Samson L.’s Review

The Experience

In my entire existence I can honestly say that I have never been to Johnny Rockets diner prior to today, despite the fact I frequent the Santan Village shopping center. The location is fairly convenient as it’s caddy corner to the theater and across the way from the food court.

As I entered the establishment I immediately felt like I had stepped into a classic all-American diner with the tabletop jukeboxes and matching decor. To my surprise I also walked in at the exact same moment when three employees were doing a little number to the sounds of "Stayin Alive" by the Bee Gees as it was playing on the jukebox. Since the place was a little on the empty side I jumped into a booth which could have easily fit 4-5 people per bench. The music was great and the atmosphere was lively. On the downside the service was a little slow for not being very busy and when the music was playing it made it a little difficult to place my order. I understand that the troubled economy is rough but when you have to ask for a napkin and you are handed only one, you know times are tough!

Just for the record I am not implying in anyway, shape or form that I am a messy eater… I just needed a second napkin to clean up the spillage from the strawberry malt. Oh and BTW be sure to get the strawberry malt order in first because for what ever reason… it took a long time to get. To put it into perspective I received my burger (which took about 10 mins) way before my malt arrived.

Overall it was a pleasant experience and I would definitely go back again… if invited.

The Burger

Me being a virgin to Johnny Rockets, I asked the waiter (Anthony) for recommendations. Once he pointed out the "Smoke House Double Burger" my eyes focused on the description. Two fresh all beef 1/3 lbs patties, cheddar cheese, thick bacon strips, crispy onions rings topped with their own smoke house barbeque ranch sauce. Served with American fries or a side salad. Just the thought of two juicy 1/3 patties riddled with bacon and melted cheese had me salivating. So without any hesitations I order it with a strawberry malt!

So Anthony walked off and proceeded to the grill which is when I realized that the waiters and waitresses are also the cooks! I said to myself, "This can’t be good".

Finally after much anticipation my burger arrived, delivered by none other than Anthony. The look of it was intimidating. The size of it seemed like you would need to cut it in half to eat it, but I did not want to seem like wuss. So I handled it with both hands even though (not to brag or boast) I could have palmed it easily. While thinking to myself, "There is no way I am going to finish this".

To my surprise I expected to see the "sauce" overflowing and oozing out the buns. I also expected the "sauce" to be over powering rather than being weak at best. Nonetheless the burger was very juicy, very hearty. & very fulfilling! The onion rings gave it a nice touch and the American fries were delicious. I was hoping the bacon was applewood smoked, but they weren’t. Not a huge deal but it would have made the experience better. Surprisingly enough I devoured the "Smokehouse Double Burger" but barely scraped the surface of the fries.

I walked out satisfied.

Bottom Line

Average rating:

3.75/5