Brian Nagele
Prepare yourself for a gastronomic adventure as we explore the thrilling realm of Hard Rock Cafe’s menu. This post is your backstage access to the greatest that Hard Rock Cafe has to offer, regardless of whether you’re an experienced rock fan or just trying to sate your palate with a dash of rock ‘n’ roll flair. We’ve put up a list of meals that you simply must eat, from mouthwatering appetizers that set the tone to main courses that strike all the right notes and leave your taste senses screaming with joy. Get ready to rock your palette with a symphony of tastes that characterize the spirit of Hard Rock’s iconic menu.
Twisted Mac, Chicken & Cheese
First on my list is the Twisted Mac, Chicken, & Cheese. With a name like that, you really can’t go wrong, can you? Your standard mac & cheese is all grown up in this dish, so it’s absolutely perfect if you want warm comfort food that makes you feel like a kid…but in a grown-up way. The grilled chicken breast and the chefs’ four-cheese sauce take pasta to a new level. It’s juicy and has that perfectly-grilled flavor. The cheese blend is stellar on its own, but I’m a huge fan of adding protein to pasta dishes to help stave off that empty-but-full feeling I always get if I just eat pasta.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Whenever I’m pressed for time and know I won’t be home in time to cook dinner, I love to throw a pork roast in the slow cooker and whip up a batch of pulled pork when I’m at work. There’s nothing better than homemade, slow-cooked, juicy pulled pork. Or is there? When I tested out Hard Rock’s BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, I realized yes, there is absolutely something better than homemade pulled pork, and it’s served up tasty on a toasted brioche bun and piled with coleslaw and pickles. And really, there’s just no way I could replicate those delicious fries at home. This was one time I was thrilled to be proven wrong.
Double Decker Double Cheeseburger
So I wasn’t around to sample the original “Down Home Double Burger” that made its Hard Rock Cafe debut in 1971. But I can tell you, if it’s anything like the 21st century’s Double Decker Double Cheeseburger, it must’ve been great. This sandwich that’s based on a Hard Rock classic is truly every burger lover’s dream. This burger boasts not one but two steak burger patties fully loaded up with all the classic burger fixings: American cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and onion. The finishing touch is the hefty dose of steak sauce on the side. Just a warning, though. This baby is huge. I’d definitely recommend skipping the apps if you want to order this one. Or, even better, share with a friend so you can sample a few more menu items.
Baby Back Ribs
I love, and I mean love, barbecue. Honestly, I don’t think there’s ever been a BBQ dish I didn’t like, and I’ve sampled a ton. So, since I’m such a lover of anything doused in barbecue sauce, I absolutely had to try Hard Rock’s Baby Back Ribs on my last visit. These ribs are out of this world. Between the spices, the sauce, and the slow-cooked goodness, I don’t think I’ve ever had a better plate of ribs. Plus, ranch-style beans? Yes, please. The only thing that could make this dish any better would be a side of fries, and guess what? You get that, too.
One Night in Bangkok Spicy Shrimp
I’m not quite sure what I was expecting when I ordered the One Night in Bangkok Spicy Shrimp, but it wasn’t the creamy, spicy sauce that I’ve come to crave on a regular basis. The sauce has just the right kick, and the sesame seeds sprinkled on top give it a nice added crunch. When I first ordered this dish, I was a bit disappointed that it didn’t come with rice. The shrimp and sauce just seemed like they’d go best with rice. However, I was very pleasantly surprised to find that the coleslaw wasn’t just delicious, but it also pulled the flavors together flawlessly.
Original Legendary Burger
If I’m ever in an indecisive mood when I visit the Hard Rock, I usually head straight for the Original Legendary Burger. It’s, well, legendary, so I know it’ll always be just right. Plus, it has bacon, and there’s really no way to go wrong when bacon’s involved. I think what I like most about the Original Legendary Burger is that it comes with an onion ring. I don’t know who decided that an onion ring belonged as a burger topping, but I’m sure glad they did. It’s such a fun and unexpected crunchy flavor that really ties the whole burger together.
Whiskey Bacon Jam Sliders
The Whiskey Bacon Jam Sliders are a hidden gem on Hard Rock’s menu that unfortunately aren’t available everywhere. But if you’re lucky enough to be in one of the regions that offer these little rockstars, you should definitely check them out. I’ve always loved sliders. These pint-sized sandwiches really don’t have to have much to convince me they’re worth ordering. But whisky bacon jam? And an onion ring? There’s literally no way I could refuse. What’s best is that they’re the perfect size. The three tiny burgers are just filling enough that you’ll have plenty of room for a frosty drink or a dessert.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
When I stop into the Hard Rock to grab lunch, I always like to get something a bit lighter. The Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is the perfect lunch because it’s just filling enough. The grilled chicken is always juicy and full of flavor, and there’s plenty of it, so I get a good dose of protein. The standout for this salad is the dressing, though. The classic Caesar is everything you could want for a Caesar salad, so if you’re aiming for something you know you’ll love, this is a great choice.
Boneless Bodacious Wings
Sometimes regular wings are just too much of a process. I love a good plate of wings just as much as the next person, which you’ll see in my review of the wings below. But now and then, I just want to be able to eat my buffalo chicken with a fork. So, when I want my fix of Hard Rock’s wing sauce but don’t want to sauce up my hands, their Boneless Bodacious Wings are the perfect substitute. Usually, I go for the classic buffalo sauce for my boneless wings. You really can’t go wrong with it because Hard Rock knows their sauces. Now and then, though, I like to cut back on the spice and just have the tasty house-made BBQ sauce.
Steak Salad
Hard Rock’s Steak Salad is the perfect “in-between” meal. It works great as a hearty lunch salad and is just right if you want to leave room to indulge in apps and dessert at dinner. Everything included in this dish adds so much to its overall flavor. This salad combines everything you could want, from a juicy steak to sweet pickled onions and tangy blue cheese. The grilled steak is definitely the star of this dish, but the blue cheese vinaigrette is a close second. But, when you put it all together, this meal-in-a-bowl is a real show-stopper.
Wings
Although I’ll admit to often eating the boneless wings when I want Hard Rock’s wing sauce, there’s absolutely no proper substitute for their slow-roasted wings. In a world where most buffalo wings are small and fried, the jumbo wings at Hard Rock are a welcome change. I seldom deviate from buffalo sauce for the Hard Rock’s wings. The house-made barbecue sauce is excellent, but I prefer that on the boneless wings or as a dip for the Tupelo tenders. If you’re craving some wings, I’d highly recommend getting an order of these.