Jim Denny's American Diner

Permanently Closed

Jim Denny's American Diner

Permanently Closed

Burgers, chili, milkshakes, and fried chicken sandwiches.

Information

816 12th St, Sacramento, CA 95814 Get directions

$10–20

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

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

Andrew Calisterio

Jim Denny's American Diner

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

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

Jim Denny's American Diner

Alex D.

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” M.

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.

Rick R.

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.

Pete B.

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.

Chris G.

Google

If you're looking for a classic dive with amazing food, this is your spot. Their burgers, sprouts, rings, fries, dogs...they're all amazing. The service is authentic and fantastic. Come prepared to sit outside or grab a barstool. AND, come prepared for fantastic flavor.

Ben H.

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!

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.

ZumaJay Z

Google

I’ve been here a few times for the amazing solid diner food. Imagine your favorite old school joint that serves burgers, fries, hot dogs… but gourmet with great service and rad vibe… Jim Dennys got it. When I went today I asked Chef N’Gina what I should get as I sat at indoors at the counter: shrimp and grits. So what did I order for lunch? A burger with onion rings… and shrimp and grits to go. My to go food was my dinner but man… I needed to try it. As a kid I found my love for Southern/Cajun/Creole cuisine at the unauthentic Cheesecake Factory with their jambalaya. Hooked as a high schooler in the 90’s! Over the decades I searched out good Cajun cuisine… hits and misses but then I finally found myself in New Orleans last spring… heaven! So back to today.. just a few hours ago… and an empty container of bliss. Shrimp & Grits in caps… perfect flavor… texture… man. Imma need to drive out every Thursday just to get some! So damn good it made my heart fly and my soul dance.