Popular Denny's Menu Items, Ranked Worst To Best
There are a surprising number of breakfast chains that have popped up all over the United States. However, perhaps none has more of a varied menu than Denny's. It's known as "America's diner," and you'll often find it in suburban shopping centers or on the side of the highway. Whether you're stopping by after you go out for the night or you just need a hot meal on your next road trip, it's hard to deny that Denny's is iconic.
Denny's may not be the most celebrated restaurant in the world, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have some really tasty dishes on the menu. However, not everything you'll find at this diner is delicious, either. If you're going to get the most out of your experience there, you really have to take a close look at what's on the menu and decide which items to try and which to pass up.
Feeling lost when it comes to making a decision? No worries. We've decided to rank some of the most popular items you'll find on the Denny's menu. Let's take a look at where your favorite Denny's dishes rank.
22. Cinnamon Roll Pancake Breakfast
We get it. Sometimes, you want something sweet for breakfast. That's a great time to reach for a sugar-y croissant or even a slice of coffee cake. Everything in moderation, right? But when it comes to sweet breakfasts, the Cinnamon Roll Pancake Breakfast at Denny's goes way, way too far. In fact, just looking at the picture of this dish makes us feel a little bit nauseated. You'll get pancakes that are covered in a sickly sweet cinnamon topping; if that weren't enough on it's own, the pancakes are then drizzled with cream cheese icing. Are you breaking out in sugar sweats yet?
Since the serving size here is so ridiculous, it's not just like taking a bite of an indulgent dessert. In fact, the dish packs an absolutely excessive amount of sugar that all but people with the very sweetest of tooths will want to throw in the trash. If you want any sense of nutrition or enjoyment from your meal at all, we'd suggest that you don't order the Cinnamon Roll Pancake Breakfast at Denny's.
21. T-Bone Steak
When you go to a diner, you probably think of breakfast food or simple staples that are hard to mess up. But unless you've never been to a steakhouse before (and never grilled steak yourself), there's no reason why you should order the T-Bone Steak at Denny's. Just ... don't do it. A 24-hour diner that serves cheap coffee is not the place to go when you want a high-quality steak. The people who work in the kitchen have so many other, different dishes to make that there's a good chance they're not paying close attention to your steak.
Of course, this is really a hit-or-miss situation. You may get lucky and end up with a fantastic steak. But more times than not, you're probably going to get something that's less than desirable. Our advice? Buy yourself a nice steak to make at home, and stick to something a little more reasonable when you visit a restaurant like Denny's.
20. Santa Fe Sizzlin' Skillet
We love the attempt at the vaguely Mexican-Southwestern vibe Denny's was going for with the Santa Fe Sizzlin' Skillet, but for us, it just misses the mark entirely. In this dish, potatoes are paired with peppers, mushrooms, and onions for a healthy serving of veggies. It also features chorizo sausage and a sprinkling of cheddar cheese. Eggs top the dish off.
While the chorizo gives this dish a bit of an exciting flavor, that's kind of where it ends. The vegetables are really bland, and you'll probably get more potatoes than you really want. Plus, the cheese is sub-par and detracts from the freshness of the rest of the dish. And since Denny's doesn't specialize in this genre of food, it makes sense that this skillet is less than amazing.
If you are going to order the Santa Fe Sizzlin' Skillet, we would recommend that you order your eggs sunny-side up. Breaking the yolk and mixing it into the rest of the dish might add some of the flavor it's missing in its natural state.
19. Chicken Tenders
What would a diner be if it didn't serve chicken tenders? Chicken tenders show up at most mid-priced American eateries at some point or another. Because of that, they're usually not that special; when you order them, you pretty much always know what you're going to get. So when you get them at Denny's, you should expect more of the same.
However, Denny's Chicken Tenders are very boring. There's not much in the way of flavor going on here, and while the breading is appropriately crispy, that's about all it has going for it. Pair it with a side of fries, and you have a typical overly fried, one-note meal that needs boatloads of sauce to make it even vaguely palatable.
Will picky kids like this option? Sure. It's basically designed to be inoffensive. But you've probably had chicken tenders so many times in your life that it's not worth ordering such average ones from Denny's.
18. Slow-Cooked Pot Roast
You know those days when you want a home-cooked meal but just can't be bothered with making it yourself? Don't worry — we've all been there from time to time. That's when you may be tempted to order the Slow-Cooked Pot Roast off the Denny's menu. However, we're going to stop you there because we really don't think that this is a smart decision.
While the slow-cooked pot roast certainly isn't the worst thing on the Denny's menu, it's still not really a dish that you'll want to order at a restaurant like Denny's. Denny's is a diner, and it specializes more in breakfast foods and easy options like sandwiches. Therefore, if you order the pot roast, you're probably going to be disappointed. It's not super flavorful, and the meat will often come out overcooked. The mushrooms are a bit rubbery, and the sauce barely brings it all together.
If you're looking for a meat dish at this chain, you can certainly do better than the Slow-Cooked Pot Roast.
17. Cali Club Sandwich
Are you looking for the most boring, least flavorful sandwich you can find at this restaurant? No worries — just order the Cali Club Sandwich. Chances are, you've had this sandwich many times before, even if you've never been to a Denny's in your life. Why? Because there's just nothing special about it at all. You'll get turkey breast, ham, and bacon on toasted bread. The meat is topped with Swiss cheese, tomato, lettuce, and avocado. Don't forget the mayo that gives everything a bit of the creaminess it needs.
No, this combination of ingredients isn't bad ... it's just been done so, so many times before. The end result is a sandwich that tastes familiar but also is as bland as could be. You could easily add some mustard or another sauce to take things up a notch, but why even waste your order on this typical sandwich when you have so many other options to choose from instead?
For an easy upgrade, think about the Denny's Cali Chicken Burrito instead. It has a lot of the same flavors in a package that's a whole lot more interesting.
16. Boneless Chicken Wings
There's nothing really wrong with ordering the Boneless Chicken Wings, but in our opinion, Denny's is just not the right place to do it. This is not a restaurant that's known for their wings, so you can't expect them to be too good. In fact, they kind of just taste like the chicken tenders, and you already know our take on them. The only difference is the fact that they're smaller, and you can also pair them with a sauce of your choice. The BBQ sauce and the Buffalo sauce are the most typical choices, and we would suggest opting for the latter.
Regardless of which sauce you choose, though, these things are bound to leave you a bit disappointed. The sauce really soaks into the breading, so you don't get any of that crispiness you may want. And the meat itself isn't as juicy as you want it to be, especially if you're used to getting bone-in chicken. If you really want to order chicken from Denny's, you're much better off going for the Honey Buttermilk Chicken Tender Sandwich.
15. Loaded Veggie Omelette
Now, we have to admit: The Loaded Veggie Omelette certainly caught our attention at first. That's because there aren't many other menu items like it at the restaurant. At Denny's, most of the meals don't seem like the healthiest options you could choose, but this loaded veggie omelette seems to be the exception. It's packed full of veggies like mushrooms, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, and spinach. It also includes creamy Swiss cheese that gives the meal some much-needed savory flavor. Overall, it's a meal that we would be proud to make at home.
However, you're not making this dish at home — you're eating at a restaurant. And because of that, you probably expect the taste to be superior to what you could make in your own kitchen. Unfortunately for all the veggie lovers out there, that's not what you're going to get with this omelette. It tastes like it's barely been seasoned, which is an essential step when you're working with so many veggies.
If you're trying to be your healthiest and nothing else on the menu catches your eye, go for it. Otherwise, just take the inspiration and make this meal at home.
14. Choconana Pancake Breakfast
When you first hear the name "Choconana Pancake Breakfast," you will probably assume that this breakfast is for a kid. And, well, you may be right. The pancakes that comes with this breakfast, as you may imagine, contain plenty of chocolate chips, and they're then topped off with sweet banana slices. There's also whipped cream on top, so you basically have your early-morning dessert all covered. Your pancakes will come out with eggs, hashbrowns, and sausage as well.
Overall, we can't deny that the combination of flavors that goes into the pancakes works really well. After all, who doesn't love chocolate and banana together? It's a great combination that definitely tastes good. It may not be the most sophisticated breakfast, but there's nothing wrong with ordering the Choconana Pancake Breakfast if that's what you really want.
The main issue we have here is the portion size — it's absolutely huge. You're going to get so much food, you won't even know what to do with it all. If you're going home after your meal, you can just get a to-go box and take it with you. But otherwise, you may want to order something that's more of a reasonable size for a breakfast for a single person (or share it, of course).
13. Fit Slam
Here's another healthier option that may be on your radar if you're used to eating better than what you'd normally find at Denny's. The Fit Slam may seem like the way to go if you're looking for something that won't ruin your diet for the entire day. When you order this breakfast special, you'll get scrambled egg whites that have been combined with spinach and tomatoes. They're especially light and refreshing, but you may be surprised at how well they fill you up, too.
You'll also get turkey bacon, an English muffin that you can add butter or jam to, and seasonal fruit on the side. All this combined makes for a pretty complete breakfast. Everything tastes relatively good, so it's definitely a viable option if you want something that's on the lighter side.
However, the fit slam definitely is not the most flavorful or exciting breakfast you can order at Denny's, but healthy foods don't exactly seem to be the chain's top priority. We wouldn't go out of our ways to get the Fit Slam, but if you find yourself at Denny's and don't know what else to order, it may just be right for you.
12. Lumberjack Slam
Now, if you're looking for the complete opposite of a nice, light breakfast, then the Lumberjack Slam may catch your eye. We'll give you one warning here: Make sure you are really, really hungry if you decide to order this meal. It's a bit overwhelming, to say the least. It comes with a stack of buttermilk pancakes that could serve as your entire meal if you wanted them to, but it doesn't end there. You'll also get Canadian bacon, sausage, and bacon (no, you don't have to choose), eggs, hasbrowns, and toast made with your choice of bread.
Since you get so much food with this order, we think it's a great option if you're looking for something to share. That way, you get to sample a little bit of everything. However, ordering this just for yourself is a different situation, as it's going to be too filling for most people. In fact, this meal can contain up to 1,480 calories ... that's a lot to start your day off with. For many people, it's just going to be way too heavy.
If you want to indulge yourself, go for it. But if you don't want to end up in a food coma for the rest of the day, it may make sense to avoid this order completely.
11. Slamburger
As you might expect, Denny's has a large selection of burgers for you to choose from. And since the chain specializes in diner food, we have to admit that a lot of the burger options are really good. If you're looking for something to order that's a bit out of the ordinary (and you're willing to indulge ... a lot), then the Slamburger might just be your best option. Think of it as breakfast on a burger. The beef patty is complemented by cheese, hashbrowns, an egg, and bacon. It's served on a pillow-y brioche bun that tastes surprisingly good for diner food.
Altogether, the Slamburger tastes really good. How could you not like a breakfast sandwich that's basically just a burger? This isn't something you can order everywhere, so it's worth it to give it a try when you go to Denny's.
Our only complaint, as you may expect, has to do with the fact that this dish too is just too heavy. Some people will only be able to get halfway through the sandwich before they have to pack it up and take it home, and let's be honest: This is not a burger that reheats very well. Just consider that before you order.
10. Moons Over My Hammy
If you've gone to Denny's before, you know that there are some dishes that are just iconic that you have to try. One of them is the Moons Over My Hammy. While this may not really be a standout dish, it is a tasty one that you'll want to try if you want to discover everything that Denny's has to offer. This sandwich features ham and scrambled eggs with Swiss and American cheese on sourdough — and that's it. It's super simple, which is one reason why so many people like it. And when it's served with a side of hashbrowns, it's a complete meal that you can easily eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Is the Moons Over My Hammy the most exciting sandwich you've ever had? No. But is the combination of the flavors delicious and something you should try at least once? We certainly think so. Ham and egg and cheese on bread is pretty much bound to taste good. Our only advice would be to ask for a bit of hot sauce if you want to add a bit of a kick to the sandwich.
9. Country Fried Steak and Eggs
When it comes to diner foods, there's perhaps no dish that's more iconic than country fried steak. No, this may not be a gourmet food, but it's definitely something that you should try in your lifetime. That's why the Country Fried Steak and Eggs at Denny's is closer to the top of our list. It's not the best country fried steak we've ever had, but it's surprisingly good for one from a 24-hour chain. The breading on the steak is nice and crispy, even if the meat itself is a bit dry.
The fact that your country fried steak is paired with eggs here seriously takes the dish to a new level. The yolk from the eggs can provide a much-needed sort of sauce to the rest of the dish, which is also served with hashbrowns and bread. And yes, there are a lot of carbs here, but that's just a part of the experience.
If you love fried foods and don't mind ordering something that isn't exactly the healthiest option on the menu, you should give the Country Fried Steak and Eggs a try at Denny's.
8. All-American Slam
Most people probably think of Denny's as a place you go for breakfast. And when you go all-out at a diner, you probably want to order a wide variety of breakfast foods to get your day off to the best possible start. Well, if you're looking for a classic American breakfast that features everything you want first thing in the morning, then the All-American Slam is the way to go. It all starts with the three scrambled eggs that are cooked with cheddar cheese. Who doesn't love cheesy eggs for breakfast? Then, you add in the sausage links, bacon strips, hashbrowns, and toast made from bread of your choice, and you can see why this is such a popular option.
We love that the All-American Slam offers so many amazing breakfast foods without requiring you to order a sweet side, too. Those who want to go all-in on breakfast but who aren't interested in a stack of pancakes might just find that this is the best option on the Denny's menu. After all, how can you go wrong with the most typical of breakfast foods?
7. Wild West Omelette
If you're looking for an omelette that will fill you up and make for an absolutely delicious breakfast, then you may want to consider the Wild West Omelette. This omelette isn't your plain old boring cheese omelette, either, as it has a ton of flavor that you may not even expect. All that flavor comes from fire-roasted peppers and onions, American cheese, ham, and jalapeños. While the jalapeños in this dish do have some kick to them, they aren't too spicy; mostly, they lend a lovely tang to the dish. And the ham gives the breakfast an extra dose of protein so you can get the day off to the best possible start.
While the Wild West Omelette may be slightly heavy for some, it's still packed with a ton of vegetables, making it one of the healthier items on the Denny's menu, even if it doesn't necessarily taste like it. If you love a well-made omelette, then a trip to Denny's may be in order.
6. Double Berry Banana Pancake Breakfast
Some people really like to eat sweet foods for breakfast. There's something about listening to your sweet tooth first thing in the morning that feels a bit indulgent — that's why people love pancakes so much. The only problem with pancakes comes in when they're too sweet, as is the Cinnamon Roll Pancake Breakfast we mentioned above. They're best when the flavor is balanced well, which is why we love the tartness in the Double Berry Banana Pancake Breakfast. This breakfast comes with blueberry pancakes that are then topped with strawberries, bananas, and a bit of whipped cream. The combination of tart and sweet flavors makes this a clear breakfast winner.
You're not just getting the pancakes, though. This dish will also come with bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns. Yes, this is a lot of food, so just make sure you show up with a really big appetite — you're going to need it.
5. Spicy Sriracha Burger
If you're eyeing the burger menu at Denny's and want to order the very best option, then you should definitely try out the Spicy Sriracha Burger. Just a warning: This burger is actually kind of spicy, so make sure you can handle it before you order. The heat comes from both the jalapeños and the Sriracha, which come together to create a flavor you're going to go crazy for. It provides just the right amount of spice to cut through the heaviness of the burger.
The beef patty is also topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, so the Spicy Sriracha Burger has everything a classic burger has, plus a little more. It's all packed perfectly inside a soft brioche bun, helping to create something that's truly special. We haven't seen a burger like this anywhere else, so if you love spicy foods, this is definitely one to try.
4. French Toast Slam
There are a lot of different pancakes available on the Denny's menu, but what if pancakes aren't really your thing? That doesn't mean you have to give up on sweet breakfast options entirely, especially when you choose the French Toast Slam. French toast lovers, this one is for you. You'll get four pieces of Denny's surprisingly tasty French toast that are dusted with sweet powdered sugar. But that's not all — it also comes with bacon, sausage, and eggs.
If you want a variety of different breakfast foods in the morning but don't want to order a dish that's unnecessarily over the top when it comes to portion size, the French Toast Slam may just be right for you. It doesn't hurt that the French toast is deliciously sweet with a bit of a crunch on the outside. If you want to try one of the very best breakfasts at Denny's, we suggest the French Toast Slam.
3. Loaded Nacho Tots
You have to remember that Denny's is open 24 hours a day. So, while you may think of it as a place to get breakfast, it's much more than that. In fact, Denny's may just be the perfect spot to head to after a long night of going out with friends. When you're in that situation, what should you order? Well, if you know what's good for you, you'll try the Loaded Nacho Tots – they may just be the best snack item on the entire menu. In fact, we almost wish they came as a larger portion size because we could make these things into an entire meal on their own.
The tater tots are covered in shredded cheese, nacho meat, sour cream, jalapeños, and bacon. All of these flavors mix and mingle perfectly to make the ultimate savory snack. Yes, it's a little spicy, but you can pick around the jalapeños if you're sensitive to spice. Basically, these things are amazing, and you absolutely have to have them the next time you go to Denny's.
2. Grand Slam Slugger
If you want the most basic — but perhaps one of the most delicious — Denny's experiences possible, then the Grand Slam Slugger should be your order the next time you visit the restaurant. It's the basic, quintessential version of what an American breakfast should be. You start out with the deliciously sweet buttermilk pancakes that will make you want to eat dessert first thing in the morning. Then comes the eggs, bacon, and sausage links to give you plenty of protein to get you through the entire day. Hash browns and bread add some much-needed carbs to the assortment, and you even get some juice with your order.
It may be a super-basic breakfast, but that's exactly what we love about it. It's simple, and that's just what we're looking for when we go to a diner. If you have no idea what you should order at Denny's, the Grand Slam Slugger might just hit a home run.
1. The Grand Slamwich
What if you could eat all of your favorite breakfast foods in sandwich form? That's where the Grand Slamwich comes in, and there's a good chance you'll love it. How could you not? It's got scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, and American cheese on thick-cut potato bread that has a bit of a crunch to it. What really takes it over the top, though, is the maple spice spread. This spread is slightly sweet, which balances the otherwise savory flavors of the sandwich perfectly. It's basically a breakfast dream come true. Once you try this sandwich, you'll be disappointed in literally every other breakfast sandwich you try.
Sure, this may not be your typical breakfast, but if you're willing to keep an open mind, there's a chance that you'll love the Grand Slamwich just as much as we do. Give it a try the next time you find yourself at a Denny's.