Back to Simpler Times
Written: Oct 18 '05 (Updated Oct 19 '05)
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Pros: Quality ingredients, happy retro atmosphere and excellent service.
Cons: A bit expensive for the fare, but still worth.
The Bottom Line: Do you want great service, top quality product and a most unique ambiance. Johnny is for you.
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| solohans1's Full Review: Johnny Rockets |
Well this is my 1st restaurant review on Epinions, but I thought it was warranted because I so enjoyed the experience of Johnny Rockets. I've know about the little diner for years, but side-stepped it many a times for reasons I now could not explain.
Perhaps, I was a little afraid of this 50's style mecca. I might traverse the entranceway's threshold only to enter a wormhole to the past, never finding my way back, ahem 'forward'! Sure I peeked in through the window to see these shiny happy faces, soda jerks and waiters/waitresses serving up items from a simple and yet full menu. Their uniforms in the style of time past. I also thought of convenience and price. But most of my trepidation was just unfamiliarity of the product and service. I don't like to step out of my comfort zone. I'm glad I did step out this time.
Upon entering Johnny Rockets, I DID notice the aura of the restaurant grabbing my consciousness. I WAS transported to this simple time when rock and roll had lyrics that I could understand and I could still change the oil in my automobile's engine. Unfortunately, the 'music did die' because the cute little juke boxes, one for each table, were out of order. I guess a subtle reminder of those great musicians who perished on a fated plane excursion to their next gig. Buddy Holly would have found irony in it. So would the Bopper.
I was greeted by a very attractive hostess( I can't recall now if she was wearing a poodle dress). She took my order with efficiency and friendliness. I did not detect any surliness in her demeanor. In fact, all of the employees seemed happy to be doing what they were doing. Now, that is unusual in itself. I ordered the standard fare, although the menu was quite versatile, in that they even served (now what would be called PC) dolphin-safe tuna fish sandwiches. I didn't want anything so exotic for my 50's experience. Just the ORIGINAL hamburger, onion rings and of course, a chocolate shake for me.
I had thought I would just get my order take-out, but I was so enthralled by the overall atmosphere and unhurried feeling, that it seems seating was in due order. I sat down on my spinning stool and informed one of the employees of my change of mind. I could almost see a wink as if he understood the influence that brought about my decision. He was gracious to make the necessary adjustment so my order would arrive at table. Some places have employees that can't adjust to the simplest requests of patrons. Not here at Johnny Rockets. They want you coming to their restaurant happy, dining happy and leaving happy!
While waiting for my food to arrive, I took a gander at the decor of Johnny Rockets. As to be expected, the walls were lined with 50's memorabilia. Indications of the aforementioned simplicity. Calming my nerves, if only temporarily, of the complex world we have created today. One item that stood out and accented JR's style was the chrome-trimmed clock. A beautiful, round and wide analog-faced clock. Yes, the the hands did seem to move slower while I dined. And, although the restaurant was crowded, it didn't seem that way. I felt like there was a protective shield built around me clothing me in this timeless era.
There are nuances in each location of the Johnny Rockets decor and design. This Johnny Rockets is unique in that it is located in a food court at the Fiesta Mall in Mesa, Arizona. Mesa is a little town located east of Phoenix. This Johnny Rocket's differs from others in that is it open air or 'al fresco' in art language. It is open to the central concourse of the food court and yet maintains a certain integrity of privacy to it's patrons by providing 'spinning stools' to only it's customers. It is also off to the side of the other restaurants near the entrance of the food court. I wasn't bothered by the usual loud din from other visitors of other vendors in the food court. Again, I attribute this to Rocket's attention to great service and their desire to provide their guests with the authentic 50's style experience.
I noticed the cooks working with mirth, creating, not just cooking. Adding to the mystique of JR's. Each employee a cog in the machinery, but much more too! Stainless steel and chrome reflects this happiness in aromas and energy that must be experienced 1st hand.
Upon my food's arrival by an enthusiastic waiter, I was asked what condiments I prefer for my food. Ketchup is my staple for this fare, but sometimes just mustard on my burger does the trick. This time I opted for the former. I really didn't need ANY condiment because JR's ORIGINAL is tricked out already. I don't think I can deconstruct this burger because everything seems to be chopped and ready to go. No tomatoes, lettuce and onion to slide out because it's all chopped. I couldn't swear to it, but I think JR's uses a special sauce too! The bun isn't remarkable, like the new trend toward CIABATTA, but it was fresh and complimentary to the burger. The meat itself was lean, juicy and fresh. I have nothing but kudos for that patty! Some of the the juice that dripped from the burger while I ate wasn't fat, it was just the delectable flavoring of that prime, cooked-to-order, ground beef patty.
I won't spend as much time describing the rings and shake, but I will say that the quality didn't taper off on these sides. The shake tasted just like the the home-made shakes my Dad used to make on special occasions for 'us kids.' The shakes were just the right thickness and the 'cream tasted homemade. I was offered a straw from an old-fashioned straw holder by the waiter. Nice touch-I didn't have to grab for it myself. The rings were the best ever! Crispy and they held together, not greasy at all! I dipped mine in ketchup, but you can ask for ranch as well.
Price: My order came to a little less than $12.00 (without tip). That may seem a expensive, but when you take into account the quality, service and atmosphere, I think you will agree too , that it's well worth it.
Johnny Rocket has many other items available for order including custom burgers(how you like it). I want to try the Patty Melt. Sometimes JR's will have a special time-based offer for a specialty burger, so always ask 'what new.' (Edit) Oh yes, you must try the malts as several other reviewers have mentioned.
I recommend Johnny Rocket. Give yourself a break, especially during busy holiday shopping seasons. You deserve it and Johnny Rocket's will serve it.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Start out with the ORIGINAL burger and don''t cheat yourself out of a shake. Fries are good, but not exceptional. Cheese fries are better.
Best Suited For: Kids and Families
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Epinions.com ID:
solohans1
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Location: Southwest
Reviews written: 89
Trusted by: 9 members
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