Johnny Rockets

Where:
One Garden State Plaza, Sp. 1101
Paramus, NJ USA
(201) 291-1700
http://www.johnnyrockets.com/

What:
Rocket Double Burger
Cheddar cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato, white onion, and special sauce.

Smoke House Double
Smoked bacon, sourdough onion rings, cheddar cheese, and "Smoke House" barbecue-ranch sauce.

Smoky Cheddar Pulled Pork Loaded Street Tots (Limited Time Only (LTO))
Tater tots topped with hickory smoked pulled pork, cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, and drizzled with Johnny Rockets special “Smoke House” barbecue sauce.

Comments:

It's difficult enough to try to convey good tasting food vs. not-so-good tasting food considering how personal taste can vary so greatly from one person to the next. But when a fast-casual restaurant is thrown into the mix it makes my job even harder, for the simple reason that some folks automatically turn their noses up to these types of restaurants. In situations like this, I call them as I see them – no food snobbery here, folks.

Johnny Rockets does a great job bringing back that 1950s malt shop look and feel. In fact, those who were eating burgers in the 50s and 60s will feel right at home here. The effect of bringing back childhood memories is a simple but important one for those of us who lived back in the day. The bun tops are what did it for me. 
They are placed on the flat top grill in close proximity to the frying meat. This ensures a wonderfully glossy bun top when served. And the aroma of that rendered fat atop the bun is nothing shy of awesome.

H.G. Wells would be proud, for the aroma of the crispy, buttery griddled leather on these burgers combined with fresh bread and toppings all make for a hamburger time machine.

My vanilla shake was also outstanding and the side of pulled pork tater tots was exceptionally good. Too bad it's an LTO item (Jan to Feb). Definitely a hearty comfort food for a snowy day. Check my photos for shiny buns and if you've already eaten at a Johnny Rockets, I'd love to hear your feedback.

The Rocket Double receives an 8.5 on the BC rating scale.

Criteria for ratings:
Meat flavor 9
Juiciness 9
Size 8
Freshness 9
Burger to bun ratio 9
Bun Type 10
Overall taste with selected condiments 9
Eatibility 8
Correct Temperature (Doneness) 6

BC Rating Scale:
Fail to Boring 1.0 - 2.9
Boring to Okay 3.0 - 5.9
Okay to Good 6.0 - 7.9
Good to Great 8.0 - 8.9
Great to Bill's Best: 9.0 - 10

Smoky Cheddar Pulled Pork Loaded Street Tots 

Smokehouse Double

Smokehouse Double

Rocket Double 

Rocket Double