Complimentary guest passes were provided to facilitate this inside dining feature, regardless all opinions contained below are genuine. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.
Momma Told Me: Sometimes the original is the best.
No matter how 'automatic' life gets there are some things that will always be best when done by hand, with a welcoming smile, in a simpler setting. I was raised in Southern California a stone's throw away from 'glamorous' Hollywood and glitzy Los Angeles. All this really means is that the locals are seldom local (because only the elite few can afford to actually live in and near the city,) an the hustle and bustle of the daily commute and 9-5 punch in leaves residents feeling frazzled. Yes, it's a faster paced kind of living around here, and that's precisely why I like to get back the the basics with a good, old-fashioned, delicious dining experience at Johnny Rockets.
Known for pioneering The Original Hamburger, Johnny Rockets began the very same year I did, 1986, when it's first location was opened up not to far from me, on Melrose. The concept was for the modern diner to have a simple escape where they could enjoy classic Americana and the incredible food that defined our nation and an era; hand spun malts, fresh french fries, and the juiciest hamburgers in town. Johnny Rockets was designed to welcome all diners from businessmen and film executives to modern day families with the 1950's diner style decor and super star service.
My own Johnny Rocket's memories stem from several seasonal visits during my childhood. In particular, Universal City Walk or Six Flag's Magic Mountain- where we would stop in for an extra special treat during a family day out. While you will find Johnny Rocket's locations across the country, and even globally, you're most likely to run into one of these kitschy retro-restaurants while on vacation. Johnny Rockets locations are highly popular in tourist environments such as large shopping centers, theme parks and resorts, and even cruise ships. That's because a trip to Johnny Rockets is a treat in itself!
We recently stopped in to the Camarillo Outlets, California location for a lunch date early in the afternoon. This was one of the smallest JR locations I've visited but the impact was big and immediate. One step from the gorgeous outdoor dining patio into the diner-like atmosphere and I was in love. The plush red bar-stools and puffy-backed dining booths invited us in while the table-side jukeboxes dared me to pick my favorite tunes (Johnny Cash, or Elvis, who can decide?) A bubbly server greeted us and offered to take our beverage order but we quickly learned that was no simple request. Johnny Rockets not only has an extensive
malt/shake menu, but a collection of floats and soda pop options with 'Flavor Shots' such as Lemon, Vanilla, and even Chocolate for unlimited drink combinations.
Yes, the shakes have their own menu- and it was hard to choose just one- Jay found himself contemplating his next visit while sipping a Chocolate Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie Malt. Our server also dropped off some 'complimentary' french fries, complete with ketchup art, while we waited for our sandwiches to be grilled in the kitchen behind us. I should note, it's not uncommon to visit a Johnny Rockets and get a show- the staff stops what they are doing a few times each hour to do choreographed dances to classic songs such as
Rockin' Robin, making for a true show and treat for the family!
While
Johnny Rockets recently introduced a brand new line of chicken salad entrees, we were especially intrigued by their Springtime menu offerings; the Salted Caramel Shake, Chipotle Chicken Sandwich, the Spicy Smokey Chicken Club Salad. For those who aren't big burger consumers- Johnny Rockets may be known for their delicious burgers, but Boca burger or chicken patty substitutions may be made on any menu sandwich, just ask!
While I found it hard to resist the Route 66 (grille mushrooms, onions, and Swiss cheese) burger, I wound up trying the BBQ Chicken Bacon Melt because, well, bacon! Jay ended up nearly copying me with the Smokehouse Double burger (bacon, onion rings, and bbq ranch) and some fresh sweet potato fries. The aromas wafting from our table were simply heavenly and the service was incredibly friendly and on top of all of our needs as we dug into a delicious Americana meal.
As it turns out you can't visit a Johnny Rockets without walking past a stack of 'Perfect Brownies,' the secret ingredient to the chain's Perfect Brownie Sundae. A feast in itself, we took this dessert on, amid malt burps, for the sake of editorial integrity. With the ribbons of caramel and chocolate sauce drizzled atop a heaping scoop of ice cream and whipped cream splashes, we were surely in a foodie coma by the time we finished out meal.
I'm delighted to report this 'mini Johnny Rockets' outlet mall experience was just as entertaining and satisfying as my previous vacation styled tourist stops. As we watched our plates get bussed away and snuggled into a quick date afternoon selfie I couldn't help but chuckle as I was reminded of my grandfather. The nearly 80-year old man, some 60+ years happily married, is always sure to tell his server (when asked how the meal was) it was "So great me and my date are going to go parking!" His date, of course being my grandmother, and nearly every server under 40 responding with a confused look and a friendly smile. Parking, is of course when those in the 50's would take their gorgeous Cadillac's up to the hill to get a little fresh.
Well, my friends, our Johnny Rockets experience truly took as back in time to a simpler era where the service was just a little more personal, the food all the more delicious, and the atmosphere simply magical. Be sure to stop into a Johnny Rockets when you see one, or check out the
restaurant locator for a location near you!
Have you ever been to a Johnny Rockets? What's your favorite part about old-fashioned Americana diners?
What Daughter Says: Taste The Original Hamburger and see what all the fuss is about!
One Momma Told Me reader will win a family guest prize pack to the Johnny Rockets location of their choice! Follow the official Blog POP! Spring Fling Giveaway LINKY to enter more great giveaways when you're done entering!
Blog POP! Johnny Rockets
I love a good burger and I'm thinking that their original burger sounds good. Now my mouths watering. lol I'm never been to Johnny Rockets and would love to give them a try. Thanks Jenna
ReplyDeleteBy the way. You and your honey look so sweet together. Your outfits match the restaurant so nicely. You two should be doing a commercial for them. :) You did such a great job on all your photos and the review.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try one of those shakes or that Brownie Sundae!
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the Route 66
ReplyDeleteThank you!
I would like to try the original Hamburger and a Hershey's Chocolate Shake.
ReplyDeleteI would like to try an original hamburger with lots of pickles and a strawberry shake!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try the Smokehouse Single Burger.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try the Smokehouse Single Burger.
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely want to try their fried pickle chips!
ReplyDeleteI would really love to try the Smoke House Single. That sauce sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the Philly Cheese Stake and the fried pickle chips. Sounds great.
ReplyDeleteI want to try a Patty Melt and Strawberry Shake.
ReplyDeletemarcia.goss@gmail.com
I would be so excited to try the APPLE PIE ALA MODE and the crispy chicken tenders.
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the SUPER DELUXE SHAKES.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance!
I would like to try the Smoke House burger.
ReplyDeleteWhat I'd like to try most from the Johnny Rockets Menu is the Patty Melt!
ReplyDeletethere burgers are to die for. thankyou, ken pohl19@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try the #12 Hamburger.
ReplyDeleteI'd go straight to dessert and get a Coke Float!
ReplyDeleteI want to try the smokehouse single burger
ReplyDeleteJohnny Rockets has great hamburgers and I always love to have one!
ReplyDeleteI would have to try the Smoke House Single burger.
ReplyDeleteId like to try the philly cheese steak and the Route 66 burger. The onion rings look amazing too. I have a location right down the road and didn't know it!
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the PHILLY CHEESE STEAK but everything looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the fried pickle chips.
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the tuna melt
ReplyDeleteI want to try one of their Butterfinger shakes!
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the #12 hamburger and American fries.
ReplyDeletethey have great chocolate milk shakes
ReplyDeleteI have had Johnny Rockets Brownie sundae in the past and would looooove to have it again soon! Their shakes are also delicious and homemade.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the Houston burger.
ReplyDeletecrazyweirdo33@yahoo.com
I'd like to try the Chipotle Chicken Sandwich
ReplyDeleteDigicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
I'd love to try the smokehouse double.
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the Philly Cheese Steak
ReplyDeleteI would have a smoke house single with a dark chocolate shake.
ReplyDeleteStrawberry Oreo crumble shake <3 or strawberry banana
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the SMOKE HOUSE SINGLE with a chocolate shake
ReplyDeleteLove their fries! I would like to try their chicken club salad.
ReplyDeleteHeard a lot of good things about their fries and would love to try on our Florida vacation because we do not have any in our area.
ReplyDeleteI want to try the #12. I'm so jealous! I am a diner fanatic, so Johnny Rockets is right up my alley!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try the shakes and burger and fries. THey all look so good.
ReplyDeletehuntandride@hotmail.com
While the burgers look amazing, I prefer a great milkshake and I fail miserably @ DIY
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the chicken tenders and Chocolate Strawberry Kiss shake
ReplyDeleteI would love the bacon cheddar single- anything with bacon is yummy!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try a Route 66!
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the Bacon Cheddar Double.
ReplyDeleteI want to try the Smoke House burger.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
smokehouse burger and pickle chips and washed down with a shake :)
ReplyDeleteBACON CHEDDAR SINGLE is what I would most like to try!!
ReplyDeleteBACON CHEDDAR SINGLE is what I would most like to try!!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try the strawberry shake and the onion rings.
ReplyDeleteid love to try the philly cheese steak
ReplyDeleteBacon Cheddar Single with extra onion,,,,,ok...now I'm hungry. How soon will it arrive.....lol
ReplyDeletePhilly Cheese steak.
ReplyDeleteI want to try the Philly Cheese steak
ReplyDeleterounder9834 @yahoo.com