Denny's Restaurant — Restaurant in Buena Park

TL;DR: Its all about expectations and communication. Needless to say, this review is ridiculous and so was this Denny’s. If you find yourself here and it’s been 10 minutes wait before being greeted, leave and come back a different day.

Review:

I’ve worked restaurants for over a decade. Mom and pop shops to high end like Nobu. Follow the two items above, you’ll be golden.

We walked in and waited ten minutes just to talk to the hostess. (1st gut feeling we should have left). I wouldn’t have minded if they had even simply stated “hey, we’re gonna be a few min!” Instead it was just a bunch of us waiting up front. When we did get our names on the list. We were the second family waiting out of 3 families total.

About 5 minutes later we were sat and then waited another 8-10 minutes to order drinks from someone other than our server. Those drinks came out in less than two minutes. I thought “ok, rough start, but this is better!” Too bad that person wasn’t our server.

Instead:

A lady with a full tray rushed by spouting “be right with you,” in an ‘I’m-trying-to-not-be-frantic’ frantic tone. (2nd gut feeling screamed “get outta here! Your kids are starving and about to light this place on fire with their antics.”)

It took 10 more minutes to get our order placed with our [I-swear-I’m-not-frantic] server. I specifically asked if the kids food could be put through first and brought out the MOMENT they were ready. I make this statement anywhere we go. You have kids? You get it.

So here we are 15 minutes later. My eye is starting to twitch. The family sat the same time as us has just gotten up to leave – having eaten and obtained their check. The other family sat after us has their food; and are quiet as their orifaces are swelling with doughy goodness, sealed with syrupy delicacies.

Having a straight view into the kitchen I have observed a (described cold) club sandwich with fries on a hot plate under the warmer for at least 7 minutes. (This is when I started timing things as I assumed this was my wife’s order – the gut feeling being overridden by sheer hunger. Logic has been thrown out the window). About 7 min more and the food finds its way to our table. The kids food was apparently the last to be prepared. The wilted lettuce and limp cheese with almost warm fries being a new feature to the club sandwich my wife received from its layover under the hot lamp for 15 minutes.

At this point the twitch in my eye has turned into a full on complex. I’ll bill Denny’s for my psych appt.’s.

I ordered the dulce de leche crunch pancakes. Those might be good. They were apparently next to my wife’s sandwich for the same 15 min. I was able to find some of the “crunch” in the middle... kinda.

Needless to say, this review is ridiculous and so was this Denny’s. If you find yourself here and it’s been 10 minutes wait before being greeted, leave and come back a different day.

Their picture vs my...

This was not our 1st visit, but I thought to take my family to try this location again after their remodeling, re-grand opening thinking everything might be better. The location looks brighter but definitely noisier atmosphere... loud music background on top of loud group talks & laughs. The portions of fries, hashbrowns & bacon strips were smaller than before. The portions & qualities of 2 identical orders were not the same. We received 1 order w/ lesser hashbrown, 1 order w/ half strip of bacon, 2 multigrain pancakes that were not cooked well or done as usual. Fries were not as crispy, not larger pieces, not done were & smaller portion. We did not see anywhere on the menus about the 50 cents extra charge for each entree with egg & were not informed by the employees. When I asked, the cashier didn't know what to say so she another waitress, she then asked the cashier to get the manager; the manager didn't have much to say. I understand the extra charge would be necessary & helpful for the business, but business should post a sign at the the table if you don't have time to update your menus &/or every server should inform customers as they take orders that have eggs. We just don't like to see extra charges unknowingly. I told & showed the manager that the extra charges were not added in my cart when I attempted to place orders thru mobile app. From his speechless & emotionless attitude/response, I went ahead & just paid, just so they don't delay serving many customers who are waiting... as they seemed to be short-staffed. I do not recommend this location...

Denny's, a long-standing establishment I've frequented for many years, is my go-to spot for late-night comfort food cravings. The 24/7 opening is a big plus. However, it's worth noting that Denny's has closed early on rare occasions, which can be disappointing.

The extensive menu includes a considerable breakfast section, burgers, melts, salads, desserts, and more. I mostly gravitate to the all-day breakfast menu. Items on the menu can be hit or miss, but a few of my favorites are the Build-Your-Own Grand Slam, Moons Over My Hammy®, Country Fried Steak, and Signature Breakfast options. The French Toast disappointed me the last time I ordered it. I can't remember the last time I ordered a Burger or Melt, but Seasonal items are also available and always changing.

The service has been suitable for the most part. Sometimes, there isn't enough staff, but the ones who helped us have been kind and attentive. Food comes out promptly, and there has been a short wait time from my experience.

Denny's has a classic diner vibe, with plenty of tables and booths but no counter seating. The dining area can also accommodate large parties. Denny's also has that diner smell, which is hard to explain, but you can get a whiff of different foods and scents. The decor and mood are like a time machine to a simpler time. IYKYK.

Most locations offer consistent food and service, so you'll know what to expect no matter...