So … we all remember the old Hard Rock Cafe on McKinney Avenue. Whether it was for a work party or a frat party, we all have a memory (albeit a blurry one) of the glory days. You can either visit the cracked stars that remain on McKinney’s sidewalk and stare at the empty lot, or you can get your happy ass to Victory Park to relive some of those memories (without the Sharpie Xs on your hands) at the new location. The Hard Rock is alive and kicking … and it’s kicking hard. From a refreshed food menu (28 of their items were modified and 30 new ones added) to creative cocktails, they’ve revamped some things (and not just on the menu).
Lest you think the life of a blogger is easy, I’ll tell you that we were served samples of 4 appetizers, 8 entrees, 3 desserts, and 7 different drinks. (Yeah … life is tough. Try finding an outfit that allows for the gluttony.) We were given some of their revamped offerings, from steaks to salads, and then some old standards like nachos and (ermegerd) spicy hot wings.
Obviously, I was most concerned with the (ahem, 7) drinks we were given. (Can you believe that?) They all have interesting names, from the Big Kablue-na to the Air Mexico and the Magical Mystery Tour. Most names are rock-and-roll colloquialisms, but then there’s the hurricane … oh, the hurricane. Their flavors are just about as rock-and-roll as the names. (Let’s just say that they make a rock concert in your mouth.) Most were quite sweet, and I would have loved more whiskey all up in there, but of the ones we tried, here were my favorites:
– Magical Mystery Tour | this is a delicious gin situation which will be the first I order upon my return
– Twist and Shout | three words: ice cream, alcohol, bacon. Need I say more?
– Air Mexico | I really don’t like margaritas, but I enjoyed that I was able to pick from six flavors of margaritas, including blueberry, pomegranate, and watermelon, and that they serve it with a little snack of chips and salsa. (Because I don’t know what it is, but alcohol has something in it that makes me want to eat all the things.)
The cafe offers a full bar, 12 draft beers (including Franconia & St. Arnold), and wines by the glass and bottle. Drinks are surprisingly well priced with some of the 24oz signature drinks ringing in at just $14.99 (including souvenir cup). They offer live music on Wednesdays, along with monthly themed drag brunches (you read that right).
HARD ROCK CAFE
www.hardrock.com/cafes/dallas/
t/i: @hardrockdallas | facebook.com/hardrockcafedallas | #thisishardrock
2211 N Houston St. (Victory Park) | (469) 341-7625
Happy Hour Specials: Monday through Friday, 3-7pm
***I was invited in to try some of their refreshed offerings.***