When you think of American diners, one name stands out—Denny’s. Known for being open 24/7 and serving breakfast all day, Denny’s has become a go-to place for families, night owls, truckers, and breakfast lovers alike.
But among all its menu items, one dish stands above the rest—the Original Grand Slam. It’s been on the menu since 1977, and even today, people love it just as much. In this blog post, we’ll explore why this breakfast combo remains one of the best meals on the Denny’s menu,Original Grand Slam.
What Is the Original Grand Slam?
The Original Grand Slam is a simple but filling breakfast. It includes:
-
Two buttermilk pancakes
-
Two eggs (any style)
-
Two strips of bacon
-
Two sausage links
- Also Click: Denny’s Original Grand Slam Is Still a Breakfast Favorite
At first glance, it may look like an ordinary breakfast. But when you dig in, you realize it’s a perfect combination of flavor, portion, and comfort.
The History Behind the Grand Slam
Denny’s introduced the Original Grand Slam in 1977 in honor of baseball legend Hank Aaron. It became so popular that Denny’s made it a regular menu item. Since then, the Grand Slam has become a symbol of American breakfast.
It’s also been adapted over time into other versions like the All-American Slam, Lumberjack Slam, and French Toast Slam, but the Original is still the favorite for many.
First Impressions
When the plate arrives, you’re greeted with the smell of fresh pancakes and sizzling bacon. The eggs look fluffy and perfectly cooked. The sausage is browned just right. Everything is served hot.
The presentation is neat. You can tell the kitchen staff takes care to make it look inviting, even though it’s a classic diner meal.
Taste Test: Each Item Reviewed
Let’s break down the taste of each item individually:
🥞 Buttermilk Pancakes
Soft, fluffy, and golden brown. They have a slight sweetness that pairs well with syrup and butter. The outside is slightly crisp, and the inside melts in your mouth. Even without syrup, they taste good.
🍳 Eggs (Your Way)
Denny’s allows you to choose how you want your eggs—scrambled, sunny side up, over easy, etc. We chose sunny side up for this review. The yolks were bright and runny, just how they should be. The whites were cooked without being rubbery.
🥓 Bacon Strips
Crispy and salty, but not burnt. They crackle with every bite. Some pieces had a little chew in the middle, which was perfect.
🌭 Sausage Links
Juicy with a slight spice. Not too greasy. They had a snap when you bit into them, which made them feel freshly grilled.
Overall, every bite was satisfying. There’s a reason this meal has stood the test of time.
Portion Size and Value
You get a lot of food for a reasonable price. At most locations, the Original Grand Slam® costs around $9–$11, depending on your city. For a meal that can fill you up for hours, it’s a great deal.
Also, you can “Build Your Own Grand Slam” at many locations. This means you can swap items. Want hash browns instead of pancakes? Or turkey bacon instead of regular bacon? You can mix and match.
Nutrition Info (Approximate)
Here’s a quick overview of the calories and macros:
-
Pancakes (2): 350–400 calories
-
Eggs (2): 140–160 calories
-
Bacon (2): 100–120 calories
-
Sausage (2): 160–180 calories
Total: Around 750–900 calories
This meal isn’t diet food, but it’s satisfying and balanced with protein, carbs, and fat. Perfect for a once-in-a-while treat.
Who Will Enjoy the Original Grand Slam?
The Original Grand Slam is for:
-
Breakfast lovers who enjoy classic American diner meals
-
Late-night diners searching for “food 24 hours near me”
-
Families with kids, thanks to simple flavors
-
Travelers or truckers, needing filling food on the road
-
Seniors, especially with the Denny’s senior discount available
No matter your age, this dish offers comfort in every bite.
Service and Atmosphere
Denny’s staff is usually friendly. Our server was quick and polite. The restaurant was clean, and the atmosphere felt warm. Music played quietly in the background. People of all ages were there—young couples, seniors, and families.
The food arrived within 10–12 minutes after ordering. Everything was hot and fresh. That’s important when eating pancakes and eggs.
Denny’s Kids Eat Free Program
Another reason to visit Denny’s is their Kids Eat Free deal. On select nights (usually Tuesdays), kids get a free meal from the kid’s menu when an adult orders an entrée. That makes the Grand Slam even more valuable for families.
So while you’re enjoying your breakfast, your kids can get pancakes or chicken nuggets without added cost.
Add-Ons and Combos
You can customize your Grand Slam in many ways:
-
Add hash browns
-
Replace pancakes with French toast
-
Swap bacon for turkey bacon
-
Add a side of fruit for a lighter touch
-
Upgrade to Belgian waffles for a few dollars more
These little upgrades make the experience more flexible for everyone.
What People Say Online
We checked online reviews. The Original Grand Slam has positive feedback almost everywhere:
-
Yelp: 4.3/5 stars
-
TripAdvisor: “Reliable, hot, filling, and a great price.”
-
Google Reviews (Los Angeles): “I always come here for the Grand Slam. Never fails.”
It’s clear this breakfast meal has fans from coast to coast.
Why It’s Still Popular in 2025
Many restaurants change their menus often. But Denny’s has kept the Original Grand Slam because it’s loved. It’s not fancy. It’s not trendy. But it’s reliable, warm, and nostalgic.
People don’t always want kale smoothies or tofu scrambles. Sometimes they just want eggs, pancakes, and bacon done right.
Tips for First-Timers
-
Visit during off-hours for quicker service
-
Ask for syrup on the side if you don’t like soggy pancakes
-
Use the Denny’s app to get coupons or rewards
-
Consider ordering coffee with your Grand Slam—it’s always hot and fresh
-
If you’re a senior, ask about the Denny’s senior discount before ordering
Final Thoughts
The Original Grand Slam isn’t just a meal. It’s an experience. Whether you’re out late or starting your day early, this meal hits all the right spots. It’s warm, filling, and satisfying. And at under $12, it’s a steal in 2025.
With the option to customize, enjoy it any way you like—traditional or with your own twist. And with the Denny’s Kids Eat Free program and senior discounts, it’s a great choice for every generation.
3 FAQ About the Original Grand Slam
1. Can I change items in the Original Grand Slam?
Yes! Many Denny’s locations allow you to “Build Your Own Grand Slam.” You can swap pancakes, eggs, or meats for other options.
2. Is the Grand Slam available all day?
Yes. Denny’s serves breakfast 24/7, including the Original Grand Slam.
3. Does the Original Grand Slam come with drinks?
No, drinks are extra. You can order coffee, juice, milk, or soda on the side.
