Denny's — Restaurant in Avenal

Growing up in the slums of Chicago, I remember the day my parents came home, unaware of the tragedy about to unfold. We sat down, ready to eat a chunk of beef bought from a local butcher shop. I recall seeing my father and mother take that first bite together, excited for a life filled with good meals.

Until their eyes widened, their throats tightened, and my world changed forever.

As they gasped and pleaded with their eyes, I attempted the well-known Heimlich maneuver. But it wasn’t enough, my weak, childish arms weren’t enough. The cow’s dead flesh had taken the lives of my own flesh and blood.

Since that fateful day, steak became a source of fear for me. I refused to let the meat of a heifer or bull touch my plate.

Until today.

The rich, caramelized sauce shimmered under the soft light, promising pure indulgence. This wasn’t just a steak, it was a masterpiece, cooked with precision and plated with care. The first bite had the perfect crunch, crisp yet delicate, giving way to meat so tender it nearly melted on my tongue. Every bite was packed with deep, layered flavors, a result of expert seasoning, careful aging, and the perfect balance of fat, salt, and heat.

The juices, sealed in by the chef’s skilled hands, flowed slowly with each cut, coating my mouth in buttery richness with just a hint of smokiness. A whisper of rosemary and garlic lingered in the background, enhancing the beef’s natural sweetness without overpowering it. My knife slid through effortlessly, proof of its perfect doneness, medium-rare, kissed by fire but never betrayed by it.

The last bite was just as breathtaking as the first, leaving behind the memory of its silky texture and deep, savory warmth. As I sat in quiet satisfaction, only the final streaks of sauce remained on the plate, a testament to a meal that was nothing short of extraordinary.

The chef behind this steak deserves more than just praise, this was more than cooking, it was a transformation. Turning a simple cut of beef into something unforgettable is no small feat. The tenderness of the meat spoke volumes about the care that had gone into raising the animal, the best feed, the highest standards, the most humane treatment. Eating a steak of this caliber was more than just a meal, it was an experience, a moment where food transcended mere sustenance and became something truly sublime.

Each bite carried not just the chef’s expertise but also a deep respect for the animal and the craft, making this dinner a true celebration of care, quality, and culinary artistry.

I’ve bore the burden of my parent’s death, chained by the past, and scared to experience the future. This Denny’s, and Marcos steak, have let me finally live. The slums of Chicago are simply whispers in the wind, flying through the air...

I took my mother here to eat the other day while we were traveling down south for her chemotherapy appointment. My mother was very tired and needed to eat, these days she struggles to eat so when she wanted Denny’s breakfast slam I was thrilled. When we walked into the establishment I noticed they had just wiped down the waiting benches and they were very wet, I asked an older woman if she could please a section so my mother could sit down while we waited to our table. The woman smacked her lips together and, in a very strong middle eastern accent she yelled at us to wait a minute. The only reason I mentioned the accent was because I didn’t understand her and asked her to repeat herself. She turned around and raised her voice telling us to wait. The restaurant was basically empty and she was the only staff member at the front. She walked to the back and didn’t return for 10 minutes, leaving my weak 82 year old mother standing there. So I helped my mother to a booth and had her sit and we waited, and waited. Finally after about 15 minutes the rude woman came back out and told us that we had to move to the other side of the restaurant because that side was closed. I asked her if she could make an exception and she said”no now please move to other side.” At this point I was furious at how she treated us and asked for a manager. She informed me that she was the manager and said,” why do you have problem with me?” My mother, being such a loving and caring woman, asked if we could order please. The managers response was okay what you want? We hadn’t even been given menus, silverware not even a cup of water. At this point my mother and I got up and left, as I was helping my mother to the door, I heard the manager say that we came in and made a mess and now she has to clean up after us for nothing. If the service is this bad, I can’t even imagine how horrible the food must be. I will be making an official report to their...

I’ve always appreciated Denny’s as a reliable spot during long road trips – a place where you can take a break, grab a bite, and reset. That’s why we chose Denny’s again during our travels on July 7, 2025, expecting a decent meal and some courteous service for our family.

Unfortunately, this visit left us deeply disappointed. We were met with what can only be described as the worst customer service experience we’ve ever encountered at a restaurant.

A young woman, possibly a manager or lead, wearing all black, was extremely loud, dismissive, and unprofessional. When we asked for menus, she tossed two on the table without a word and walked off, despite us being a party of four. When I asked politely for additional menus, she responded rudely, loudly stating that she had already given two and we should share — an unnecessarily aggressive and unwelcoming tone. Her behavior stood in stark contrast to how she interacted with other tables — where she was notably friendlier and more attentive.

It was hard to ignore the stark difference in treatment, especially as it appeared to be racially motivated. That alone is unacceptable — no guest should feel uncomfortable or unwelcome because of their background. Denny’s is a brand trusted by travelers from all walks of life, and this kind of experience shatters that trust.

I sincerely hope Denny’s corporate takes this kind of behavior seriously. Tired travelers like us continue to choose Denny’s because we expect consistency, kindness, and a sense of comfort. Please take action to ensure all your guests are treated with dignity and respect — regardless of race, background, or appearance.

Until then, I cannot recommend this...