The Early Word on Hard Rock Cafe Clone Rockography

Make no mistake: West Village newcomer Rockography is a theme restaurant, proper. There's an electric guitar in the signage, there are concert posters and portraits of dead rock stars on the walls, and the drinks menu features cocktails like "Comfortably Numb" and "Stairway to Heaven." (There's also an "F.U. Burger"). But does it succeed as a fun, stupid night out for the whole family? Or is this just a flimsy, pricey Hard Rock Cafe knock-off? To the early word:

The Good News: An anonymous Menupages user loves the vibe, and especially the pinball rates: "Spent a fun mindless hour here with my family. Great music playing on the screen. Waiters were exceptionally friendly and attentive. Great place to eat a casual meal and hang out. 25 cent pinball a plus." [MenuPages]

The Bad News: Yelper Alexis M., however, has a less-than-stellar burger experience, awarding Rockography only 2 stars: "Sorry, you can't brag your $18 burger until you can cook it right. Medium rare is not raw (literally) nor is it well done. +1 star for the nice service." [Yelp]

The Rad?! News: An enthusiastic Yelper from Jersey City, Dharma L., is blown away by the great time she had: "I rarely have a dining experience this good (knock.on.wood) the food was out of this world, the cocktails were some of the best we've tried in nyc AND the staff was that Rad?!" [Yelp]

The Fun Drinks and PB &J News: Blogger Bright Lights, My City is impressed by the drinks selection: "If champagne is your thing, the Less Conversation (42 Below Passion Fruit, Champagne, Passion Fruit Puree, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Sour) is a must-order. For the sexy straight man in your crew, who refuses to sip his alcohol from a martini glass, he can enjoy a beer in a bag with a shot on the side." She also likes the sandwiches: "Are you a peanut butter lover? The Fried PB&J (with raspberry jam) is somehow light as the bread has the consistency of a pastry shell. Served with an ice cold pint of milk (yes, in a tiny kindergarten-sized milk carton) and chips, this meal will transport you back to 1990." [Bright Lights, My City]

The Theme Overkill News: Yelper Grace L. offers up some pointed commentary on the entire concept: "The Rock theme is a bit much. The menu's are cool but then the dessert menu on a CD is overkill. We get it. You like rock n roll. Also it seemed like they put all this effort into the apps and entrees and then got to creating the desserts and were like okay, fuck it. Let's put a cheesecake and apple pie and some other dessert staples on here and call it a day." The experience wasn't so bad, though: "I will definitely go back and I am excited to try for brunch. (Make your own Bloody Mary? Don't mind if I do!)" [Yelp]

The Foursquare News: Allison D. is not feeling it: "GIMMICKRY ABOUNDS. Plus the food sucks and they serve several dishes with Velveeta." Jessika C. disagrees: "Best new place in NYC. Awesome music, unique and delicious menu, friendly staff. Can't ask for much better. Great rock n roll joint." Harold likes the staff:"Nicki the bartender is one cool chic." So does Mark W.: "James our waiter was really cool, took his time, shout him out when you stop by."

—Caitlin Abruzzo
· All Rockography Coverage [~ENY~]
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