Denny's — Restaurant in Washington

Sometimes I feel like I must preface my commentaries with a disclaimer that I believe many foodies are inspired to carve out negative reviews when they are dissatisfied with the food, ambience or service in a fit of retribution, and those who have been satisfied by the experience, don't expend the energy writing anything, thus making a big chunk of reviews adversely slanted! I consistently try to be even-handed, and do not hold back the negative, but also try to underscore the positive - always my 'opinion' and those with me at the time and with the understanding that one good or bad review does not reflect a restaurant's overall potential, actual character or track record. That said - kudos to Raphael Ehilen, owner/operator of one of the best Denny's in the Washington Capitol Region! Firstly, the wait staff (at least on the day of my visit) and on-duty manager are nice, polite and service oriented and professional - very, very professional! I have not been to this good a Denny's in years... anywhere. I recently stopped in while doing business nearby and had the Grand Slamwich: scrambled eggs, sausage, crispy bacon, shaved ham, mayo, American Cheese on potato bread that's grilled with maple spice spread and served with hash browns - tastes like a monster Monte Cristo - WOW! The serving was 'picture perfect' as you can see from my pic! The place was immaculate, clean, well appointed and worthy of being the East of the River's first and best sit-down restaurant. Secondly, I'm happy for the community, and for Raphael whom I was part of a community development team over 10 years ago that helped him get started against all odds that this type of restaurant would work here... naysayers were proved wrong. If you truly want to have the best Denny's has to offer in the region, this location is bar none the one for you. ...

Food was great and the manager/host was friendly and smiled, but our hostess was rude from the get-go. She "introduced" herself by walking up to our table and saying "whaddya want?" It was so blatently rude that I thought she was joking...but she kept staring, waiting. This attitude like we were inconveiniencing her continued throughout the evening, and we had to ask for a couple things twice. I know she was ABLE to be nice, because she spent about 20minutes talking and laughing with the table next to us whom apparently she knew, long after we were done and trying to leave.

Somehow I finally get her attention and she says she'll get the check and a box for us. She then goes outside. We never see her at the table after that: another server brings us the check and a box; we ask for a coffee refill which he never shows up with. (I don't blame him, he had other tables to take care of, she shouldn't have shunted us off on him!) My bf sees our waitress come back in, only to then walk straight to the bathroom. We finally give up and go pay, like I said the host was great.

We hated to not tip but it really felt like she looked at me (pony-tailed white girl) and decided it was below her to even be neutral towards me. She was fine towards my boyfriend, even when he had to ask her again for the coffee he had ordered. Maybe she assumed we wouldn't tip or something?? I don't know but we also couldn't justify leaving money for her when she had been so rude!

The banana-chocolate chip pancake with strawberries was AWESOME though! Both our meals were tasty and came out great.

So, my tip is: if your waitress is going to be Danielle, bounce outta there! But it's still a Denny's, and a tasty one at that!

There is ample...

I've been a patron of Denny's for quite some time now, and it has always been a go-to place for a satisfying meal. The consistent quality of their comfort food keeps me coming back whenever I'm in the mood for classic American diner fare.

The extensive menu ensures there's something for everyone, whether you're craving a hearty breakfast, a juicy burger, or a comforting plate of pancakes. The portion sizes are generous, making sure you leave with a full belly.

One thing I appreciate about Denny's is the friendly and accommodating staff. They make you feel welcome and are always willing to cater to special requests or dietary needs.

The prices are quite reasonable, especially considering the portion sizes and the fact that you're getting a solid meal any time of day or night. It's a reliable option for satisfying cravings without breaking the bank.

While Denny's might not be a gourmet dining experience, it's a place where you can count on getting exactly what you're looking for – familiar, comforting food served in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

Whether it's a late-night snack, a quick breakfast before a busy day, or a leisurely lunch, Denny's consistently delivers on its promise of comfort food done right. It's not about fine dining; it's about enjoying a hearty meal that hits the...