Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler

Grew up loving these burgers every time we would visit family in OKC. As I’ve gotten older and branched out more in my burger appreciation, it just doesn’t stand up. Don’t let that stop you from giving it a try, I would still recommend it!

I say to throw the «institution» crap out. I could tell that the meat had been cooked way ahead of time. It was dry. Yuck. The bun wasn’t warm. The lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion were cold, like they had just come out of the frig. That’s it. I’ll never be back.

Really! It was okay, but cold shredded cheese on a bacon cheese burger.
Those who rated this place in the 4 and 5 range must be family.

An Oklahoma City institution. The interior of Johnnies has evolved over the years, but the menu has stayed tried and true. Highlights are their chili cheeseburgers, their vegetable beef soup, their grilled cheese, their frankfurters, and their ever-​refreshing iced tea. Fries and rings are also solid, but you’re wise to order the fries well done to avoid having them served up limp. Be sure to save room for the chocolate cream pie as well!
Johnnies is the type of spot where they’ll greet you by name when you walk in the door, and often already know your order as well. And you’re pretty much always sure to see someone you know.
Be forewarned, if you come close to closing time you’re likely to endure them vacuuming up around you. So earlier is better if you don’t want to feel like you’re in the way.

*Became nationally recognized from being featured on almost every episode of Saving Grace.
When I crave a burger, I crave Johnny’s. It seems like this location uses less cheese per burger and I am okay with that. The burgers are all beef and charbroiled, leading to them being juicy and flavorful. I like the Johnny’s sauce will sometimes lead me to stray from my usual mustard. Onion rings are great, fries are not as crispy as I like, but I go for the burgers.

I don’t eat burgers often, but when I do, I love Johnny’s. I always order carry out & it’s always ready right away. The onion rings are my favorite. The only negative thing I could mention is that I prefer soft buns & theres are crisp.

One of my go-​to spots in OKC. The burgers are always delicious, but what the heck happened to the fries??? They used to be so good! Now, they are frozen, commercial-​grade pieces of yuck. Bring back the old fries, Johnnie’s!!!

An Oklahoma City institution. Great fries and onion rings. The chili needs more spice.

Johnnies is an institution for sure! I had a hamburger with lettuce and tomato and theta on the side. You really can’t go wrong! Basic burger. Clean. Dependable.

«The way we were» at Johnnie’s on Britton Road. This restaurant is (or has been) an OKC institution dating back to the 60s and the Split-​T. Although I don’t eat hamburgers (often), I had an uncontrollable urge for a #2 (mustard, pickle, onion) that is now completely satisfied. My burger was dry and near cold and compounded by greasy fries. Ironically, this dry-​cold-​greasy combo was identical to my last uncontrollable urge for a #2. I probably should have complained to the manager, but this «meal» was so pathetic I did not bother. How can you jack up a burger and fries?
I promise to control myself. Fond memories will have to suffice.

I’ve grown up going to this place and it aches me to actually write this review.
My husbands burger was raw in the middle and we sent it back, my chicken sandwich was too chewy and was obviously re-​heated in the microwave, and to top it all off the fries were also a huge disappointment half were cold and not cooked all the way through.
Not to mention the young girl taking our order seemed put out, friendly service was not in her business.
And this was not the first time in the past 6 months that I’ve had experiences here like this. It’s the ORIGINAL Johnnies people. They should demand the best from their employees.
I can honestly say that it will be a very long time before we return.

Have been going there since they opened, love the burgers and onion rings. Have yet to have a bad burger. Self service.

Love these hamburgers! I got food to go for me and my sister in law. Upon walking in — I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t have to wait in the huge in to order. They have a separate window to order from to go.
Two #2s with cheese. The old fashioned hamburger was delish — I especially loved the shredded cheddar that they put on top. I ordered a side of onion rings to go with my burger — but after my burger, I was so full I could hardly eat them (I have been told that I eat like a mouse though). They looked so good I had to try a couple. These were just alright for me… seemed dry, but I didn’t put any sauce on them which would have helped. The food was good, quick, and hot — with little grease was a major plus for me.
This seemed like an old-​fashioned hamburger joint with the pie slices in the display window. If I would have sat there more than 5 minutes waiting for my food, I would have caved and bought one — they looked ahhhmazing!

The best DAMN burger EVER!!!
I have been a loyal customer of Johnnies since it originally opened in 1971. My personal fav is the Number 9 and small onion rings. Everything is awesome… salads, hot dogs, shakes, the home-​made pies, and don’t forget the «Theta»! Not to mention, the portions are HUGE!!!
Expensive…really Greg? Guess $ 5.00 must be a stretch for a someone who goes for the McDeal. Maybe you were disappointed it didn’t come with a Happy Toy! And bullets? HARDLY. My parents have lived a block away and walk to the restaurant at least once a week. Get a clue.

I will gladly go out of my way for a Theta Burger…
Visiting OKC as a kid, my relatives put me on to this place long, long ago. For many years, I didn’t get enough Johnnie’s Sauce in my veins, but for the last three years I’ve found myself passing through OKC between Tulsa and Dallas. Each time, I have to redirect over to Johnnie’s for a Theta Burger. Something about this burger just calls to me. So much so that I’ve tried to replicate it at other burger joints. Down here in Texas you wouldn’t believe the strange looks you get when you order a burger with hickory sauce, cheese, mayo and pickles. I think it’s the mayo and pickles that draw people offsides, but that’s the beauty of the Theta. Sweet mayo and salty pickles dance a little waltz in your mouth with the sweet ‘n’ tangy hickory sauce. Try as I might, I just can’t build one as good without that Secret Sauce. I don’t know what they put in that stuff, but it makes me drool just thinking about it…
Can’t wait to head back north!

Everyone seems to love this place, but I just don’t get it. The burgers are sort of, I don’t know… flat, boring, dry. I know so many folks who think a Johnnies burger is an OKC staple. No way.
Extra star for a salad I had there one time that was pretty good. Not incredible, just pretty good. Yea, don’t believe the hype on this place.

I left Oklahoma in 2007 after growing up down the street from the original Britton Road location (and it’s not dangerous there at all, Greg P.) Every time I visit, it is essential that I eat at Johnnie’s at least once. The Theta with cheese (number 9, if memory serves me) is, without exaggeration, the best burger I’ve had in my life.
The onion rings blow everyone else’s out of the water.
I have occasionally strayed from my beloved Theta, and everything I have tried (salad, soup, deli sandwiches, pie) has been delicious. But every time I ordered one of those other things, I didn’t get to have a Theta, and wound up sad anyway.
If you want to have an event, this is a great place to do it. I had my baby shower there! They don’t charge for the big room in the back as long as everyone orders an entrée and a drink. But reserve your space early! The Harding High alumni always seem to have it booked.

Best Hickory Sauce in the Country. As I read in a magazine’s desciption of oklahoma, drive to Johnnie’s, get a burger with sauce, get back in your car, leave the state. Every one of my family member’s who has moved out of state, requires a Johnnie’s visit every time they come home. Stick to the burgers and the onion rings. They have good shakes and deserts, but their chicken tends to be dry and you can get a better steak down the street.

The flavor is great, prices are a little high but not enough so that you can’t justify it if you love a great burger.
The biggest problem with this particular store (off Britton) is the very rough neighborhood. Would you like bullets with your meal sir?