While I enjoy trying new experiences food-wise, I also have some favorite chain restaurants that I try to go to whenever possible. One of my favorite specialty chain restaurants is Johnny Rockets. On our last day, we went back to South Beach, since our cruise ship didn’t leave until 3pm. We were hungry and didn’t feel up to the horrible breakfast at the hotel. My friend Scott suggested we stop in at Johnny Rockets. I have been to a number of Johnny Rockets, but never at breakfast. It was about 10am, and we missed the morning rush crowd. We took a seat outside, giving us a great view of the beach and a chance for people-watching.
Once we were seated, our waiter promptly greeted us. Guy and I went with the pancakes, Scott with the eggs, and Tammy just went with a muffin. Guy and I should have split our plate. When our plates came out, my mouth just dropped. One plate held three VERY HUGE pancakes and bacon. The pancakes were divine. They were nice and fluffy and very filling. You could get a variety of toppings, including jam or fruit, and a variety of syrups, including real maple syrup, and you could have your syrup warmed. I went with warm light syrup, while Guy went with fruit. We all ordered orange juice and were greeted with a very large glass, not the tiny juice glasses you often find in restaurants. Afterwards, we decided to end our breakfast with coffee and tea. I am the only non-coffee drinker, but when the waiter brought out our beverages, he had four coffees. He very quickly took away my coffee and brought me a cup of tea. Everyone was in agreement that the breakfast was delish and hit the spot.
If you have never been to a Johnny Rockets, then you should give them a try. They have over 150 locations in the U.S. and several more worldwide. The restaurant harkens back to the days of 1950s diners. You have a jukebox on your table (unless you have an outside table), and the music is from the '50s. Your waitperson gives you three nickels for the jukebox. The waitstaffs are impressively dressed in the white starched uniforms reminiscent of the '50s, as well. The food is divine, and the burgers are some of the best around. There is a fun and festive atmosphere inside. Once you taste their burgers or pancakes, you will be hooked. For more information, try them at www.johnnyrockets.com.