Complete Guide to Eating Vegan at Johnny Rockets

“Step into an era of nostalgia and enjoy our iconic burgers, shakes, fries & fun—crafted with a dedication to the enduring flavors that define classic American dining.”

History of Plant-Based Options on Johnny Rocket’s Menu

Johnny Rockets was founded in 1986, but their hearts are in the ‘50’s. The restaurant’s theme reflects a nostalgic era while serving classic American fare. Until 2021, however, their meals offered nothing for the plant-based community. But in keeping with the times, Johnny Rockets introduced a small plant-based menu in 2021, including meat-free burgers and dairy-free shakes.

“The Johnny Rockets environment and menu delivers a piece of nostalgic Americana at locations around the globe,” said Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of Johnny Rockets’ parent company, FAT Brands, in 2021. “While that will always be the most evident and fun part of the Johnny Rockets experience, we also acknowledge the future, which is plant-based.”

The plant-based menu was originally intended as a short-term addition but soon became a permanent fixture in their regular offerings. Today, you can find these delicious, plant-based items at many of Johnny Rockets’ 125 locations nationwide. Options vary by location, but here are a few items to look for when visiting this 1950s-themed establishment.

Best Vegan Sides & Appetizers at Johnny Rockets

French Fries

French fries are a popular staple alongside any burger. Johnny Rockets cooks their skin-on fries extra crispy in vegetable oil. Be aware, however, that they are prepared in a shared fryer, so cross-contamination is always possible. Enjoy them with ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Tater Tots

Crispy tater tots are another perfect pairing with a burger. They are also great for a quick and savory snack. Just like the French fries, though, these deep-fried nuggets of flavor are made in a shared fryer. They taste great with ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Johnny Rocket’s Plant-Based Impossible Burger Options

The Impossible Original

The Impossible Original mirrors the restaurant’s original hamburger but uses an Impossible Burger patty instead. Keep the lettuce, tomato, chopped onion, relish, pickles, and mustard. Skip the mayonnaise because it contains eggs. There is conflicting information about the ingredients in Johnny Rockets’ buns, so ask for nutrition information at your location before ordering. When in doubt, ask for your burger to be served on a lettuce wrap instead.

The Impossible Double

The Impossible Double is the same as the Impossible Original, but it has two Impossible patties instead of one. You can still order it with lettuce, tomato, chopped onion, relish, pickles, and mustard. Leave off the mayo and go for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun if your location says their buns contain milk or eggs.

Fresh Diner-Style Salads

Garden Salad

The Garden Salad has seasonal greens and diced tomatoes. Order it without the shredded cheese. Enjoy this cool, crisp salad with balsamic vinaigrette or fat-free Italian dressing.

Delicious Dairy-Free Milkshakes

Vegan Milkshakes

Johnny Rockets is well-known for its indulgent milkshakes. Fortunately, they offer three flavors of milkshake crafted with Craig’s Vegan, cashew-based ice cream, oat milk, and coconut whipped cream. Try these delicious shakes in chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla.

How to Order a Compassionate-Friendly Meal at Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets’ plant-based menu selections are still relatively limited, but there are enough options to build a tasty, filling meal. Remember that these offerings vary by location, though. Always be sure to request information about the ingredients you are interested in. Some more progressive locations may offer a hamburger bun free of eggs and milk, but others do not. If there is any doubt, opt for the lettuce wrap instead of a bun.

The French fries, tater tots, and Garden Salad with no cheese are always a safe bet. Just select plant-based dipping sauces or dressings, such as ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, balsamic vinaigrette, and fat-free Italian dressing. Then finish off your dining experience with one of their cold and creamy vegan milkshakes. What flavor will you choose?

Additional Vegan-Friendly Fast-Food Options at Nationwide Restaurants

If none of Johnny Rockets’ plant-based options entice your taste buds, there are plenty of other restaurants that offer a vegan menu as well. For instance, our blog Quick & Easy Vegan Orders at Fast-Food Restaurants shares some simple ways to order at a variety of establishments. You can find pizza, burgers, Mexican, Chinese, and more all at the tips of your fingers. If pizza is what you are in the mood for, The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Pizza at Major Chains offers tips for ordering vegan pizza at 10 popular pizzerias. Here are a few more vegan food guides from our previous posts:

• Plant-Based Eats at Yard House
• Ultimate Guide to Vegan Starbucks
• Eating Vegan at The Cheesecake Factory
• Plant-Based Options at TGIFridays
• A Vegan Guide to Eating at IHOP
• The Ultimate Guide to Eating Vegan at Subway
• Vegan Olive Garden Options
• Eating Vegan at Burger King in the USA
• Ultimate Vegan Guide to Taco Bell

Ordering vegan does not have to be difficult. We are here to help. The Farm Buzz has compiled many articles to guide you as you order from your favorite restaurants. Let us know which restaurants you would like us to visit next.