, and I ate everything on my plate! I told my server "My complements to the chef, and I mean it!" I believe she said the chef had been there for 15 years, but seems like maybe he just wasn't given enough input on the menu, portions, or method before, or else he stepped up his game, too! I would return as much as possible whenever I'm in the area, and happily so! My check was only $15 and I left a $3 tip. Wish it could've been more, but I'm on a very tight budget.

Kudos to Denny's for all the improvements! It shows! And is much appreciated!

By the way, I'm not some paid shill, I'm an actual customer! I wrote all this about my own personal experience, because they...

Awful experience.

Cashier John said a microaggresive statement about my customers name, saying "you know how all these type of names are" after mispronouncing it. Terrible thing to say at all, but very strange to say to a woman of color directly. I felt very offended but didn't not say anything back, and sat down to wait for my customer order.

After waiting 10ish minutes for two shakes, manager Crystal literally yelled at me to "confirm the doordash order I picked up" after I pick it up and began walking out. firstly, it's very normal to ask to confirm the order, (key word ASK) however ive NEVER had anyone essentially command me to do it, and to have it done by the manager was very shocking. It was very humiliating. Plus she saw me walk in the first time AND she knew it was my doordash order because I asked John when it would be ready, and he pointed to his left side where Crystal stood, & said "she's making it rn".

I started to walk out due to shock and the fact that the entire store was staring at me. She ran after me ( still yelling and we're less than 2 feet apart) & started saying something about stealing, embarrassing me even further!!!!! I told her speak how you want to be spoken too and maybe you'll get nicer responses more or less (& very shakily because i was on the verge of tears) and confirmed the order in front of her face to prevent further drama.

I called 15 minutes later to speak with a manager and rectify the situation. I spoke with crystal. She took NO accountability whatsoever. I even apologized for being "rude" after she harassed ME while I walked out. I asked her if she would apologize & she said "well no" I hung up out of frustration and felt very, VERY upset and confused about the...

*Edited 3/24/24

Came back a few months ago, and the food was greatly improved. Decided to grab breakfast today, and I'm not sure if the cooks just felt the need to rush food out, but the sausage links were pink in the middle, hash browns not cooked all the way through, bacon was not fully cooked/limp, and pancakes not hot enough to melt butter and terribly dry. Couldn't finish the meal, and when I showed the sausage to the waitress, she told me they come precooked and they just heat them up. I don't know how to explain the pink in the middle, but last time I ate here I had terrible stomach issues the rest of the day. Reading that others in the last few weeks have also commented on undercooked food, this should be looked into. Probably won't go back here.

Previous review: For a new restaurant, I was really bothered that when going in for a late breakfast and many empty seats, the host sat me at a table that had not been wiped down and still had food particles on it. When I asked the waiter for a napkin to get it wiped down, he did it himself, but wiped the crumbs toward my seat and lap with no hesitation. Disgusting. I had to ask for another salt shaker after my food arrived because the one on my table was greasy and had enough dirt and grease to plug the holes. He simply switched it with the next table instead of taking it and cleaning it so now the greasy one is on that table. Food was lackluster and sloppily presented. Had been hair to have a Denny's close to home. But not now. ...