How they do it: Denny’s has fairly reasonable prices and reasonably good food; IHOP has rip-off prices (way up in recent years) and reasonably good food.
Yup IHOP prices have been going up (omelette with three buttermilk pancakes, coffee etc)
When traveling I have gone to (none of these are in my area, Boston):
Bob Evans—not too bad
Waffle House—OK but can seem slightly overpriced
Eat n Park—OH, WV, PA, breakfast buffet