CASE #028: Denny’s Diner Review

I first saw Denny’s at Trinoma while I was hanging out with a friend. We were thinking what was the restaurant it replaced in that portion of the mall. 

Then I heard Penny, the character played by Kaley Cuoco in Big Bang Theory, mentioned it in one of their episodes when I was binge watching the show at iFlix.

Apparently, Denny’s is an American diner that started as a donut stand back in 1953. It was built by Harold Butler and Richard Jezak and have been serving hearty meals to its guests 24/7 for around 60 years. It was brought to the Philippines by The Bistro Group of Restaurants. It has six other branches within Metro Manila and the nearby province. 

The one we’ve tried is located at the Eastwood Mall. You can easily find it at the upper ground level, facing the Eastwood Central Park. 

If you are coming from Citywalk 1, you need to cross the Orchard Road (near TGIFridays and Taqueria 101). Come up on the plight of stairs going towards Eastwood Central Park. To your left will be the AShop Eastwood, a couple more steps to your right, and you will see the yellow and red lighted signage of Denny’s.

Ambiance ★★★★★

The diner exuded an all-American atmosphere. Its color theme was a combination of brown and shades of yellow. There were lots of couched tables just like the typical set up that you often see in American TV shows. 

The light-yellow upholstery balanced the brown brick-designed walls. There were also separate wooden tables and chairs in the center for diners who don’t like the all too casual feel of the couches. Al fresco tables were also available for those who preferred to eat outside, or in case the indoor area was full.

Pictures of food and other stuff were hanged on the wall. On our side, the wall was painted with their logo and the diner’s tagline. Big LED screens are also mounted on walls which show clips of NBA games. The ceiling was accentuated by round cylinder lamps that emits warm yellow light. The place was well-air-conditioned considering the sweltering heat outside (We came in for dinner. Not sure if temperature is still the same on high noon).

Food ★★★★

We ordered one Lumberjack Slam (two buttermilk pancakes, a slice of grilled ham, two bacon strips, two sausage link, two eggs, toast and hash brown) and an ala carte of their Bourbon Ribs. It came in big servings and was arranged on big plates that occupied almost half of the table. 

Lumberjack Slam

Bourbon Ribs

The ribs were well-marinated with the right blend of sweetness and saltiness, the perfect blend of American barbecue. It was served with a cup of rice and some vegetables on the side. 

The Lumberjack Slam was heavy enough to fill up one's hungry stomach even without rice. I enjoyed the bacon and grilled ham, but I wasn’t a fan of their sausage and hash brown which both tasted a little too bland. I guess that was what the salt and pepper on the table is for.

The pancakes? Their fluffy but felt coarse on every bite. Probably because of the air bubbles in its batter. A little more mixing could have improved its texture. But the abundance of butter and maple syrup did the trick. I would still prefer a McDonald’s hotcake over it.

Service ★★★★

The staff were very accommodating. A staff graciously led us in once we entered the restaurant and looked for a place for us. She perkily introduced herself, gave us the menu, and gave us some time to browse and choose our orders. Even their manager was friendly and took time to offer us a special privilege card of The Bistro Group, which we did not avail.

Condiments (tomato catsup, salt, pepper, and maple syrup) were readily available on the table but we still need to ask for a Tabasco which was not a problem because their staff were prompt in providing what we needed.

Unfortunately, the waiting time for our orders took longer than what they mentioned in their disclaimer. We did not mind waiting but if I were very hungry, that waiting time could be a pain.

They were accepting both cash and credit card so it would be okay to go cashless. Not sure with debit cards, though.

Pricing ★★

For me the Lumberjack Slam was priced quite steep for a breakfast meal. There were, however, other breakfast combos in their menu at a much lower price. I just find it too pricey for a breakfast meal as there are other restaurants who could offer the same meal at a much lower price. I guess it’s their 24/7 ops that makes the difference.

The ala carte Bourbon Ribs was priced comparable enough to other restaurants within Eastwood. But if you’re thinking Casa Verde’s Brian Ribs, then the latter would still win the price match.

It may take around Php1,000 for two people excluding drinks and dessert. Definitely not for people who prefer a more budget-friendly date.

Overall Rating: 3.75 ★

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Disclaimer:

All reviews are based on my own experience. My views and opinions may vary from others. If you have a different experience with this place, feel free to let us know through the comments section. The descriptions and prices mentioned are based on what I have actually encountered. It may vary from time to time or in different branches. Again, feel free to comment for updated information.

Photos from:

• http://legendseating.com/work/works-dennys
• Bernalyn Manalili