IHOP might be known for its pancakes, but not all menu items deliver the promised flavor and quality. Explore the top 13 IHOP menu items to avoid to enhance your dining experience.
Are you looking to make the most out of your IHOP visit? Discover which dishes can lead to disappointment and how to steer clear of poorly rated IHOP dishes.
The Hash Brown Dilemma
When it comes to side dishes at IHOP, hash browns are often seen as a staple. However, customer reviews paint a negative picture. IHOP hash browns can range from undercooked to burnt, leaving diners frustrated. Reports of inconsistent quality indicate that this potato dish will often not meet expectations. Many customers have expressed their dissatisfaction, claiming they received either frozen or burnt hash browns. To avoid disappointment, it's advisable to skip this dish altogether, as the quality varies significantly.
Evaluating the Philly Cheese Steak Stacker
The Philly cheese steak stacker at IHOP may entice you with its promise of grilled sirloin steak and melted American cheese, but it often fails to deliver. Reviewers describe the cheese as hard and cold, tarnishing the overall experience of this classic sandwich. One diner mentioned that the cold temperature ruined the taste and texture, leaving them disappointed. Given the lack of flavor and freshness in the key ingredients, consider skipping this item and opting for a different sandwich elsewhere.
Why Chicken Strips Fall Flat
Fried chicken strips are a staple in many diners, but IHOP's version can be a serious letdown. Customers frequently report that the buttermilk crispy chicken strips are often dry and over-fried. Pictures posted online show strips that appear rock solid and unappealing. This dish consistently receives low ratings among patrons, leading many to question its inclusion on the menu. If chicken strips are on your mind, consider researching alternatives with better reviews.
Omelettes You Might Regret
IHOP's omelettes come with their unique blend of buttermilk, which supposedly contributes to a fluffier texture. Unfortunately, many diners have found that this doesn't translate into quality results. The chicken fajita omelette, in particular, has faced criticism for dry eggs and a lackluster flavor profile. Reviewers have noted that the egg often comes overcooked, while the promised peppers are either sparse or missing. The disappointing experiences indicate this dish may not be worth the price.
Bacon Quality Concerns
Bacon is often a breakfast favorite, but IHOP's hickory-smoked bacon strips are not without their problems. Patrons have reported receiving inconsistent orders—some bacon is overly crispy, while other strips may be undercooked. Such discrepancies lead to disappointing experiences. To avoid bacon regrets, opting for a different side dish might be your best bet.
Sandwich Blues: Classic Chicken Sandwich
IHOP's version of the classic chicken sandwich seems appealing on paper, but in reality, it frequently fails to meet expectations. Reports highlight issues like wilted lettuce and order inaccuracies. Receiving the wrong chicken type can easily sour a dining experience, especially when you're looking for a satisfying meal. The inconsistency of this sandwich makes it a safer bet to explore other options on the menu.
Eggs Benedict: A Risky Choice
Eggs Benedict can be a delightful dish if prepared correctly; however, IHOP's version has drawn complaints about quality and presentation. Customers have reported issues ranging from cold English muffins to questionable sauce quality. With the possibility of food safety concerns as noted by notable chefs in the industry, it's advisable to skip this high-risk dish during your visit.
The Burden of the Classic Burger
A classic burger should provide a hearty and satisfying meal, but IHOP's classic burger struggles to meet these standards. Many reviews describe the patties as greasy and even raw in the center. Additionally, complaints about flavor reveal that the dish is not seasoned well. With a high likelihood of inconsistency, it's best to seek out burgers at better-rated establishments.
Turkey Bacon: Not What You’d Hope For
While some diners may opt for turkey bacon strips in search of a lower-calorie option, these tend to be rubbery, dry, or even undercooked. This can greatly diminish the satisfaction of the dish. The risk of receiving regular bacon instead only compounds these issues, making turkey bacon a poor choice at IHOP.
Skip the Seafood: Crispy Shrimp
Though seafood may not be your first thought at a pancake house, customers have reported consistent issues with crispy shrimp. The ratio of shrimp to breading is often disappointing, and the flavor leaves much to be desired. With customers suggesting it's best to avoid this appetizer, you’d be wise to skip it on your next visit.
Crepes vs. Reality: Fresh Berry Crepes
The fresh berry crepes might sound delightful, but they often fail to impress. Reviews note that different locations might serve variations, and customers have reported underwhelming tastes. With the likelihood of receiving a bare crepe with few toppings, this item is best left off your order. Instead of settling for less, why not indulge in IHOP's famed pancakes instead?
Inconsistent Fresh Fruit Options
Fruits might seem like a safe and healthy side, but seasonal fresh fruit dishes at IHOP can present some unpleasant surprises. Reports of moldy fruit and poor quality abound, so you might want to reconsider ordering this item. The chance of receiving fruit that's not truly fresh makes it a risky choice, as customers have often expressed dissatisfaction.
The Truth Behind Chicken Strips: Buttermilk Version
Even though chicken strips are generally a crowd-pleaser, IHOP's buttermilk chicken strips don’t seem to perform well. Often reported as poorly sized and overcooked, these strips lead to disappointment. Avoid them altogether to ensure your meal isn't plagued with quality issues.
Poblano Omelette: A Risky Proposition
Last but not least, the spicy poblano omelette includes ingredients intended to excite your palate. However, seeing reports featuring rotten avocado and poor presentation can leave you hesitant. It's time to avoid this dish and explore other more reliable offerings on the menu instead.
Making the right dining choices is essential at IHOP. By steering clear of these 13 IHOP menu items to avoid, you'll be better positioned to enjoy a quality meal. Always keep in mind the importance of customer reviews when evaluating menu items, as they offer invaluable insights into potential disappointments.
If you're planning your next meal, consider exploring the more favorable options IHOP has to offer instead. Focus on the dishes with consistently good reviews for a more satisfying dining experience.