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| I set out to order the same affordable breakfast combo — two sausages, two pancakes, two eggs — at chains Denny's (left) and IHOP (right). Steven John |
When it comes to classic American diners, few chains are as iconic as Denny’s and IHOP. Both promise affordable, satisfying breakfast fare but I recently discovered that even when ordering nearly identical meals, your wallet may have a very different experience depending on which restaurant you choose, and even when you dine.
I visited both chains on back-to-back mornings and ordered the same standard combo: two eggs, two sausage links, and two pancakes. While the quality of food was nearly identical at both establishments, the price difference was shocking and timing turned out to be everything.
Denny’s: Generous Portions for a Bargain Price
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| At Denny's, the pancakes were big, and the sausages were quite small. Steven John |
I started at a Denny’s in Queens, New York, arriving just after 7 a.m. on a weekday. The restaurant was quiet, with only a small family dining nearby, and I quickly zeroed in on the most affordable option on the menu: the Everyday Value Slam.
This combo includes two eggs cooked to order, a choice of sausage or bacon, and either pancakes, French toast, or biscuits and gravy. I chose eggs over medium, sausage, and pancakes.
The meal arrived quickly, and I was immediately struck by the plate presentation: the pancakes were massive, served on their own plate and topped with a dollop of whipped butter. They were fluffy and slightly spongy more bready than sweet and had a pleasant, hearty flavor. My only wish? A little more butter.
The sausages were tasty, with a salty, savory punch although they were comically small. I could have easily eaten both in a single bite. The eggs were cooked perfectly with gently browned whites and yolks that were still slightly runny exactly how I like them.
The Price at Denny’s Was Almost Too Good to Be True
This entire meal which left me full and happy came to just $6.99. With tax and a generous 22% tip, I walked out having spent only $9.28.
Honestly, I probably couldn’t have made the same breakfast at home for that price. Between the portion size and quality, Denny’s delivered a remarkable value that would be hard to beat.
IHOP: A Comparable Meal at Nearly Double the Cost
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| My IHOP meal consisted of two pancakes, two eggs over medium, and two sausage links. Steven John |
The following morning, I visited an IHOP in Long Island just after 6:20 a.m. Like Denny’s, the restaurant wasn’t busy, with a few early risers scattered across tables.
I ordered the same combo: two pancakes, two eggs (over medium), and two sausage links. But right away, there were subtle differences.
All my food came out on a single plate, unlike Denny’s more spread-out presentation. The pancakes at IHOP home of the International pancake were noticeably smaller. That said, they were served with a very generous helping of fluffy butter, which I appreciated. The pancakes themselves were sweeter than Denny’s version, which some might prefer, though I lean toward the heartier, more neutral profile Denny’s offers.
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| The sausage links at IHOP were much bigger. Steven John |
IHOP’s sausages were about 40% larger than Denny’s, and tasted a bit less salty which I liked. The eggs were, again, cooked perfectly. So, when it came to flavor and execution, I really couldn’t fault the food. It was just as satisfying, though differently styled.
The Real Surprise Was the Price
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| I don't think my IHOP breakfast should've cost so much. Steven John |
When the bill arrived, I did a double-take: $15.20 before tip. That’s nearly double what I paid for the same meal at Denny’s the day before.
I left a $3 tip for solid service, bringing my total to $18.20. For what was essentially the same meal, the upcharge felt difficult to justify especially so early in the morning.
Here’s Where Timing Makes a Huge Difference
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| Based on pricing alone, if presented with both options before 7 a.m., I'll never choose IHOP over Denny's again. Steven John |
After the initial sticker shock wore off, I realized why the IHOP price tag was so steep. I had missed the House Faves deal, which runs on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. just 40 minutes after my visit. With this deal, my exact meal could’ve cost around $7.
The kicker? I had previously visited this same IHOP and ordered almost the exact meal during that promotion window for half the price. The quality didn’t change, just the clock.
This experience taught me an important (and frustrating) lesson: timing is everything when it comes to getting value at chain restaurants like IHOP.
Denny’s Wins on Value Especially for Early Risers
In terms of taste, both breakfasts were nearly indistinguishable. Denny’s had larger pancakes, IHOP had meatier sausages. The eggs were great at both. Pancake sweetness preference will come down to personal taste I liked Denny’s slightly more neutral flavor.
But price-wise? Denny’s was the clear winner. Not only was it significantly cheaper even with a generous tip but there were no hidden conditions or time-based promotions to worry about. It just delivered a good breakfast at a great price.
Had I arrived at IHOP just a little later, the price difference might have evaporated. But as someone who often eats breakfast before 7 a.m., Denny’s offers consistent, reliable value.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a solid, affordable breakfast and don’t want to think too hard about deals or timing, Denny’s is your best bet. But if you’re an IHOP fan, try to show up after 7 a.m. or risk paying a premium for those pancakes.
