Your kids want a milkshake

Photograph by Raphael Buchler at Johnny Rockets

Your kids want:

Mac and cheese | Chicken fingers | Lemonade | French fries | A hot fudge sundae | Tacos | Hot chocolate | Grilled cheese | Burgers

GO TO:Johnny Rockets

Oh, for a shake that’s not too thin and liquidy...one that preserves the luscious texture of the ice cream...one thick enough to hold up to the Guinness spoon test. We thought ours was an impossible quest until we happened on the decadent dairy ($4.97) at Johnny Rockets, a self-consciously ’50s-style diner that has been mixing ’em up since 1986. Its shakes, which come in classic chocolate, vanilla or strawberry (and aren’t available in the restaurant until after 1:30pm), are made with Johnny Rockets’ own brand of premium vanilla ice cream, whole milk and syrup. Served with fat, unbendy straws, these shakes complement one of Rockets’ old-timey meals (for example, a club sandwich with onion rings and apple pie or an all-beef Nathan’s Famous with all the fixins). 42 E 8th St between Greene St and University Pl (212-253-8175, johnnyrockets.com). Check the website for other locations.

NEXT BEST THING:Burger Joint

Don’t even try to drink this bad boy through a straw. At $4.50 (and worth every penny), it’s creamy, icy, everything a shake is supposed to be and usually isn’t. Because the Joint’s shakes, burgers and fries are so good, this place is always crowded with families waiting to order. 118 W 57th St at Sixth Ave (212-245-5000, parkermeridien.com/burger.htm).

Patty time! | Table talk | Eat with your hands | Dinner theater