Date #7: Johnny Rockets

Click on Thumbnails to enlarge.

Johnny Rockets is an international food chain that has finally made its way to the Philippines with its first branch in Eastwood, Libis. Normally, it would be described as a “family place”, but it’s still suitable for casual dating, with its lively ambiance.

The interiors are hip and modern, resembling the ‘typical american fast food diner’ that we normally see on television screens. This mini-jukebox (P1) can play any song that you request from its playlist for just one peso.

The crew is friendly and helpful, and they even have special dance numbers from time to time.

I’m a big fan of Rootbeer Float (P175). From the picture, you can see that this was a satisfying one. It was a mixed blend of ice cream and soda with a healthy amount of froth on top. Some people like their cream floating idly on the top, but I prefer it this way better, because I get to taste how the two flavors mix. It was a bit heavy, though, so watch out.

No burger chain is ever complete without a good glass of Strawberry Milkshake (P215). It was thick and heavy, packed with strawberry milk goodness from the tip to the bottom. I remember Douglas telling me that he was still thinking about the shake two days later. That’s how good it was. His only complaint was that the mixture felt so heavy that it had taken him a certain amount of effort to suck it up the straw.

These French Fries (bottomless) came with our order of the Rocket Single burger. They were fried to crispy golden-brown, exactly how people would normally like it. Yes, yes, they are bottomless, have as much as you want. Just mind your health when you’re at it.

I always order Onion Rings (185) whenever it’s available. Johnny Rockets’ version has round slices of onion rings in a crispy batter. I’m glad the batter doesn’t break into pieces when you take a bite, and that the actual onions weren’t minced. The order came with a ranch dip which I actually found kind of bland, so I preferred it with ketchup.

Off to the main event. We had our Rocket Single (P345) cooked medium-rare. You can see the healthy redness of the meat at first glance. Their burgers are less greasy than the burgers in other food chains, which Douglas liked, but I found it kind of dry. Mixed emotions.

You can have your burgers split into two for couples.

We were too full to have dessert, and maybe that’s a good thing.

The Verdict: Overall, it was a restaurant that was only worth trying once. It didn’t really cut it for me. Everything was overpriced (for one burger, two drinks and onion rings, our total bill was P1002.14, with VAT and service charge). The environment was jolly and upbeat, but nothing could really compensate for the “just okay” food, and the pain in your pockets. You can even tell I wasn’t enthusiastic at all in writing this entry.