Johnny Rocket's

Johnny Rocket's at Riverchase Galleria

Hoover, Alabama

Fun retro '50's diner, red and chrome add to the classic feel for the tables, booths, and even the straw holders. Miniature coin juke boxes at each booth that unfortunately don't work, but there is '50's music playing in the background.

Several prints of art on the wall that looked very Norman Rockwell - pretty young people smiling and drinking Coca-Cola.

Service is great, and includes those small considerations often missing in restaurant service today. There is a bar you can also sit at that looks toward the grill.

They had a large milkshake menu inlcuding a wide array of chocolate and fruit flavored shakes. This time we ordered a black forest shake (black cherry and chocolate). Unfortuntely although the milkshake looked beautiful, the milkshake was very fake tasting - instead of chocolate it was chocolate flavored syrup... Almost an alcohol-taste of flavor...

The french fries (we got both regular and sweet potato) were less than impressive. The regular being thick and somewhat bland; the sweet potato thin and somewhat a little softer or oily than necessary. The hamburger itself was great - soft, plenty of meat, although could have used some seasoning. The lettuce, tomato, and other toppings were fresh and flavorful however.

Salvatore's Pizza

Salvatore's Pizza and Pasta in Hoover

Hoover, AL
http://www.salvatorespizzeria.com/Salvatores_Pizza_%26_Pasta/home.html

We visited Salvatore's Pizza for lunch today - our first visit after hearing friends repeatedly recommending it. Remember how pizza places used to be - fun, inviting, small, a place you felt you could hang out? This is what Salvatore's is like. And not just inside, but a nice eating area outside as well with a pretty fountain and flowers at the front.

Inside is a place we feel we could come back to, relax, watch a baseball game, have a beer and some great pizza. Their red and white checkered tables add to that neighborhood feel. Sometimes you just need a relaxed place, and this is it.

There is so much to choose from on the menu from pizza, calzones, pasta, and more. The list of toppings includes everything possible. The crust is great, partially charred but soft inside, the sauce has a brightly fresh flavor, and everything works well together. We tried salami, black olive, and garlic as toppings and would definitely get it again. But with so many items on the menu, we may have to experiment further too.