Hard Rock Café Orlando – The Biggest Hard Rock in the World!

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Written By Carlos Braga

Hard Rock Café Orlando is the largest Hard Rock of the world! And it has, as you would expect, all the elements you'd expect from this classic American restaurant.

Classic American cuisine complemented by a full bar and copious amounts of rock 'n roll memorabilia.

The Hard Rock Café Orlando is located inside the Universal Orlando complex, more specifically in Citywalk!

Hard Rock Café Orlando is amazing, and not because of its restaurant.

The chain has given special attention to this store, offering the largest collection of musical artifacts such as entire rooms of Elvis, Beatles and John Lennon that must be seen.

Hard Rock Café Orlando at Citywalk - Universal Studios Complex
Hard Rock Café Orlando at Citywalk – Universal Studios Complex

Attached to the restaurant, there is a concert hall that accommodates up to 3,000 people.

You can even request free guided tours to see legendary items like Jimi Hendrix's Red Fender Mustang, pieces from a suite worn by Elvis Presley in the movie Viva Las Vegas, and a jacket that James Brown wore several times at the Apollo Theater.

Cool huh? Many people believe that Hard Rock is a great place to dine after spending a day at Universal studios or Island of adventure.

Well, I know I shouldn't start saying this but I believe that our articles are taken seriously because we give our most sincere opinion.

And in our opinion the food at Hard Rock Café is not the best.

Hard Rock Café Orlando at Citywalk - Universal Studios Complex
Hard Rock Café Orlando at Citywalk – Universal Studios Complex

On our last trip we went back there after quite some time and we have to say, we were extremely disappointed with what we ate.

The service was very good, but that alone was good on this visit.

The food was bad, so much so that neither Nath nor I finished the dish, and those who follow us on our social media know that we ate a lot!

The experience we had was not the best, and to make matters worse, this is not one of the cheapest restaurants in the area.

Anyway, let's talk a little more about Hard Rock Cafe Orlando and its food.

Hard Rock Cafe Orlando food

Well, as we said earlier, we were quite disappointed on our last trip with the quality of the food.

Let's go into a little more detail.

First, what let us down was the ratio between value and dish (burgers).

Food at Hard Rock Café Orlando in Citywalk
Food at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando on Citywalk

The value of a restaurant like the Hard Rock raises our expectations for food, and they were not met.

One thing we have nothing to complain about is the variety.

The Menu features several different foods, we hope one day to go back there to order a different dish and allow us to change our minds about the bad impression we had.

Why in fact, seeing the variety and face of the dishes that come out of the restaurant's kitchen. They really look appetizing.

Maybe we even ordered bad dishes.

Food at Hard Rock Café Orlando in Citywalk
Food at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando on Citywalk

In this link you can check the Hard Rock Café menu.

Regarding values, we believe that an average per adult for a dinner at Hard Rock without alcohol is $35 per person.

Suddenly there are better food options at Hard Rock, or maybe we were unlucky to eat on a not-so-good day.

Hard Rock Cafe theme

Without a doubt, the theme of the Hard Rock Café is the best part of the restaurant in our opinion.

And it's particularly really really good if you like music.

There's a lot of history there. Clothes, instruments, signatures, images and many other things from Rock legends like Elvis and the Beatles.

Over there you can see Jimi Hendrix's Red Fender Mustang.

Clothes worn by music legends like James Brown, Elvis Presley and Prince.

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There's even what's left of The Who's Pete Townshend's 1973 custom Gibson Les Paul guitar (he destroyed the guitar in concert).

In addition, you will find references and objects from bands such as Earl Jam, U2, Ramones and much more.

You could have an idea that for music lovers there is a lot of cool stuff to see, right?

Oh, and I almost forgot, there's a real pink cadilac spinning over the restaurant bar! 

The good news is that you can enter the restaurant to discover it without having to eat in the restaurant.

We found this to be a very interesting experience, especially if you have some free time on CityWalk.

I need a reservation at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando

If you are anxious about not having a reservation, you can make your own.

But from experience, the restaurant is not usually very crowded and we can always get a seat there easily.

In fact, the last time we went, the park was full but Hard Rock was pretty empty at the end of the day.

What is the best time to eat at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando?

Well, in relation to the meal itself, it doesn't make much difference because the menu for lunch and dinner is the same.

Regarding the restaurant's capacity, at dinner it is slightly more crowded, but nothing that will prevent you from getting a table and eating in peace.

Hard Rock Cafe Orlando - View from the Bar
Hard Rock Cafe Orlando – View from the Bar

However, we recommend that you go at dinner time. Why?

Because we believe Hard Rock is not a restaurant worth traveling from your hotel to citywalk just to eat there.

That said, enjoy a day at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure parks and eat there on the way out.

We do not recommend that you waste time in the park to go out for lunch and return to the park after your meal.

If you want to have lunch in Citywalk, choose other options like Bubba Gump for example.

Is it worth dining at Hard Rock Café Orlando?

Given our last experience with the restaurant, we would say no!

We think Hard Rock is a good place to get to know the theme, but the food and its high value leave something to be desired.

We believe there are far better options on Citywalk for dining than the Hard Rock as the Red Oven, The Cowfish and Hot Dog Hall of Fame.

If you want a place in the same “style” we recommend Toothsome Chocolate Emporium! We had a fantastic experience there!

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Food
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Food

If you've eaten at Hard Rock and have a different opinion from us, it will be a pleasure to hear what you think.

We hope this review has helped you decide where to eat in Citywalk!

Secrets of Citywalk's Hard Rock Cafe

There are small things that many people who go to the hotel or pass by have no idea they are there. Let's quote some curiosities that we think are interesting around here.

Piece of the Berlin Wall

This is an item that almost no one notices, even those who have been to Hard Rock many times.

On the side of the building, on the path leading to the now closed Blue Man Group, is a piece of the current Berlin Wall.

An amazing piece of world history!

Berlin-Wall-Hard-Rock-Cafe
Piece of the Berlin Wall at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando

Hard Rock has one of the few pieces of the Berlin Wall that you can see in the United States of America.

There is a strong relationship between rock n' roll and the fall of communism in the 1980's, with this slab of the Wall being a reminder of that.

In related trivia, the Hard Rock Cafe in Munich, Germany has a guitar on display that was actually carved from a piece of the Wall.

The John Lennon Salon

Containing items donated by Yoko Ono or purchased over the years by Hard Rock, the John Lennon Room is like no other.

The first thing that strikes you in the room is how white dominates everything, presumably because of its association with peace, tranquility and kindness.

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On the walls are pictures of John (and Yoko) or art drawn by Lennon himself.

The living room has an armchair in which John wrote many Beatles songs and solo songs while sitting.

John Lennon Room
John Lennon's Room at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando

Although the piano in the room is not actually used by Lennon, it is a replica and has a unique feature: over 50 of the piano's keys are signed by some of the most famous pianists.

Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Fats Domino and Herbie Hancock are all represented on the keys.

This piano was purchased at auction in 1991 with the proceeds benefiting Give Kids the World.

Outside of the Lennon Room, you'll find Beatles memorabilia almost everywhere you go.

In a hallway, you'll find John and Yoko's marriage certificate.

In another hallway you'll find a stunning photo with John and Stu Sutcliffe.

Another room contains Beatles memorabilia from the time Pete Best was with the band.

John Lennon's Room at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
John Lennon's Room at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando

It really is enough to leave any Beatles fan speechless!

However, the highlight may be the Roots of Rock room, on the second floor of the restaurant.

The entrance to this dining room is built with bricks directly from England and represents the famous Cavern Club, where the Beatles played over 200 shows in their formative years.

Among the many items within the room is a hand-painted poster advertising the Beatles, of which only two known copies exist in the world (the other copy is in the Hard Rock CEO's office).

Hard Rock Cafe Orlando information

Address: 6050 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida, USA.
Time: Open every day from 11 am to midnight.
The Hard Rock Cafe bar is open until midnight as well.
The store is open from 8:30 am to midnight.
Telephone: +1 407-351-7625
Price: Around US$20 and US$35 per person, but may vary depending on the order.
Official menu: look here

John Lennon's Room at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
John Lennon's Room at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando

I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.

As a way to help us keep the blog going, we just ask you to help us by sharing this publication and subscribing to our social networks as Facebook, Instagram or Youtube channel.

In addition to helping us, we are sure that there you will find hundreds of useful posts for your trip!

About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!

I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.

As a way to help us keep the blog going, we just ask you to help us by sharing this publication and subscribing to our social networks as Facebook, Instagram or Youtube channel.

In addition to helping us, we are sure that there you will find hundreds of useful posts for your trip!

About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!

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