IHOP — Restaurant in Salem

I'm from Europe and before my visit I had heard great things about IHOP. The first time I heard about it was when I was around 14 years old, when I was watching a vlog from a youtuber who was in the US and tried IHOP. She said it's one of the best chains in the US, and ever since I have been very excited about trying it. Now 22, I flew to the US to visit my good friend, and one of the days of my visit we decided to go to IHOP. Upon entering me & my friend got greeted by a person (I forgot what flavor of gender) and they escorted us to our own, private table. Upon seeing the menu I had a hard time choosing what to pick. My friend recommended me the pancakes, but which? Eventually my eyes fell on the monthly special, which at the time of visiting (April 2024) was a pancake with apple, caramel, cinnamon, nuts and whipped cream. Basically applie pie on a pancake. It sounded delicious to me so that's what I went with, along with a hash brown because my friend recommended me that too, and some water to drink. A lady came to take our order, and she seemed interested in me being from abroad, since she asked where I was from. We gave our order and only waited a little while for the food to arrive, I liked the fast service! I must say, the presentation looked incredible. Especially the pancake looked very appealing. I first tried the hash brown, but I honestly can't say I was a huge fan of it. But I think that's more just a me-thing, since i've never had one before. I probably just don't like them in general, since I just didn't like the texture much. I let the hash brown be and went to my pancake. I took a bite and was immediately blown away by how awesome this pancake was. It was very delicious, and I even managed to eat pretty much all of it. The water tasted fine too, it was just water after all. After we were done, we got the check and paid, and then left the establishment. I must say I was very pleasantly surprised by IHOP, it definitely didn't disappoint! My childhood self can now rest in peace, knowing i've had IHOP. 10/10, I...

You rate service. What would you give. On 11/21 at about 11:30. Sat right away order .taken, got drinks. So good so far. Been there many times and was happy but. This time food sat under warming lights for 15 minutes plus. While waitress talked with other employees, talk with manager, sat another group, gave them silverware took their order. Keep in mind store is only a 1/3 filled if that. Manager calls out for someone to clear a table. Now after food is under warmer this long waitress brings food. We walk out. Did not want cool, dried out food. Stop to complain at door. Manager comes over. Left without paying. He came over while complaini g to person at hostess counter. Manager say we should of told waitress food was there. What happened to waitress knowing, grill person telling waitress. And manager or supervisor telling waitress . Manager explains food under warmer and we should eat it. It will be ok and if we are not happy. He will pay for it. What happen to him doing it up front. Then walk out. Come back looking for manager's card with name. I touch a few things on hostess counter trying to find card. I do not see great show touching stuff helps to know what it is. Manager comes over ask me if he can help. He also proceeds to tell me to stop touching the gift certificates. Explain he is manager and what am I looking for. He explain he has them is manager and owner. Does not give card. Tell him in loud voice that is no way to talk to a customers. He never gives me card but gives his name. I walk out for second time very unhappy. I will not be back or will family after that customer service by the manager. How would you...

As you arrive at the dimly lit Salem iHop parking lot around 8 pm on a Saturday, the conspicuous absence of cars sets the stage for the surreal journey that awaits you within its walls. The restaurant unfolds as an otherworldly dimension, and as you cross the threshold, your senses are immediately captivated.

A genial waiter, seemingly attuned to the uninitiated, endeavors to guide you through the treacherous terrain of the menu, steering you away from its numerous pitfalls. He emphasizes the gravity of your culinary venture, cautioning against flippant phrases like "GG." The air is thick with the collective cautionary tales of those who succumbed to the allure of the iHop sauce—an enigmatic concoction generously slathered on burgers in this ostensibly pancake-centric establishment.

Referred to affectionately by the staff as "mop water," this mysterious sauce holds an almost hypnotic appeal. Not even the blaring strains of 1930s Christmas carols can rescue you once you're ensnared. With a solemn tone, our waiter delivers the sauce, accompanied by a final admonition: "that doesn't look right." With trepidation, I make contact, the spoon laden with the pinkish elixir grazing my tongue.

The moment is transformative; an out-of-body experience catapults me into a temporal distortion. The fusion of a burger with a side of pancakes stretches what external clocks measure as an hour into a seemingly interminable span. We conclude our odyssey with a substantial tip, leaving the iHop with a sense that our very existence has...