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I ordered the same meal at Johnny Rockets and Red Robin. The burgers were fine, but my favorite chain had an unmatched ambiance.

September 22, 20240
I visited a Johnny Rockets in Hoboken, NJ.

Ted Berg

I started my tasting journey by going to Johnny Rockets for a weekday lunch.

The chain, which was founded in Los Angeles in 1986, is now a subsidiary of Fat Brands, which also owns restaurants like Fatburger, Great American Cookie, and Elevation Burger.

Today, Johnny Rockets has over 275 locations across 26 US states and 26 countries.

Johnny Rockets’ decor was a nostalgic recreation of an American diner.
The burger patty was a little thinner than I’d hoped it would be.

Ted Berg

I ordered a single-patty bacon-cheddar burger ($10.30) with lettuce, tomato, onion, and a special sauce. Since the meal didn’t come with fries, I ordered some as a side for $5.

The food came out quickly and was served piping hot, with the burger and fries practically sizzling.

The patty itself was a little thinner than I’d hoped it would be. I also wasn’t asked how I wanted it cooked, and it came out a bit more well-done than I’d usually order.

The patty wasn’t anything special, but I enjoyed most of the toppings.
I visited a Red Robin in Secaucus, NJ.

Ted Berg

Next, I visited Red Robin, a fast-casual restaurant known for its burgers and bottomless fries. Founded in 1969, the chain now has 500 locations across the US and Canada.

Although I visited Red Robin around dinnertime, the restaurant was pretty empty.
Unlike at Johnny Rockets, the burger at Red Robin came with fries.

Ted Berg

I ordered a bacon cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and my choice of cheese. I forgot to specify which cheese I wanted, so I was given American.

Unlike at Johnny Rockets, the burger at Red Robin came with bottomless fries. However, I found one order was plenty for me.

My meal cost $15.30 — the same price as a burger and fries at Johnny Rockets.

The burger at Red Robin was more substantial but not as tasty.
Although I enjoyed Red Robin’s fries, I preferred the burger at Johnny Rockets.

Ted Berg

Though I enjoyed Red Robin’s fries, I preferred the burger and the more cheerful ambiance at Johnny Rockets.

I’d probably skip Red Robin next time, but could imagine eating at Johnny Rockets again with my kids. I’m sure they’d enjoy the diner stylings, jukebox options, and milkshake menu.