When we heard the popular 1950s American-themed diner Johnny Rockets was heading this way, we couldn’t wait to check it out. Being a bit homesick for some good ol’ fashioned Americana we headed over to Yas Marina Circuit to get our fill of delicious burgers, fries and shakes.
Walking through the restaurant is a bit like taking a step back in time, the servers are dressed smartly in 50s era pinstripes and family friendly tunes are softly playing in the background. We grab a seat in a booth near the window but as it’s dark outside, we can’t manage a glimpse of the winding track below.
Not to worry however since we’re here for the food and boy does it deliver! A quick look at the menu and we settle on sharing a plate of rocket wings – spicy chicken wings served with a creamy blue cheese dressing to start. They are perfectly seasoned, kicky enough to make us grab a second helping, but not hot enough to make our eyes water up in pain. We only manage to tear ourselves away from the enormous portion when our burger arrives.
We’ve ordered the number 12, which the menu boasts is “said to be a 12 from a scale of one to ten” in terms of taste. The cheeseburger is served with the signature red red sauce and certainly is a mouthful. The juicy meat, tangy pickles, creamy mayo and zingy red red sauce all meld together. The servings at Johnny Rockets are on the generous side, so if you fancy a side of fries with your burger, we suggest you split it with a friend as there’ll be plenty to share.
And to wash it all down, we order an enormous orange dreamsicle milkshake. Served icy cold and with a delicate paper doily, one sip of this creamy orange and vanilla flavoured all-American favourite and we’re instantly transported to our childhood. And if you aren’t an orange dreamsicle sort (we can’t imagine why), there are plenty of creamy concoctions, flavoured sodas and malts to choose from.
Wonderfully attentive service, fantastic atmosphere and childhood favourites make this burger joint one to try. If you haven’t been, it’s high time to check it out.
Sawaiba Khan
Details
What: Johnny Rockets
Where: Yas Marina Circuit
Cost: Starters from AED 20 to AED 30, burgers from AED 40, toppings extra and floats and shakes AED 22 to AED 28
We say: Pull out your poodle skirts and hop on over for some fantastic food
Contact: 02 659 9965