Rocket Lunch

As we face an uncertain economic future, many of us are dining out less or, perhaps, not at all.  Most of us haven't the temerity to take part in a $440,000 California retreat during a financial crisis.  Instead, we might take refuge in comfort foods and surroundings that evoke memories of a simpler time.

When I seek a reliable collation seasoned with a dash of nostalgia—whether in New York or out of town—a Johnny Rockets is a welcome sight.  Although this retro-diner chain was launched in Los Angeles in 1986, my initiation came several years later during a business trip to Atlanta.  The first Manhattan branch opened in the West Village some ten years ago.  It affords a good, convenient luncheon spot near NYU.  Another Manhattan location was since added on the East Side.

Johnny Rockets' décor is nearly identical throughout the chain.  The tables, chairs, tabletop jukeboxes, signs, posters, and other trappings are reminiscent of a '50s malt shop.  The coeval habiliments of the staff round out the motif.  Some may consider this sort of theme to be clichéd, but to those of us who remember when, it represents a vestige of happy days long ago.

The food quality is fairly consistent as one might expect from a menu dominated by burgers, sandwiches, fries, shakes, and malts.  The Tuna Salad Sandwich is my favorite and seldom disappoints.  Unlike many others I've tried, this one doesn't drown the white albacore in a sea of mayonnaise.  Normally, a sandwich and a cup of tea satisfy my midday appetite.  At Johnny Rockets, however, I try to save room for a slice of their delicious apple pie.  Made fresh daily, it's not overly sweet and has a delightfully flaky crust.  Although it's available with cheddar cheese or à la mode, I prefer it plain.  Yum!

While the menus of the two Manhattan Johnny Rockets list the same items, the midtown version comes with uptown prices.  For instance, in the Village, my tuna sandwich and apple pie cost $5.60 and $1.50, respectively; each costs 40 cents more uptown.  In fact, everything (except the jukebox) is more expensive at the East Side location.  Nevertheless, the pricier Johnny Rockets is busier than its downtown cousin.

 

Johnny Rockets

West Village:

42 East 8^th Street (SW corner Greene St), Manhattan

(212) 253-8175

By train: R,W to 8^th Street
By bus: M2, M3, M5 to University Place

East Side:

930 Third Avenue (SW corner 56^th St), Manhattan

(212) 813-0003

By train: E,V to Lexington Av/53 St (exit at Third Av)
By bus: M31, M57, M98, M101, M102, M103

Other locations

http://www.johnnyrockets.com/