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Johnny Rockets
Categories: Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Restaurants Burgers Canadian (Traditional), Burgers [Edit]
22 DundasToronto, ON M5B 2L6
Neighbourhood: Downtown Core
(416) 596-6900
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
29 reviews for Johnny Rockets
28 reviews in English
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Review from Ryan F.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Thanks Yelp! So I was the first person to use the yelp check in coupon. It caused quiet the stir, as they had only signed up the week prior and already here was some guy using it in their store. Talk about instant turnaround on their investment!
We had a GREAT scottish waiter. Is it just me or do accents make things better? His laid back attitude and chill demeanour, coupled with the retro and truly old school american feel of a Johnny Rockets, made me feel like I had just been thrown back in time with Marty Mcfly and stepped into a diner for some burger and shakes.
Which is partly what I had. I see some of the other reviews but for us, our food came in a relatively decent time with smiley faces made of ketchup on our plates (crazy scottish humour!). Their Burgers aren't to die for and I probably would try something else on their menu. I've tried better at worse establishments so I can't say I was crazy about it.
We tried the wings as well as I am a HUGE fan of wings. They aren't the greatest either but I would say that in the area, if you want to grab some quick wings they would be alright.
The true secret, especially if you have a sweet tooth, is something that apparently wasn't on their menu. Red Velvet Cake!!! It made up for the burgers and anything else that was wrong with the world...like only a healthy amount of sugar can!!!
I am only rating it a 3 star though because that night and the next day I was sick ;( I definitely suspect the burgers at this place, however the staff, the rest of the food, and throwback feel and the yelp discount would make me want to go try then again...just not the burgers! -
Review from S D.
Toronto, ON
1/13/2012
If I could give this place 0 stars, I would. I know that sounds incredibly cold, but this place had absolutely the worst and rudest service I have ever experienced and the worst food. The only good thing about my experience here, is that the manager deducted $20 from our bill in response to my party's complaints. Though, we probably shouldn't have paid anything given how unbelievably bad everything was.
I went here with a group of approximately 10, and I showed up about 10 minutes late. Everyone was ordering, and when the waiter, who was unbelievably impatient, asked for my order, I said that I would need about a few minutes to decide. Then, with an angry look on his face, he raised his voice and retorted, "Well when I come back, you have your order ready!" Umm... am I working for you now, buddy? I just looked at the rest of the table in disbelief.
The service was unfathomably slow, despite the fact that there was only one other small group in the restaurant. And the food. My. God. The food. When I looked down at my chicken burger, I literally could not believe it. It was so bad, I could've made something infinitely better at home. The bun tasted like it had been microwaved after it had been in a freezer for a week and the chicken was a tasteless slab. Yuck.
I also need to add that this was a birthday lunch. The person having the birthday often tries to pay for meals, so prior to my arriving, one of my friends mentioned to the waiter not to accept money from this person. However, she forgot to mention who he should get the money from. Near the end of the meal, while we were all engaged in a lively conversation, he started aggressively tapping the back of the person who warned him not to accept money from the person celebrating their birthday. This kind of physical contact, especially contact that is uninvited and AGGRESSIVE is always, always, always, UNACCEPTABLE. When we received the bill, we saw that it AUTOMATICALLY included a tip of 20%!!!
This was the final straw for us, and three of us approached the manger. He was exasperated and very apologetic and assured us that that particular waiter would not be working with large groups anymore.
I do feel bad about posting such a horrible review, but literally everything was bad about this place. If you're looking for a better 1950's themed restaurant, go to Fran's. -
Review from Charlotte W.
North York, ON
1/6/2012
I absolutely LOVED my experience at this Johnny Rocket's location (or is this the only one here in Toronto?) After my haircut, my bf and I decided to eat here...I was feeling like some burgers and I saw all those empty booths...
Intro. We were told we could pick anyyy seat in the restaurant, so I immediately skipped to the booth next to the window's...with its great view of Eaton Center and Dundas Square. Our server promptly came to us and took our orders. We both ordered burgers and I had a Mill Creek Beer.
Food. My burger was very good, and it could have been because I was hungry, but beer and burger can be no better combination. I was full afterwards, but we still had enough room for Red Velvet Cake which OMG was so moist. I am not sure if it was their cake special, or on their menu, but you MUST try this cake.
Service. Our waiter was so charming and attentive (but not creepily so). He had this Scottish accent, he did the smiley face on a plate with ketchup for us (which is something so simple but I LOVED!), grabbed us two forks to share the cake, and asked if we wanted drinks when he noticed our cups were empty. :):):):)
All together, my first experience at Johnny Rockets was great. It could be because we came on a Wednesday night at 5:30, so we didn't have to deal with the Saturday crowds which I can only imagine to be a zoo in this area. But, it is a great mid-week restaurant if you're craving for some comfort foods. -
Review from Sonia B.
Mississauga, ON
4/23/2012
They have amazing milkshakes. Enough said.
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Review from Pouyan D.
Toronto, ON
5/4/2012
Overpriced and subpar hamburgers. They've tried really hard to make it like a 50s diner, but have failed miserably.
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Review from C S.
Toronto, ON
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have always liked Johnny Rockets. When I was living in San Francisco I went there a lot. The food is good and I personally love a diner feel. That was all good and well.
But I am a little disappointed in the one here in Toronto. My food was good, my waitress was nice but the fact that I sat at the counter may have been a poor choice. The kitchen staff were behaving like 12 year olds. The manager was chewing them out every time he went back there.
There was even a point where two of the guys decided to be immature and spray ketchup and mustard all over the place. The manager was pissed off but if I were him I would have taken action and kick them in the ass.
Honestly, especially if you work in an open kitchen that everyone can see into, act like a professional. -
Review from Nick P.
Toronto, ON
2/22/2012
A fun 50's style diner with cool decor. They have a retro styled jukebox that offers classics from various artists. Very small washrooms. Staff are decked out in 50's diner uniforms. Sometimes they dance and sing but that's rare these days.
Burgers are big and homemade. Nothing special, but better than regular burgers from other diners. Shakes are old school but they use cheap ice cream which hurts the overall taste of the shakes. The fries are average. Onion rings taste like frozen Mccain rings.
Service varies from day to day. Sometimes they are very upbeat and service is fast. Sometimes you could wait 20 minutes for your order. There has been certain cooks in the past that spent more time horsing around than cooking your order. The downside of having an open kitchen concept.
More often than not the place is packed with kids from the university and familes. They stay there for hours sometimes. On a few occassions my family and I went to get something to eat but it was packed and had lots of people waiting in line for seats. We decide to go see a movie first and eat afterwards. When we go back to J.R. sometimes we see the same kids still sitting in their booths 2 hours later. Insane since there's so many people always waiting for seats.
We've eaten there 20 times last year. My kids love the burgers and decor. My daughter loves to sing and dance with the waiters. -
Review from Dimitri K.
Toronto, ON
11/13/2011
Waited maybe 40 minutes for a below average burger with jalapeños. La cage au sport makes a much better burger, and they are a sports bar. Fries were ok and that's about it.
Maybe the cooks were new and took this long to make a not so great burger, I don't know. Burger didn't bother me as much as the very long wait time I had. 10 minutes? Sure. 20 minutes? Ok, I am a patient man. 30 to 40 minutes? Running out of things to do on my iPhone!! -
Review from Darren L.
Scarborough, ON
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
First off, I'll have to say that they must have read the other reviews because my server was extra insanely attentive and friendly. He was almost too friendly. It was rather quiet at the time so that might be part of it.
The location is great. You have a relatively nice view of Dundas square and the atmosphere is right out of a 50s diner.
As for the food, it is a typical diner style. Extra greasy with a side of fries. Fries were fine and the chicken BBQ sandwich was a ok but a little too much in the grease dept. -
Review from Mark A.
Toronto, ON
1/30/2012
Burger bun suckkkkkssss ... Dry , fell apart in my hand..made a big old mess !! Otherwise it would of been a good burger .
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Review from Susan C.
Toronto, ON
5/8/2011
When I entered the doors, I thought this place was pretty cool, but I left unsatisfied. I order fries and they were cold and soggy-ish. The waitress was unorganized and the service in general horrible!
There was a elder man that entered the resturant waiting to be seated. The waitresses clearly saw him standing there waiting, yet they chose to ignore him. After a while, when our waitress stopped by at our table to give us our refill drink, I told her that the man was standing there for quite sometime waiting to be seated. The waitress was like, "oh...I'll get to that", walked away to the kitchen! I couldn't believe it! After some more time past, finally another waitress approached him and told him he could just seat himself at one of the booths.
Horrible service, horrible food, horrible everything.
Will DEFINITELY not return....ever. -
Review from bold c.
Toronto, ON
3/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome
30 Sec Summary
-----------------------
1. Food was Awesome
2. Burgers were tasty
3. Salad and Chicken fresh and crisp
4. Chocolate Shakes awesome
5. Order was messed up but immediately corrected
6. Music (old school) -
Review from Michael T.
Toronto, ON
1/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Walked in, sat down at the counter.
20 minutes later, when no one had acknowledged us, and the greasy smoke had long-since overpowered us, walked out. -
Review from Christine H.
Scarborough, ON
3/7/2012
I like diners, this was okay.
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Review from Jason C.
Toronto, ON
3/24/2011
Want to get ripped off? Want to maybe get sick too? Go have a seat at Johnny Rockets!
Very average tasting food, REALLY greasy (not in a good way), overpriced, and I think it made me sick.
On a positive note, I hear their milkshakes are decent. -
Review from Aviva S.
4/26/2011
I'm quite shocked at the bad reviews. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy yourselves.
:( Perhaps a bad day?
I've been here multiple times and enjoyed it every time. The food is good (not AMAZING but good), prices are decent, the music and decor is very cute and plays into the 50's theme. Service is good.
It is more of a late dinner/snack/dessert place than a lunch or dinner formal meal.
Fun place to go with friends. Good for small and medium-sized groups. Cute place for a date.
Tip: Great veggie burgers and DELICIOUS milkshakes.
They accept debit and credit. -
Review from Anna K.
Toronto, ON
11/28/2010
This is the first time I had ever been to a Johnny Rockets. The burger was okay but the waitress was not very nice. She seemed very rushed and a little irritated when I wanted a Turkey burger instead of a regular and a whole wheat bun. The fries were horrible: bland, cold and soggy.
BUT, I had the BEST vanilla milk shake ever here! It was enormous, malted and delicious. I abandoned my burger and focused on the shake. I think this place is better to get a Shake or a drink before seeing a movie next door. -
Review from Hana B.
5/28/2009
In a word.. my experience at this location of Johnny Rockets was HORRIBLE.
The bathrooms were disgusting. The fries were cold, even the cheese on the poutine hadnt melted at all since the fries and gravy were SO cold. my grilled cheese sandwich smelt like a strange mix of hairspray and oil used to fry onion rings.
Never.Going.BackListed in: Never Again
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Review from Duwayne W.
Toronto, ON
10/23/2011
My first time here and I found the atmosphere very laid back daddy-o. No problems with the food to report. Compared to Jack Astors (upstairs) the portion size is small (much less fries). But the change of decor is well worth it. Try and find a coupon online to take the small sting from the bill out.
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Review from Amanda A.
Toronto, ON
8/30/2009
I was so excited to hear Johnny Rocket's was coming to Toronto - given how much I love it in the US. Whenever I visit the southern States, I probably look forward to going here the most. It just doesn't carry over as well in Toronto, and that was a bit of a let down.
The Toronto location didn't have the same friendly Johnny Rockets servers I am used to. They didn't sing or dance while I was there, but to be honest, I am kind of glad. Judging by how busy everyone looked, I think it would be a little bit forced and awkward. The place was understaffed. I only saw 1 guy taking orders and the perimeter of the restaurant was full.
I can't complain about the food at all though. I loved my burger and poutine, and the cherry coke zero was amazing.
I know I'll be back, but this location just doesn't provide the same Johnny Rocket's "experience" that I get in the South. Plus, every JR's needs a patio - come on!
They have a deal right now with the AMC Theatre - I think it is $20 for a burger, fries, and a movie pass that doesn't expire. Pretty good if you ask me. -
Review from Char C.
Toronto, ON
5/22/2011
Fantastic floats but a tad to expensive for burgers but they are delicious route 66 :)
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Review from Martin B.
Scarborough, ON
1/26/2011
Second and last visit to this place.
First time about a half a year ago was alright. My recent visit was my last.
When I got home I felt horrible, that was bad food it didn't sit very well and all my clothes smelled like a meat packing facility.
Then I thought about the price, what was no better than Burger King cost $40 plus tip for two to dine. -
Review from Mark B.
North York, ON
5/5/2010
I had high hopes for a good Philly steak. This place was a disaster. A stale bun, tough, dry meat and bland fries doomed this over-priced, dull, uninspired sandwich. Not worthy of even a second rate greasy spoon. The staff were clearly unhappy, and I can't say i blame them. Working in the food service industry can be difficult and underpaid. But the effect was to make everyone at our table a little uncomfortable and the ambiance in the restaurant was decidedly muted, which was out of place given the rambunctious nature of Dundas Square. Even the decor was lackluster, trite and contrived, as it tried and failed to capture something of the 1950s diner genre. I don't usually get particularly shrill about a bad meal, but the whole restaurant reeked of indifference and I can't think of a reason to bother going back.
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Review from Amanda N.
Scarborough, ON
11/28/2009
I was excited to try this place, but super non plussed by the food. Extremely pricey for a tiny, tiny bland tasteless burger. The fries were obviously from a frozen brand. The food was so tiny and bad that we actually went out AFTER eating there. We never went back.
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Review from Bane G.
Toronto, ON
9/22/2010
They had flies in my flies and only gave me a 10% discount... If you like flies in your food go here...
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Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
10/24/2008 1 photo
I didn't know what to expect from Johnny Rockets. I had never been inside one before and while I saw it being built on the side of Yonge-Dundas Square I didn't know, anything about what was going on inside. For those of you like me and out of the know Johnny Rockets is a 50s café, the sort of thing that used to be popular in the 80s but something that I thought were a part of the past. The restaurant is like 50s light, it has all the good things but no segregated seating or polio. The menu is simple but subtly evil. When you peruse it, it has all the things you would expect to find on a menu of this sort and then you realize that your eight dollar hamburger doesn't come with French fries, those are an extra four. I saw this as a sign that I should not order them and when the waitress asked if I wanted fries with my meal she gave no hint as to the extra cost. The one redeeming quality of the restaurant is that the wait staff sing about every 20, minutes it's not very good singing or dancing (did I mention the dancing?) but it is fun to watch people do something so unnatural. I don't recommend this restaurant unless you are a time traveler from the past and are looking for something familiar. While you won't really find it here it's probably as close as you can get. For all the rest of us who have only experienced linear time I'd stay away it's just an expensive gimmick.
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from Greg T.
Toronto, ON
6/8/2009
Great place, the best burgers and the staff sing too!!
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Review from Andy M.
Toronto, ON
7/4/2010
Bad food. Completely overpriced. Would not come here again.
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