Before we start, I just want to say that I absolutely bloody love Hard Rock Cafe.

It’s become a bit of a tradition, that whenever we visit a new city, we usually pop in to the Hard Rock for either something to eat or at the very least a quick look in the shop for a souvenir glass or fridge magnet!

But the whole Hard Rock Cafe concept is just a bit weird isn’t it?

Hard Rock Cafe doesn’t play much hard rock, and it isn’t even a cafe.

But actually, it turns out that’s not the point.

The name of the brand apparently comes from one of The Doors’ albums called Morrison Hotel.
The photo of the Hard Rock Cafe featured on the back cover was a real café in Los Angeles which is now closed.

It’s basically the same restaraunt around the world.

No matter which Hard Rock you go in to, the menu is pretty much the same. Burgers, steaks, nachos and salads, along with beers and cocktails in distinctive glasses (available to buy ok the way out of course).

It’s not very adventurous is it. Why travel to a different city only to go to the local Hard Rock? But for me it’s ideal for that first night in a new city if you’re arriving late in the day, to have somewhere you know you’ll get something to eat without any ‘effort’, like research or booking, just until you get in to the swing of things.

They sell one of the most recognisable and iconic t-shirt designs in the world

It’s right up there with the “I ❤ NY” T-shirts isn’t it. Everyone recognises the white Hard Rock T-shirts, and if you step outside in pretty much any city around the world for more than 10 minutes you’re likely to spot one being worn.

The Hard Rock Cafe experience is as much about the shop as it is the food or the merch on display.

The restaurant chain is the world’s leading collector and exhibitors of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia.

Again, weird?

It’s an odd concept. “Let’s sell burgers to tourists around the world, and sit them next to John Lennon’s left slipper, or one of Blondie’s hair clips”.

But it works! I do enjoy a mooch around while waiting for a table. An interesting and unique niche!

…. But it’s loved globally

There’s no denying that Hard Rock Cafe is a bit weird, and I still don’t really get the concept, but it is wildly successful and I have to say I often look forward to a visit whenever we have a trip coming up.

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How do you feel about Hard Rock Cafe? do you like to visit, or avoid them like a tourist trap?