ITP Indian Travel Places: Food, Travel, Tourism Business Events and Trade Shows
Phone: 080 41242222, +91 8105511727
Address: 40, Opposite LIC Building, Off MG Road, St. Marks Road, Bangalore, Karnataka India
Time: 12 Noon to 1 AM
Meals for two: Rs. 2,500
Cuisines: American, BBQ
Facilities: Full Bar Available, Live Sports Screening, Karaoke, Outdoor Seating, Table booking recommended, Nightlife, Live Music, Valet Parking Available, Smoking Area
Hard Rock Cafe, St Marks Road, Bangalore: Decor
I went to Hard Rock Cafe on World Music Day. It had been ages and I’d forgotten how fetching a bar and restaurant this is, housed in a high-ceiling heritage building, a respite from the bustle of the CBD just outside its glass windows and heavy wooden doors. Don’t get me wrong — Hard Rock Cafe doesn’t allow too many opportunities to admire the decor, unless you are here for a burger and a beer in the afternoon.
Hard Rock Cafe, St Marks Road, Bangalore: Buzz Factor
On the night I was there, indie band Avial was scheduled to play. What was a slow trickle of customers, soon filled up the place, spilling out into the courtyard at the back. By the time the band, known for its alternative rock and Malayalam lyrics, took the elevated stage there wasn’t room to move. There’s a special energy to a space where scores of people are having an obviously good time. The crowd, mostly devoted Avial fans — they knew all the songs and mouthed all the lines — had a rocking evening. So did I. A night when one of the popular bands is playing is the perfect way to feel the Hard Rock vibe.
To drink at our table we ordered rounds of cocktails. The Margarita, classic and in various flavors, is a Hard Rock specialty and was perfectly made. I do, though, remember the LITS of the past being somewhat better. Whatever drink you order, be cautioned — they are potent concoctions here and excellent value for money even if they are some of the pricier cocktails in town.
The Hard Rock food menu now includes some local dishes, a nod to the geographies in which the cafes are. We enjoyed a plate of Chilli Cheese Toast, which didn’t skimp on the cheese and had a sharp chilli bite. The Spiced Chicken Fritters, a chicken pakora, if you will, also makes a more-ish snack with drinks.
On another occasion, I went for lunch at Hard Rock Cafe. We began with the Chopp Salad, a high pile of greens, avocado, peppers and corn kernels tossed in a creamy, slightly sweet dressing. My friend then had the Legendary Chicken Burger, a whopping stack of bread, meat basted with chipotle sauce and cheese. If you don’t have a gargantuan appetite you should share this with another person. I had the Grilled Tenderloin Steak, which was nicely done and came alongside a volcanic mound of mashed potato in the center of which was a pool of gravy. It was, again, a meal for hearty eaters. We wrapped up the meal with a huge wedge of old fashioned Chocolate Cake.
Hard Rock Cafe, St Marks Road, Bangalore: Service
When the staff hit the stage on band nights, moving to YMCA, you know they are a happy bunch. HRC service is one of the best in town.
Hard Rock Cafe, St Marks Road, Bangalore: Plus & Minus
The music, drinks, food, all come together nicely here. But it’s not one of these cheap ‘n’ cheerful watering holes.
