Well after months of watching the construction crew transform the old Johnny Rockets into The Habit, it is finally open. I was driving to have dinner with a friend from the office when I noticed that there were people milling about outside. Then, upon closer inspection, they were carrying trays! Are they open? A quick U-turn on El Toro and a turn into The Orchard shopping center confirmed it. Yes, they are open!

They actually opened on Monday, so today is their 3rd day of operations. The line was long but moving to get to the ordering counter. The inside was done in light wood colors and I was looking for hints of the old Johnny Rockets, but honestly I don’t member much of the old place to make a comparison. People in line were making their choices from the menu above against a maroon background.

I have heard many talk about The Habit, but I have never been to one. Tonight would be my first. My friend Karen and I decided we were going to split our entrees and that she would get fries and I, onion rings. We were also looking at the drinks and noticed that they had shakes made with real ice cream. But right next to it was a selection of Malts. When was the last time you had a malt? Better than that, when was the last time “I” had a malt. The answer, never. That’s right, even though I grew up in the Midwest, I have never had a malt. The closest I have ever come is eating half a box of Whoppers when I was a kid. So what were we to do? We both ordered malts. Karen had mocha and I had vanilla.

We both decided to eat outside since it was still nice out and the sun was just about to set. Within 6 minutes our orders were ready. Karen ordered the #1 which is their Charbroiled Burger with Fries and a drink, while I opted for the Chicken Club Sandwich on a French Roll with onion rings. The burger had all the fixings except for the peppers which can get at the condiment bar. Karen also ordered cheese and it was oozing over the side. Her fries were crispy on the outside and came in a paper basket. My chicken sandwich came with bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo and much to my dismay, avocados. I’m allergic to avocados. I took a bite into the sandwich only to find that there was a layer of diced avocado in the sandwich. I scraped the avocado off the sandwich and proceeded. There was a slight tingling in my lips, but it was bearable so that I could enjoy the rest of my sandwich.

I did mention I had onion rings right? This was the highlight of my evening actually. Yes, the onion rings trumped the burger and the chicken sandwich. Extra crispy on the outside, not greasy at all and I could taste the onions. It too came in a small paper basket, but it was the right amount. The rings came with a side of ranch which was perfect.

The burger was ok. The meat had some flavor, but it seemed lost in a sea of cheese, lettuce, grilled onions and toasted bun. It not a big patty by any means. But for the price, $5.95 for a combo, I think was just fine. The Chicken Club sandwich was good after I took the avocado off! [smile] The toasted french roll was a nice contrsst to the juicy chicken breast – well seasoned. I’m probably more apt to come back for the Chicken Club over a burger. The fries were crisp on the outside, but just a tad greasy. It was the only thing was had that wasn’t completely eaten.

In addition to burgers and sandwiches, The Habit also has a selection of entree salads, shakes, cones, sundaes and malts. Oh! The Malts. So I got the vanilla malt. I took a sip and it instantly brought me back to one of my band trips in high school and eating Whoppers (the candy). The difference between a milkshake and a malt is the addition of barley in the mix. Quite tasty I have to say and I sipped it quite loudly to the very bottom!

Established in 1969 in Santa Barbara, California, The Habit is dedicated to delivery quality food made to order and has been a tradition for over 30 years here in the Southland. This week they opened their newest location in Lake Forest. Looking behind the counter, they grill all the patties to order and nothing sits in a warming bin and the fries are dropped for each order. The staff was very happy and the managers on staff still had big smiles on their faces even after a long day since opening. Congrats to the Habit family, welcome to the neighborhood!

The Habit
23632 El Toro Rd., #A,
Lake Forest, 92630
(949) 206-9110

Mon-Sat: 10:30am-9pm
Sun:11am-8pm