Amidst the many vintage shops that adorn South Street is one vintage eatery: Johnny Rockets. With locations in 30 states and countries like the United Arab Emirates (gotta love globalization), this successful chain brings back the '50s diner atmosphere to the corner of Fourth and South streets.
For starters, options are limited to "Grease"y classics like French fries ($1.99), Chili Fries ($3.39), and onion rings ($2.99). Calorie counters beware, because traditional chocolate, vanilla and strawberry milkshakes ($3.39) are thick and thus irresistible.
Rockets' one-third pound burgers are a good 10 notches above McDonald's quality, yet comparable in price to fast food. The standard "Original" at $3.99 is good enough to satiate the appetite, but add-ons to the burgers provide enhanced flavor options.
Though your vegetarian or "I don't do red meat" friends might be skeptical about a pit-stop at a classic burger joint, they need not fear: all of the Rocket Man's burgers can be substituted at no charge for turkey patties or 100% soy Boca burgers.
Everyone is the DJ at Rockets, because upon arrival servers provide patrons with two nickels (yes, ten cents worth of goodness) to use the five-cent (it's no fitty) jukeboxes at each table.
The Johnny's dining experience became unique when the low-key music began to blast. Suddenly, staff members formed a dance line and got down and dirty to the Bee Gees version of "Stayin Alive." Though few Discoers showed any signs of happiness (or life) while dancing, the obviously embarrassing show (put on every half hour) was fairly entertaining for customers.
If you haven't yet reached the 2K daily calorie count, then opt for the Apple Pie ? la Mode ($2.99) or the Fudge Sundae ($2.99) topped with hot fudge, whipped cream and almonds ($3.99).
