Denny's — Restaurant in La Mesa

I have never reviewed any restaurant before but my experience was so bad I figured I would let people know so they can avoid the same experience . This is the very condensed version. We walked in and 5 employees looked at me and my friend and then went back to work without saying a word to us. After standing around for a bit we sat down at an open table and waited for someone to come talk to us. Some girl finally came and seemed inconvenienced that we were there. She gave us menus and left. About 30 mins later we stopped her as she walked by and asked if we could order. She said "uhhh yeah I guess". I tried to order a meal but asked if I could switch the pancakes for an English muffin, she could not figure out what that meant and said it couldn't be done so i just said that I would pay extra for the English muffin. Any question I had was met with such an attitude, we were very surprised that she hadn't been fired by now. She came back later with one water, I guess we were supposed to share it. Then 30 minutes later she brought my friend's food. 5 minutes later I could see my meal in the window. It sat there for 5 mins more at least while she talked with her coworker. I finally got up and asked an employee if I could please have my food. She had completely screwed up the order. I still hadn't received a napkin or fork so I tracked that down myself. We ate and waited for her to come by so I could get the check but she never came. I finally asked another waiter for the check and it was completely wrong. I found her and explained what was wrong and she said that it was exactly how I ordered. At this point I was ready to leave so I just accepted it. She reminded me that a tip wasn't included in that. UhThis was the worst hour and half dining experience I...

Terrible customer service. As soon as I walked in with my lady the waitress wasn't friendly and had attitude. She just asked how many people I was with and barged off so I had to ask another waitress if I was going to be seated and she said I had to follow the waitress that barged off. So I eventually get seated and had the menu's handed to me by a different waitress, she then walks off. After 20 minutes we were asked what drinks we wanted. We order our drinks and my lady and I notice it wasn't even busy so we start getting frustrated because we had plenty of time looking at the menu and we already knew what we wanted. So after the waitress comes back and we order our food. It took about 30 to 45 minutes and when we got our food, it was cold, hash browns weren't cooked or crisp, and I had an avocado stem in my food. My lady and I couldn't even finish our meals because of how disgusting they prepped our meal. I then call the waitress so I can pay for the sorry excuse of a meal and she tells me to go up front to the cashier. I try paying for my food and as I'm trying to pay, the same waitress that originally asked me how many people I came with is ringing me up but has attitude as if I was disrupting her inappropriate conversation with her other coworker. I'm paying for my food and she's talking about being drunk and having to buy another Marijuana pen because hers broke while working. I was very disappointed with my experience at this Dennys. They definitely need new employees because no body who pays hard earned money should have to deal with lazy, inappropriate, terrible customer service. I'll never go back to this Dennys. What a waste...

Let’s talk about Carlos C., the Picasso of pancakes, the Mozart of morning service, the Beyoncé of breakfast vibes. This man isn’t just a server; he’s a one-man show. I’ve been to this Denny’s exactly twice—just twice!—and Carlos remembered me like we’re long-lost pen pals. The first visit was months ago, but he greeted me like an old friend and didn’t miss a beat. He’s like the Sherlock Holmes of diners, minus the deerstalker hat but with all the attention to detail.

After making me feel like royalty and promptly delivering my order, a group of 16 people walked in. Not only did Carlos know every single one of them, but he had already set up their tables in a way that can only be described as a breakfast symphony. It was like watching the Michael Jordan of hospitality run plays at 6:15 a.m. on a Friday. While most of the world was still hitting snooze, Carlos was dishing out smiles, coffee, and unparalleled service to the entire restaurant like the breakfast superhero we didn’t know we needed.

As a small business owner, I know how rare this level of dedication is. Carlos reminded me of the gold standard I strive for with my own clients—personalized, top-notch care that leaves a lasting impression. If you’re reading this, Carlos, know you’ve got a lifelong fan. And Denny’s, if you’re smart, you’ll clone this guy.

If you’re in La Mesa and you’re not starting your day with a plate of eggs and Carlos’ contagious good vibes, what are you even doing with your life?

P.S. Thanks, Carlos, for proving that customer service isn’t dead. You’re the juggernaut of happiness we all...