Johnny Rockets - Vancouver

I Usually go there for a Bacon Cheddar and onion rings which never disappoints me, the taste is same all the time. They even have stamp cards for the burgers. Staff is usually very nice .But last visit was quit not good for me , one of there workers (Mahima) standing in front counter was talking on her phone and drinking something while I was waiting to order in front of her I felt Ignored and very bad she took my order in hurry and went back I even wanted my receipt which I was not able to get it

This was one of the 1st places went to a few months ago as my daughter is in VGH 1st time disappointed in sweet potato fries were not hot, close to closing time could not redo. So didn't go back for a while then decided their zucchini sticks were good and milk shake so went back with grand children was good. Then went again and they forgot the tomatoes in burgers and I called and they said next time free shake or burger. Go back again yesterday and tell them who I am and order gets totaled up and didn't get free shake I mention it to the guy and he looks on their board and sees the note about the free shake or burger so he says order a side so order zucchini sticks and when order was ready he offered my sister a complimentary beverage! So it is always good to let restaurants know when something goes wrong. They appreciate it and want your business. Great service and come back.

Great burger with an exceptional brioche bun I’m guessing. Minus 1 star for lacklustre, mealy fries which are not really worth ordering; they taste like they were previously frozen. Next time I’ll try the onion rings instead. Maybe just come for the ?. For value/quality it beats Triple-Os.

Johnny Rockets has been a staple in the United States since its founding in 1986. From relatively humble beginnings, this chain has grown to nearly 400 locations across 31 countries worldwide. As of this writing, there are 5 Canadian locations – 4 in BC and 1 in Ontario. This review will focus on Johnny Rockets newest Vancouver location at 2538 Oak. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying Johnny Rockets numerous times in the USA. Whenever the folks and I would travel to Las Vegas, in the mid to late 1990s, Johnny Rockets would inevitably hit our menu – not because anyone particularly enjoyed their burgers; rather, they were just easy to access. I can remember patronizing the unit at the Flamingo Hotel on a number of occasions. Even back then, my teenage brain wasn’t “wowed” by the food and instead wished we’d gone to a McDonald’s. Even in more contemporary times (2019), I found their milkshakes at the Luxor Hotel waaay too sweet for my liking. I guess my long-winded point is I have some familiarity with this chain and am not coming in blind with “OMG NEW RESTAURANT!!!” goggles on. When Johnny Rockets announced it was coming to Vancouver, it caused quite a stir in the foodie community. Notable media and blog publications like the Vancouver Sun, Georgia Straight, Foodgressing, Foodology and Nosh Nibble were quick to comment, mostly with a positive word. And, hey, I get it. A large US chain is coming to Vancouver – it’s exciting! But not just any chain: Johnny Rockets. Known for their 1950s-era vibe and menu to match, they’d soon shake up Vancouver’s fast food scene. Only, I don’t think that really happened . . . When I attended Johnny Rockets newest – and largest – Vancouver store on Oak Street, I was kind of disappointed. The one thing I liked about their US locations – the 1950s diner vibe – was mostly gone. Instead, the retro feel was replaced by what they call “Diner 2.0,” which is just Johnny Rockets jargon for a contemporary diner space. Populated with a mix of booths, high tables and regular tables, the restaurant looks less retro than nearby Moderne Burger. And the large text on the walls is more reminiscent of contemporary A W stores . . . Okay, so the retro diner vibe is mostly gone, but how is the food? Well, I ordered the Spicy Houston Burger, 2 Rocket Burgers and a strawberry shake. The Spicy Houston is described as containing Melted Pepper Jack Cheese, jalapenos, lettuce, tomato and Smokin’ Chipotle Ranch sauce. The Rocket Burger is more of a classic: Canadian cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion and a vaguely described “special sauce.” I love me some mystery sauce. Anyway, the presentation of the burgers was rather poor (see photo). The lettuce in all 3 was wilted and the overall delivery left much to be desired. Nearby Moderne Burger definitely wins in the “presentation” category. Taste-wise, though, I felt my Spicy Houston Burger was reasonably satisfying once I removed the ugly lettuce. The jalapenos and chipotle sauce gave the burger a nice kick and the patty had some nice flavour. Likewise, the folks enjoyed their Rocket Burgers. The strawberry shake, though, was thick and on the sweet side. FOOD: 3/5 SERVICE: 3/5 VALUE: 4/5 RECOMMENDATION: I think when it comes to fast food establishments like Johnny Rockets your mileage will vary. Some people will love it and others may lift their nose. For me, I don’t find their burgers particularly memorable; however, you may think otherwise and that’s just super! Mild recommendation. PS: If you found this review helpful in any way please consider hitting the helpful button!

Buyer beware this vendor rounds up the cent on all transactions, not just cash. For a while they were adjusting manually for credit card transactions only if you asked for itemized receipt. You might think this practice is okay, but I've chosen to vote with my feet. The food and shakes are nothing that special, service is not fast so easy enough to find some other business support, as in an honest one that values principals of pricing/charging honestly for the customers.