Denny's — Restaurant in Hagerstown

Date December 22, 2024 Hagerstown, MARYLAND 1630 Dual Highway Time: (8:00 pm) Order: Santa Fe Sizzlin' Skillet $12.99 Chorizo sausage, fire-roasted bell peppers & onions, mushrooms and seasoned red-skinned potatoes. Topped with Cheddar cheese and eggs*. Coffee topped with heavy whipped cream 2- French Vanilla Packets ( that were not cold)…

Hello! Just wanted to make you aware; not necessarily complaining in particular; as this is the very first time this has happened since I visited this location… Whenever I visit this establishment, my order is the same! However, what caught my attention immediately is that the skillet was not sizzling when it reached me, it was only hot! No cheddar cheese… The food did not appear appetizing with fresh plumpness, but rather stiff or perhaps been around awhile… The meat, potatoes and vegetables all appeared the same color, appeared to have reduced in size and texture lying in a puddle of murky grease! Initially, I felt something off by the color, the dullness in the vegetables and the sausages were hard to distinguish from the potatoes! The taste was okay, but crunchy potatoes and the tasteless vegetables! It was about 3:20 am, while asleep I awakened with severe stomach cramps, and light headedness! I barely could see my way to the bathroom, and literally almost fainted!! I made it to the toilet before offloading a massive amount of dark colored diarrhea that was of very dark color, and smelled like something sour, I guess? I became lethargic, as if I was going to pass out, but somehow gained my strength while leaning and passing masses of diarrhea while cramping in my stomach! I prayed God help me!! I almost black out, but fought to stay awake; when I begin to feel hot around my neck, then rising to my face with a light itchy sensation around my jawline. It only last about 3 minutes and went away! I didn’t even have enough strength to yell for help!! My voice was muzzled by the lethargy!! It was then, I forced my legs to stand up from the toilet, while staggering towards the shower! However, another episode of diarrhea hit me again with cramps. This time it wasn’t quite as bad, as if whatever parasite that invaded my body- has now hopefully exited peacefully!! I thought I had to call 911, if I could not regain some kind of normal consciousness!! However, I stumbled downstairs to get something I knew would settle my Stomach’ PH system… Hot water and baking soda! I began to feel better (after drinking about 8oz), and lying still for about 1 hour. Today, I feel much better, and is steadily recovering more strength and the nausea has left! I am almost for certain after researching; that I have indeed may have been cross contaminated with a some sort foodborne illness, or improper foodservice safe handling practices! After speaking to my spouse who had lasagna, he said he felt a slight gurgling acid reflux, as he slept -but that’s all he experienced- no cramps etc… Please make sure that your Management Team are aware of this; so that they can implement improvements immediately- before perhaps an intervention by the State Health Department will happen, in order to prevent an outbreak. Anyway, I thought I would bring this to your attention immediately- Thank you, for your...

Golly gee darn Denny's, don't you never change.

Set stage: It's 11:00pm, it's a brisk spring night, and I'm feeling some good ole Freedom Food covered in grease and served up with a healthy smattering of calories to make sure the 10,000 steps of daily activity I got are for absolutely nothing.

So obviously, I go to Denny's. Denny's is one of the last bastions in this great country where you can order a meal that honest to goodness has enough fat in it to keep an entire Eskimo village warm for the winter.

Things were off to a rough start right out the gate, however, when my party of three rolled in to be greeted by the coven of servers chatting at the entry who suddenly decided to practice what to do in case of a fire breaking out and quickly scattered away to places where troublesome customers couldn't bother them with such silly requests as being seated or ordering food.

When the only waitress in the entire building that was actually working did make her way over and seat us, we enjoyed a very pleasant ten minute wait of nothing as no one else came to check on us or take food or drink orders. Well, not quite nothing, as we did get to enjoy a live showing of the table behind us whining and whining and whining to their server about the apparent lack of crispiness in whatever appetizer had been given to them and what an absolute outrage to mankind this was.

Little did we know, the show was only just getting started.

Back behind the counter, in the fiery depths of the kitchen, the night's true entertainment began. One man, angered to a righteous fury by day shift's apparent inability to keep supplies stocked, took matters and pots and pans into his own hands, and began to unload pent up feelings of hatred and betrayal on the poor nonstick cookware. Screams were heard. Cast iron was cast aside. A line in the sand was drawn. A choice was made. Pots clattered against the counter as the Chef of Vengeance raised his battle cry to the heavens (and the few patrons sitting shocked in the front of the diner) several more times.

At this point, conquered by a thirst and hunger that was clearly not to be satiated here (and still left unchecked by the waitstaff), my party and I decided to venture to Waffle House to get our fix of fattening food. With one final glance towards the carnival that was unfolding within the sacred walls of the Hagerstown Denny's, I happened to catch sight of the man who will forever be known as "that dude who threw the pots at the counter at Denny's" as he trudged out from behind the employees only divider and into the front of the restaurant (for reasons still undetermined). He was quite an angry looking chap, the type of fellow you would see in public and think, "Oh, he's quite an angry looking chap."

Overall, despite the lack of even making it to the subpar microwaved diner food, I still have to give this location at least two stars. There aren't many places in the US where you can watch the taping of a reality TV show for free. Thanks for the laughs, Denny's. Shine on you...

Ikeila B’s outstanding management at Denny’s in Hagerstown, Maryland:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

During our recent visit to Denny's in Hagerstown, Maryland, we had the pleasure of being served by Ikeila B, and I must say, she absolutely deserves a raise! As a former General Manager myself, I can confidently say that Ikeila is a tremendous asset to this restaurant.

After a long day on the road, we stumbled upon this restaurant , and Ikeila made our dining experience not just enjoyable, but truly memorable. Her warm demeanor and genuine care for her customers transformed our evening. She even inspired our teenage son to appreciate the hard work that goes into being a dedicated young mom working late hours away her son.

Upon our arrival, we were promptly seated and offered drinks within a mere 4-6 minute window—talk about impressive service! The mozzarella sticks were perfectly warm and delicious, and while our entrees had a couple of minor hiccups (a bit of cold corn and a few slightly burnt pieces of mac and cheese), it only added to the charm of the experience, as our son put it, “it adds flavor!”

What struck us the most was Ikeila’s remarkable ability to handle the floor with grace and positivity, especially considering she seemed to be the only one managing the hustle and bustle of a semi packed restaurant. Despite the challenges of new trainees and staffing changes and staff being ignorant, she held that restaurant down with dignity and respect. Her upbeat performance was contagious, creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

In the words of a great manager: “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” Ikeila embodies this philosophy, and it shows!

Kudos to you, Ikeila! Keep shining bright—you’re making a difference in the lives of both your customers and your team. We can't wait to...