The home of the original American hamburger
1141 Adetokunbo Ademola Street,
VIctoria Island, Lagos.
Phone: 08175881155, 07087958787, 0700BURGERS
OPENING HOURS:
Sunday-Thursday: 11am-10pm
Friday-Saturday: 11 am – 11pm
DELIVERY HOURS:
Victoria Island:
Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 9:45pm.
Friday-Saturday: 11am – 10:45pm.
Johnny Rockets is super kid-friendly (for reasons you’ll soon see), so do bring the children along – but be warned, if you turn up without a booking on a weekend, you might find yourself waiting in line for a while.
Tuck in: Johnny Rockets' famous 'original' burger
WHO ARE JOHNNY ROCKETS?
Johnny Rockets is an international chain, whose aim is to spread the feel-good vibes of Americana beyond the US borders. It first opened its doors on Melrose Avenue in LA in 1986 with the idea of offering busy people a refuge from today’s hectic world – a place where they could escape into the golden simplicity of Americana. Since then Johnny Rockets has expanded to 300 branches across the world, but has stayed true to its founding mission.The brand was originally built on the three Fs – food, fun and friendliness, all of which are still in plentiful supply in their restaurants.
Johnny Rockets has now opened the first of five planned resturants\ branches in Nigeria. With chequered floors and tabletop jukeboxes, the Victoria Island branch in Lagos has been carefully designed to mimic a 50’s America diner. So if you’re in the area and have a craving for an all-American feast in an authentic setting, you’re in for a treat!
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
Once you’re settled in your booth or at your table, it’s time for the good part. The menu offers all the big eats you’d expect in an American diner – 6oz or 7oz burgers, served with cheese or jalapenos, chilli cheese fries, onion rings, scrumptious shakes and malts.
It would be a sin to come to Johnny Rockets and not sample one of their famous burgers – these well stuffed, juicy beef patties are grilled to perfection. There are plenty of variations to choose from, but if in doubt, and you think your appetite is up to it, go for their signature ‘original’ burger.
Another popular choice is the Route 66, a burger topped with mushrooms, grilled onion and egg. Locals also love that Johnny Rockets serve Jollof rice and fried rice, a favourite among Nigerians. Whatever you order, your waitress will bring you your ketchup squeezed onto a plate in the shape of a smiley face, which always goes down a storm with the little ones.
The brownie sundae has been called the ‘best desert in Nigeria’, and for good reason, and the smooth and gloriously creamy shakes are another favourite, not just for the kids!
A nice option is to sit outside, and tuck into your burger while enjoying the warm sun and the cool breeze blowing in from the Atlantic.
Sweet tooth? Johnny Rocket's perfect brownie sundae
WHAT WILL IT COST ME?
At +N2300 (+$15), plus extra for fries, sides and drinks, Johnny Rockets is not the cheapest joint in town, but in Lagos, where there are currently no McDonalds or Burger Kings, it’s a welcome treat.
Plus, when compared to similar restaurants in the Lagos area, like Café Royale, Bistro 7 and Bungalow, Johnny Rockets’ prices are competitive - and once you sample the food, you'll know it's money well spent!
WHAT’S THIS ABOUT A DANCE?!
As soon as you step into Johnny Rockets you’ll get a warm, friendly welcome from the manager Khalid and his team. They go out of their way to make you feel at home. Games are provided to keep the kids happy while you wait for the food to arrive.
The jukebox plays continually, belting out hit after hit from a back catalogue of America’s finest rock n roll. Every 30minutes or so, something special – and unexpected - happens. When a certain song plays on the jukebox, the staff take to the floor and perform a dance routine! This is a lot of fun, especially for those diners not expecting it!
Even though the looks on the faces of some of the staff suggest they’d rather not be performing the Hippy Hippy Shake in a crowded restaurant, for the most part the waiters and waitresses look like they’re having the time of their lives. The dancing is certainly unusual, and whether or not you’re inclined to join in and shake your tail feather, it’s guaranteed to make your visit a memorable one.
THE LOWDOWN
While it’s not the cheapest restaurant in Lagos, Johnny Rockets is undoubtedly the go-to place if you’re looking for great US-style food in a fun and nostaligic atmosphere, with a few surprises thrown in. Rock n roll!
Smile! The famous ketchup smiley is sure to lift your spirits
