The diner is an American staple, celebrated for its unique warmth, familiar cuisine, hefty plates, and mouthwatering meals served 24/7. Diners give off a certain classic radiance, the impression of America’s home on the road, unquestionably embodied at Denny’s, which has branded itself as America’s diner.
The legacy of Denny’s began when Harold Butler and Richard Jezak put up Danny’s Donuts, a 24/7 donut stand in the 50s. For the 60 years that followed, that donut stand eventually grew to become an immensely popular diner chain under a slightly different name in over 1,700 locations, thanks in part to their timelessly delicious menu and well-known welcoming service.
Today, America’s favorite diner is finally here in Manila—primed to give Filipinos a taste of American classics. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Uptown Fort rests Denny’s, a must-try for lovers of classic American grub, especially those who can’t resist late night or early morning chowing.
Above anything else, Denny’s is known to satisfy your breakfast cravings even at the most inconvenient of hours. They boast a variety of “slams”, which are ample meal platters that mix and match breakfast favorites. The All-American Slam (Php 395) is more than enough to fuel up before the daily grind. Served with melted cheddar cheese on top, the scrambled eggs are best with slices of toasted bread and crispy strips of bacon. The sausages offer a surge of sharp spices, complementing the hash browns on the side.
For an American restaurant, Denny’s surprisingly satisfied our Filipino palates. One of its best decisions was catering the menu to our taste buds by serving beloved Filipino dishes like Chicken and Pork Adobo and Beef Tapa. You simply cannot skip the Bistek Tagalog (Php 345), which was served with fried rice and two sunny side-up eggs. Undeniably delicious, you’ll likely find yourself ordering another serving of rice to eat with it.
One cannot never go wrong when ordering a beloved Denny’s classic, the Cheeseburger, their pièce de résistance. Served on a wooden platter, with a side of fries, Denny’s Cheeseburger (Php 475) had the most appetizing presentation. For taste, it was nothing short of heavenly as well: the burger oozes with flavor , and every juicy bite is reminiscent of classic American burgers and their distinct saltiness. Forget the bland, skimpy cheeseburgers you’ve had elsewhere, they have nothing on this. Indulge by pairing this dish with a thick milkshake (Php 205) available in the flavors Chocolate, Strawberry, Oreo and Choco Peanut Butter.
Although Denny’s offers a delectable assortment of dishes, one dish failed to live up to its name. While Denny’s Cheeseburger, would win anyone over, the Super Bird (Php 395) could do better. This grilled chicken sandwich despite containing melted Swiss cheese, bacon, and tomato somewhat lacked cohesive and striking flavors. Moreover, its presentation was not as enticing as its other cousins on the menu. Altogether, it was quite difficult to justify the price of this dish.
The most commendable attribute of Denny’s is the unmistakable warmth felt by each customer entering the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere. Though perhaps not an ideal go-to restaurant for budget-keen foodies, it is perfect for dining at once in awhile.
Aside from being reminiscent of its American roots, Denny’s, Bonifacio Global City also creates the impression of a Filipino home through the servers’ hospitality and the their Pinoy styled food items that cater to the local palate. Though in some ways quite different from its counterparts stateside, Denny’s has made inroads with the folk here, since opening last month. Offering a wonderful array of menu options, from Fitfare, Slams, to their Secret Menu, a visit to Denny’s is truly a sensational experience—delghting one’s sight, smell, and taste buds.
Photo by Patricia Oliveros
