Hungry diners have been visiting Hard Rock Cafe restaurants around the globe for decades. They offer an extensive menu for practically every appetite.
Unfortunately, while some of their items are a hit, others are a swing and a miss. If you’re not careful, you and your taste buds could be in for a rough ride.
To help you avoid this situation, we’re sharing the best and worst foods at this famous establishment.
Let’s dig in!
About Hard Rock Cafe
The first Hard Rock Cafe opened in London, England, in 1971. Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton founded the brand by combining music and dining into a unique experience. They decorated the restaurant with rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. Eventually, the collection grew to take over nearly every inch of wall space.
The menu features American-style cuisine, like burgers, sandwiches, and classic comfort food. Those looking for healthier choices can also find a variety of salads. To continue the theme, many of the dishes have names that honor rock legends.
After several years, the business began considering options for growth. As a result, they opened the Toronto, Canada, location in 1978. The United States had to wait a few more years until the Los Angeles restaurant opened in 1982.
As the brand’s success grew, it expanded to include casinos and hotels. While the chain multiplied, not every site succeeded. In fact, hundreds of its restaurants have closed over the years.
Today, the brand maintains 240 venues, including restaurants, hotels, casinos, and other establishments in 69 countries.
The Best Menu Items at Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe’s menu has many delicious things to try, some better than others. Their best offerings keep customers coming again and again. Here are a few top picks.
Surf & Turf Burger
The Surf and Turf Burger is their take on the traditional meal. They place their One Night in Bangkok Spicy Shrimp atop their signature beef patty. Then, they coat it with a bedding of spicy coleslaw. The finished product is a juicy and flavorful combination of deliciousness. Partner it with a toasted bun and seasoned fries, and it’s a match made in heaven.
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Original Legendary Burger
The next of the best at Hard Rock Cafe is their Original Legendary Burger. This is their standard patty that put them on the map.
The chef places strips of applewood bacon on top of the beef. The icing on the cake is the Tillamook cheddar cheese that brings this creation to life. From the first bite, it’s easy to see why the chain grew so quickly.
New York Cheesecake
When visiting Hard Rock Cafe, you better save room for dessert. Their New York cheesecake is rich and creamy, just like you’d find in the Big Apple. It’s served fresh with strawberry sauce and whipped cream.
Your fork will easily slice through the mixture until you reach the thin layer of crust. It’s the perfect amount of crunch to partner with the texture.
Moving Mountains Burger
Hard Rock Cafe doesn’t leave those with dietary restrictions out to dry, unlike many other restaurants. Their Moving Mountains Burger uses a 100% plant-based vegan patty. They top it with cheddar cheese, an onion ring, lettuce, and a tomato.
You can eat great and feel great about what you’re eating. Unfortunately, it’s only available at select locations at this time.
Twisted Mac, Chicken and Cheese
Who says mac and cheese is only for kids? Try ordering the Twisted Mac, Chicken, and Cheese on your next visit to Hard Rock Cafe.
Their version kicks it up a notch. With 100% all-natural grilled chicken breast, cavatappi pasta, and a four-cheese sauce, it’s truly special. They toss in red peppers to give it some color and flavor.
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The Worst Menu Items at Hard Rock Cafe
Sadly, not everything on the Hard Rock Cafe menu is a homerun. Frankly, some options are hard to stomach. You might think twice about ordering any of these.
Baby Back Ribs
The baby back ribs at Hard Rock Cafe sounds delicious. After all, they’re glazed with homemade barbecue sauce, perfectly grilled, and served with fries and coleslaw. However, the meal tips the scales at 2,062 calories. Those of you watching your calories will have difficulty reasoning this one.
You probably won’t feel like doing much after clearing your plate. If you decide to go this route, get a to-go box from the start to avoid eating more than planned. Your digestive system will thank you!
Classic Club Sandwich
The Classic Club Sandwich uses thinly sliced grilled chicken, smoked bacon, and a touch of vine-ripened tomatoes. They toast the sourdough bread before adding a dash of mayo.
Again, this didn’t necessarily make our list because it tastes terrible. Like the ribs, the club sandwich can leave you feeling stuffed. As many visitors are on vacation or exploring the area, getting too full can make that challenging. If you plan to eat it all, you better clear your schedule.
Homemade Apple Cobbler
The Homemade Apple Cobbler might be another questionable choice. Hard Rock Cafe bakes Granny Smith apples until they turn golden brown. Then, they top them with ice cream and caramel sauce. The result is a heavenly mixture of sweetness. It doesn’t have to be fall to appreciate the taste of this All-American treat.
However, tacking this desert onto the end of your meal could be enough to send you into a sugar coma. With more than 1,500 calories, the apple cobbler is rich in taste and calories.
If you’re willing to split it with two or three others, you can get a sampling and save yourself from regret.
Classic Nachos
While Hard Rock Cafe lists its Classic Nachos as an appetizer, many choose to make it their meal. The kitchen starts with a bed of crisp tortilla chips, then piles on ranch-style beans and their famous four-cheese sauce. They add pico de gallo, spicy jalapeños, and more cheese. They finish it all with red onions, scallions, and a splat of sour cream.
This dish isn’t just messy. It’s one of the least healthy items they serve, with an eye-popping 2,115 calories. Even if you split with another person or two, it’d mean 700 to 1100 calories before your main course.
Do yourself a favor. Decide on something else, or split it with several people. It’s not worth the pain and suffering you’ll experience otherwise.
Atomic Burger
Finally, we must suggest skipping the Atomic Burger at Hard Rock Cafe. The chef starts with their beef patty and adds spicy fried onions, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle aioli. It’s finished with the traditional lettuce, tomato, and toasted bun.
Not only is the 1,664 calories a lot to consume, but it’s another messy meal. The sandwich gets piled high and is nearly impossible to eat without a knife and fork. You’d expect something this size to be part of an eating competition.
We’d avoid ordering this unless you want a sense of accomplishment for consuming it all.
Enjoy fun with friends: Monopoly ~ Hard Rock Cafe Edition
Your Fate is in Your Hands at Hard Rock Cafe
Many know Hard Rock Cafe for its fun and energetic dining atmosphere. As you can see, they have both delicious and less-than-appetizing items on their menu.
Selecting the right food is essential to avoid regret. While some of their dishes are off-the-charts delicious, others will leave you questioning your sanity. So, choose wisely and enjoy your meal!
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