IHOP

I don’t even know where to begin, because words honestly don’t do justice to the level of service my friends and I received from MJ during our recent visit to IHOP. I’ve been to a lot of restaurants in my life—ranging from fast food to fine dining—and I can say without a shred of exaggeration that MJ is one of the best servers I have ever encountered. Not just at an IHOP, but anywhere, period. From the moment we walked in, MJ greeted us with a warmth and energy that instantly made us feel like we were more than just customers—we felt like welcomed guests, maybe even long-lost friends. Their smile was genuine, their attitude was upbeat without being over-the-top, and they managed that perfect balance of professionalism and friendly charisma that so many servers strive for but rarely hit this well. We had a party of six, which can sometimes be a lot to manage, especially during a busy brunch rush. But MJ handled our table with the poise and grace of someone who clearly knows their craft inside and out. They memorized our drink orders in one go (and we had some pretty specific requests: oat milk, extra ice, no ice, lemon wedges, hot coffee with cream on the side—you name it), and they never had to ask twice. The attention to detail MJ showed throughout the meal was something you’d expect at a Michelin-starred restaurant, not necessarily an IHOP—and that’s no shade to IHOP, because this location in particular was clean, cozy, and comfortable. But MJ elevated the experience entirely. They checked in at exactly the right times—not too frequent to be disruptive, and not too infrequent to leave us wondering where our server had gone. They read the room like a seasoned professional and adjusted their tone and timing to fit our vibe perfectly. When one person in our group mentioned they were gluten-sensitive, MJ didn’t skip a beat—they immediately offered thoughtful menu suggestions and double-checked with the kitchen just to ensure there wouldn’t be any cross-contamination. THAT kind of care is rare and shows real integrity and a deep commitment to customer well-being. Then there was the food—and look, IHOP is always reliable for a great stack of pancakes or a hearty breakfast combo, but everything we ordered tasted even better simply because MJ made the whole experience feel special. My syrup never ran dry. My bacon was hot and crisp. My coffee was refilled like clockwork. My sides arrived at the same time as my entrée (how often does that actually happen?), and everything looked freshly made and perfectly plated. Even when things got visibly busier in the restaurant, MJ never rushed us or seemed stressed. In fact, they still managed to check in on other tables, crack a few jokes, smile like they actually enjoy their job, and somehow keep everyone around them calm and happy. Here’s the thing—great service is about more than just refilling drinks or delivering food. It’s about making people feel seen, valued, and taken care of. MJ did that and then some. They weren’t just a waiter—they were a host, a problem-solver, a mood-booster, and the beating heart of our entire brunch outing. They made an ordinary morning into a memorable experience, and I honestly left feeling better than when I arrived—how often can you say that about breakfast? MJ, if you’re reading this: THANK YOU. You made a lasting impression, and your energy is contagious in the best way possible. I hope IHOP knows what a gem they have in you, and I hope you’re recognized for the incredible job you do every single shift. You’re not just good at your job—you were born for it. Keep being amazing, and know that your hard work does not go unnoticed.

My gluten allergic hostage had a great time here! He said he liked the (gf) pancakes and something about his parents hating him, I think I'm doing him a favor here....