9 Problems With Denny’s No One Is Talking About Enough

For more than 70 years, Denny's has been a reliable stop for around-the-clock comfort food, especially when you're on a late-night road trip or looking for a holiday meal. With more than 1,400 locations worldwide, 24-hour service, nostalgic appeal, and affordable prices, it's easy to see why the diner chain has been a top choice for stretching your restaurant budget.

But in recent years, that favor has started to fall. While some locations are praised for improvements under new management, many others continue to draw criticism. From inconsistent food to cleanliness issues, a growing number of complaints suggest deeper obstacles that go beyond the usual big-chain variability.

Here are nine problems with Denny's that aren't getting enough attention.

1. The food lacks flavor

Bland breakfast is a rough way to start the day — and unfortunately, it's a common experience at Denny's.

Many customers report flavorless grits and omelets, underwhelming bacon and sausage, and soggy hash browns. In some cases, the toast ends up being the most flavorful item on the plate. When you go in expecting your favorite tasty breakfast, bland food is a big letdown.

2. The restaurants often aren't clean

First impressions matter, especially in food service. Unfortunately, many Denny's locations fall short on basic cleanliness and hygiene.

Sticky tables and seats, messy tables still covered in dishes, and unkempt floors create an unappetizing atmosphere. Some customers report dirty glasses and flatware that look like they didn't even go through the wash. Add in sloppy bathrooms, and the overall dining experience becomes significantly less appetizing.

3. Many locations are short-staffed

Chronic understaffing is a consistent issue across Denny's locations, and the impact is noticeable for customers.

With too few employees to handle the workload, wait times grow longer and service slows down. In some cases, overburdened staff are often left juggling multiple roles, like wait staff also managing the kitchen. The result is frustrating and chaotic for everyone.

4. Service isn't up to par

Poor service is becoming a recurring complaint from the kitchen to the table at many Denny's locations.

Some diners report waiting 20 minutes just to get drinks. Others mention waiting over an hour for basic meals, only to receive cold or incorrect orders when the food finally arrives. Behind the scenes, broken equipment and an absence of cooks only worsen matters. When hospitality and efficiency are both unsatisfactory, it's hard to justify the trip.

5. Food quality is a gamble

Consistency is key in chain restaurants, but Denny's doesn't always deliver. While some customers praise a satisfying breakfast, others report thin bacon, foul-tasting sausage, greasy or overcooked eggs, and pancakes that fall flat.

Outside the breakfast menu, complaints continue. Wings, onion rings, and chicken tenders are frequently described as dry and overcooked. Lettuce in salads is often wilted and unwashed. With these food quality issues, it's no surprise that customers are dining at Denny's less and less.

6. Some entrées are too salty

What Denny's breakfast lacks in flavor, other menu items seem to overcompensate for with salt.

Several Yelp reviewers say certain dishes were so salty they were almost inedible. As any seasoned diner knows, salt isn't a substitute for flavor.

7. Dining rooms feel old and worn out

Many locations need a serious refresh. Torn upholstery, sagging seats, dingy woodwork, and dated decor contribute to an atmosphere that feels more rundown than retro.

For a place that bills itself as "America's Diner," the lack of comfort makes it hard to settle in and enjoy a meal. A thorough clean and a facelift could make a considerable difference in the dining room's appeal.

8. Their coffee is not good

A solid cup of coffee is a diner essential: warm and comforting with a filling breakfast any time of day. But at Denny's, the coffee often disappoints.

Customers frequently describe the java at Denny's as weak, flavorless, and lukewarm. For a place built around breakfast, bad coffee is a big miss when it should be an easy win.

9. There's no energy in the dining room

Even when food misses the mark, a welcoming atmosphere can make up for it. Unfortunately, these days, that's rarely the case at America's Diner.

Many locations feel empty and uninspired, with few customers, a dull energy, and interiors that haven't aged well. It's hard to enjoy a meal in a space that feels like it's just going through the motions.

Bottom Line

Since it's open 24/7, Denny's remains a favorite for convenient, late-night breakfast food and burgers. However, increasing complaints about slow service, subpar food, and the overall experience show that there are deeper issues that need to be addressed.

With sales dipping 3% in the first quarter of 2025, Denny's is looking for ways to win back customers. The chain recently announced a buy-one-get-one deal on their famed Grand Slam breakfasts. Time will tell if deals like this — and addressing deeper issues — will help the once beloved diner chain withstand economic downturns.

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