Denny's vs IHOP: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Denny's is the cheaper of the two. Of the 10 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Denny's is cheaper on 8 of them, by an average of $1.58 per item.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
Denny's
- The $5.99 Everyday Value Slam is the cheapest sit-down breakfast at any national chain — two pancakes, an egg and meat.
- Build Your Own Grand Slam at $12.49 gives four items; ordering the same four à la carte typically costs $4 to $6 more.
- The 55+ menu takes roughly $2 to $3 off the standard versions of the same dishes for guests 55 and older.
IHOP
- All You Can Eat Pancakes returns several times a year and is the best value IHOP ever offers — usually around the price of a full stack.
- The 55+ menu is available all day to guests 55 and older and runs roughly $2 to $4 below the standard versions of the same dishes.
- Coffee and soft drinks are bottomless, so a single drink charge covers the whole meal.
Denny's vs IHOP — FAQ
Is Denny's cheaper than IHOP in 2026?
Denny's is cheaper on most matched items — 8 of 10. Across the whole menu IHOP is the lower-priced of the two, at $12.49 for a typical item against $13.29 at Denny's.
What is the price difference between Denny's and IHOP?
On matched items the average difference is $1.58, or about 6% overall. Denny's averages $12.28 across 41 priced items; IHOP averages $11.57 across 41.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Denny's or IHOP?
Denny's starts at $3.49 (Coffee (bottomless)) and IHOP at $3.79 (Coffee (bottomless)).
Are these prices the same at every location?
No. Both chains let franchise owners set prices, so figures move by a dollar or more between markets and run highest at airport, stadium and highway locations. Treat these as the typical U.S. price, not a quote.