IHOP has always been one of those places full of memories for me. Growing up, it was where I'd go with family, friends, or even for a "date" back in junior high. Yeah, a date--because when you're a broke middle schooler with zero clue about romance, IHOP is basically fine dining. Besides, it's not like we had Instagram-worthy brunch spots back then. You either went to IHOP, the mall food court, or tried not to look awkward at the local hangout. Today, my wife and I went to the La Mirada location after an oil change. I didn't have super high hopes for the food, but I was hoping for decent service and that cozy, old-school diner vibe. Unfortunately, it didn't totally deliver. There was a little mix-up with our order--I asked for pancakes but got hash browns instead. They swapped it out when I mentioned it, but the servers didn't look too happy about it. I ordered the T-bone steak and eggs, asking for over-easy eggs and a medium-rare steak. But what came out was a well-done steak. You know that feeling when you're expecting a warm hug, but you get a cold shoulder? That was this steak. My wife had the spinach mushroom omelet and seemed to enjoy it, so at least one of us had a better experience. The coffee was probably the best part. Nothing fancy--just that classic diner coffee that's simple and comforting. Sometimes you miss that in a world where coffee has become all about lattes and art. Will I come back? Maybe, but mostly for the nostalgia. I might start checking reviews before picking an IHOP location next time. I usually like to go in without reading reviews, but this visit has me rethinking that. I'd give this spot a 4 out of 10. The memories are great, but the experience? Not so much. read more