Jim Denny's American Diner

Diner · Mansion Flats

Jim Denny's American Diner

Diner · Mansion Flats

2

816 12th St, Sacramento, CA 95814

Photos

Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by Andrew Calisterio
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null
Jim Denny's American Diner by null

Highlights

Iconic diner with superior burgers, chili & garlic fries  

Featured in Eater
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816 12th St, Sacramento, CA 95814 Get directions

jimdennys.com

$10–20

Information

Static Map

816 12th St, Sacramento, CA 95814 Get directions

jimdennys.com

$10–20

Features

reservations

Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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@eater

The 25 Best Sacramento Restaurants

"If your cool auntie — the one who let you stay up past your bedtime and later introduced you to bourbon — were to open a diner, it might look and feel like N’Gina Guyton’s Jim-Denny’s. The former owner of the beloved (and now-closed) South, Guyton breathed new life into this historic, decades-old burger joint, honoring its traditional spirit of stick-to-your-ribs comfort food and fusing it with the fun-loving energy of downtown Sacramento. Guyton injects an unabashed sumptuousness into the food. The Southern Daddy burger stars a rich chuck patty accompanied by a hot link, onion ring, cheddar, and Memphis barbecue-style coleslaw; the Caesar salad, typically a conservative choice, is topped with Guyton’s famous fried chicken; and the breakfast menu features cornbread-battered sausage blanketed in sage-sausage gravy over scrambled eggs. When dining inside at the counter, expect to be bumped to nearby stools at the server’s request to make room for other guests." - Tamerra Griffin

https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-sacramento
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@eater

Vegan Doughnut Shop Whack Donuts Opens in Downtown San Francisco - Eater SF

"Jim Denny’s has reopened under chef N’Gina Guyton with a new menu." - Lauren Saria

https://sf.eater.com/2023/9/29/23895934/whack-donuts-downtown-san-francisco
View Postcard for Jim Denny's American Diner

Alex DeMartino

Google
This was a very hot and miss experience. We got the breakfast burrito and the big Jim. The burrito tasted like a breakfast sandwich that had been wrapped in a tortilla. It was actually nice and simple. The big Jim, the oatmeal pancakes were tasty and filling, the potato pancake was ok, it was chopped up potatoes with some batter to hold them together. The egg was a basic egg, the bacon was less than noteworthy and the sausage was still pink on the inside.

Gavin “GJM_reviews” Meichelbock

Google
Classic American flavors done right! Made a trip to Sac specifically to try this restaurant and I was NOT disappointed. The service was super friendly and personal even though there were only two people working — one of which was the owner. The American is very much like a Shack Burger from Shake Shack, very smooth, soft (a bit too soft sometimes) and juicy. The patty had a great crust on it and the pickles cut through the beefiness nicely. The lettuce and bacon didn’t do much for me and there needed to be more secret sauce on the sandwich because it was barely noticeable. The best part of the meal though were the garlic fries. Flaccid from the grease, exceptionally salted, and with the perfect amount of garlic flavor, these fries are a must get! Jim Denny’s is a Sacramento standard for a reason and I will absolutely go back.

Pete Blanchard

Google
Well, let me tell you about this diner of excellence on all levels. Superior Burgers, Fries cooked in real fat like the old diner days and the chili. Oh, the chili!! I don’t like beans in chili, technically in Texas, they remove restaurant licenses if you have beans in chili but it was so good here! I think they have a touch of curry but it’s actually clove. Delish!!! Definitely worth a trip downtown for this gastronomic experience.

Sherry Ozdemir

Google
Look no further, Sacramento. We have just found the best burger in town!! The vibe at Jim Denny's is off the hook! Welcoming, up-beat, lively with a solid nod to it's past. It's a tiny place with about 10 counter stools inside, but there is plenty of extra seating on the patio. The service was top notch and the burger was the best Sacramento has to offer, hands-down. So fresh, hot and dripping with goodness. The onions rings were good too.

Rick Rhay

Google
Jim Denny's is a legit counter-serve burger stand. I had the American (double meat double cheese, bacon, etc), and it was delicious. The crew were hustling, and the place was moderately busy on a Sunday morning. Definitely go. Don't expect fancy, but do expect simple, delicious food.

Alison M C

Google
Incredible, incredible, incredible! Owner was super welcoming. Chicken sandwich was perfect. Burger was great. Don't skip the onion rings and housemade ranch. What a cool place. Can't wait to go back.

Ben Hopson

Google
This iconic hamburger joint didn’t disappoint, the All American burger is a classic double smash burger that is and loaded with flavor. Onion rings are tasty and fresh made not frozen. Sitting at the counter was friendly and felt like a stepping back in time. Outdoor seating is available and they are now open on the weekend. If you love burgers you got to give them a try!

Levorio Colin

Google
Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to order as it was single staffed by one female employee who seemed too distracted to answer any questions I had about the menu items... I ordered a Sweet Tea to go and she took her SWEET TIME getting that together for me. Bear in mind it wasn't crowded as I was the third patron there waiting for service I tried one more time to ask about something interesting I might want to try the next time I'm in the area. She seemed annoyed that a paying customer would have the audacity to ask about a menu item. I left a small gratuity as I always do with no plans on ever returning. Seemed like this was her standard demeanor and not just a someone having a tough day. Even so life is full of tough days isn't it I guess some are more delicate about them than others. I decided to take my business right down the way about a block to Tony's Deli where I was greeted warmly by both him and his staff. I was inspired by the pride he had in his establishment and his interactions with the other patrons. Exemplary level of both service and standard practice. Bye Felicia 😭