I feel like everyone has a Denny’s experience under their belt.
And usually it goes something like this:
“Good food, lots of it, low prices.”
And honestly, that’s what has always made Denny’s such a successful chain.
But more recently…
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The breakfast wars have heated up, and lots of chains are coming for Denny’s.
In fact, their fans will contend they’ve actually lapped Denny’s!
(And given that Denny’s has gotten rid of loads of fan favorites…well, you can see why.)
And let’s face it…
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Denny’s announced in the Fall that it was closing 50 restaurants by the end of 2024 and another 100 by the end of this year, in an attempt to turn around sagging company performance.
Which, of course, lends a certain credence to anyone saying their competitors have stepped up their game.
But at the end of the day…the big question is: Are they right?
That’s up to you decide.
Starting with…
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Where you’ll find them: Biscuitville is still super small and regional – they’ve only got about 70 locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Why the breakfast is better: It’s all in the name! Be sure to try out their spicy chicken and honey biscuit, or if not – top whatever you get with their amazing sausage gravy.
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Where you’ll find them: Waffle House is in 25 states, centered mostly in the American South and Midwest.
Why the breakfast is better: Honestly, their pecan waffle with blueberry syrup is one of my favorite things, and I’ve got lots of fond memories of eating that after going on a hike with my Dad. Also, their T-bone and eggs breakfast is a great staple and a great value.
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Where you’ll find them: Primary on the East Coast, with clusters in Florida, New York and New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia, and DC – plus a few in California.
Why the breakfast is better: Their breakfast pastries are my favorite from any chain, ever. Try out their tartines and other breakfast sandwiches if you’re looking to change up your routine a bit – the French influences make for delicious eating.
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Where you’ll find them: Bob Evans has over 400 locations in 18 states, mostly in Ohio / Indiana / Michigan, but spread out as west as Kansas and out to New Jersey and South Carolina. Plus a large cluster up and down Florida.
Why the breakfast is better: It’s like Denny’s…but more. The whole hog is a culinary delight so long as you don’t need to be productive for the rest of the day. (I also recommend the steak tips and eggs.)
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Where you’ll find them: Krispy Kreme is in 42 states (skipping just a few of the small northeastern states that are clearly Dunkin’ territory, plus a few Plains/upper Midwest states).
Why the breakfast is better: If you’ve ever had a hot Krispy Kreme doughnut that’s fresh from the oven, you know exactly why it’s amazing. (And if you haven’t, go get yourself one as soon as possible.)
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Where you’ll find them: Huddle House is in 21 states, with its densest cluster in Alabama and Georgia. They’re as far west as Nebraska and as far north as Illinois, however, so really they should be accessible from just about anywhere in the south and midwest.
Why the breakfast is better: I’m just going to name one of their newest dishes: Maple butter chicken waffle taco with sausage gravy (and a side of tater tots). What part of that doesn’t sound absolutely incredible? Their omelets are pretty good too.
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Where you’ll find them: 43 states, so just about everywhere. Weirdly, Oregon no longer has a Cracker Barrel (having shuttered its last location in 2024), and Maine gave up its last one earlier this year.
Why the breakfast is better: Momma’s pancake breakfast is an old favorite, as is their homestyle chicken n’ French toast. Their bacon n’ egg hashbrown casserole is a great option if you’ve got a powerful hunger!
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Where you’ll find them: 19 states, mostly in the West and South. (Although they do have four in Illinois.)
Why the breakfast is better: A good mix of traditional favorites (omelets, stacks of pancakes, eggs benedict, corn beef hash – that sort of thing) and clever new ideas (like their sausage and cheese crepe – it’s like the best of both worlds!) Get the cookies and cream pancake stack if you’ve got a real sweet tooth.
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Where you’ll find them: IHOP is in every state and several foreign countries, so if you’re visiting Mexico, or Canada, or Pakistan – you’ll be able to get your favorite breakfast.
Why the breakfast is better: Decadent stuffed French toast, great combos, and fantastic pancakes – all at a very reasonable price.
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Where you’ll find them: There are almost 10,000 Dunkin’ stores nationwide across 45 states. Throughout most of the Northeast, it feels like you can’t turn around without tripping on a Dunkin’.
Why the breakfast is better: Unlike Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ has diversified beyond donuts and coffee into a ton of delicious breakfast treats. Get the sausage, egg and cheese croissant sandwich, and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
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Ok, look, I couldn’t leave without giving Denny’s its due. Because let’s face it – Denny’s is also amazing.
Where you’ll find them: Denny’s is in 49 states (sorry Delaware!) and in several other countries as well.
Why the breakfast is better: The grand slam is just such an iconic and nostalgic meal, and of course it’s an amazing value at only $12.99. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg – every Denny’s combo is crafted with intention and care, and while it’s all greasy, it’s sure delicious!
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So there you have it – ten restaurants pushing Denny’s hard in the breakfast wars.
(There are plenty more out there, but in my opinion these are some of the very best.)
And of course, that gives us one more big question:
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What do you think? Is Denny’s still top of the heap?
Or have one of its competitors dethroned it?
Let us know in the comments!
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