Denny's Family

You kinda know what to expect when you eat at Denny's and my worst claim to fame is that I have eaten at almost every single one in New Zealand. The problem with some of the work that I do on weekends is that I am often finishing up at 2 3am and finishing up hungry too. The benefit of the Denny's chain is that for the most part, they are 24 hours.<br/ <br/ The Christchurch one has been a haunt of mine for a while with some of those early morning finishings, but the place is a bit haggard looking. While the decor and furnishings are much the same as the other Denny's this one is just kinda dull looking. Like someone has gone over and taken the shine off everything, but perhaps that's just because the only other people in this place at this time of the morning are either intoxicated; or intoxicated and hungry.<br/ <br/ The food is never really anything to rave about. I mean I love the Millennium for its simplicity of meat, cheese, onion and bun, but generally the food is par average but this is Denny's! If you want an exquisite dining experience, you wouldn't be choosing a place called Denny's now would you. Not even looking at my picture of the burger is going to want to entice you ... but at anywhere between 12 and 5 am in the morning, that burger looks like the best thing since pavlova.<br/ <br/ The stand out for me though has for the most part been the staff. At this time of the morning, when dealing with some of the most obnoxious, arrogant, drunken pillocks that could walk in the door ... these guys try to keep smiling and to do a good job. Looking tired and weary from time to time, but they keep going. <br/ <br/ They deserve a big Christmas bonus!

The food is enjoyable, but in some instances can look sloppy on the plate and have received food to find it not piping HOT as expected after a wait for it to cook which comes down to how busy the place can get at times. I wish the tickets provided for items ordered would give you a total of food item after placing to make payment easier to organize.<br/ <br/ Above Fast Food Quality, all meals could be prepared at home with planning would recommend for a once in a while visit as price stacks up quickly.

My family's experience here was a.o.k. I found the service here great and so was the food. We only ordered dessert for our child (she's a very fussy eater so we can only usually find her something on the dessert menu) and the staff had enough initiative to bring it out with our mains without me telling them too as I forgot well done! Most restaurants if I don't tell them, they don't. I would dine here again.

Denny's has definitely changed! I remember in the early 2000s the quality of food was really good. However, around mid-2000s there was a change in management, as the friendly manager at the time had then left to work for another cafe which I believe doesn't exist now after the earthquake. I remember around 2006 and 2007 the service had gone down badly after this friendly manager had left. I remember hearing stories of people getting sick after they had ate at Denny's. I also remember one time my dad ordered an apple pie which had taken them a long time to serve and there was also a lack of communication from the waitress. After waiting my dad ended up getting a refund. Since 2007 I had ever been back to Denny's again..... Until 7 years later which was last year I went back to Denny's again and it was hell of a lot better than 7 years ago! It had a totally different range of staff members who were helpful and friendly and the service has definitely improved! The foods that I ate were delicious and have had no problems with the place since then.

Denny's is all too often a restaurant I forget exists, but at 11 at night or 2 in the morning when you're hungry as hell they're a great option (and all other times too .<br/ <br/ The service is fast and friendly, the food options are numerous and amazing, their Oero Smoothies are famous, Shoe string fries are really great too. Deserts, breakfasts, burgers, pizza and all on the menu all day. Good prices too. <br/ <br/ While sometimes noisy the atmosphere is welcoming and calm. Great for large groups or a solo meal. :