Dining Out: Hard Rock Cafe

When I walked into the Hard Rock Cafe last Tuesday afternoon it was just before 6pm. I opened the door and entered the dining room and though I had been there several times before, the place looked totally unfamiliar. And then it hit me - I had never been there in the daylight! (Or without a few cocktails already coursing through my system). 

I have been to the Hard Rock Cafe for live music many times, to see everyone from Butterworth & Co. to The Timberfakes, but until last week, it never occurred to me to go there for dinner. If you're a Boston native like me, the Hard Rock always feels a bit like a tourist trap. It turns out, they actually have killer food. 

When I arrived for dinner, our server insisted I try one of the house cocktails (ok, twist my arm). I went with the Purple Haze which is vodka, gin, rum, black raspberry liqueur, sweet & sour mix and a splash of Sierra Mist. Notice that adorable guitar shaped stirrer? What can I say, I'm a sucker for cute packaging. 

The drink was super sweet, a bit too sweet even for a sugar addict like me. 

To begin, Scott, the executive chef, brought out a duo of appetizers. The plate had both a slider size version of the Hard Rock's local legendary burger (each Hard Rock location has their own unique local burger) and a clam chowder shooter. 

Though it seems obvious that the Hard Rock in Boston would serve clam chowder, they actually didn't add it to the menu until recently. The local team in Boston requested it and the Hard Rock powers that be granted the wish. 

The clam chowder was clearly awesome because everyone else at the table was tilting their heads all the way back to make sure they got every last drop. 

The local legendary burger in Boston is topped with something extra special . . . lobster! 

Though I didn't partake in the appetizer course, I was all about our entree round which featured the Hard Rock's four signature flatbreads - margherita, pepperoni, grilled veggie and southwest chicken. 

My favorite was the margherita, made extra zesty by the one-two punch of roasted garlic and a garlic aioli. No kissing after that puppy! The meat eaters at the table raved about the southwest chicken flatbread, specifically the sliced avocado on the top. 

After sampling all of the flatbreads, chef Scott allowed us to make our own with all of the kitchen's ingredients. I caved under pressure and kept mine pretty simple, just tomato sauce, cheese, mushrooms and roasted red peppers. 

Exactly three and a half minutes later, the pizza was ready! These flatbreads cook super quickly but still get a great crisp on the crust. 

With my personal pizza boxed up (you better believe I brought that pie to work for lunch the next day), I had the chance to talk with Hard Rock's sales and marketing manager, Michelle. I was completely shocked to learn that you can rent out the Hard Rock's performance space for private parties, weddings and even bat or bar mitzvahs! You know me, I was immediately trying to think of a reason I could reserve the space. As soon as she mentioned one of their dessert offerings is a chocolate fountain, I felt an even greater sense of urgency. 

Now that the weather is nice, Hard Rock will be opening up their 80 seat patio, hopefully in the first week of May. Dining on their patio not only includes sunshine and fresh air, but performances from an acoustic guitar or piano player. 

The next time you're in Faneuil Hall, take a break from your usual go-to spots and grab a seat on the patio at Hard Rock. Make sure you pop inside to check out their crazy amazing collection of memorabilia including Madonna's bustier from her Blond Ambition tour and Steven Tyler's black and white striped jumpsuit. 

*This post is sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe Boston. All opinions are 100 percent my own.