11 Great Alternatives to Denny's as the Company Announces Closures

Your favorite Denny’s may be disappearing based on a recent announcement that the chain will be shuttering 150 locations, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without a good breakfast at a chain diner.

The great thing about chain restaurants is that there are plenty of choices across the country that could be a good substitute if your local Denny’s closes its doors.

Check out these alternatives to Denny’s that can fill you up while still stretching your food budget.

Hop into your local IHOP, which has a similar feel to Denny’s so you won’t feel out of place while getting a good breakfast.

IHOP also has a great budget-friendly menu for diners who are 55 years old or older, which could help you keep some extra cash in your pocket when you head out for a good breakfast.

There’s nothing quite like a Waffle House where you can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner with some locations still open 24 hours a day serving customers any time you’re hungry.

Yes, the restaurant has different waffle flavors you can choose from, but the chain is also known for its hearty hash brown bowls and classic breakfast plates.

Cracker Barrel is known for its food as well as its Southern charm that includes rocking chairs on the front porch and a peg game at the table.

The chain’s breakfast is also more Southern-inspired compared to Denny’s as it leans in on items like biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, or country boy breakfast as options that you can order all day.

You may have seen Bob Evans in your local freezer in the form of breakfast sandwiches or egg scrambles, but you can get the same fare in real life at a local Bob Evans restaurant.

Check out breakfast sandwiches served on pancakes or biscuits, or pick up a dish that includes Bob Evans sausage for a delicious breakfast experience similar to Denny’s.

Denny’s is best known for its breakfast, but it also serves lunch options like burgers, fries, and milkshakes.

You can still enjoy a great lunch like that if you swing by Steak ‘n Shake, which is best known for its classic steak burgers and wide selection of milkshakes.

Black Bear Diner started 25 years ago in California and continues its expansion, which means it could soon become an option near you.

The restaurant chain has a variety of menu options (including some popular deals) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from typical fare to more unique options like blackberry-stuffed French toast and homemade pot roast.

Johnny Rockets has plenty of choices that you would expect from a 1950s-inspired diner, even though the first location opened in the 1980s.

Its food is similar to what you would find for lunch or dinner at Denny’s, giving you another choice if you want to sit down for a burger and fries with more toppings options than you might be able to find at a typical Denny’s.

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery has some tasty meal options that could be a good substitute for Denny’s, but it really shines when it’s time for dessert.

Perkins is known for its wide selection of pies so check out options like caramel apple pie, coconut cream pie, or peanut butter silk pie. You can have a slice there or buy a whole pie to-go.

You may not be familiar with Huddle House as the restaurant is mainly in the South, but it can be a good alternative if your Denny’s shuts down.

The chain has more than 60 locations in Georgia, almost 40 restaurants in Alabama, and multiple locations in Texas, Virginia, and South Carolina among other states to try out typical breakfast items or special treats like a sausage gravy chicken waffle taco.

East Coast breakfast lovers are probably already familiar with Friendly’s and its vast selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare.

But Friendly’s stands out above Denny’s and other options with its over-the-top sundaes like a retro banana split or a fries and ice cream sundae.

First Watch is a breakfast, brunch, and lunch-only option that boasts breakfast options that could be considered elevated compared to your typical Denny’s fare.

Check out menu items like breakfast tacos, power bowls, or different versions of eggs benedict to see the difference.

Your Denny’s might be gone, but the good news is there are plenty of other restaurant chains to take its place with comfort food or unique treats.

You can also use the closure of your local Denny’s to motivate yourself to save money on groceries and cook at home rather than going out. Try your hand at a typical Denny’s Grand Slam breakfast to see if you can make it at home for less money.