What Shoney's is and where to find it

Shoney's is a casual dining restaurant chain that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a sit-down format. The chain operates locations across the United States, though the number of restaurants has contracted significantly since its peak in the 1990s. You can find current Shoney's locations by visiting shoneys.com and using their location finder, or by calling 1-800-552-7737 to confirm a restaurant is still open before you drive there.

Each Shoney's operates as a franchise or company-owned location, which means hours, menu offerings, and service quality can vary between restaurants. Some locations are open for breakfast starting at 6 a.m., while others open at 7 a.m. Most stay open until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., though this differs by location. Calling ahead to confirm hours is the most reliable way to avoid a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Shoney's serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual sit-down setting with table service at most locations.
  • The menu includes eggs and pancakes at breakfast, sandwiches and burgers at lunch, and entrees like seafood and chicken at dinner.
  • You can check current locations, hours, and menus on shoneys.com or by calling 1-800-552-7737.
  • Most Shoney's locations accept major credit cards, debit cards, and cash, though payment methods may vary by restaurant.
  • Pricing is moderate for casual dining, with breakfast items typically under $10 and dinner entrees ranging from $10 to $20.

Breakfast menu and pricing

Shoney's breakfast menu includes eggs cooked to order, pancakes, waffles, French toast, and breakfast sandwiches. You can order eggs with hash browns and toast, or choose from combination platters that include meat like bacon, sausage, or ham. Pancakes and waffles come with syrup and butter, and you can add toppings like blueberries or chocolate chips for an additional charge.

Breakfast items typically cost between $6 and $10 per entree. Sides like grits, biscuits, or fruit cost $2 to $4 extra. Coffee and juice are usually $2 to $3 per cup. Prices vary slightly by location, so ask your server or check the menu board when you arrive. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. at most locations, though some serve it all day.

Lunch and dinner entrees

At lunch, Shoney's serves burgers, sandwiches, salads, and lighter entrees. Burgers come with fries and cost $9 to $13. Sandwiches like chicken tenders, fish, or roast beef range from $8 to $12. Salads with grilled chicken or shrimp cost $10 to $14. You can substitute sides like coleslaw, green beans, or mac and cheese for the standard fries.

Dinner entrees include fried or grilled seafood, chicken, and steak. A fried shrimp platter typically costs $14 to $18 and comes with two sides and cornbread. Grilled fish, chicken breast, and steak entrees range from $12 to $20 depending on the cut and preparation. All dinner entrees include a choice of two sides from options like mashed potatoes, vegetables, rice, or beans. Bread or cornbread comes with most entrees.

Beverages and desserts

Shoney's offers soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, coffee, and juice. Most beverages cost $2 to $3 for a regular size and $3 to $4 for a large. Sweet tea is available at most locations. Alcoholic beverages like beer and wine are served at many Shoney's restaurants, though availability depends on state law and local licensing.

Desserts include pie, cake, ice cream, and sometimes a brownie sundae. Most desserts cost $4 to $6. Pie and cake slices are often available in multiple flavors and rotate seasonally. You can order dessert to eat in the restaurant or ask if it is available for takeout.

How to order and pay

At most Shoney's locations, you are seated by a host or hostess, given a menu, and a server takes your order at the table. You order directly from the server rather than at a counter. Water is usually brought to your table automatically. The server returns with your food and refills your drink throughout the meal.

Payment is handled at the table or at a register near the exit. Most Shoney's locations accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Debit cards and cash are also accepted. The server brings a card reader to your table or you can pay at the register. Tipping is customary and typically ranges from 15 to 20 percent of your bill before tax.

Takeout and delivery options

Many Shoney's locations offer takeout. You can call the restaurant directly to place an order, or some locations may accept orders through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats. Takeout orders are usually ready within 15 to 20 minutes. Prices for takeout are the same as dine-in, though delivery apps may add fees on top of your order total.

Not all Shoney's locations participate in delivery services, so check the app or call ahead to confirm. Some restaurants only offer takeout through direct phone orders. Takeout containers are provided, and you can request extra napkins, condiments, or utensils when you pick up your order.

What to know before you go

Shoney's is a casual dining restaurant, so there is no dress code. The atmosphere is family-friendly, and children's menus are available at most locations. High chairs and booster seats are typically provided for young children. Most restaurants have restrooms available for customers.

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Breakfast and lunch are usually busier on weekends. Dinner can have a wait on Friday and Saturday evenings. If you want to avoid a wait, calling ahead to ask about current wait times or visiting during off-peak hours like mid-afternoon or early evening on weekdays is helpful. Some locations may take reservations, though most operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shoney's have a kids menu?

Yes, most Shoney's locations offer a children's menu with smaller portions and lower prices than adult entrees. Kids meals typically include an entree, a side, a beverage, and a dessert or treat. Options include chicken tenders, burgers, mac and cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Prices usually range from $5 to $8.

Can I get a to-go box if I have leftovers?

Yes, your server will bring a to-go container if you ask. You can pack up any uneaten food to take home. Most Shoney's locations do not charge extra for this service.

Are there vegetarian options on the menu?

Shoney's offers salads, vegetable sides, and sandwiches without meat. Egg dishes at breakfast and cheese-based entrees like mac and cheese are also vegetarian. Ask your server about modifications if you need to avoid specific ingredients.

What time does breakfast end?

Breakfast is typically served until 11 a.m., though this varies by location. Some Shoney's serve breakfast all day. Call your local restaurant to confirm their breakfast hours.

Is there a Shoney's near me?

Use the location finder on shoneys.com to search by zip code or city. You can also call 1-800-552-7737 to find the nearest restaurant and confirm it is currently open. Hours and menus may vary by location.